Writing a Reference to Context:
"Reference to context" is a broad term. It can refer to:
1. In academic writing:
* Explaining Background Information: This involves providing necessary context for your reader to understand your argument. This can be done through:
* Historical context: Explaining the historical events or developments leading up to your topic.
* Cultural context: Describing the cultural environment surrounding your topic.
* Theoretical context: Introducing relevant theories or frameworks related to your topic.
* Situational context: Providing specific details about the situation or environment where your topic occurs.
* Connecting Ideas: Demonstrating how your ideas relate to the larger context of your paper or field of study. This can be done through:
* Using transitions: Words like "however," "furthermore," and "in contrast" to show the relationships between different ideas.
* Referring to previous points: Summarizing or referencing earlier arguments to show how new information builds on previous ones.
2. In professional writing:
* Providing necessary information: Giving the reader enough information to understand your message and its relevance. This could involve:
* Explaining company policies or procedures: Giving context for a request or action.
* Providing details about a project: Sharing relevant background information.
* Summarizing previous correspondence: Setting the stage for a new conversation.
3. In casual conversation:
* Making connections: Using context clues to understand what someone is saying or to connect their ideas to your own.
* Clarifying misunderstandings: Using context to explain something that wasn't initially clear.
General Tips for Writing Reference to Context:
* Be concise: Focus on providing the most essential information for your reader to understand your message.
* Use clear language: Avoid jargon or overly technical language that your audience might not understand.
* Be specific: Instead of saying "this is important," explain *why* it's important and how it relates to your overall argument.
* Use transitions: Connect your ideas smoothly with transition words and phrases.
Examples of Reference to Context:
Academic:
* "In the context of the French Revolution, the rise of nationalism was a significant factor in the formation of the modern state." (Historical context)
* "Following the work of Bourdieu, this paper examines the cultural capital of young adults in urban environments." (Theoretical context)
Professional:
* "As per our company policy on vacation time, you are entitled to two weeks of paid vacation per year." (Company policy)
* "Following our previous meeting, I would like to provide an update on the project timeline." (Previous correspondence)
Casual:
* "I just saw that amazing movie last night. It's a comedy about a group of friends who go on a road trip." (Context for a conversation about a movie)
* "I'm not sure what you mean by 'that thing.' Can you clarify what you're referring to?" (Clarifying a misunderstanding)
By providing context, you can make your writing more understandable, engaging, and persuasive.