Integration: Reading, Writing, Research

"From Sources to Synthesis"
Session 11
Dr. OUAAR Fatima
English for Scientific Communication

Session Objectives

Today We Will:

  • Listen strategically to scientific presentations
  • Evaluate and select sources rapidly (CRAAP test)
  • Synthesize information into 150-word summaries
  • Peer-review for clarity and accuracy

⚡ All activities in main room — active participation required

10 minutes

Warm-Up: The 5-Minute Challenge

Listening Challenge

You will hear a 5-minute physics presentation ONCE.

Task: Take notes using ANY format.

After Listening (3 minutes):

  • What was the research question?
  • What was ONE number with units?
  • What was the main conclusion?

Note-Taking Check

Type in chat:

1. How many numbers did you catch?
(0-10)

2. Did you identify the research question?
(Y/N)

3. Did you capture the conclusion?
(Y/N)

Target: 3+ numbers, clear question, precise conclusion
Common gaps: Missing units, confusing method with result
20 minutes

Rapid Research Cycle

FIND → EVALUATE → EXTRACT

Step 1: FIND (7 min)

  • Open Google Scholar
  • Search: [your field] + "recent advances"
  • Select 2 sources: one paper, one review

Step 2: EVALUATE (5 min)

  • 2020 or newer?
  • Cited 10+ times?
  • Clear abstract?

Step 3: EXTRACT (8 min)

  • Copy ONE key sentence per source
  • Note: Author, year, main claim

Source Evaluation: CRAAP Test

□ Currency: Published 2020 or later?

□ Relevance: Directly supports your topic?

□ Authority: University or peer-reviewed?

□ Accuracy: Data with sources cited?

□ Purpose: Inform, not sell?

PASS = 4+ checks
FAIL = Find alternative
30 minutes

Speed Summary Writing

Challenge: 150 words ± 10%

IMRaD Structure:

Context (25 words):
Why this research matters

Method (25 words):
What they did

Result (50 words):
What they found (include ONE number)

Implication (50 words):
What it means

Rules: Own words | One number minimum | No copy-paste

Peer Review Protocol

Volunteers: Share screen, read summary aloud

Class Evaluates — Type in chat:

  • ✓ Strongest element: structure / number / clarity
  • ? One question: about content
  • ✗ One suggestion: for improvement

Reviewer Checklist:

□ Is the number correct with units?
□ Can I reconstruct the research from this summary?
□ Is the implication justified by the result?

Common Errors Today

❌ Errors Observed

  • Missing units: "40% improvement" → "40% improvement in efficiency"
  • Method/Result confusion: "They measured X" vs. "They found X"
  • Unjustified implications: "This will revolutionize..." → "This suggests potential for..."
  • Word count violations: 120 or 180 words — edit ruthlessly
Correction Strategy: Cross-check with original source

Homework: Session 12 Prep

Bring to Session 12:

  • 3 credible sources on your topic (printed or digital)
  • 200-word written summary (expanded from today)
  • Draft of 5-slide presentation outline
  • ONE question you want answered about presenting
Next Week: From page to stage — speaking and visuals

Self-Study Resources

PDF Handouts Provided:

  • "Listening to Science" — Note-taking abbreviations
  • "Source Evaluation" — CRAAP test detailed
  • "Summary Template" — Sentence starters

Dr. OUAAR Fatima

[email]

[office hours]

Forum: Post drafts for peer review

Modifié le: lundi 4 mai 2026, 10:09