Writing (1) (2008)

W elcome to the New Academic Year! Instructor: Miss Mona Jebril M.Sc. Educational Studies Higher Education (Oxford University) (Oxford University)_____________________ B.A. English Language and Literature Literature (Al Azhar University) (Al Azhar University)

Knowing yourself- a first step! Introduce yourself (3 min) Introduce yourself (3 min) - Who are you? - Why are you here? What are your expectations?

Which of these pieces of writing would you plan carefully? - Birthday card to a friend - Letter to your pen-friend - Postcard to your family - Note to a close friend - Letter applying for a job in Australia - Letter of complaint to a company - English exam composition: ‘Things I like to do’ (from: Cambridge First Certificate, 1993: p. 7) (from: Cambridge First Certificate, 1993: p. 7)

Which of these pieces of writing would you plan carefully? - Birthday card to a friend - Letter to your pen-friend - Postcard to your family - Note to a close friend - Letter applying for a job in Australia - Letter of complaint to a company - English exam composition: ‘Things I like to do’ (from: Cambridge First Certificate,1993:p.7) (from: Cambridge First Certificate,1993:p.7) Informal Formal

Formal Writings: (Academic Writing) As the name implies, it is the kind of writing that you are required to do in college or university. It differs from other kinds of writing (personal, literary, journalistic, business, etc.) in several ways. As the name implies, it is the kind of writing that you are required to do in college or university. It differs from other kinds of writing (personal, literary, journalistic, business, etc.) in several ways. N.B. (for more details, plz see Writing Academic English, p. 2 Under ‘Audience, Tone, and Purpose’)

Writing (1)-Aims This course provides an introduction to writing at college and university level (Academic Writing) This course provides an introduction to writing at college and university level (Academic Writing) It introduces writing as an active process of communicating ideas which requires active thinking and good organizational skills It introduces writing as an active process of communicating ideas which requires active thinking and good organizational skills It assumes that writing good English is not only a matter of talent but also a result of good and continuous practice and the learning of certain writing skills and strategies It assumes that writing good English is not only a matter of talent but also a result of good and continuous practice and the learning of certain writing skills and strategies

English Main Four Skills Listening Speaking Speaking Reading Writing How can you improve your writing?

What are the things that We Should take care of when we write?

Writing (1)- Objectives In this course, you will Learn some techniques which will help you to improve your writing In this course, you will Learn some techniques which will help you to improve your writing - You will learn - how to plan and write a composition (esp. paragraph & essay) - how to improve your style and communicate your ideas more clearly and effectively - how to spell and punctuate - how to write good English (learning more grammar and vocabulary)

Book or books? Main Reference Book Main Reference Book + ( A Reading List) Exam: Exam:Theoretical (definitions /explanations, etc.) Practical Practical (writing paragraphs, essays, etc.) (writing paragraphs, essays, etc.)

How Can I evaluate and Improve my work? Do you agree or disagree with the statements below? (Discuss in pairs) Do you agree or disagree with the statements below? (Discuss in pairs) 1. The teacher should mark my composition and write in all the corrections 2. It’s best to correct your own mistakes 3. The teacher should show me where I have made a mistake, but allow me to correct the answer myself 4. It’s useful to work in pairs, discussing and correcting each other’s mistakes. 5. Mistakes don’t matter that much. Answering the question is what is important. 6. It’s helpful to see different answers to a question- to decide which is best and try to say why. 7. You must not make any mistakes. Correct English is essential. (from: Cambridge First Certificate, 1993: p. 7) (from: Cambridge First Certificate, 1993: p. 7)

Error Correction Symbols Error Correction Symbols

Error Correction Sheet (Self-evaluation)

Example: (Error Correction Sheet)

Some Advices! Use an English-English Dictionary Use an English-English Dictionary Make a glossary of terms Make a glossary of terms Do all assignments given to you Do all assignments given to you Ask questions and discuss with each other Ask questions and discuss with each other Listen, speak and read Listen, speak and read Practice as much as you can Practice as much as you can Believe that you can do it! Believe that you can do it! To write!

The Writing Process * Each phase of the process loops back on the other loops back on the other Plan Write Revise Edit Pre-writing Post- writing

What is pre-writing? Prewriting is any structural experiences that influence active student participation in thinking, talking, writing, and working on the topic under focus in a writing lesson. Such activities may include: Prewriting is any structural experiences that influence active student participation in thinking, talking, writing, and working on the topic under focus in a writing lesson. Such activities may include: (oral group, brainstorming, debating, outlining, oral reading, interviewing, visits to places of interests, clustering, free-writing, etc.) The importance of pre- writing The importance of pre- writing According to D’Aoust (1986:7): ‘Prewriting activities generate ideas; they encourage a free flow of thoughts and help students to discover both what they want to say and how to say it on paper. ‘ ‘Prewriting activities generate ideas; they encourage a free flow of thoughts and help students to discover both what they want to say and how to say it on paper. ‘ (Thomas Karl,1995) (Thomas Karl,1995)

Stage I: Prewriting: Step 1: Choosing and Narrowing a Topic If you are given a specific writing assignment (ex. A paragraph), then what you can write is limited. If you are given a specific writing assignment (ex. A paragraph), then what you can write is limited. You must narrow the subject to a particular aspect of that general subject. You must narrow the subject to a particular aspect of that general subject. Ex. Environment Ex. Environment Pollution Pollution Ocean Pollution Ocean Pollution 1989 Alaskan Oil Spill 1989 Alaskan Oil Spill

Practice! Narrow each of the following general topics to one specific aspect that could be written about in one paragraph. Narrow each of the following general topics to one specific aspect that could be written about in one paragraph. - University - Television - Sports - Entertainment - Food

Prewriting: Step 2: Brainstorming Brainstorming is a writing technique to stimulate creative thinking and generate ideas and material for writing. Brainstorming is a writing technique to stimulate creative thinking and generate ideas and material for writing. * It can get you to write more quickly and save you time. Three useful brainstorming techniques are: ListingFreewritingClustering

Brainstorming by Listing Listing is a brainstorming technique in which you think about your topic and quickly make a list of whatever words or phrases come into your head Listing is a brainstorming technique in which you think about your topic and quickly make a list of whatever words or phrases come into your head Procedures: Procedures: 1. - Write down the general topic at the top of the paper 2. Then make a list of every word or phrase that comes into your mind about the topic. (The harder you think, the more ideas will flow) (The harder you think, the more ideas will flow) 3 -Use words, phrases, or sentences. * Your purpose is to produce as many ideas as possible in a short time, so don’t stop the flow of ideas for juding or editing.

Practice: Brainstorm by listing ideas on one or two of the following topics: Brainstorm by listing ideas on one or two of the following topics: - How to be a good student. - Tourist attractions in your country or city. - Problems of working students

Brainstorming by Freewriting Freewriting is a brainstorming activity in which you write freely about the topic because you are looking for a specific focus. Freewriting is a brainstorming activity in which you write freely about the topic because you are looking for a specific focus. The purpose of freewriting is to generate as many ideas as possible The purpose of freewriting is to generate as many ideas as possible (Write without worrying about appropriateness, grammar, spelling, logic, or organization.) (Write without worrying about appropriateness, grammar, spelling, logic, or organization.)Procedures: 1. Write the topic at the top of your paper. 2. Write as much as you can about the topic until you run out of ideas. Include information, facts, details, examples, etc, that come to your mind about the subject. 3. After you have run out of ideas, reread your paper and circle the main idea (s) that you would be interested in developing. 4. Take the main idea and free write again.

Example: (Brainstorming by Freewriting) What is the biggest problem at Evergeen Colleg? Well, I really don’t know. Infact, I can’t think of one particular problem although I know there are many problems. For one thing the classrooms are usually overcrowded. At the beginning of this semester, …………………………….the classrooms are poorly maintained ……the library is too small and limited….another problem is parking near the campus…………………….. What is the biggest problem at Evergeen Colleg? Well, I really don’t know. Infact, I can’t think of one particular problem although I know there are many problems. For one thing the classrooms are usually overcrowded. At the beginning of this semester, …………………………….the classrooms are poorly maintained ……the library is too small and limited….another problem is parking near the campus……………………..

The student chooses one idea to develop further in his paragraph Topic: To describe the biggest problem at Evergreen College *(parking near the campus) Topic: To describe the biggest problem at Evergreen College *(parking near the campus) The student writes again: I think finding a parking space close to the campus at Evergreen College is a major problem: (Describing the problem, explaining and giving examples, suggesting or studying solutions,.etc.)

Practice! (Brainstorming by Freewriting ) Freewrite on one of the following topic: Freewrite on one of the following topic: - Describe one of the disadvantages of using the internet for information communication in the 21 st Century. - Describe one of the major problems in your city or country.

Brainstorming by clustering Clustering is another brainstorming activity that you can use to generate ideas. Clustering is another brainstorming activity that you can use to generate ideas. Procedures: Procedures: In the centre of your paper, write your topic and draw a balloon’’ around it. In the centre of your paper, write your topic and draw a balloon’’ around it. Then write whatever ideas come to you in balloons around the core. Then write whatever ideas come to you in balloons around the core. Think about ideas and make more balloons around them. Think about ideas and make more balloons around them. ‘Your richest idea will produce a cluster of balloons.’

Activity: Name Tastes Bad points hair build face eyes colour Personal details food music colour size clothes job sex Physical appearance character style nose nationality good points age hobbies

Activity: Name Physical appearance Personal details character Tastes Bad points good points hair Length style colour build face eyes nose size colour age job sex nationality foodhobbies music clothes age

stage II: Planning After choosing topics, narrowing them down and generating ideas by brainstorming, now you should be ready for writing After choosing topics, narrowing them down and generating ideas by brainstorming, now you should be ready for writing Organise the ideas you generated by brainstorming (listing, freewriting, or clustering) and make an outline. Organise the ideas you generated by brainstorming (listing, freewriting, or clustering) and make an outline. Procedures: Procedures: 1. Grouping ideas in As, Bs, Cs for example. 2. Developing a topic sentence to cover the points listed under the selected group A,B or C Ex. Topic sentence Topic: Public transportation Controlling idea : unreliability of Public transportation Topic sentence: One problem is the city’s unreliable public transportation Simple outlining (see next slide for explanation)

Stage II Planning- (3. simple outlining) An outline is a plan for a paragraph. In an outline, you write down the main points and subpoints in the order in which you plan to write about them Topic sentence: One problem is the city’s unreliable public transportation. Topic sentence: One problem is the city’s unreliable public transportation. Supporting point: 1. Daily schedules are unreliable Supporting point: 1. Daily schedules are unreliable Supporting detail: - late arrivals Supporting detail: - late arrivals Supporting point: 2 Passengers are victims Supporting point: 2 Passengers are victims Supporting detail: - Missed appointments Supporting detail: - Missed appointments - Extra waiting time - Extra waiting time

Practice! Work on your list of ideas and develop an outline: Work on your list of ideas and develop an outline: 1. Group similar ideas together 2. Select the idea you would like to write on 3. Write the topic sentence 4. Develop an outline! (Feel free to cross out points that you don’t need and add new ideas)

Stage III: Writing and Revising Drafts Based on your outline, You might need to read and revise several drafts until you have produced a final copy to hand in. Procedures: 1. Write your first draft Notice: Notice: Skip one or two lines per line of writing and leave margins of one inch on both sides of the paper. Skip one or two lines per line of writing and leave margins of one inch on both sides of the paper. While you are writing, you may not be able to think of a word or phrase, don’t worry-just leave a space or a line, it can be filled later. While you are writing, you may not be able to think of a word or phrase, don’t worry-just leave a space or a line, it can be filled later. Writing is a continuous process of discovery, so you can add new ideas or delete original ones at any time in the writing process. Writing is a continuous process of discovery, so you can add new ideas or delete original ones at any time in the writing process.

Stage III: Drafts-Continued 2. Revise content and organizations (Unity- supporting details- topic sentence-conclusion- developing the controlling idea, etc.) 3. Proof read for Grammar and Mechanics (correctness, subject-verb agreement, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, etc. 4. Write your final copy N.B. Don’t get surprised if you had to change things at the final copy!

Summary So far! 1. Academic writing is a special kind of formal writing. 2. Prewriting activities are useful for narrowing down and generating ideas. 3. Revision is an essential part of the writing process. (Writing is a process of discovery) (Writing is a process of discovery)

What is a Paragraph? An Overview A paragraph is the basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of related sentences develop one main idea. A paragraph is the basic unit of organization in writing in which a group of related sentences develop one main idea. - In academic writing the paragraph may stand by itself or be part of a longer piece of writing (essay, a chapter of a book, etc.) - The length of a paragraph is unimportant, however a paragraph should be long enough to develop the main idea clearly.

Example: ______________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________. ______________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________.

How to Write a Title Single paragraphs do not usually have a title, just when you practise, titles may help to organize and limit your thoughts. For longer essays or reports, the use of titles becomes more necessary. or reports, the use of titles becomes more necessary. Notes on writing the title: The first, last and all important words are capitalized The first, last and all important words are capitalized The title is not underlined. The title is not underlined. The title is not enclosed in quotation marks (‘ ‘). The title is not enclosed in quotation marks (‘ ‘) Ex. How to Be a Good Student. Reasons for Poverty in Gaza. Reasons for Poverty in Gaza. The Disadvantages of the Internet in the 21 st Century. The Disadvantages of the Internet in the 21 st Century.

The Three Parts of a Paragraph 1. Topic Sentence 1. Topic Sentence 2. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Concluding Sentence. 3. Concluding Sentence.

The Three parts of a paragraph 1. The topic sentence 1. The topic sentence The topic sentence: The topic sentence is the most important sentence in a Paragraph. It briefly indicates what the paragraph is going to discuss. It states the main idea of the topic and limits the topic to one or two areas. Topic V. Controlling Idea Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important Characteristics. Topic Controlling idea

Examples of topic sentences: Driving on freeways Driving on freeways The importance of gold The importance of gold How to register for college classes How to register for college classes Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness. Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness. Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. Registering for college classes can be a frustrating experience for new students. Registering for college classes can be a frustrating experience for new students.

Examples of topic sentences: Driving on freeways Driving on freeways The importance of gold The importance of gold How to register for college classes How to register for college classes Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness. Driving on freeways requires skill and alertness. Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. Registering for college classes can be a frustrating experience for new students. Registering for college classes can be a frustrating experience for new students.

The topic sentence The topic sentence is the most general statement in the paragraph because it gives only the main idea. But, it should not be too general (neither too specific). If it is too general then the reader cannot tell exactly what the paragraph is going to discuss. (ex. A menu in a restaurant- ‘meat’/’Soup’/’Salad’) The topic sentence is the most general statement in the paragraph because it gives only the main idea. But, it should not be too general (neither too specific). If it is too general then the reader cannot tell exactly what the paragraph is going to discuss. (ex. A menu in a restaurant- ‘meat’/’Soup’/’Salad’) Examples: Examples: Too general: American food is terrible Too specific: American food is tasteless and greasy because Americans use too many canned, frozen, and prepackaged Americans use too many canned, frozen, and prepackaged food and because everything is fried in oil. food and because everything is fried in oil. Good: American food is tastless and greasy. The topic sentence may be the first or last sentence in a paragraph. The topic sentence may be the first or last sentence in a paragraph. * The topic sentence is helpful to the reader as well as to the writer.

The Topic Sentence Recognize the Topic Sentence: - a) Later on, people began to write on pieces of leather, which were rolled into scrolls. - B) In the earliest times, people carved or painted messages on rocks. - C) In the Middle Ages, heavy paper called parchment was used for writing, and books were laboriously copied by hand. - D) With the invention of the printing press in the middle of the fifteenth century; the modern printing industry was born. - E) Some form of written communication has been used through out the centuries.

The Topic sentence Recognize the Topic Sentence: - a) Later on, people began to write on pieces of leather, which were rolled into scrolls. - B) In the earliest times, people carved or painted messages on rocks. - C) In the Middle Ages, heavy paper called parchment was used for writing, and books were laboriously copied by hand. - D) With the invention of the printing press in the middle of the fifteenth century; the modern printing industry was born. - E) Some form of written communication has been used through out the centuries.

Practice: Write a topic sentence for two of the following topics: Write a topic sentence for two of the following topics: Ex. Topic: Television’s effect on children Topic Sentence: (1) Television is harmful to children because it teaches them violence as a way of solving problems. Topic Sentence: (1) Television is harmful to children because it teaches them violence as a way of solving problems. (2) Television retards a child’s reading ability. (2) Television retards a child’s reading ability Smoking cigarettes Smoking cigarettes Ramadan Ramadan Foreign travel Foreign travel Space exploration Space exploration Television’s effect on children Television’s effect on children

The Three Parts of a Paragraph 2. Supporting sentences 2. Supporting sentences The supporting sentences develop the topic sentence. They explain the topic sentence by giving facts, reasons, examples, quotations, etc. 3. The Concluding Sentence 3. The Concluding Sentence This signals the end of the paragraph and leaves the reader with important things to Remember.

The concluding sentence-continued Use one of the followings for the concluding sentence: Use one of the followings for the concluding sentence: - Finally, - In conclusion, - In summary, - Therefore, - Thus, - As a result, We can see that……… It is clear that……….. All in all…………….

Unity and Coherence A good paragraph has the elements of unity and coherence: A good paragraph has the elements of unity and coherence: Unity: You discuss only one idea in the paragraph which is stated in the topic sentence, and then each and every supporting sentence develops that idea. (The paragraph should not end with another idea or wander within different ideas- it should have a single focus!) (The paragraph should not end with another idea or wander within different ideas- it should have a single focus!) Coherence: The paragraph should be easy to read and understand. For this you can: - Keep your sentences in a logical order & - Connect your ideas by the use of appropriate transition signals: ex. (first of all, however, for example, etc.

Coherence Key nouns Key nouns Pronouns Pronouns Transitional Signals. Transitional Signals. Logical Order. Logical Order.

Key nouns English has almost become an international language. Except for it’s Chinese, more people speak it than any other language. Spanish is the official language of more countries in the world, but more countries have it as their official or unofficial second language. More than seventy per cent of the world’s mail is written in it. In international business, it is used more than any other language, and it is the language of airline pilots and air traffic controllers all over the world. Moreover, although French used to be the language of diplomacy, it has displaced it throughout the world. Therefore unless you plan to spend your life alone on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is a useful language to know. English has almost become an international language. Except for it’s Chinese, more people speak it than any other language. Spanish is the official language of more countries in the world, but more countries have it as their official or unofficial second language. More than seventy per cent of the world’s mail is written in it. In international business, it is used more than any other language, and it is the language of airline pilots and air traffic controllers all over the world. Moreover, although French used to be the language of diplomacy, it has displaced it throughout the world. Therefore unless you plan to spend your life alone on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is a useful language to know.

Consistent Pronouns Ex. Ex. An Olympic athlete must be strong both physically and mentally. First of all, if you hope to complete in an Olympic sort, you must…………… In addition to being physically strong, he/she must also be mentally tough.

Transition Signals, See (Writing Academic Englsih, p. 43) P. 48 (Write a paragraph that develops the following topic sentence. Use the transitional signals below: P. 48 (Write a paragraph that develops the following topic sentence. Use the transitional signals below: Some people enjoy solitude Some people enjoy solitude -For instance -Moreover -On the other hand -Therefore

Logical Order To achieve coherence, you can arrange your sentences in some kind of logical order. There are different ways to organize the ideas and sentences in a paragraph. Choosing one depends on your topic and on your purpose. To achieve coherence, you can arrange your sentences in some kind of logical order. There are different ways to organize the ideas and sentences in a paragraph. Choosing one depends on your topic and on your purpose. Some kinds of logical order are: Some kinds of logical order are: (Chronological order, logical divisions of ideas, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect.

For logical order Each kind of order has its own special words and phrases to show the relationships among the ideas. For example: Each kind of order has its own special words and phrases to show the relationships among the ideas. For example: Chronological Order: first, next after 1950, then, in …, while working on the project, etc. Chronological Order: first, next after 1950, then, in …, while working on the project, etc. Differences: The most noticeable difference (contrast, larger than, unlike, on the other hand, in contrast, differ from Differences: The most noticeable difference (contrast, larger than, unlike, on the other hand, in contrast, differ from Similarities (comparison): Similarly, as expensive as, just as, just like, compare with, in comparison Similarities (comparison): Similarly, as expensive as, just as, just like, compare with, in comparison Logical division of ideas: first, second, third,.etc. Logical division of ideas: first, second, third,.etc.

Logical Divisions of Ideas Logical division is one of the most common ways to organize ideas in English. In everyday life, things are divided into groups. Grocery stores separate items into groups: There is usually more than one way to divide things: by age Logical division is one of the most common ways to organize ideas in English. In everyday life, things are divided into groups. Grocery stores separate items into groups: There is usually more than one way to divide things: by age by gender, by level, etc. by gender, by level, etc. - Order of importance.

Concrete Support When writing a paragraph you should support your topic sentence by using specific and factual details. When writing a paragraph you should support your topic sentence by using specific and factual details. Facts Versus Opinions: Facts Versus Opinions: Ex. 1. At sea level, water boils at 100 degrees Celsius………………(fact!) Ex. 2. Men are better drivers than women In formal writing, it is good to express your opinion, but you need to support it with factual details. you need to support it with factual details. - In formal writing, even some statements that are considered facts need further support (by mentioning some specific supporting details in Order to be completely convincing)

Concrete Support Example: Example: Fact: Smoking cause lung cancer C. S. : The U.S Surgeon General’s 1964 report on smoking states…..

Fact Versus Opinion (Ex. P. 66) 1. Decide whether each of the following statements is a fact or an opinion. Write (F) for fact, O for opinion. 2. Decide if the facts need additional supporting details. Write NFS (needs further details) next to those that do Smoking is relaxing. 2. Smoking is unhealthy. 3. Some people enjoy smoking because it relaxes them. 4. Dr. Kathleen Parker, a well-known cancer specialist, recently admitted an interview, ‘’Although I see harmful effects of smoking nearly every day in my work, I still enjoy relaxing with a cigarette after dinner’. 5. Cigarette smoke causes chemical changes in your lung cells which can lead to cancer. 6. Young men between the ages of 16 and 30 are reckless drivers. 7. Young men between the ages of 16 and 30 have 2.7 times as many accidents as young women in the same age group do. 8. Young men between the ages of 16 and 30 should be required to take a driver’s training class, which emphasizes safety and responsibility. 9. Young men who take such a class will become safer drivers.

Concrete Support Details There are several kinds of concrete supporting details. Among the most common are: examples, illustrative incidents, statistics, quotations, references, etc. There are several kinds of concrete supporting details. Among the most common are: examples, illustrative incidents, statistics, quotations, references, etc. Tips for Using Examples and Illustrative Incidents: Tips for Using Examples and Illustrative Incidents: - Examples and illustrative incidents are perhaps the easiest kind of supporting details to use. You can often take them from your own knowledge and personal experiences. - Illustrative incidents are usually interesting and make your writing interesting. But, - In formal writings, examples and illustrative incidents are considered the weakest form of support- so do not use them so often. - You should make sure that they prove your point. - When using them, introduce them with appropriate transitional signals: for example, for instance, e.g. (exempli gratia).

Writing practice! Choose one of the topics below and write one paragraph about it. Focus on making your paragraph coherent. Choose one of the topics below and write one paragraph about it. Focus on making your paragraph coherent Narrow the topic and brainstorm to develop ideas by listing, freewriting, or clustering 2. Develop an outline, including a topic sentence and a concluding sentence. 3. Decide what transition signals would be appropriate and write them in the margin of your outline 4. Write a rough draft, and check it 5. Write a second draft and check it for grammar and mechanics. 6. Write your final copy and hand it in: - Cheating - Drugs - Marriage

Write a paragraph Write a paragraph E-learning E-learning Teacher-student relationship Teacher-student relationship Planning for a successful future Planning for a successful future The importance of extra-curricular activities. The importance of extra-curricular activities. Team Team

Paragraph Checklist Form Form - Did you indent the first line - Did you indent the first line - Did you write on every other line? - Did you write on every other line? Topic sentence Topic sentence - Does your topic sentence contains a controlling idea? - Does your topic sentence contains a controlling idea? Supporting sentences Supporting sentences Unity Unity - Do all of your sentences support your topic sentence - Do all of your sentences support your topic sentence Coherence Coherence - Do you repeat key nouns frequently and use pronouns appropriately? - Do you repeat key nouns frequently and use pronouns appropriately? - Do you use transition signals at appropriate places to make your sentences flow smoothly? - Do you use transition signals at appropriate places to make your sentences flow smoothly? Concrete support Concrete support - Does your paragraph contain enough specific supporting details to prove your main points? - Does your paragraph contain enough specific supporting details to prove your main points? Concluding Sentence Concluding Sentence - Does your paragraph have a concluding sentence - Does your paragraph have a concluding sentence ( See Course Main reference book, p. 73) ( See Course Main reference book, p. 73)

Suggested Time limits: 1. Brainstorm for ideas 5 min. 2. Develop a rough outline 3 min 3. Write your paragraph 10 min 4. Check your paragraph 2 min min. 20 min.

From Paragraph to Essay The Essay The Essay

The Essay- Definition An essay: An essay: - A piece of writing longer than a paragraph. - The topic of an essay is too long and too complex to discuss in one paragraph (requires several paragraphs). - If you write a good paragraph you can write a good essay. - An essay has 3 main parts: 1. An introductory paragraph. 2. A body (at least one, but usually two or more paragraphs). 3. A concluding paragraph.

The Essay. 1. Introduction 1. Introduction General statements General statements Thesis Statement Thesis Statement 2. Body 2. Body The longest part of the essay and The longest part of the essay and can include am many paragraphs can include am many paragraphs as necessary to support the as necessary to support the controlling ideas of your thesis statement. controlling ideas of your thesis statement. 3. Conclusion 3. Conclusion Restatement or summary Restatement or summary of the main points; final comment of the main points; final comment Paragraph - Topic Sentence __________ A.Support. B.Support. C.Support. __________ Concluding Sentence

The Introduction or (the Introductory Paragraph) 1. It introduces the topic of the essay. 1. It introduces the topic of the essay. 2. It gives a general background of the topic. 2. It gives a general background of the topic. 3. It often indicates the overall ‘plan’ of the essay. 3. It often indicates the overall ‘plan’ of the essay. 4. It should arouse the reader’s interest in the topic 4. It should arouse the reader’s interest in the topic

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement 1. To introduce the topic of the essay

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement 1. To introduce the topic of the essay 2. To give background information on the topic

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement 1. To introduce the topic of the essay 2. To give background information on the topic - states the main topic

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement 1. To introduce the topic of the essay 2. To give background information on the topic - states the main topic - Lists the subdivisions of the topic.

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement 1. To introduce the topic of the essay 2. To give background information on the topic - states the main topic - Lists the subdivisions of the topic. - may indicate the method of organization of the entire paper.

The Introductory Paragraph Two parts Two parts 1. General statements 2. A thesis statement 1. To introduce the topic of the essay 2. To give background information on the topic - states the main topic - Lists the subdivisions of the topic. - may indicate the method of organization of the entire paper. - is usually the last sentence in the introductory paragraph

The Introduction- a Model General Statement: General Statement: A person born in the twentieth century has seen a lot of changes take place in almost all areas of human life. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer: others want to return to the simpler, less automated life style of the past. Living in the twentieth century has certain advantages such as a higher standard of living, but it also has some disadvantages such as polluted environment, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values. A person born in the twentieth century has seen a lot of changes take place in almost all areas of human life. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer: others want to return to the simpler, less automated life style of the past. Living in the twentieth century has certain advantages such as a higher standard of living, but it also has some disadvantages such as polluted environment, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values.

Practice 1: Recognizing the Parts of an introduction (Writing Academic English, p. 79) Rewrite the paragraphs, beginning with the most general statement first. Then add each sentence in the correct order until the introduction becomes more specific. Rewrite the paragraphs, beginning with the most general statement first. Then add each sentence in the correct order until the introduction becomes more specific.

Practice 1, Paragraph 2 (p. 79) (1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the norm, with only the parents and young children sharing the same house. (2) People in different cultures all over the world have different systems for family life. (3) In most cultures, people live in extended families, in which several generations share the same house. (4) If this new system becomes widespread, it could have enormous effects on American society. (5) On the positive side, living together might lead to the eventual disintegration of the family altogether. (6) In the United States, some people are experimenting with still another system of family. Living together without marriage. (1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the norm, with only the parents and young children sharing the same house. (2) People in different cultures all over the world have different systems for family life. (3) In most cultures, people live in extended families, in which several generations share the same house. (4) If this new system becomes widespread, it could have enormous effects on American society. (5) On the positive side, living together might lead to the eventual disintegration of the family altogether. (6) In the United States, some people are experimenting with still another system of family. Living together without marriage.

Practice 1, Paragraph 2 (p. 79) (2) People in different cultures all over the world have different systems for family life. (3) In most cultures, people live in extended families, in which several generations share the same house. (1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the norm, with only the parents and young children sharing the same house. (6) In the United States, some people are experimenting with still another system of family. Living together without marriage. (4) If this new system becomes widespread, it could have enormous effects on American society. (5) On the positive side, living together might reduce the divorce rate in the United States; on the negative side, it might lead to the eventual disintegration of the family altogether. (2) People in different cultures all over the world have different systems for family life. (3) In most cultures, people live in extended families, in which several generations share the same house. (1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the norm, with only the parents and young children sharing the same house. (6) In the United States, some people are experimenting with still another system of family. Living together without marriage. (4) If this new system becomes widespread, it could have enormous effects on American society. (5) On the positive side, living together might reduce the divorce rate in the United States; on the negative side, it might lead to the eventual disintegration of the family altogether.

The First Part- the Introduction The ‘General Statement’ and the introduction could be: The ‘General Statement’ and the introduction could be: 1. A broad statement. 2. Situation opposite 3. Importance of a topic (No one can deny…) (No one can deny…) 4. Using an incident or brief story. 5. Ask one or more question of your reader (What would happen if….) (What would happen if….) 6. Using a quotation (My grandmother says…/ wisdom, et.c ) (My grandmother says…/ wisdom, et.c )

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) Examples: Examples: 1. Women generally live longer than men for two main reasons: (1) they tend to take better care of their health, and (2) they lead less stressful lives. 1. Women generally live longer than men for two main reasons: (1) they tend to take better care of their health, and (2) they lead less stressful lives. *Analyze the following thesis statements:

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 2. Drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers can be traced to the following causes: lack of parental supervision, lax enforcement of drug laws, and the social and psychological problems of teenagers themselves.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 2. Drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers can be traced to the following causes: (1) lack of parental supervision, (2) lax enforcement of drug laws, and (3) the social and psychological problems of teenagers themselves.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 3. In choosing a major, a student has to consider various factors, such as personal interest, job opportunities, and the availability of training institutions.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 3. In choosing a major, a student has to consider various factors, such as (1) personal interest, (2) job opportunities, (3) and the availability of training institutions.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 4. An architect should be both an artist and an engineer.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 4. An architect should be both an artist and an engineer.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 5. The purpose of this report is to analyze the influence of Chinese culture on Japanese language and literature.

Introductory paragraph (Thesis statement) 5. The purpose of this report is to analyze the influence of Chinese culture on Japanese language and literature.

Practice 3: Thesis statement Complete the following thesis statements by adding topics to them: Complete the following thesis statements by adding topics to them: 1. Technology is changing our lives in three important areas:______, _______, and _______. 2. A teacher must have the following qualities: ________, ________, and _________. 3. Poverty creates negative consequences for society, such as _______, _______, and ________.

The First Part- the Introduction The ‘General Statement’ and the introduction could be: The ‘General Statement’ and the introduction could be: 1. A broad statement. 2. Situation opposite 3. Importance of a topic (No one can deny…) (No one can deny…) 4. Using an incident or brief story. 5. Ask one or more question of your reader (What would happen if….) (What would happen if….) 6. Using a quotation (My grandmother says…/ wisdom, et.c ) (My grandmother says…/ wisdom, et.c )

Writing Practice, p. 82 Write a thesis statement for the following topics: - Choosing a career topics: - Choosing a career - Working students - Working students - Living with my family - Living with my family - (Any topic of your choice) - (Any topic of your choice)

The Concluding Paragraph - A very important part of the essay which tells the reader that you have completed the essay. - You need to write a strong effective message that the reader will remember. The concluding paragraph: A summary of the main points, or a restatement of your thesis in different words, and A summary of the main points, or a restatement of your thesis in different words, and Your final comment on the subject, based on the information you have provided. Your final comment on the subject, based on the information you have provided.

Model- the Concluding Paragraph Introduction: Introduction: A person born in the twentieth century has seen changes take place in almost all areas of human life. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer; others long to return to the simpler, less automated life style of the past. Living in the twentieth century has certain advantages, such as a higher standard of living, but it also has some disadvantages, such as polluted environemtn, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values. A person born in the twentieth century has seen changes take place in almost all areas of human life. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer; others long to return to the simpler, less automated life style of the past. Living in the twentieth century has certain advantages, such as a higher standard of living, but it also has some disadvantages, such as polluted environemtn, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values.

Model- the Concluding Paragraph Conclusion: Conclusion: In conclusion, although the twentieth century has indeed given us a lot of advantages by making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives. It has, in my opinion, not made us wiser. The twentieth century has also made our dirtler, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives poorer. We should continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancement because they free us to pursue our interests and goals. However, we must make a concerted effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take the time now to make our lives more meaningful in an increasingly impersonal, mechanized world. In conclusion, although the twentieth century has indeed given us a lot of advantages by making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives. It has, in my opinion, not made us wiser. The twentieth century has also made our dirtler, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives poorer. We should continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancement because they free us to pursue our interests and goals. However, we must make a concerted effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take the time now to make our lives more meaningful in an increasingly impersonal, mechanized world.

Model- the Concluding Paragraph Introduction: Introduction: A person born in the twentieth century has seen changes take place in almost all areas of human life. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer; others long to return to the simpler, less automated life style of the past. Living in the twentieth century has certain advantages, such as a higher standard of living, but it also has some disadvantages, such as polluted environement, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values. A person born in the twentieth century has seen changes take place in almost all areas of human life. Some people are excited by the challenges that these changes offer; others long to return to the simpler, less automated life style of the past. Living in the twentieth century has certain advantages, such as a higher standard of living, but it also has some disadvantages, such as polluted environement, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values. Conclusion: Conclusion: In conclusion, although the twentieth century has indeed given us a lot of advantages by making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives. It has, in my opinion, not made us wiser. The twentieth century has also made our dirtler, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives poorer. We should continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancement because they free us to pursue our interests and goals. However, we must make a concerted effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take the time now to make our lives more meaningful in an increasingly impersonal, mechanized world. In conclusion, although the twentieth century has indeed given us a lot of advantages by making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives. It has, in my opinion, not made us wiser. The twentieth century has also made our dirtler, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives poorer. We should continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancement because they free us to pursue our interests and goals. However, we must make a concerted effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take the time now to make our lives more meaningful in an increasingly impersonal, mechanized world.

Write a concluding paragraph: (Practice 4, p. 83) Television is the most popular form of entertainment in many households. People of all ages use this medium to entertain themselves for an average of four hours aday. Thus, television has had a tremendous influence on its viewers, especially children. Scientists now say that children can be adversely affected by constantly watching television. This is due to the fact that they participate less in physical activities, spend les time reading and studying and see a world of violence that can affect their own feelings of security. Television is the most popular form of entertainment in many households. People of all ages use this medium to entertain themselves for an average of four hours aday. Thus, television has had a tremendous influence on its viewers, especially children. Scientists now say that children can be adversely affected by constantly watching television. This is due to the fact that they participate less in physical activities, spend les time reading and studying and see a world of violence that can affect their own feelings of security.