MIDTERM Module in English For Specific Purposes
MIDTERM Module in English For Specific Purposes
ENGLISH FOR
SPECIFIC PURPOSES
MIDTERM MODULE
BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCES
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
INTRODUCTION
Writing is a skill. We cannot reach the expert stage of writing effective business letters, like an
application letter, without starting from crappy ones. Thus, it is always suggested that we start
experimenting with letters in different types, formats, and styles. Also, writing personally instead
of plagiarizing letter samples from the web or commissioning others helps much in developing this
professional skill.
MEETING PROCEDURES
General requirements for a meeting
All formal meetings must be properly convened in accordance with the association’s rules. All members
must be notified of:
1. the type of meeting being held;
2. the place, date and time of the meeting; and
3. the business to be considered at the meeting, including the full text of all motions or resolutions
that will be put to members at the meeting.
Before the meeting commences, it is important to confirm there is a quorum present and that it is
maintained during the meeting. A valid motion cannot be passed unless a quorum is achieved.
If there is a quorum, then all voting and passing of resolutions must be carried out in accordance with the
rules and recorded accurately in the minutes.
The time and manner for giving notice of a meeting is set out in the rules of the association, and must be
strictly adhered to. Inadequate notice may invalidate a meeting. All members who are entitled to attend a
meeting must be given proper notice in accordance with the rules.
A typical agenda briefly sets out what matters will be covered and in what order. If members are notified
of the business to be conducted at the meeting, then the meeting must be confined to dealing with those
particular matters. Any new agenda items raised during a meeting should be put on the agenda for the
next meeting. This allows members time to consider matters properly and avoids disadvantaging
members who are not in attendance at the meeting and therefore unaware the new business.
Quorum
A quorum is the minimum number of people required for the meeting to be valid. The Act requires that a
quorum be stated in the rules of the association for both general meetings and committee meetings. The
quorum may be set as a percentage of the membership rather than a fixed number, to allow for changing
membership numbers.
If a quorum is not present, the association will need to consider its options to reconvene the meeting on
another date (the rules may set out this process).
Motions and resolutions
A motion is a proposal that is put before a meeting for discussion and a decision. If a motion is passed it
becomes a resolution. Resolutions are binding and should be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
An association’s rules will outline how motions should be dealt with. It is best practice for motions to be
placed on the agenda so members have adequate time to consider them before the meeting.
a member puts forward a clear and concise proposal for a decision or action to the meeting via
the chairperson. This is called a motion.
a second person agrees to 'second' the motion so it can be put before the meeting for
consideration. A motion that is not seconded will lapse.
there is an opportunity for members to discuss and speak for or against the motion.
the motion is read aloud and voted on.
if the motion is passed, it becomes a resolution. A resolution passed by a simple majority of votes
(more than half of the members who cast a vote) is known as an ordinary resolution.
the resolution is formally documented in the minutes along with the name of mover and seconder.
Resolutions become binding on the association as long as the people making the decision have the
authority to pass them. It is a good idea to always follow up a resolution with a clear understanding of
how the resolution will be implemented, by whom and when.
Motions to amend motions can create confusing discussion if everyone is not clear on exactly which
motion is being debated, and it is important the chairperson keeps proceedings as simple as possible. If
a motion does not fully express the view of the meeting, it may be easier to simply vote on it and let it be
defeated.
Resolutions can be withdrawn or cancelled at the same meeting by using the same procedure that
applies for moving and adopting a resolution.
Special resolutions
There are a number of occasions when the Act requires more than a simple majority vote to pass a
resolution. These special resolutions need a majority of 75% to be passed and are required to:
Voting methods
show of hands: members vote by raising their hand when asked if they are in favour or against
the motion and a count is taken.
voice vote: a simple method by which members indicate their vote by saying 'yes' or 'no' . The
decision is based on the volume of sound and there is no clear count of those in favour and
against the motion;
rising method: similar to show of hands but members exercise their vote by standing up;
Ballot: members cast their vote in writing. This is generally used for the election of committee
members and important matters where secrecy or confidentiality is required. Once the vote has
been taken the chairperson or returning officer (an independent person) collects and counts the
papers.
proxy and/or postal votes: the rules of association must make provision for these forms of voting
to be used. A proxy vote is where someone else votes on behalf of another member who is
unable to attend the meeting;
chairperson's casting vote: if the votes are equal or tied the chairperson may exercise a second
or casting vote to decide on a motion (if the rules provide for this). Although the chairperson may
use the vote to decide either for or against a motion, it is usual for the vote to be cast against the
motion.
Associations should carefully consider whether to include these voting methods in the rules. These are
convenient methods of voting for members who cannot attend general meetings, for example where
members live all over the State making attending meetings on even an irregular basis problematic.
However their decisions are based solely on the material circulated in advance rather than arguments
put forward in the debate at the meeting. These voting methods also involve additional work to
implement.
If proxy votes are allowed, a written proxy form must be completed giving the proxy authority to vote
either as the proxy sees fit or only in a certain way.
Proxy forms are usually sent out with the notice of meeting and agenda papers and returned to the
association well before the start of the meeting. This ensures their legitimacy for inclusion in the voting
process during the course of the meeting.
Postal voting is where a member casts their own vote, rather than relying on a proxy. The vote must
generally be directed to one or more specific resolutions such as the election of committee members and
office bearers. Postal voting allows more members to cast their vote than might be the case if the vote
were restricted to only those who attend the meeting and extends the democratic process to as many
members as possible.
The postal vote must clearly show the voter’s intent, so using a formal ballot paper may be helpful. It is
important to set a deadline for when these votes must be received. Associations should also consider
safeguards to prevent a person casting multiple votes.
Points of order
In general someone speaking about a motion should not be interrupted unless:
A person may challenge a speaker’s right to continue by raising a point of order. It may be that:
the speaker is addressing issues outside the subject matter of the motion;
fair rules of debate are not being followed;
time limits have been reached;
a quorum is not present; or
the language is offensive or abusive.
The original debate is suspended while the chairperson listens to the reasons why the point of
order has been raised and may invite discussion about the issue. It is the task of the chairperson
to rule on the point of order and their decision is final.
Unsure what to write in your cover letter or how to make a cover letter that pairs well with your resume?
The cover letter writing guide explains these details in-depth, and shows you how to write a good cover
letter for a job application that lands you an interview.
A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a
particular job, and why you think you’re the right person for that job.
Also known as a cover letter, an application letter is a summary of your strongest and most relevant skills
and abilities that will be expanded in your resume or selection criteria. It introduces you to potential
employers and highlights your suitability for the position you are applying for.
To maximize your chances of getting an interview, you need to write a cover letter that makes a strong
positive first impression on employers.
Dos (An application letter must ) DONTs (An application letter must not )
Be professional in appearance Be generic
Be tailored to the job under application Apologize for qualities, qualifications or
Be one A4 page in length (If it is required) experience you don't have - emphasise
Be addressed to a specific person (only use what you do
Dear Sir/Madam if you're unable to find out Repeat exactly what is in the resume
the appropriate person's name) Be copied from resume publications -
Include your reason for writing employers do recognise them!
Demonstrate your interest in and Focus on what you expect to gain from the
knowledge of the organisation organisation - include what the organisation
Highlight relevant skills and experience you will gain from you
have to offer Include unsupported claims about your
Include evidence that you have the skills skills
sought after by the employer Have spelling mistakes and typos
Refer to any documents you have enclosed Include jargon / acronyms not clear to the
in the application (e.g. resume) reader
Express willingness for an interview Be sent without proofreading it first
What to include
At the top ↑:
Name and address of company / organisation you are applying to
The date, eg. 26 September 2022 or September 26, 2022
A formal greeting using the appropriate title and name of the addressee, e.g. Dear Ms. Smith:, NOT Dear
Sarah. It is always best to address your letter to a specific person. If the name is not provided in the job
ad, phone the organisation and ask receptions for the name and title of the addressee. Use Mr/Ms if you
are unsure of the title, not Mrs/Miss. Use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ only if you are unable to find out.
A heading with reference to the job under application, e.g. Re: Application for [name of position],
reference number (if applicable)
At the bottom ↓:
Body
The body of the application letter is where you 'sell yourself. It should address the key requirements
stated in the job ad, describing how you have the required qualifications, knowledge, skills and
experience.
Identify keywords, phrases and skills mentioned in the ad and focus on emphasising your strengths in
these areas. It isn't necessary to include everything mentioned in the job ad. Instead, focus on three to
five of the most important elements.
Points to remember:
Keep to one theme per paragraph and support your claims with examples.
Write persuasively
Explain why you are interested in the position or working for the company / organisation
State the value you will bring to the position
Identify how your achievements and skills qualify you for the role
Conclusion
Sample Application Letter for Teachers. Writing business letters has always been a challenging task.
In fact, even professionals struggle dealing with appropriate expressions and tones. Application letter, for
instance, is more than just a communication letter as it must serve as a personal declaration of an
interest in a job post, hence contains the qualification highlights, introduces professional and personal
brand, and even implies a request for an interview.
(a) Introduction
It opens the letter in an attention-grabbing manner, specifies the target position, may name the source of
information on job vacancy, and may also advance to explaining how qualifications match the job
requirements. Observe how the first paragraph of our sample application letter for teachers is structured:
As a rookie in the teaching profession, it is indeed a professional and personal advantage to reinvent
myself and my teaching skills in an academe of excellence offering market-based and industry-driven
quality education. In line with this, I would like to express my sincerest interest to seek a teaching position
at iMillennial College, Ortigas-Cainta.
During my placement as a student teacher, I learned and applied a broad range of teaching strategies
and approaches… (practicum experiences)
I have furthered my skills, to name a few, in managing diversified classes, planning and constructing
syllabi…(teaching skills)
In fact, out of more than two hundred faculty members, I was awarded Employee of the Month in October
2013…(awards and recognition)
(c) Conclusion
In this part, the teacher applicant must sound enthusiastic and appreciative, and make a request for an
interview.
August 8, 2017
Greetings!
As a rookie in the teaching profession, it is indeed a professional and personal advantage to reinvent
myself and my teaching skills in an academe of excellence offering market-based and industry-driven
quality education. In line with this, I would like to express my sincerest interest to seek a teaching position
at iMillennial College, Ortigas-Cainta.
During my placement as a student teacher, I learned and applied a broad range of teaching strategies
and approaches. At an early stage of practicum, I was entrusted, with minimum supervision, by my critic
teacher to manage classroom teaching-learning situations, and this proved my sense of responsibility
and adaptability. I also acquired indispensable skills in managing classroom instruction efficiently,
understanding diverse learning styles of students, evaluating student’s performances, adopting culture
of organizations and subordination in an academic institution, and others.
Moving up the ladder, teaching in college for almost two years has given me new opportunities to grow
professionally and made me realize the need to upgrade skills and knowledge. I have furthered my skills,
to name a few, in managing diversified classes, planning and constructing syllabi, implementing the
recommended curricula, and developing positive relationships among members of the academe. In fact,
out of more than two hundred faculty members, I was awarded Employee of the Month in October 2013.
Furthermore, I truly believe that we are all lifelong learners and would love the opportunity to share this
philosophy with the students of iMillennial College, Ortigas-Cainta. I look forward to discussing with you
soon how my experiences and potentials can best meet the goals of the school.
Sincerely yours,
Source: https://www.signedmarco.com/sample-application-letter-for-teachers/
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a formal document that a job applicant creates to itemize their qualifications for a position. A
resume is usually accompanied by a customized cover letter in which the applicant expresses an interest
in a specific job or company and draws attention to the most relevant specifics on the resume.
American job coaches insist that a resume should be only one or two pages in length. British job
applicants traditionally are expected to produce a somewhat more detailed document, called a CV
(curriculum vitae).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Nowadays, resumes are typically sent by email or as part of an online application.
The traditional one- to two-page limit for a resume stands, but nothing prevents you from
attaching a brief video introduction or other illustration if it is relevant and enhances your
presentation.
It's smart to rewrite your resume to tailor it to a specific job you're seeking.
Successful resumes highlight specific accomplishments applicants have achieved in former positions,
such as cutting costs, transcending sales goals, increasing profits, and building out teams.
Whatever the format, most resumes include a brief summary of skills and experience, followed by a
bullet list of previous jobs in reverse chronological order and a list of degrees earned. A final section
might be added to highlight specific skills, such as fluency in a foreign language, knowledge of computer
languages, professionally useful hobbies, professional affiliations, and any honors achieved.
Brevity, a clean layout, and succinct language all are prized. People who have to sort through hundreds
of resumes have short attention spans.
Be aware that any hiring manager will, as a matter of course, enter your name in the Google search field.
Do a search on your own and see if you can optimize your own results or at least decently bury any
youthful faux pas.
The past can be particularly dangerous for applicants to new technology companies seeking to assemble
cutting-edge teams. Legacy skills may imply obsolescence. The most powerful resumes underline how
an applicant can thrive in the job that's open right now.
Although the two-page maximum still stands, many applicants use the web to its full potential when it
comes to attachments. Video introductions, charts, graphs, and other illustrations can make you stand
out, so long as they're relevant and slickly made.
A video job application is a short video, usually less than two minutes long, that a candidate submits with
a job application for an open position. The video application gives employers a chance to evaluate the
candidate to determine if they fit with the organization's culture. This becomes the first step of the
screening process and can reduce the applicant pools an organization chooses to interview for a
position.
The video job application gives the candidate a chance to demonstrate their communication skills and
make a positive first impression. An impressive video job application helps a candidate stand out and can
increase their likelihood of receiving an interview. The key to a well-done video application is preparing in
advance to ensure the candidate shows of their strengths and impresses the recruiter or hiring manager.
An application video generally includes an introduction of who you are, a middle where you summarize
your skills and qualifications and a conclusion that emphasizes your enthusiasm for the job. Study the
employer's instructions thoroughly before you create your recording to make sure you follow their
guidelines or requirements. Here are some other tips for making a great video application:
SUMMARY
All formal meetings must be properly convened in accordance with the association’s rules.
Before the meeting commences, it is important to confirm there is a quorum present and that it is
maintained during the meeting.
The notice of meeting informs the members when and where the meeting will be. The agenda
informs the members what is to be discussed and done at the meeting.
A cover letter is an application document you pair with your resume that explains why you want a
particular job, and why you think you’re the right person for that job.
A resume is almost always required for applicants to office jobs.
Successful resumes highlight specific accomplishments applicants have achieved in former
positions, such as cutting costs, transcending sales goals, increasing profits, and building out teams.
A video job application is a short video, usually less than two minutes long, that a candidate submits
with a job application for an open position.
The video application gives employers a chance to evaluate the candidate to determine if they fit
with the organization's culture.
The video job application gives the candidate a chance to demonstrate their communication skills
and make a positive first impression
Direction: Share your thoughts on the importance of notice of meeting and agenda, cover letter, resume
and video job application.