How to write an academic essay Douglas Anderson National University of Singapore

Essay Structure __ [thesis statement] __[topic sentence] __[paraphrase t. s.] [summarise] [future action]

Essay Structure Introduction Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 Conclusion Note: The number of body paragraphs is variable. There might be two or six body paragraphs depending on the requirements of the essay.

Topic Sentence States the main idea of a body paragraph First sentence in the paragraph (sometimes the last sentence in the paragraph) Supports the thesis statement

Find the good topic sentences. Thesis statement: When an individual moves into a nursing home, there are numerous negative outcomes including A, B and C. Americans are learning how to grow old gracefully. The outside world seems to shrink when seen through the window of a convalescent home. Closing up a home and moving to a small room can make even an extrovert turn inward. It is important to look at the changes in patients' attitudes as they settle into convalescent homes. Unsurprisingly, Mr Lee felt alienated from his family.

Find the good topic sentences. Thesis statement: When an individual moves into a nursing home, there are numerous negative outcomes including A, B and C. Americans are learning how to grow old gracefully. The outside world seems to shrink when seen through the window of a convalescent home. Closing up a home and moving to a small room can make even an extrovert turn inward. It is important to look at the changes in patients' attitudes as they settle into convalescent homes. Unsurprisingly, Mr Lee felt alienated from his family. Possible topic sentences are #2 & #3. (#1 is too general, not mentioning nursing homes, #4 is too vague and does not support the thesis statement and #5 is too specific – it is an example to support a topic sentence.)

Make a topic sentence Read the following paragraph and write a topic sentence. When I was a young girl, I would make a tent out of my blankets and read Nancy Drew mysteries late into the night. I still read cereal boxes at the breakfast table, newspapers while I am stopped at red lights, and gossip magazines while waiting in line at the supermarket. In fact, I'm a very talented reader. For example, I've mastered the art of talking on the phone while simultaneously reading Dean Koontz or Stephen King. But what I read doesn't matter all that much. In a pinch, I'll read junk mail, an old warranty, a furniture tag ("DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW"), or even, if I'm extremely desperate, a chapter or two in a textbook.

Make a topic sentence There is one activity I love to do more than any other: reading. When I was a young girl, I would make a tent out of my blankets and read Nancy Drew mysteries late into the night. I still read cereal boxes at the breakfast table, newspapers while I am stopped at red lights, and gossip magazines while waiting in line at the supermarket. In fact, I'm a very talented reader. For example, I've mastered the art of talking on the phone while simultaneously reading Dean Koontz or Stephen King. But what I read doesn't matter all that much. In a pinch, I'll read junk mail, an old warranty, a furniture tag ("DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW"), or even, if I'm extremely desperate, a chapter or two in a textbook.

Make a topic sentence Q What is the position of the topic sentence within the paragraph?

Make a topic sentence Q What is the position of the topic sentence within the paragraph? A Usually, the topic sentence is the first sentence in a body paragraph. Sometimes it is the last sentence in the paragraph.

Make a topic sentence What is the position of the topic sentence within the paragraph? There is one activity I love to do more than any other: reading. When I was a young girl, I would make a tent out of my blankets and read Nancy Drew mysteries late into the night. I still read cereal boxes at the breakfast table, newspapers while I am stopped at red lights, and gossip magazines while waiting in line at the supermarket. In fact, I'm a very talented reader. For example, I've mastered the art of talking on the phone while simultaneously reading Dean Koontz or Stephen King. But what I read doesn't matter all that much. In a pinch, I'll read junk mail, an old warranty, a furniture tag ("DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW"), or even, if I'm extremely desperate, a chapter or two in a textbook.

Make a topic sentence What is the position of the topic sentence within the paragraph? There is one activity I love to do more than any other: reading. When I was a young girl, I would make a tent out of my blankets and read Nancy Drew mysteries late into the night. I still read cereal boxes at the breakfast table, newspapers while I am stopped at red lights, and gossip magazines while waiting in line at the supermarket. In fact, I'm a very talented reader. For example, I've mastered the art of talking on the phone while simultaneously reading Dean Koontz or Stephen King. But what I read doesn't matter all that much. In a pinch, I'll read junk mail, an old warranty, a furniture tag ("DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW"), or even, if I'm extremely desperate, a chapter or two in a textbook.

Body Paragraph What comes after the topic sentence? These are some options: EXPLAIN: Explain or elaborate upon the topic sentence EXAMPLE: Give an example or citation to support your topic sentence If you give a citation, you need to frame it: BEFORE – introduce the citation; AFTER – explain how the citation supports your topic sentence. OTHER: Make other statements to support your topic sentence Present an argument to support your topic sentence Explain a process in sequence

Body Paragraph A paragraph is unified when every sentence develops the point made in the topic sentence. It must have a single focus and it must contain no irrelevant facts. Every sentence must contribute to the paragraph by explaining, exemplifying, or expanding the topic sentence. In order to determine whether a paragraph is well developed or not, ask yourself: "What main point am I trying to convey here?" (topic sentence) and then "Does every sentence clearly relate to this idea?"

Writing Your Conclusion 1.Paraphrase your thesis statement 2.Summarize the arguments in support of your thesis statement (think about your topic sentences) 3.Talk about future action. If we accept your thesis statement, what action should we take? Be specific. Or you might make a prediction about the future. include new information or new arguments to support your thesis.

Writing Your Conclusion Use a phrase to mark your conclusion: In conclusion, To conclude, In a nutshell, to make a long story short, to sum it up (these are too informal for academic writing)