Academic Writing I

1. Academic Writing I Class 7 March 26, 2012

2. From paragraph to essay • Today: A look at basic essay structure.

3. A paragraph A group of related sentences that discuss one main idea.

4. Essay A piece of writing comprised of several paragraphs about one topic. Complexity of topic means it must be divided into several paragraphs.

5. Essay Has three main parts: - Introduction (introductory paragraph) - Body (at least one paragraph, usually 2 or more) - Conclusion (concluding paragraph)

7. 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.

8. Body Consists of one or more paragraphs: Each paragraph develops a subdivision of the main topic. Number of paragraphs in the body varies.

9. Conclusion A summary or review of the main points discussed in the body. May include a closing comment.

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

11. Introduction Consists of two parts: 1. Opening statements. - introduce the general topic. - capture the reader’s interest.

12. Introduction 2. Thesis statement - states the specific topic. - may list subtopics or subdivisions. - can show the pattern of organization. - is usually the last sentence in the intro paragraph.

13. Introduction • Funnel introduction • - wide at the top, narrow at the bottom. General statements thesis statement

14. Funnel introduction Moving to a new country can be an exciting, even exhilarating experience. In a new environment, you somehow feel more alive. Seeing new sights, eating new food, hearing the foreign sounds of a new language, and feeling a difference climate against your skin stimulates you senses as never before. Soon, however, this sensory bombardment becomes sensory overload. Suddenly, new experiences seem stressful rather than stimulating, and delight turns into discomfort. This is the phenomenon known as culture shock. Culture shock is more than jet leg or homesickness, and it affects nearly everyone who enters a new culture-tourists, business travelers, diplomats, and students alike. Although not everyone experiences culture shock in exactly the same way, many experts agree that it has roughly five stages.

15. Thesis statement Most important sentence in the introduction. It states the specific topic of the essay.

16. Thesis statement • Specific topic. • Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture. • Young people in England have less freedom than young people in the United States. • Winning the lottery can affect a person’s brain.

17. Thesis statement Sometimes the thesis statement lists the subtopics of the essay. Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, and government. Young people in England have less freedom than young people in the United States in their choice of where they live, whom they marry, and what their job is.

18. Thesis statement Sometimes the thesis statement shows the pattern of organization the essay will follow. When buying a used car, use these four strategies to get the best price. There are several 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. Logical division of ideas Comparison/contrast Chronological order

19. Key Features Thesis Statement • states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question. • is usually at the end of an introduction. • states an opinion, position, or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself. • often lists subtopics. • does not directly announce your main topic.

20. This is not a complete sentence. The sport of cross-country running. Why do I want to be a teacher? This is a question, not a statement. Key Features Main Idea in a Complete Sentence The sport of cross-country running allows people to get in better shape and meet some interesting people. Thesis Statement Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows a person to work with students and be creative. Thesis Statement

21. This is not a complete sentence. The problem of pollution in big cities. Why should marijuana be legalized? This is a question, not a statement. A Complete Sentence Another Example The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating more efficient public transportation systems. Thesis Statement Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any more addictive than tobacco and it can provide numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from terminal illnesses. Thesis Statement

22. Thesis statement problems • Too general: • A college education is a good investment. • Better: • A college education is a good investment because it increases earning potential, provides networking opportunities, and broadens perspectives.

23. Thesis statement problems • Just an announcement: • I am going to write about sports injuries. • Better: • Avoid sports injuries by eating healthy, properly stretching, and studying your sport.

24. Body paragraphs Like supporting sentences in a paragraph. Used to develop your topic and prove your points.

25. Concluding paragraph • The final paragraph. • Three purposes: • 1. Signal the end of the essay (begin with a concluding transition signal). • 2. Remind the reader of the main points (2 ways). • 3. Leave the reader with your final thoughts on the topic.

26. Concluding paragraph • Some final thoughts: • Make a prediction. • Suggest results or consequences. • Make a recommendation or suggest a solution. • Quote an authority on the topic.

27. Essay types • Logical division of ideas. • The “basic” essay.

28. Logical division of ideas • Basic pattern • Divide topic into subtopics. • Discuss each topic in a separate paragraph. • Useful for essays: • explaining causes, reasons, types, kinds, qualities, methods, advantages, and disadvantages.

29. Three keys of logical division essays • 1. Divide topic into subtopics. Discuss each topic in a separate paragraph. • 2. Write a thesis statement that indicates logical division. • 3. Use transitions between paragraphs to guide readers from one subtopic to the next.

30. Logical division of ideas (Examples) • Thesis statement names the specific subtopics • “Native Americans have made valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, and government.”

31. Logical division of ideas (Examples) • A colon (:) can be useful for lists of two or more topics. • “The father of Psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, believed that the human mind had three separate parts: the id, the ego, and the superego.”

32. Logical division of ideas (Examples) • Paired conjunctions (both….and….) can be a good way to list two subtopics. • “Puppies, like children, need both love and discipline to become responsible members of society.”

33. Paper 1