Welcome to Integrated Writing!

Have you ever watched a video and then written a comment about it? Or read a news article and then wrote a summary for a friend? If so, you are already practicing Writing based on what was heard or read! In your English classes, this is called "Integrated Writing." It means using information you get from listening or reading to create your own piece of writing. It is a vital skill for university, work, and daily life in a global society.

In this chapter, we will learn how to organize your thoughts and write clearly based on the information you receive.

1. Understanding the Input: Listening and Reading

Before you can write, you must understand what you have heard or read. According to the national curriculum, your goal is to find the Gist (the big picture), the Main Points (the important facts), and the Details (specific examples).

What to look for while Reading:

  • Writer’s Intent: Why did the author write this? Are they trying to persuade you, inform you, or complain about something?
  • Structure: In English, the main point is often at the beginning of a paragraph. Look for "Topic Sentences."

What to listen for:

  • Key Phrases: Listen for words like "First," "However," or "In conclusion." These are signposts that tell you where the story is going.
  • Tone and Intention: How does the speaker feel? Their voice can tell you if they are happy, worried, or disagreeing with an idea.

Quick Tip: Don't worry if you don't understand every single word. Focus on the "Who, What, Where, When, and Why."

2. Organizing Your Thoughts

Once you have the information, you need to organize it before you start writing. This is where Logic (論理) comes in.

The Paragraph Structure

In your first year (English Communication I), you focus on writing a single paragraph. As you move to years II and III, you will practice writing multiple paragraphs. Every good piece of writing usually follows this flow:

  1. The Introduction (Topic Sentence): State the main idea you heard or read.
  2. The Body (Evidence): Use the details from the text/audio to support the main idea.
  3. The Conclusion: Briefly summarize your point or give your final thought.

Did you know? In English writing, "Logic" doesn't mean being a genius; it just means connecting your ideas so they make sense to the reader!

3. Essential Language Tools

To connect the information you heard/read to your own writing, you need "Linguistic Glue." Here are some items from your syllabus that will help you:

Connective Words (Conjunctions)

These help show the relationship between the input and your thoughts:

  • To add information: And, Also, Furthermore.
  • To show contrast: But, However, On the other hand.
  • To show cause and effect: Because, So, Therefore.

Relative Pronouns and Adverbs

Items like who, which, that, where, and when are very helpful for combining two pieces of information into one clear sentence. Example: "The speaker, who is an expert on nature, said that..."

Expressing Intent and Opinions

When you write based on what you heard, you might need to use Auxiliary Verbs (助動詞) like should, may, or must to explain suggestions or rules mentioned in the input.

Key Takeaway: Use the grammar you know to make the transition from the "source" to "your writing" smooth.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Write Your Response

If you find this challenging, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Topic

Is the topic Everyday (school life, hobbies) or Social (environment, technology)? Identifying this helps you choose the right vocabulary.

Step 2: Select the "Reasons and Evidence"

Don't try to include everything. Pick 2 or 3 strong points from what you heard or read that support your main idea.

Step 3: Use "Reporting" Verbs

Instead of just writing facts, show where the info came from. Use phrases like:
"According to the text..."
"The speaker mentioned that..."
"The article explains that..."

Step 4: Check for Logic and Details

In advanced levels (Comm III), you are expected to be "Logically Detailed." This means explaining why a fact from the reading is important to your argument.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Copying word-for-word: Try to use your own words (paraphrasing). Use the 400–2,500 new words you are learning in high school!
  • Ignoring the "Intent": If a speaker is joking or being sarcastic, and you write it as a serious fact, your writing will be confusing.
  • Mixing up facts and opinions: Make it clear what the text said versus what you think.

Summary Checklist

Before you hand in your writing, ask yourself:

  • Did I include the main point of the reading/listening?
  • Are my sentences connected with conjunctions?
  • Did I follow the paragraph structure (Intro, Body, Conclusion)?
  • Is my writing logical and easy to follow?

Don't worry if it feels difficult at first! Integrated writing is a skill that grows over time. The more you listen and read, the more natural your writing will become.

Next Steps: To practice further, look at the chapters on "Summarising the main points" and "Writing a paragraph with reasons and evidence."