ACADEMIC WRITING I May 10 th 2012

Announcement (Paper 4) Paper 4’s deadline is extended to next Tuesday.

Today Writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper. (stating your opinion). Text book, Chapter 3 (pp. 44 – 63). Topic: Money!! $$$

Goal Write a response letter to a newspaper article. We will look at: - using modals to express obligation (i.e., must), and advice (i.e., should). - Supporting general truths with examples and predictions. - Identify and avoid faulty reasoning.

Money Pre-writing discussion: In a group, discuss the questions about money. Free-writing: For 5 minutes, free-write in your journal. Topic: Your attitude toward money.

Building vocabulary h. d. f. e. b. a. g. c. i. j.

October 30, 20___ Dear Editor, Regarding the article about people who don’t pay taxes on money they make from small home businesses (Government Targets Small Business Owners, Oct. 23), my opinion is that the government should stay out of at least one part of our lives – out income! First of all, most people who run small businesses are honest, law-abiding citizens. Many of them have other jobs where they pay more than their share of taxes (unlike the very wealthy, who find ways to pay almost no taxes). Others are people who want jobs where taxes are automatically taken out of their paychecks but can’t find them. Secondly, the government requires too much paperwork from small businesses. If these businesspeople have to keep the complicated records that the tax people require, they won’t have time to sell old furniture, prepare food for parties, or whatever their business involves. Finally, and most importantly, this is supposed to be a free country, but the government interferes everywhere. Let us be free at least in our own homes!

Opening of the letter Regarding the article about people who don’t pay taxes on money they make from small home businesses (Government Targets Small Business Owners, Oct. 23), my opinion is that the government should stay out of at least one part of our lives – our income!

Opening of the letter Regarding the article about people who don’t pay taxes on money they make from small home businesses (Government Targets Small Business Owners, Oct. 23), my opinion is that the government should stay out of at least one part of our lives – our income! The writer indicates what article he is responding to, then states his position.

Regarding the article about people who don’t pay taxes on money they make from small home businesses (Government Targets Small Business Owners, Oct. 23), my opinion is that the government should stay out of at least one part of our lives – our income! First of all, most people who run small businesses are honest, law-abiding citizens. Many of them have other jobs where they pay more than their share of taxes (unlike the very wealthy, who find ways to pay almost no taxes). Others are people who want jobs where taxes are automatically taken out of their paychecks but can’t find them. Secondly, the government requires too much paperwork from small businesses. If these businesspeople have to keep the complicated records that the tax people require, they won’t have time to sell old furniture, prepare food for parties, or whatever their business involves. Finally, and most importantly, this is supposed to be a free country, but the government interferes everywhere. Let us be free at least in our own homes!

First of all, most people who run small businesses are honest, law-abiding citizens. Many of them have other jobs where they pay more than their share of taxes (unlike the very wealthy, who find ways to pay almost no taxes). Others are people who want jobs where taxes are automatically taken out of their paychecks but can’t find them. Underlined part = a “general truth” Next, an example is used to support it.

Secondly, the government requires too much paperwork from small businesses. If these businesspeople have to keep the complicated records that the tax people require, they won’t have time to sell old furniture, prepare food for parties, or whatever their business involves. Again, this paragraph opens with a general truth. Uses a prediction for support.

Finally, and most importantly, this is supposed to be a free country, but the government interferes everywhere. Let us be free at least in our own homes! The final paragraph leaves the reader with something memorable (but still related to your topic!).

Modals Used to give advice: - You should brush your teeth at least once a week. - You should not eat french fries everyday. Express obligation: - You have to brush your teeth at least once a week. - You must not eat french fries everyday.

Strong and moderate opinions 1. I disagree with the new smoking law. 2. The new smoking law is total nonsense. 3. My opinion is that cheating on a test is wrong. 4. Cheating on a test is immoral. 5. Studying hard before a test is the most logical solution. 6. Only a fool would disagree with that article. 7. I believe beer is the best breakfast drink. 8. In my opinion, the new smoking law is too strict. 9. The new smoking law is completely absurd.