ACADEMIC ENGLISH III Class 7 March 29, 2013

Today Continue compare/contrast writing.

First – Essay Structure Similar to paragraph structure we looked at previously. The essay is an expanded form of this.

Essay Structure - Introduction Consists of two parts: 1. Opening Statements. - attract reader’s attention. 2. Thesis statement. - state the main idea of the essay. - names the specific topic. - gives a general idea of essay’s contents.

Essay Structure - Body Consists of one or more paragraphs: - Each paragraph develops the claim set out in the thesis statement. - Number of paragraphs in the body varies.

Essay Structure - Conclusion Consists of two parts: 1. A summary or review of the main points discussed in the body. 2. Closing.

Essay Structure - Other elements - Unity - Coherence i.e.) Transition signals: therefore, because, although, first. - More on these later.

Thesis statement Most important sentence in the introduction. It is usually the last sentence in the introduction. - It states the specific topic of the essay and also indicates the type of essay. - The thesis statement tells the reader about the contents of the essay.

Thesis statement The pattern of organization the essay will follow: When buying a used car, use these four strategies to get the best price. There are two key differences between a divorce lawyer and a corporate lawyer. My best friend and I spent an entire summer building a tree house in my grandmother’s old apple tree. Instructional Comparison/contrast Chronological order

Thesis statement The thesis statement makes a claim and indicates how this claim will be discussed. Examples: “Native Americans have made valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, and government.” “A college education is a good investment because it increases earning potential, provides networking opportunities, and broadens perspectives.”

Thesis Statement – Key Features - States the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence. - Is not written as a question. - Comes at the end of the introduction. - States the claim/position of the paper. - States how the claim will be discussed/analyzed. - Does not directly announce the main topic.

Thesis Statement Problems. Poor: The sport of cross-country jogging.  Not a complete sentence. No claim. Improved: The sport of cross-country running allows people to get in better shape and meet interesting people.

Thesis Statement Problems. Poor: Why do I want to be a teacher?  This is a question, not a statement. Improved: Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows a person to work with students and be creative.

Thesis Statement Problems. Poor: I will compare and contrast Hansot 도시락 and Kim Pasa.  This is an announcement. It is also too general. WHAT will the two restaurants be compared/contrasted on? Improved: Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s superior menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.

Essay Structure - Introduction Funnel introduction: - wide at the top, narrow at the bottom. General statements thesis statement

Essay Structure - Introduction Source:

Introduction General comment qualify relate thesis

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step Essay topic: compare/contrast Hansot and Kim Pasa for a college student on a budget 1. Focus on a key word or phrase related to your topic. - food in college

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step Food in college 2. Write an opening sentence providing a general comment about that word/phrase. - While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step Food in college While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. 3. Write a few more (2 or 3) more specific sentences that lead you to your actual topic (thesis). - Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford. 4. Next, write a sentence (or 2) clearly relating to the previous sentences and also introducing the specific topic. - Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students to get their meals.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford. Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students to get their meals. 5. Finish with the thesis statement. - Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s wider menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford. Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students to get their meals. Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s wider menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.

Compare/Contrast Writing

A key feature of comparison/contrast essays is organization. - Careful organization is necessary for an effective essay of this kind. - You don’t want to confuse the reader(s). - There are several to organize a comparison/contrast essay.

Block Organization Basic outline: I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement). II. Body A. Topic A features - Feature 1 - Feature 2 B. Topic B features - Feature 1 - Feature 2 III. Conclusion NOTE: Make sure you discuss the same features for each topic!

Point-by-Point Organization Basic outline: (Two topics, A & B) I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement). II. Body A. Difference/similarity 1 - Topic 1 - Topic 2 B. Difference/similarity 2 - Topic 1 - Topic 2 C. Difference/similarity 3 - Topic 1 - Topic 2 III. Conclusion NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

Compare/Contrast Writing - Analysis - It is not enough to simply say: “This is how A & B are different; this is how they are similar.” - The above is just regurgitating information. You need a basis for the comparison AND Analysis of the comparison.  Go beyond “here is some information…the end ”

Bases of comparison/contrast i.e.,) fresh foods and canned foods Compared/contrasted on: - Flavor - Health benefits - Cost

Bases of comparison/contrast i.e.,) iPhone 5 and Galaxy SIII Could compare/contrast on: ? - Convenience - Costs - Capabilities - Design Source:

Point of comparison Job XJob Y Same or different ? Salary$30/hour$25/hourdifferent Benefits (vacation, pension, health insurance). good same Advancement opportunities Not goodgooddifferent Workplace environment Friendly, supportive same

Compare/Contrast Writing - Analysis After analysis, you can decide on a thesis statement. “Job X and Job Y are similar but different.”

Next Class Look at coherence Peer feedback  Don’t forget your 1 st draft (NOT your rough draft)