supawan
Unit 5: Essay Writing
ACADEMIC WRITING VS NON-ACADEMIC WRITING
The difference between academic and non-academic writing is that one tends to be personal than the other.
Non-academic writing (personal writing) is a piece of writing which expresses writer’s feeling and mostly based on writer’s points of view such as personal journal.
Academic writing is a piece of writing about a certain topic which is used for academic (school) purpose. Each paragraph in academic writing has to base on factual information and be well-structured and well-organized.
PARAGRAPH WRITING VS ESSAY WRITING
Paragraph Writing
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences about a single topic. A good paragraph consists of main idea (topic sentence), supporting sentences, and conclusion. In academic writing, a paragraph is often between six to twelve sentences, but it can be longer or shorter, depending on the topic.
Topic sentence (A paragraph is usually about one main thing, so the topic sentence should also be about only one main thing):
- Smoking cigarettes certainly brings us many dangers and troubles; the three following are probably the most considerable. Smoking cigarettes can cause stained teeth and fingers, bad breath and the terrible tobacco order in clothing.
Supporting sentences (Giving reasons why smoking brings many dangers and troubles):
- Firstly, it is very common to see stained teeth and fingers among smokers.
- Secondly, all smokers always cause annoyance to the people they are talking to because of their bad breath.
- Finally, smoking also causes the terrible tobacco order in smoker’s clothing.
Concluding sentence
- Obviously, smoking is really a dirty habit.
Essay writing
What is an essay?
An essay is a piece of writing about a single topic which composed of several paragraphs. In academic writing, a good essay contains 5 paragraphs; one introductory paragraph (A), three supporting paragraphs (B1, B2,, B3), and one concluding paragraph (C).
The following illustration shows how the parts of a paragraph correspond to the parts of essay.
Source: The AIT Language Center – 2011
1. Introduction paragraph
The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of the essay. It consists of 2 parts: general statement and a thesis statement.
An introduction should do the following:
• establish the context, background and/or importance of the topic
• indicate a problem, controversy or a gap in the field of study
• define the topic or key terms
• state of the purpose of the essay/writing
• provide an overview of the coverage and/or structure of the writing General statement gives background information of the topic and grabs reader’s attention.
Thesis statement introduces the main ideas and tells what will be explained or said in the body paragraphs of the essay. Thesis statement in essay writing is the same as topic sentence in paragraph writing. It is a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph, usually the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
Example of introductory paragraph:
General statement:
People have always created convenience to make life easier. One such modern invention is the computer, which has improved many aspects of our lives. One example is in the field of education.
Thesis statement:
Because of computer technology, higher education today has three major conveniences: lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing.
Writing General statement
General statement gives background information of the topic and grabs reader’s attention.
Ideas to make a great introduction for an essay
1. Asking a question
The Importance of Having Good Teachers
Does having a good teacher really affect your studies? Certainly, the answer is ‘yes’. We can see from many tutorial schools, if those schools have a good teacher, there will be many students enrolling in those schools because studying with a good teacher can encourage you to study more and more. Therefore, there are three important reasons to have a good teacher in order to be successful in studying. 2. Introduce the problems and suggestions
Easy Ways to Save the World
The rapid depletion of the ozone layers and climate changes adversely affect human beings. Higher temperatures, heavier rainfall, and changes in climate variability would encourage vectors of some infectious diseases, so it is now becoming more and more important for all of us to save our planet for the future generations. There are three easy ways to save the world: use less energy, by recycling and commuting by bike or walking.
3. Telling an interesting story
Boring Household Chores
Everyone knows how the story of Cinderella ends, but did you ever really think about how she spent her days before she met the prince? Her daily routine was not glamorous. She did everything from sweeping the floor to cooking the meals. If someone had asked Cinderella, “Are there any household chores that you particularly hate?” she probably would have answered, “Why, none, of course. Housework is my duty!” In the real world, however, most people have definite dislikes for certain household chores. The top three of these disliked tasks are ironing clothes, washing dishes, and cleaning the bathroom.
4. Using a quote from another sources
Education and Criminals
“No man is an island,” wrote the English poet John Donne. We are not alone in this world and what we do has an effect on others. In fact, what we do for prisoners will affect our lives as well as theirs. If we want criminals to become useful members of society when they get out of jail, we must educate them while they are still in prison.
5. Using a surprising statistics
Asthma and Allergy
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website (www.aafa.org), this potentially deadly disease affects close to nine million young people and is responsible for close to 15 million doctor visits, two million emergency room visits and half a million hospitalizations every year.
Writing Thesis statement
Thesis statement is one of the most important parts in essay writing because it is a roadmap for the entire essay. In other words, thesis statement is one to two sentences that establish the main point of the entire essay. It is usually located at somewhere in the first paragraph, usually near the end, the last sentence, of the introduction paragraph.
Why is thesis statement needed?
1. To give direction to the writing
2. To give organization to the writing
3. To give purpose to the writing
A good thesis statement should so these three things:
1. It should clearly express what the essay is about.
2. It should make a discussible point.
3. It should indicate the structure of the essay.
Let's look at some examples:
Original Thesis: Many Americans are buying foreign cars.
Revised Thesis: Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.
The revised thesis statement clearly expresses what the essay is about (the Toyota Corolla.) It gives us a topic than can be discussed (why people are buying the Toyota Corolla.) And it establishes the organizational structure of the essay (three specific reasons for the model's popularity: price, fuel, and value.)
Original Thesis: San Francisco is an interesting place to visit.
Revised Thesis: San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent location, its theaters and art galleries, and its many fine restaurants.
The revised thesis statement tells what the essay is about (San Francisco). It gives a topic that can be discussed (why San Francisco is such a great city.) And it indicates how the essay will be organized (three body paragraphs discussing the city's location, its art galleries and museums, and its wonderful restaurants.)
Original Thesis: Chess is a great game.
Revised Thesis: Playing chess is a popular activity among students because it is inexpensive, engrossing, and can be played almost anywhere.
The revised thesis statement states the main idea of the essay (chess.) It gives a topic than can be discussed (chess is a popular activity.) And it reveals how the essay will be organized (three body paragraphs that deal with how cheap, entertaining, and portable chess is.) Source http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/thesis.htm
Exercises: Try writing a thesis statement for the essay as illustrated above.
Example:
Subject: The Best Place for the Perfect Family Vacation
Focused Topic: Yosemite
Three Major Points: recreational activities, pleasant location, economical lodging
Thesis Statement: The best place for the perfect family is Yosemite because of the fun recreational activities, the beautiful scenery in a pleasant location, and the economical lodging available.
________________________________________
1. Subject: A Memorable Moment
Focused Topic: The Day I Go My Driver's License
Three Major Points: unpleasant surroundings, never ending lines, rude people
Thesis Statement:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Subject: Qualities of a Good Campsite
Focused Topic: Three Important Qualities of a Good Campsite
Three Major Points: recreation, location, convenience
Thesis Statement:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________¬¬_
3. Subject: Sports and Activities
Focused Topic: My Three Favorite Activities
Three Major Points: soccer, biking, roller blading
Thesis Statement:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Source http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/thesis.htm
2. Body paragraph (Supporting sentences)
Body paragraphs are the meat of the essay. In the body paragraphs, writer needs to expand upon and provide support (details) for the thesis introduced in the first paragraph. Each paragraph contains:
- Topic sentence: describes the focus of the paragraph
- Supporting sentences: explanations, evidence, and examples that reinforce the main point
- Transitions: connections between this paragraph and o the thesis statement o nearby paragraphs
- Concluding sentence (optional): an ending sentence that wraps up the paragraph and helps to transition into the next paragraph
Example of body paragraphs:
Topic sentence of paragraph (B1):
One important effect of computer technology on higher education is the availability of lectures.
Supporting sentences of paragraph (B1):
- As a result of the development of computer networks, we can access lectures from many universities in real time.
- In addition, by utilizing interactive media, we can question the lecture and exchange opinions with other students via emails.
- Such computerized lectures give us access to knowledge that previously we didn’t have.
Transition words of paragraph (B1):
- As a result of the development of computer network,
- In addition, by utilizing interactive media,
Transitional Words & Phrases
Using transitional words and phrases helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next.
Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
- In addition to checking your spelling you must make sure your grammar is correct.
Consequence: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore
- Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.
Contrast and Comparison: contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
- The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.
Emphasis above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly
- The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.
Exception: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save
- I like to eat vegetables except bean sprouts.
Exemplifying: chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as
- Some friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.
Generalizing: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
- There were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.
Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case
- The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.
Restatement: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
- In their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.
Sequence: at first, first of all, first(ly), second(ly), third(ly), to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind
- Owning a car has some advantages. First of all, it gives you comfort. Secondly, it saves you a lot of time. Thirdly, it gives you great freedom of movement.
Summarizing: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally
- Summary of the findings from these earlier studies is given below.
Adapted from Study Guides and Strategies, http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm
Exercises:
Put the given transition words in the provided space
A vegetarian can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; 1) ___________, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. 2) _____________ this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegetarian typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat.
3) ____________, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy. 4) _____________, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on.
5) _________________ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries. Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, 6) _______________ those in Exodus and Leviticus. 7) ______________, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, 8) ____________, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.
The connection between thesis statement and body paragraphs:
Exercises: From the above essay, identify topic sentence, supporting sentences, and transition words of paragraph (B2) and (B3).
1. Paragraph (B2)
Topic sentence:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting sentences:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Transition words:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Paragraph (B3)
Topic sentence:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting sentences:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Transition words:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Concluding paragraph
The last paragraph, also known as the conclusion, should make an essay sound finished. It is important to have a strong conclusion, since this is the last chance a writer has on making an impression on the readers. Just as every essay has a clear beginning; it should also have a clear ending as well. The goal of writing conclusion isn’t to introduce any new ideas, but to sum up everything the write has written.
Example of concluding paragraph:
Thesis statement (main idea of the essay):
Because of computer technology, higher education today has three major conveniences: lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing.
Summary statement:
To summarize, computer technology has three main positive effects on higher education: lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing.
----or----
Lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing are the three main positive effects of computer technology on higher education.
Ending:
Because of the advent of computers in education, we can advance our knowledge and save precious time. Academic life will never be the same!
A conclusion should:
1. Have transitional words as an indicator in signaling the reader’s attention
Transitional words such as in conclusion, in summary, to summarize, to sum up can be used to introduce the beginning of the concluding paragraph.
2. Summarize the thesis statement (concluding sentence)
This can be done by restating the thesis statement (in introductory paragraph) in different words or phrases. Avoid repeating key words and phrases from the thesis statement because the summary statement should not sound boring or repetitive. Using a thesaurus is a good way to find new, interesting words.
Here are some examples:
Thesis Statement:
Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.
Summary Statement (concluding sentence):
Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon, and an attractive resale value have all contributed to the popularity of the Toyota Corolla in today's market.
Thesis statement:
There are many causes of a fear of flying and generally they fall into these groups: a bad flight experience, a loss of control, and claustrophobia.
Summary Statement (concluding sentence):
In conclusion, it’s not possible to cover every reason and cause of a fear of flying, but most of the fear of flying feeling are falling into these three categories; a bad flight experience, a loss of control, and claustrophobia.
3. End with a final thought which creates a lasting impression on the reader.
Techniques on how to end the concluding paragraph:
3.1 Closing with question
Close with a question that involves the reader. Writer can answer the question, or leave it for the reader to decide based on the essay. The question must relate to the main idea.
Example:
The recently research began to show how violence and nudity in television shows are negatively children. Children are more violent with their peers and superiors in the school systems often stemming from the violence they have seen on television. How can you make a difference in your children? How many hours of television do you allow your children to watch?
3.2 Closing with strong statement
Close with a statement that forcefully states writer’s opinion.
Example:
A criminal, no matter his/her age, should be dealt with according to the crime. The legal system is too lenient when it comes to juvenile offenders. Laws need to be rewritten immediately so that no more hard core criminals go free just because they are juveniles.
3.3 Closing with well-known quotation or quotation from a famous person
Close with a quotation that is well known or from a famous person. Be sure to put quotation marks around the quotation and give credit to the person who said it. Remember, the quotation must be directly related to the topic.
Example:
According to Senator Bob Dole, in order to be a citizen, all Americans must be able to speak English. In theory this seems like a good policy. However, what will become of the citizens who never learn to speak English? 3.4 Closing with a call to action
If the purpose in writing an essay is to change reader’s mind, a call to action is the best technique in closing the essay.
Example:
School uniforms aren't a cure-all, but in all of the public schools where school uniforms are now required, attendance and test scores are up, and disciplinary incidents are down. Students attest to feeling as if they're part of a community, and most say they like not having to worry about what to wear. More importantly, most say they actually feel better about themselves and school than they ever did before. The power to create this kind of positive change is in your hands. Start a campaign to make school uniforms part of your child's education. You'll be glad you did—and so will they.
Exercise: Concluding sentence
For each of the paragraphs below, which conclusion do you like best? Why?
1. Parents can help their children succeed in school by getting involved in their studies. They should get to know their children’s teachers by attending school activities as often as possible. They should also talk about what their children are learning in school. Another good idea is to look over children’s homework before they hand it in, and help them with any questions or problems.
a) In short, parents need to be engaged in their child’s studies in order to ensure success.
b) These are just a few ways parents can be part of their child’s education, and the child is sure to benefit.
c) By doing these relatively simple things, parents can make a huge difference.
d) Parents must get involved in their children’s studies if they want them to succeed.
2. Although Queenstown, New Zealand, is a small town, it has many attractions for visitors. It’s a paradise for sports-lovers, where you can go sailing, hiking, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting. You can visit an old gold mine, or a modern art gallery. For scenic beauty, the boat trip on Milford Sound is unforgettable. Queenstown has hotels in every price range, and there are more than 100 restaurants to choose from.
a) Queenstown, New Zealand is a paradise for all kinds of tourists.
b) If you would like to visit a small town which has a lot of activities, Queenstown, New Zealand is the place to go.
c) This wide variety of attractions makes little Queenstown well worth the visit.
d) For all that it offers, it is not an exaggeration for one to call New Zealand ‘heaven on earth’.
3. Kids who grow up in a bicultural family have a lot of advantages. For one thing, they are able to learn a second language with almost no effort at all, and they will have a perfect accent when they speak. They will also have contact with two different countries and might travel internationally when they are very young. But, the most important advantage is that they become more open to other cultures and other ways of doing things.
a) The many pluses of a bicultural upbringing can give children many useful skills for their adult lives.
b) Children who grow up in a bicultural family are more prepared for the future.
c) Raising kids proud of two roots is extremely fulfilling.
d) Kids from a bicultural family have more advantages than those whose family reflects only one culture.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is an illegal form of copying another person's work (without asking) and putting it into your own writing. Plagiarism is also against the law in most nations.
How can Students Avoid Plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use
• another person’s idea, opinion, or theory;
• any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings—any pieces of information—that are not common knowledge;
• quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words; or
• paraphrase of another person’s spoken or written words.
Three ways to avoid plagiarism: quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing.
1. Quoting: Using the exact words of another person by enclosing them in quotation marks (“…….”).
Example of quoting:
Original text:
Quoting:
How to quote Pattern 1
According to
A study by
A report by + the writer’s last name (year), + “quote” + (page#)
As suggested by
Example: According to Jones (1998), “Students often had difficulty using APA style” (p.199).
Pattern 2
The writer’s last name (year) presented indicated suggested + that + “quote” + (page#) said found
Example: Jones (1998) found that “Students often had difficulty using APA style” (p.199).
2. Summarizing
Summarizing is restating only the main ideas of the original texts in as few words as possible.
There are three keys to writing a good summary:
1. Use your own words and your own sentence structure.
2. Remember that a summary is much shorter than a paraphrase. Include only the main points and main supporting points, leaving out most details.
3. Do not change the meaning of the original.
These are the steps of summarizing:
1. Read the original text until you understand it fully.
2. Identify the main idea of the text.
3. Look up the key words
4. Find the synonyms of the key words.
5. Change the key words.
6. Change the sentence structure.
7. Add an in-text citation.
Example of summarizing:
Original text: Summarizing
Summarizing techniques
Original text: One major problem is maintaining astronauts’ physical health. Medical treatment may be days or even weeks away, as there may not be a doctor on board. Illnesses such as appendicitis or ulcers, routinely treated on Earth, could be fatal in space because of the delay in getting to a doctor.
Source: Clinton, P. (2003). Manned Mars Flight: Impossible Dream?. Issue of Space Science Magazine, October 15, 2003, p.16.
Step 1: Read the text until you understand it fully.
Step 2: Identifying the main idea of the text.
Asking questions of the text will help you identify the main idea. Who? astronaut
What’s happened? maintaining physical health is the main problem
When? n/a
Where? out in space/ in a spacecraft
Why? no doctor
How? n/a
Step 3: Look up the key words.
A major problem for astronauts is maintaining physical health because there is no doctor in a spacecraft.
Step 4: Find the synonyms of the key words.
Key Words Possible synonym major significant Problem concern maintain sustain physical health physical well-being
Step 5: Change the words.
A significant concern for astronauts is sustaining physical well-being because there is no doctor in a spacecraft.
Step 6: Change the sentence structure (optional)
Sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft.
Step 7: Add an in-text citation.
a. According to Clinton (2003), sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft (p.16).
b. Clinton (2003) reported in Space Science magazine that sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft (p.16).
c. Sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft (Clinton, 2003, p.16).
Summarizing exercise:
1. Original text
Who? people, car
What’s happened?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Words Synonyms
Summarizing after changing the key words:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Add the in-text citation:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Original text
Who?
What’s happened?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Words Synonyms
Summarizing after changing the key words:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Add the in-text citation:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means re-writing a phrase or sentence with the same meaning by using different words. The length of the paraphrase is approximately the same as the original one.
Example of paraphrasing Original text: Paraphrasing
The differences between paraphrasing and summarizing
Summarizing Paraphrasing
Objective summarize only the main ideas of the original material restate the original material in a form that is different than the original
Length shorter than the original material about the same length of the original material
Paraphrasing step by step
Original text:
“Marriage was a greater influence on the course of many of the women's lives than choice of job or career, or even family background. Yet few women talked about choosing to get married (although choice may be a misnomer) in the same way they talked about career choices. Relationships are generally believed to belong to the realm of emotion, and ‘we fell in love’ or ‘then I got married’ suffices. The decision to marry is not usually something to be analyzed or explained, nor is the choice of a particular man. Indeed, both getting married and marrying a particular man often appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices. Women did talk about how they met their future husbands, however” (Park, 1991, p. 113).
Step 1: Underline main ideas of the source
Step 2: List main ideas, concepts, and phrases from the reading
• marriage, getting married
• marriage was a great influence
• decision to marry
• not usually something to be analyzed or explained
• getting married and marrying a particular man often appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices
Step 3: Where possible, note down alternative phrases or synonyms of the main ideas, concepts, and phrases in step 2.
• selecting a life partner
• significant impact, influential factor
• choice, marriage options, choice of partner
• typically not talked about, not a topic of discussion
• the process of marriage and choice of partner were more a matter of course, something inevitable, compared to individual choice
Step 4: Rewrite, using those alternative words or phrases (no quotation marks)
Step 5: Add in text citation:
Step 5: Add in-text citation
How to summarize and paraphrase
Pattern 1
According to
A study by
A report by + the writer’s last name (year), + P & S + (page#)
As suggested by
According to Anwari (2005), time is precious because you cannot get it back once it is lost or wasted (p.92).
Pattern 2
The writer’s last name (year) presented indicated suggested + that + P & S+ (page#) said found
Anwari (2005) said that time is precious because you cannot get it back once it is lost or wasted (p.92).
Pattern 3
Paraphrasing
Summarizing +(the writer’s last name, + year, + page#).
Time is precious because you cannot get it back once it is lost or wasted (Anwari, 2005, p.92).
Exercise: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and In-Text Citaion
Quote and paraphrase the given original texts below
1. "The Antarctic is the vast source of cold on our planet, just as the sun is the source of our heat, and it exerts tremendous control on our climate," [Jacques] Cousteau told the camera. "The cold ocean water around Antarctica flows north to mix with warmer water from the tropics, and its upwelling help to cool both the surface water and our atmosphere. Yet the fragility of this regulating system is now threatened by human activity." From "Captain Cousteau," Audubon (May 1990):17.
Quoting:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paraphrasing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. "The twenties were the years when drinking was against the law, and the law was a bad joke because everyone knew of a local bar where liquor could be had. They were the years when organized crime ruled the cities, and the police seemed powerless to do anything against it. Classical music was forgotten while jazz spread throughout the land, and men like Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie became the heroes of the young. The flapper was born in the twenties, and with her bobbed hair and short skirts, she symbolized, perhaps more than anyone or anything else, America's break with the past." From Kathleen Yancey, English 102 Supplemental Guide (1989): 25.
Quoting:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paraphrasing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exercise: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and In-Text Citaion
Summarize the given original texts below
1. For hundreds of years malaria has been one of the most important human diseases in the world. An eradication campaign in the 1950s and 1960s was effective in eliminating the disease from some parts of the world, mainly in parts of Europe and North America, and in reducing it in other places. Notwithstanding this success, malaria still kills over a million people each year and causes between 300 and 500 million clinical cases. Approximately 80% of the deaths and 90% of the clinical cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk. Every year about a million children under five years of age die from malaria. Malaria also remains a major public health problem in Asia and parts of Latin America, where the disease affects people of all ages. Malaria disproportionately affects poor countries and communities, and hinders socio-economic progress of individuals, households and countries.
Source: The introduction to 'Malaria: a handbook for health professionals' (Malaria Consortium, 2007, Macmillan Education).
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. While it is likely the FTA (free trade agreement) will have a positive long-term effect on economic growth, YL (Young Lives) research suggests that impacts will differ markedly across sectors of the economy and geographical regions with consequences for how children experience poverty. A key finding is the differential impact of trade between urban/rural locations and different geographical regions. Whereas the FTA is predicted to generate an overall welfare gain of approximately 2 per cent of household expenditure for most urban sectors, the estimated welfare loss among the bottom decile of rural households is likely to be around nine per cent. Findings show that in urban areas childless households stand to gain more from trade liberalizations than households with children, while the opposite is true in rural areas, where children tend to be regarded as 'productive assets'. The FTA might reduce the probability of children attending school by 0.3 per cent in rural areas, but increase the probability of attending school by 0.2 per cent in urban areas. Although the figures might seem marginal, they illustrate the differential impacts on urban and rural children, which are likely to exacerbate existing regional inequalities.
Source: The Social Impacts of Trade Liberalizations: how can childhood poverty be reduced?(http://www.younglives.org.uk/pdf/publication-section-pdfs/policy-briefs/policy_brief1.pdf)
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unit 6: Problem-Solution Essay
In a problem-solution essay, a writer needs to analyze a problem discusses possible solutions to the problem. It generally requires some research before the writing process can begin. A problem-solution essay should have the following characteristics:
• a problem that needs to be solved
• a thesis statement that identifies the problem and points toward the solutions
• identification of several possible solutions
• specific facts, details, examples, and reasons indicating why the selected solutions are best
How to write Problem-Solution Essay
1. Select the topic that needs to be solved and define the problem of the topic (who, what, where, when, why, and how) in the introductory paragraph. Suggested problem-solution essay topics:
• How can we prevent social media bullying?What are the best ways to help someone who is depressed?
• What are ways to help a friend or roommate who is making poor life choices?
• How can people get out of a bad relationship?
• What is the best way for a woman to show a man she is interested?
• How has texting affected face to face relationships?
• How can we learn to understand people who are different from us culturally, racially or social class?
• What is the best way to help people who are victims of family violence?
• How can kids whose parents have been divorced be helped to do well in school, have good relationships and successful lives and marriages?
2. Brainstorm to identify several solutions - look for as many as solution - list all solutions and evaluates each one - If possible, group solutions according to its category
3. Write a thesis statement to identify or state the possible solutions.
4. Gather supporting information to write in body paragraphs. Look for facts, details, and reasons to support each solution to the problem. Useful phrases to link the problem with solutions:
To meet the need, ………..
One answer is ……….
A second/third/final answer is ……….
In order to overcome (solve) the problem, ………..
One solution is …………
One thing people can do is …………
5. Write a strong conclusion 6. Drafting and revising
Exercise: Work with a partner. Brainstorming the possible solutions of the provided problem with one of the phrases above.
1. We must reduce exam stress for university students.
Solution1:_____________________________________________
Solution2:_____________________________________________
Solution3:_____________________________________________
2. People spend so much time using cell phones that they are no longer skilled at fact-to-face interaction.
Solution1:_____________________________________________
Solution2:_____________________________________________
Solution3:_____________________________________________
3. In the next five years, experts predict that there won’t be enough doctors and nurses to meet hospitals’ needs.
Solution1:_____________________________________________
Solution2:_____________________________________________
Solution3:_____________________________________________
Example of problem-solution essay:
Who’s in the House? – House Burglary
There has been an increased rate of house burglary in the northern states of Malaysia. Most of the cases happen during night time and also when the owners of the houses are not around. In some unfortunate cases, valuable items such as jewelry, laptops, mobile phones, and other precious items have been stolen. In fact, sadly, some victims lost their lives when the burglars were aggressive and got panicked. This kind of crime creates problems for many house owners and need to be solved through preventive measures taken by the house owners, neighborhood watch and heavy police patrol around residence areas.
The first practical solution is by taking preventive measures by the house owners. This means that all doors and windows should be properly closed and locked before leaving the house. You should also inform your newspaper vendor to stop delivering any papers while you and your family are on holidays. An uncollected newspaper in your mail box indicates ‘an empty house’. It is also advisable to install security alarms or closed circuit television (CCTV) at strategic doors or windows of your house. Any overgrown hedges or bushes should be trimmed so that your house does not look secluded from the public. Most of these preventive measures may distract or avoid potential burglars from targeting your house.
The second recommended solution is to organize neighborhood watch to ensure safety of its residents. Good cooperation and commitment among the residents to take their turns in patrolling their housing areas may help reduce the number of house burglary. Any intruders or burglars will be afraid to do their criminal activities as the houses are ‘under surveillance’. Normally, the residents would form few groups to observe and watch certain areas at certain time at night. As a result, the residents could sleep soundly and peacefully. Thus, neighborhood watch does not just encourage close relationship among the community, but it also greatly reduces house burglary.
Last but not least is by having a heavy police patrol around the ‘hot areas’ of house burglary. The police play an important role in enforcing the rule of law and taking care public safety. Any criminals among the society will tend to be reluctant to commit any crimes if they find that the police are active in duty. Having police patrolling the housing areas during the day or night time may also reduce the rate of house burglary.
In conclusion, house burglary can be solved if house owners are being more responsible in taking some preventive measures as well as neighbors and police should work together to do the neighborhood watch. House burglary may cause trauma and other psychological and physical effects. Thus, we should be more careful in taking care of our safety and house safety.
Adapted from http://learnenglishessay.blogspot.com/2011/12/problems-and-solutions.html
ACADEMIC WRITING VS NON-ACADEMIC WRITING
The difference between academic and non-academic writing is that one tends to be personal than the other.
Non-academic writing (personal writing) is a piece of writing which expresses writer’s feeling and mostly based on writer’s points of view such as personal journal.
Academic writing is a piece of writing about a certain topic which is used for academic (school) purpose. Each paragraph in academic writing has to base on factual information and be well-structured and well-organized.
PARAGRAPH WRITING VS ESSAY WRITING
Paragraph Writing
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences about a single topic. A good paragraph consists of main idea (topic sentence), supporting sentences, and conclusion. In academic writing, a paragraph is often between six to twelve sentences, but it can be longer or shorter, depending on the topic.
Topic sentence (A paragraph is usually about one main thing, so the topic sentence should also be about only one main thing):
- Smoking cigarettes certainly brings us many dangers and troubles; the three following are probably the most considerable. Smoking cigarettes can cause stained teeth and fingers, bad breath and the terrible tobacco order in clothing.
Supporting sentences (Giving reasons why smoking brings many dangers and troubles):
- Firstly, it is very common to see stained teeth and fingers among smokers.
- Secondly, all smokers always cause annoyance to the people they are talking to because of their bad breath.
- Finally, smoking also causes the terrible tobacco order in smoker’s clothing.
Concluding sentence
- Obviously, smoking is really a dirty habit.
Essay writing
What is an essay?
An essay is a piece of writing about a single topic which composed of several paragraphs. In academic writing, a good essay contains 5 paragraphs; one introductory paragraph (A), three supporting paragraphs (B1, B2,, B3), and one concluding paragraph (C).
The following illustration shows how the parts of a paragraph correspond to the parts of essay.
Source: The AIT Language Center – 2011
1. Introduction paragraph
The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of the essay. It consists of 2 parts: general statement and a thesis statement.
An introduction should do the following:
• establish the context, background and/or importance of the topic
• indicate a problem, controversy or a gap in the field of study
• define the topic or key terms
• state of the purpose of the essay/writing
• provide an overview of the coverage and/or structure of the writing General statement gives background information of the topic and grabs reader’s attention.
Thesis statement introduces the main ideas and tells what will be explained or said in the body paragraphs of the essay. Thesis statement in essay writing is the same as topic sentence in paragraph writing. It is a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph, usually the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
Example of introductory paragraph:
General statement:
People have always created convenience to make life easier. One such modern invention is the computer, which has improved many aspects of our lives. One example is in the field of education.
Thesis statement:
Because of computer technology, higher education today has three major conveniences: lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing.
Writing General statement
General statement gives background information of the topic and grabs reader’s attention.
Ideas to make a great introduction for an essay
1. Asking a question
The Importance of Having Good Teachers
Does having a good teacher really affect your studies? Certainly, the answer is ‘yes’. We can see from many tutorial schools, if those schools have a good teacher, there will be many students enrolling in those schools because studying with a good teacher can encourage you to study more and more. Therefore, there are three important reasons to have a good teacher in order to be successful in studying. 2. Introduce the problems and suggestions
Easy Ways to Save the World
The rapid depletion of the ozone layers and climate changes adversely affect human beings. Higher temperatures, heavier rainfall, and changes in climate variability would encourage vectors of some infectious diseases, so it is now becoming more and more important for all of us to save our planet for the future generations. There are three easy ways to save the world: use less energy, by recycling and commuting by bike or walking.
3. Telling an interesting story
Boring Household Chores
Everyone knows how the story of Cinderella ends, but did you ever really think about how she spent her days before she met the prince? Her daily routine was not glamorous. She did everything from sweeping the floor to cooking the meals. If someone had asked Cinderella, “Are there any household chores that you particularly hate?” she probably would have answered, “Why, none, of course. Housework is my duty!” In the real world, however, most people have definite dislikes for certain household chores. The top three of these disliked tasks are ironing clothes, washing dishes, and cleaning the bathroom.
4. Using a quote from another sources
Education and Criminals
“No man is an island,” wrote the English poet John Donne. We are not alone in this world and what we do has an effect on others. In fact, what we do for prisoners will affect our lives as well as theirs. If we want criminals to become useful members of society when they get out of jail, we must educate them while they are still in prison.
5. Using a surprising statistics
Asthma and Allergy
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website (www.aafa.org), this potentially deadly disease affects close to nine million young people and is responsible for close to 15 million doctor visits, two million emergency room visits and half a million hospitalizations every year.
Writing Thesis statement
Thesis statement is one of the most important parts in essay writing because it is a roadmap for the entire essay. In other words, thesis statement is one to two sentences that establish the main point of the entire essay. It is usually located at somewhere in the first paragraph, usually near the end, the last sentence, of the introduction paragraph.
Why is thesis statement needed?
1. To give direction to the writing
2. To give organization to the writing
3. To give purpose to the writing
A good thesis statement should so these three things:
1. It should clearly express what the essay is about.
2. It should make a discussible point.
3. It should indicate the structure of the essay.
Let's look at some examples:
Original Thesis: Many Americans are buying foreign cars.
Revised Thesis: Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.
The revised thesis statement clearly expresses what the essay is about (the Toyota Corolla.) It gives us a topic than can be discussed (why people are buying the Toyota Corolla.) And it establishes the organizational structure of the essay (three specific reasons for the model's popularity: price, fuel, and value.)
Original Thesis: San Francisco is an interesting place to visit.
Revised Thesis: San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent location, its theaters and art galleries, and its many fine restaurants.
The revised thesis statement tells what the essay is about (San Francisco). It gives a topic that can be discussed (why San Francisco is such a great city.) And it indicates how the essay will be organized (three body paragraphs discussing the city's location, its art galleries and museums, and its wonderful restaurants.)
Original Thesis: Chess is a great game.
Revised Thesis: Playing chess is a popular activity among students because it is inexpensive, engrossing, and can be played almost anywhere.
The revised thesis statement states the main idea of the essay (chess.) It gives a topic than can be discussed (chess is a popular activity.) And it reveals how the essay will be organized (three body paragraphs that deal with how cheap, entertaining, and portable chess is.) Source http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/thesis.htm
Exercises: Try writing a thesis statement for the essay as illustrated above.
Example:
Subject: The Best Place for the Perfect Family Vacation
Focused Topic: Yosemite
Three Major Points: recreational activities, pleasant location, economical lodging
Thesis Statement: The best place for the perfect family is Yosemite because of the fun recreational activities, the beautiful scenery in a pleasant location, and the economical lodging available.
________________________________________
1. Subject: A Memorable Moment
Focused Topic: The Day I Go My Driver's License
Three Major Points: unpleasant surroundings, never ending lines, rude people
Thesis Statement:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Subject: Qualities of a Good Campsite
Focused Topic: Three Important Qualities of a Good Campsite
Three Major Points: recreation, location, convenience
Thesis Statement:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________¬¬_
3. Subject: Sports and Activities
Focused Topic: My Three Favorite Activities
Three Major Points: soccer, biking, roller blading
Thesis Statement:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Source http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/thesis.htm
2. Body paragraph (Supporting sentences)
Body paragraphs are the meat of the essay. In the body paragraphs, writer needs to expand upon and provide support (details) for the thesis introduced in the first paragraph. Each paragraph contains:
- Topic sentence: describes the focus of the paragraph
- Supporting sentences: explanations, evidence, and examples that reinforce the main point
- Transitions: connections between this paragraph and o the thesis statement o nearby paragraphs
- Concluding sentence (optional): an ending sentence that wraps up the paragraph and helps to transition into the next paragraph
Example of body paragraphs:
Topic sentence of paragraph (B1):
One important effect of computer technology on higher education is the availability of lectures.
Supporting sentences of paragraph (B1):
- As a result of the development of computer networks, we can access lectures from many universities in real time.
- In addition, by utilizing interactive media, we can question the lecture and exchange opinions with other students via emails.
- Such computerized lectures give us access to knowledge that previously we didn’t have.
Transition words of paragraph (B1):
- As a result of the development of computer network,
- In addition, by utilizing interactive media,
Transitional Words & Phrases
Using transitional words and phrases helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next.
Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
- In addition to checking your spelling you must make sure your grammar is correct.
Consequence: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore
- Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.
Contrast and Comparison: contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
- The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.
Emphasis above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly
- The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.
Exception: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save
- I like to eat vegetables except bean sprouts.
Exemplifying: chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as
- Some friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.
Generalizing: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
- There were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.
Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case
- The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.
Restatement: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
- In their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.
Sequence: at first, first of all, first(ly), second(ly), third(ly), to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind
- Owning a car has some advantages. First of all, it gives you comfort. Secondly, it saves you a lot of time. Thirdly, it gives you great freedom of movement.
Summarizing: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally
- Summary of the findings from these earlier studies is given below.
Adapted from Study Guides and Strategies, http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm
Exercises:
Put the given transition words in the provided space
A vegetarian can be defined as someone who does not eat meat, fish, or other animal products, such as eggs or cheese; 1) ___________, he or she eats vegetables, fruits, grains, and seeds. 2) _____________ this diet consists of non-meat food sources, a vegetarian typically consumes less fat and cholesterol than an individual who consumes meat.
3) ____________, raising animals for food uses valuable land, water, and energy. 4) _____________, adopting a vegetarian diet helps conserve the valuable resources that our future depends on.
5) _________________ many educators and parents have praised the Harry Potter series, some Christian parents have called for a ban on the books in their schools and libraries. Some churches have even gone as far as burning the books, citing biblical injunctions against witchcraft, 6) _______________ those in Exodus and Leviticus. 7) ______________, some Christians believe the books are compatible with Christianity, 8) ____________, that they embody basic Christian beliefs.
The connection between thesis statement and body paragraphs:
Exercises: From the above essay, identify topic sentence, supporting sentences, and transition words of paragraph (B2) and (B3).
1. Paragraph (B2)
Topic sentence:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting sentences:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Transition words:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Paragraph (B3)
Topic sentence:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting sentences:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Transition words:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Concluding paragraph
The last paragraph, also known as the conclusion, should make an essay sound finished. It is important to have a strong conclusion, since this is the last chance a writer has on making an impression on the readers. Just as every essay has a clear beginning; it should also have a clear ending as well. The goal of writing conclusion isn’t to introduce any new ideas, but to sum up everything the write has written.
Example of concluding paragraph:
Thesis statement (main idea of the essay):
Because of computer technology, higher education today has three major conveniences: lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing.
Summary statement:
To summarize, computer technology has three main positive effects on higher education: lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing.
----or----
Lecture variety, easy research, and time-saving writing are the three main positive effects of computer technology on higher education.
Ending:
Because of the advent of computers in education, we can advance our knowledge and save precious time. Academic life will never be the same!
A conclusion should:
1. Have transitional words as an indicator in signaling the reader’s attention
Transitional words such as in conclusion, in summary, to summarize, to sum up can be used to introduce the beginning of the concluding paragraph.
2. Summarize the thesis statement (concluding sentence)
This can be done by restating the thesis statement (in introductory paragraph) in different words or phrases. Avoid repeating key words and phrases from the thesis statement because the summary statement should not sound boring or repetitive. Using a thesaurus is a good way to find new, interesting words.
Here are some examples:
Thesis Statement:
Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.
Summary Statement (concluding sentence):
Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon, and an attractive resale value have all contributed to the popularity of the Toyota Corolla in today's market.
Thesis statement:
There are many causes of a fear of flying and generally they fall into these groups: a bad flight experience, a loss of control, and claustrophobia.
Summary Statement (concluding sentence):
In conclusion, it’s not possible to cover every reason and cause of a fear of flying, but most of the fear of flying feeling are falling into these three categories; a bad flight experience, a loss of control, and claustrophobia.
3. End with a final thought which creates a lasting impression on the reader.
Techniques on how to end the concluding paragraph:
3.1 Closing with question
Close with a question that involves the reader. Writer can answer the question, or leave it for the reader to decide based on the essay. The question must relate to the main idea.
Example:
The recently research began to show how violence and nudity in television shows are negatively children. Children are more violent with their peers and superiors in the school systems often stemming from the violence they have seen on television. How can you make a difference in your children? How many hours of television do you allow your children to watch?
3.2 Closing with strong statement
Close with a statement that forcefully states writer’s opinion.
Example:
A criminal, no matter his/her age, should be dealt with according to the crime. The legal system is too lenient when it comes to juvenile offenders. Laws need to be rewritten immediately so that no more hard core criminals go free just because they are juveniles.
3.3 Closing with well-known quotation or quotation from a famous person
Close with a quotation that is well known or from a famous person. Be sure to put quotation marks around the quotation and give credit to the person who said it. Remember, the quotation must be directly related to the topic.
Example:
According to Senator Bob Dole, in order to be a citizen, all Americans must be able to speak English. In theory this seems like a good policy. However, what will become of the citizens who never learn to speak English? 3.4 Closing with a call to action
If the purpose in writing an essay is to change reader’s mind, a call to action is the best technique in closing the essay.
Example:
School uniforms aren't a cure-all, but in all of the public schools where school uniforms are now required, attendance and test scores are up, and disciplinary incidents are down. Students attest to feeling as if they're part of a community, and most say they like not having to worry about what to wear. More importantly, most say they actually feel better about themselves and school than they ever did before. The power to create this kind of positive change is in your hands. Start a campaign to make school uniforms part of your child's education. You'll be glad you did—and so will they.
Exercise: Concluding sentence
For each of the paragraphs below, which conclusion do you like best? Why?
1. Parents can help their children succeed in school by getting involved in their studies. They should get to know their children’s teachers by attending school activities as often as possible. They should also talk about what their children are learning in school. Another good idea is to look over children’s homework before they hand it in, and help them with any questions or problems.
a) In short, parents need to be engaged in their child’s studies in order to ensure success.
b) These are just a few ways parents can be part of their child’s education, and the child is sure to benefit.
c) By doing these relatively simple things, parents can make a huge difference.
d) Parents must get involved in their children’s studies if they want them to succeed.
2. Although Queenstown, New Zealand, is a small town, it has many attractions for visitors. It’s a paradise for sports-lovers, where you can go sailing, hiking, mountain biking, or whitewater rafting. You can visit an old gold mine, or a modern art gallery. For scenic beauty, the boat trip on Milford Sound is unforgettable. Queenstown has hotels in every price range, and there are more than 100 restaurants to choose from.
a) Queenstown, New Zealand is a paradise for all kinds of tourists.
b) If you would like to visit a small town which has a lot of activities, Queenstown, New Zealand is the place to go.
c) This wide variety of attractions makes little Queenstown well worth the visit.
d) For all that it offers, it is not an exaggeration for one to call New Zealand ‘heaven on earth’.
3. Kids who grow up in a bicultural family have a lot of advantages. For one thing, they are able to learn a second language with almost no effort at all, and they will have a perfect accent when they speak. They will also have contact with two different countries and might travel internationally when they are very young. But, the most important advantage is that they become more open to other cultures and other ways of doing things.
a) The many pluses of a bicultural upbringing can give children many useful skills for their adult lives.
b) Children who grow up in a bicultural family are more prepared for the future.
c) Raising kids proud of two roots is extremely fulfilling.
d) Kids from a bicultural family have more advantages than those whose family reflects only one culture.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is an illegal form of copying another person's work (without asking) and putting it into your own writing. Plagiarism is also against the law in most nations.
How can Students Avoid Plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use
• another person’s idea, opinion, or theory;
• any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings—any pieces of information—that are not common knowledge;
• quotations of another person’s actual spoken or written words; or
• paraphrase of another person’s spoken or written words.
Three ways to avoid plagiarism: quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing.
1. Quoting: Using the exact words of another person by enclosing them in quotation marks (“…….”).
Example of quoting:
Original text:
Quoting:
How to quote Pattern 1
According to
A study by
A report by + the writer’s last name (year), + “quote” + (page#)
As suggested by
Example: According to Jones (1998), “Students often had difficulty using APA style” (p.199).
Pattern 2
The writer’s last name (year) presented indicated suggested + that + “quote” + (page#) said found
Example: Jones (1998) found that “Students often had difficulty using APA style” (p.199).
2. Summarizing
Summarizing is restating only the main ideas of the original texts in as few words as possible.
There are three keys to writing a good summary:
1. Use your own words and your own sentence structure.
2. Remember that a summary is much shorter than a paraphrase. Include only the main points and main supporting points, leaving out most details.
3. Do not change the meaning of the original.
These are the steps of summarizing:
1. Read the original text until you understand it fully.
2. Identify the main idea of the text.
3. Look up the key words
4. Find the synonyms of the key words.
5. Change the key words.
6. Change the sentence structure.
7. Add an in-text citation.
Example of summarizing:
Original text: Summarizing
Summarizing techniques
Original text: One major problem is maintaining astronauts’ physical health. Medical treatment may be days or even weeks away, as there may not be a doctor on board. Illnesses such as appendicitis or ulcers, routinely treated on Earth, could be fatal in space because of the delay in getting to a doctor.
Source: Clinton, P. (2003). Manned Mars Flight: Impossible Dream?. Issue of Space Science Magazine, October 15, 2003, p.16.
Step 1: Read the text until you understand it fully.
Step 2: Identifying the main idea of the text.
Asking questions of the text will help you identify the main idea. Who? astronaut
What’s happened? maintaining physical health is the main problem
When? n/a
Where? out in space/ in a spacecraft
Why? no doctor
How? n/a
Step 3: Look up the key words.
A major problem for astronauts is maintaining physical health because there is no doctor in a spacecraft.
Step 4: Find the synonyms of the key words.
Key Words Possible synonym major significant Problem concern maintain sustain physical health physical well-being
Step 5: Change the words.
A significant concern for astronauts is sustaining physical well-being because there is no doctor in a spacecraft.
Step 6: Change the sentence structure (optional)
Sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft.
Step 7: Add an in-text citation.
a. According to Clinton (2003), sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft (p.16).
b. Clinton (2003) reported in Space Science magazine that sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft (p.16).
c. Sustaining physical well-being is a significant concern for astronauts because there is no doctor in a spacecraft (Clinton, 2003, p.16).
Summarizing exercise:
1. Original text
Who? people, car
What’s happened?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Words Synonyms
Summarizing after changing the key words:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Add the in-text citation:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Original text
Who?
What’s happened?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Words Synonyms
Summarizing after changing the key words:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Add the in-text citation:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means re-writing a phrase or sentence with the same meaning by using different words. The length of the paraphrase is approximately the same as the original one.
Example of paraphrasing Original text: Paraphrasing
The differences between paraphrasing and summarizing
Summarizing Paraphrasing
Objective summarize only the main ideas of the original material restate the original material in a form that is different than the original
Length shorter than the original material about the same length of the original material
Paraphrasing step by step
Original text:
“Marriage was a greater influence on the course of many of the women's lives than choice of job or career, or even family background. Yet few women talked about choosing to get married (although choice may be a misnomer) in the same way they talked about career choices. Relationships are generally believed to belong to the realm of emotion, and ‘we fell in love’ or ‘then I got married’ suffices. The decision to marry is not usually something to be analyzed or explained, nor is the choice of a particular man. Indeed, both getting married and marrying a particular man often appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices. Women did talk about how they met their future husbands, however” (Park, 1991, p. 113).
Step 1: Underline main ideas of the source
Step 2: List main ideas, concepts, and phrases from the reading
• marriage, getting married
• marriage was a great influence
• decision to marry
• not usually something to be analyzed or explained
• getting married and marrying a particular man often appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices
Step 3: Where possible, note down alternative phrases or synonyms of the main ideas, concepts, and phrases in step 2.
• selecting a life partner
• significant impact, influential factor
• choice, marriage options, choice of partner
• typically not talked about, not a topic of discussion
• the process of marriage and choice of partner were more a matter of course, something inevitable, compared to individual choice
Step 4: Rewrite, using those alternative words or phrases (no quotation marks)
Step 5: Add in text citation:
Step 5: Add in-text citation
How to summarize and paraphrase
Pattern 1
According to
A study by
A report by + the writer’s last name (year), + P & S + (page#)
As suggested by
According to Anwari (2005), time is precious because you cannot get it back once it is lost or wasted (p.92).
Pattern 2
The writer’s last name (year) presented indicated suggested + that + P & S+ (page#) said found
Anwari (2005) said that time is precious because you cannot get it back once it is lost or wasted (p.92).
Pattern 3
Paraphrasing
Summarizing +(the writer’s last name, + year, + page#).
Time is precious because you cannot get it back once it is lost or wasted (Anwari, 2005, p.92).
Exercise: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and In-Text Citaion
Quote and paraphrase the given original texts below
1. "The Antarctic is the vast source of cold on our planet, just as the sun is the source of our heat, and it exerts tremendous control on our climate," [Jacques] Cousteau told the camera. "The cold ocean water around Antarctica flows north to mix with warmer water from the tropics, and its upwelling help to cool both the surface water and our atmosphere. Yet the fragility of this regulating system is now threatened by human activity." From "Captain Cousteau," Audubon (May 1990):17.
Quoting:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paraphrasing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. "The twenties were the years when drinking was against the law, and the law was a bad joke because everyone knew of a local bar where liquor could be had. They were the years when organized crime ruled the cities, and the police seemed powerless to do anything against it. Classical music was forgotten while jazz spread throughout the land, and men like Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie became the heroes of the young. The flapper was born in the twenties, and with her bobbed hair and short skirts, she symbolized, perhaps more than anyone or anything else, America's break with the past." From Kathleen Yancey, English 102 Supplemental Guide (1989): 25.
Quoting:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paraphrasing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exercise: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and In-Text Citaion
Summarize the given original texts below
1. For hundreds of years malaria has been one of the most important human diseases in the world. An eradication campaign in the 1950s and 1960s was effective in eliminating the disease from some parts of the world, mainly in parts of Europe and North America, and in reducing it in other places. Notwithstanding this success, malaria still kills over a million people each year and causes between 300 and 500 million clinical cases. Approximately 80% of the deaths and 90% of the clinical cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk. Every year about a million children under five years of age die from malaria. Malaria also remains a major public health problem in Asia and parts of Latin America, where the disease affects people of all ages. Malaria disproportionately affects poor countries and communities, and hinders socio-economic progress of individuals, households and countries.
Source: The introduction to 'Malaria: a handbook for health professionals' (Malaria Consortium, 2007, Macmillan Education).
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. While it is likely the FTA (free trade agreement) will have a positive long-term effect on economic growth, YL (Young Lives) research suggests that impacts will differ markedly across sectors of the economy and geographical regions with consequences for how children experience poverty. A key finding is the differential impact of trade between urban/rural locations and different geographical regions. Whereas the FTA is predicted to generate an overall welfare gain of approximately 2 per cent of household expenditure for most urban sectors, the estimated welfare loss among the bottom decile of rural households is likely to be around nine per cent. Findings show that in urban areas childless households stand to gain more from trade liberalizations than households with children, while the opposite is true in rural areas, where children tend to be regarded as 'productive assets'. The FTA might reduce the probability of children attending school by 0.3 per cent in rural areas, but increase the probability of attending school by 0.2 per cent in urban areas. Although the figures might seem marginal, they illustrate the differential impacts on urban and rural children, which are likely to exacerbate existing regional inequalities.
Source: The Social Impacts of Trade Liberalizations: how can childhood poverty be reduced?(http://www.younglives.org.uk/pdf/publication-section-pdfs/policy-briefs/policy_brief1.pdf)
Summarizing:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unit 6: Problem-Solution Essay
In a problem-solution essay, a writer needs to analyze a problem discusses possible solutions to the problem. It generally requires some research before the writing process can begin. A problem-solution essay should have the following characteristics:
• a problem that needs to be solved
• a thesis statement that identifies the problem and points toward the solutions
• identification of several possible solutions
• specific facts, details, examples, and reasons indicating why the selected solutions are best
How to write Problem-Solution Essay
1. Select the topic that needs to be solved and define the problem of the topic (who, what, where, when, why, and how) in the introductory paragraph. Suggested problem-solution essay topics:
• How can we prevent social media bullying?What are the best ways to help someone who is depressed?
• What are ways to help a friend or roommate who is making poor life choices?
• How can people get out of a bad relationship?
• What is the best way for a woman to show a man she is interested?
• How has texting affected face to face relationships?
• How can we learn to understand people who are different from us culturally, racially or social class?
• What is the best way to help people who are victims of family violence?
• How can kids whose parents have been divorced be helped to do well in school, have good relationships and successful lives and marriages?
2. Brainstorm to identify several solutions - look for as many as solution - list all solutions and evaluates each one - If possible, group solutions according to its category
3. Write a thesis statement to identify or state the possible solutions.
4. Gather supporting information to write in body paragraphs. Look for facts, details, and reasons to support each solution to the problem. Useful phrases to link the problem with solutions:
To meet the need, ………..
One answer is ……….
A second/third/final answer is ……….
In order to overcome (solve) the problem, ………..
One solution is …………
One thing people can do is …………
5. Write a strong conclusion 6. Drafting and revising
Exercise: Work with a partner. Brainstorming the possible solutions of the provided problem with one of the phrases above.
1. We must reduce exam stress for university students.
Solution1:_____________________________________________
Solution2:_____________________________________________
Solution3:_____________________________________________
2. People spend so much time using cell phones that they are no longer skilled at fact-to-face interaction.
Solution1:_____________________________________________
Solution2:_____________________________________________
Solution3:_____________________________________________
3. In the next five years, experts predict that there won’t be enough doctors and nurses to meet hospitals’ needs.
Solution1:_____________________________________________
Solution2:_____________________________________________
Solution3:_____________________________________________
Example of problem-solution essay:
Who’s in the House? – House Burglary
There has been an increased rate of house burglary in the northern states of Malaysia. Most of the cases happen during night time and also when the owners of the houses are not around. In some unfortunate cases, valuable items such as jewelry, laptops, mobile phones, and other precious items have been stolen. In fact, sadly, some victims lost their lives when the burglars were aggressive and got panicked. This kind of crime creates problems for many house owners and need to be solved through preventive measures taken by the house owners, neighborhood watch and heavy police patrol around residence areas.
The first practical solution is by taking preventive measures by the house owners. This means that all doors and windows should be properly closed and locked before leaving the house. You should also inform your newspaper vendor to stop delivering any papers while you and your family are on holidays. An uncollected newspaper in your mail box indicates ‘an empty house’. It is also advisable to install security alarms or closed circuit television (CCTV) at strategic doors or windows of your house. Any overgrown hedges or bushes should be trimmed so that your house does not look secluded from the public. Most of these preventive measures may distract or avoid potential burglars from targeting your house.
The second recommended solution is to organize neighborhood watch to ensure safety of its residents. Good cooperation and commitment among the residents to take their turns in patrolling their housing areas may help reduce the number of house burglary. Any intruders or burglars will be afraid to do their criminal activities as the houses are ‘under surveillance’. Normally, the residents would form few groups to observe and watch certain areas at certain time at night. As a result, the residents could sleep soundly and peacefully. Thus, neighborhood watch does not just encourage close relationship among the community, but it also greatly reduces house burglary.
Last but not least is by having a heavy police patrol around the ‘hot areas’ of house burglary. The police play an important role in enforcing the rule of law and taking care public safety. Any criminals among the society will tend to be reluctant to commit any crimes if they find that the police are active in duty. Having police patrolling the housing areas during the day or night time may also reduce the rate of house burglary.
In conclusion, house burglary can be solved if house owners are being more responsible in taking some preventive measures as well as neighbors and police should work together to do the neighborhood watch. House burglary may cause trauma and other psychological and physical effects. Thus, we should be more careful in taking care of our safety and house safety.
Adapted from http://learnenglishessay.blogspot.com/2011/12/problems-and-solutions.html
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