LPE2501 Lecture Notes 1 (WEEK 1-3)-converted PDF

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LPE2501 ACADEMIC WRITING SEMESTER 1, 2020-Topics:Academic WritingFeatures of Academic WritingPre-writing StrategiesComponents of an Academic EssayStructure of a ParagraphLECTURE NOTES 1(WEEK 1 – WEEK 3)1l probably have similar consequences in other countries around the world. This new evidence on ad...

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LPE2501 ACADEMIC WRITING SEMESTER 1, 2020-2021

LECTURE NOTES 1 (WEEK 1 – WEEK 3)

Topics: Academic Writing Features of Academic Writing Pre-writing Strategies Components of an Academic Essay Structure of a Paragraph

1. ACADEMIC WRITING Academic writing refers to the style of writing that follows a specific structure and uses formal academic language. It involves stating writers’ viewpoints objectively and supporting them using credible evidences and references. Academic writing demonstrates elements of unity, coherence and adheres to the formal conventions of punctuation, spelling, grammar, as well as citation and referencing style. Read the two examples of texts below:

probably have similar consequences in other countries around the world. This new evidence on adverse health effects of a

United States has changed. Other countries may also change their air pollution law. The group of people who are in danger

1. Which of the examples above contain lengthy sentences? 2. Which of the examples above use simple everyday words? 3. Which of the examples above is most likely found in academic journals?

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2. FEATURES OF ACADEMIC WRITING

Features

Organisation

Descriptions

Formal structure  Introduction - includes thesis statement  Body - consists of paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting sentences and details  Conclusion – has a concluding sentence or paragraph

  Language



Complex and uses a variety of sentence types compound, complex, compound-complex sentences Language is more formal - no usage of colloquial words and expressions (e.g. boring and stuff), contraction (e.g. isn’t and doesn’t), phrasal verbs (e.g. go out and show off), personal pronoun (e.g. I, we, you, us) Cohesion across sentences (e.g. use of transition signals to show relationship between ideas)

   

Addresses specific readers Has objective that is specific and not personal Contains precise facts and figures Incorporates ideas taken from various sources with proper in-text citation and referencing

Text



Text types – informative, argumentative, comparison and contrast, cause and effect

Examples

      

Academic books Research papers or research articles Dissertations or thesis Literary analysis Academic journals Lab reports Essays

Content

3. PRE-WRITING STRATEGIES There are two pre-writing strategies commonly used by writers – Clustering and Outlining. Clustering is used in the process of brainstorming to help writers to identify the focus of the topic. It allows the writers to explore ideas in a visual form. In deciding the writing topic and focus, you can brainstorm and narrow down ideas that interests you using the clustering technique. Steps 1 - Draw a box in the centre of the paper and write the topic. 2 - Write ideas in the boxes around the box in the centre. 3 - Think about each of the ideas, draw boxes around them, and write more ideas.

E.g.

Exercise

Harmful effects

Types

Benefits

- sore muscles

-aerobic exercise

- mood

- insomnia

strength exercise

- weight loss

- depression

flexibility exercise

- energy levels

Outlining is a technique that helps writers to arrange ideas in an organised and logical manner. It also helps the writers to stay focussed. After you have brainstormed for a topic and focus, you should now outline your points.

Steps 1 - List down points relevant to the topic and main ideas. 2 - Arrange your ideas in a logical order. 3 - Write an outline.

E.g.

Topic: Benefits of Exercise

Paragraph 1 Main idea

: Exercise alleviates mood

Point 1

: releases endorphins

Point 2

: reduces stress

Paragraph 2 Main idea

: Exercise helps in weight loss

Point 1

: burns extra calories

Point 2

: helps reach ideal weight

Exercise 1 Choose a topic from the given list and brainstorm for possible ideas using the clustering technique. Student volunteering

Travel

Stress

Artificial intelligence

Fast food

Climate change

Fast Food

Harmful effects

Restaurant choice

Benefits

- cause obesity

KFC

- avoid skipping meal

- impact on cardiovascular

MCD

- manage schedule

Texas Chicken

- energy levels

Exercise 2 Based on the topic chosen in Exercise 1, write an outline using the outlining technique.

Topic: The Effect Of Fast Food

Paragraph 1 Main idea

: cause obesity

Point 1

: full of saturated and unsaturated fat

Point 2

: contain higher amount of sodium

Paragraph 2 Main idea

: have an adverse impact on the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

Point 1

: laden with carbohydrates and have very little fiber

Point 2

: causes the body to release more insulin

4. COMPONENTS OF AN ACADEMIC ESSAY An academic essay consists of three major components, which are introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and concluding paragraph. The chart below shows the organisation and components of an academic essay.

ESSAY I. Introductory paragraph

General statements Thesis statement II. Body paragraphs Paragraph 1 A. Topic sentence 1. Supporting sentence 2. Supporting sentence 3. Supporting sentence (Concluding sentence) Paragraph 2 B. Topic sentence 1. Supporting sentence 2. Supporting sentence 3. Supporting sentence (Concluding sentence) Paragraph 3 C. Topic sentence 1. Supporting sentence 2. Supporting sentence 3. Supporting sentence (Concluding sentence)

III. Concluding paragraph Restatement or summary of the main points; final comment

Sample of an Academic Text Read the following academic text. As you read it, notice the different parts of an academic text.

In recent years, many people have become increasingly aware of the need for optimum health. Almost everywhere people turn, whether it is to a newsstand, television or billboard, information for guarding and improving health bombards them. Although much of this information is commercially motivated by those eager to sell vitamins and health supplements, some of the information especially on regular exercise, merits serious attention. Numerous studies have proven that regular exercise provides many benefits, and it only needs to be carried out at least three times a week for thirty minutes. Regular exercise releases tension, improves appearance, and increases stamina. The first benefit of regular exercise is the release of tension. Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety or fear. Health experts agree that performing calisthenics or participating in an active sport such as tennis or volleyball for thirty minutes releases tension. If people swim, jog or ride a bicycle for thirty minutes, they should sleep better at night and have a better temperament the next day. In addition, after the release of tension, petty irritations and frustrations should be less troubling. For example, Roscoe (2010) explains that an employee stressed with work and traffic congestion, may rush home, argue with the family, and eat excessively. Taking about thirty minutes to release frustrations through physical exercise could help him or her avoid this behaviour. Therefore, exercising regularly can eliminate or at least control tension. Another benefit of regular exercise is improved appearance. Exercise takes perhaps a month or longer to show its results in a trimmer and firmer figure. For instance, research shows that people who are overweight, may be able to burn away most excess fat and tighten muscles, thereby reshaping the physique through regular exercise (Centre of Public Health California, 2013). Having improved muscle tone and even posture, people will wear clothes more attractively and comfortably. Combined with a well-balanced diet, regular exercise will also improve skin condition. This improved appearance will provide confidence and favourably impress others. Thus, regular exercise is beneficial as it will help towards the betterment of one’s overall appearance.

In addition to the self-confidence engendered by an improved appearance, regular exercise also increases In conclusion, people can benefit immensely by exercising regularly. Although easy solutions to the goals o

COMPONENT 1: INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH An introductory paragraph introduces the topic of the academic text to the reader. It also provides an overview to the content of the text. It consists of two parts which are general statements and a thesis statement.

GENERAL STATEMENTS General statements provide background information of the topic to the reader. It also attracts readers’ attention to the topic of the text. Read the introductory paragraph below from the previous text: 1. Based on the general statements, what do you think is the topic of this text? 2. What information can you find in the general statements?

lly motivated by those eager to sell vitamins and health supplements, some of the information especially on regular exercis

GENERAL STATEMENTS

THESIS STATEMENT

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THESIS STATEMENT A thesis statement states the main ideas that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs are written with reference to the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. A good thesis statement:   

focuses on a specific aspect of the topic may list subtopics of the main topic; sets the pattern for the paragraphs to follow by indicating the main points that will be developed in the body paragraphs often appears as the last sentence of the introductory

paragraph Look at the examples of thesis statements below:

Topic: Advantages of Reading among Adults Thesis statement 1: Reading brings many advantages to adults as it can improve concentration, reduce stress, and provide tranquillity.  This is a well written thesis statement as it provides readers with all the main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. This style of writing a thesis statement will allow readers to have a clear idea of what to expect in the body paragraphs. Thesis statement 2: There are three advantages of reading for adults.  This thesis statement states the number of advantages that will be discussed but does not indicate the main points. It is an acceptable style of writing a thesis statement in academic writing. Thesis statement 3: Reading is a popular hobby nowadays.  This thesis statement is too general. It does not provide the specific aspect of the topic (reading) or the main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. You should avoid writing a thesis statement that is too general.

COMPONENT 2: BODY PARAGRAPHS A paragraph in the body of an academic text contains the discussion of the main points mentioned in the thesis statement. This is where the topic is developed using facts, examples, and other details. A body paragraph consists of a clear topic sentence with reference to the thesis statement, relevant supporting points and supporting details, and also a concluding sentence. Below is the structure of a body paragraph:

TOPIC SENTENCE s the topic and controlling idea of the paragraph

RTING SENTENCES BODY PARAGRAPH e explanation, examples and details of the topic - consists of three parts

CONCLUDING - summarises

nts of the paragraph or restates the topic sentence in diffe

Below is an example of an academic paragraph and its components.

n signals to show the connection between ideas TOPIC SENTENCE

inutes, they should sleep better at night and have a better temperament the next day. In addition, after the release of tension, petty irritations and frustrations should be les

SUPPORTING SENTENCES

Reporting verb used to introduce borrowed informa

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

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Paraphrase/ summary (supporting detail):

In-text citation:

Ideas from a credible source expressed in your own words

Author’s surname and year of publication

4. STRUCTURE OF A PARAGRAPH TOPIC SENTENCE A topic sentence indicates the main idea of a paragraph. It provides an introduction and focus for each paragraph. A good topic sentence:     

must be a complete sentence; not fragment has a clear topic and controlling idea usually appears in the first sentence of the paragraph begins with transition signals such as first, second, finally uses keywords or phrases from the thesis statement to indicate the part of the thesis that will be discussed

Example 1 a) Firstly, social media can negatively affect face-to-face communication. CONTROLLING IDEA

TOPIC

b) Next, social media can also cause mental distress among its users.

CONTROLLING IDEA

TOPIC

Example 2 c) Understanding tourists’ behaviour is one of the ways to promote tourism. CONTROLLING IDEA

TOPIC

d) Researching tourists’ demand is another way to market a tourist destination. TOPIC

CONTROLLING IDEA

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Example 3 Writing Topic Sentences with reference to the Thesis Statement

styles, changes in family structure, and emphasis on individualism are three reasons for the generation gap between young

ic of the text is the gap between younger and older people and the focus is the causes of this gap. the text will discuss how overscheduled lifestyles affect the generation gap between younger and older people. anges in family structure and how it affects family relationships, while the third paragraph will discuss how individualism ca

To establish the connection between the thesis statement and the paragraphs of the text, the following topic sentences are used. ce 1: ed lifestyles is one reason why younger and older people become isolated from each other. ce 2: son for the generation gap between younger and older people is the change in family structure from extended families to nu ce 3: se of the generation gap between younger and older people is emphasis on individualism.

EXERCISE 3 Read the thesis statements below. For each thesis statement, decide if it is a good thesis statement. If not, rewrite the thesis statement according to the qualities of a good thesis statement. Topic: The Benefits of Using Technology in the Classroom 1. These days technology is widely used in many fields. No because the thesis statement is too general. It does not provide the specific aspect of the topic (reading) or the main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs

2. The use of technology in the classroom has many benefits. No because too general. It didn’t state the number of benefits that will be discussed

3. The usage of technology in the classroom improves knowledge retention, encourages individual learning, and enhances classroom engagement.

Yes as it provides readers with all the main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs

4. There are three benefits of using technology in the classroom. Yes but not really good. This thesis statement states the number of benefits that will be discussed but does not indicate the main points. It is still an acceptable style of writing a thesis statement in academic writing

5. Cool Math, Edmodo, and Fun Brain are some examples of the many education technology tools that can be used to enhance classroom learning.

No because the thesis statement didn’t focuses on a specific aspect of the topic which is the benefits of using technology in the classroom

EXERCISE 4 Read the thesis statement and topic sentences in each question. For each topic sentence, decide if it is a good topic sentence. If not, rewrite the topic sentence according to the qualities of a good topic sentence.

1. Thesis Statement: Exposure to violence, an inadequate rating system, and too little parental supervision are three reasons why children should not play video games.

Topic Sentence 1: Children in the United States love to play video games. Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem? No because doesn’t has a clear topic and controlling idea Firstly, exposure to violent is one of the reasons why video games should not be played by children.

Topic Sentence 2: Inadequate rating system for evaluating video games is another reason why children should avoid video games. Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem? Yes

Topic Sentence 3: Next, there is too little parental supervision. Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem? Yes

2. Thesis Statement: Social media in today’s society allows people to stay connected, to keep abreast with the latest news, and to communicate across borders.

Topic Sentence 1: Social media allows people to stay connected. Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem? Yes

Topic Sentence 2: The second advantage is that people are able to keep abreast with the latest news around the world. Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem? Yes

Topic Sentence 3: Is a communication tool. Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem? No because only fragment and not a complete sentence Social networking helps people to communicate across boundaries in today's society.

EXERCISE 5 Write an appropriate topic sentence for each of the paragraphs below. 1. Technological advancements, such as assistive technology, offer the ability for disabled students to learn and acquire new skills. Assistive technology can be used to increase, maintain or improve the capabilities of students with disabilities. For example, expert tutoring software presents instruction in small, sequential steps, at varying levels of difficulty, and students can use the software independently while working at their own pace. In addition, assistive technology also includes computer programmes and tablet applications that provide text-to-speech and speech-to-text application, word prediction capabilities and graphic organisers to assist in speech and language learning. Hence, advances in technology such as assistive technology provide disabled students with the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. 2. Studying abroad is a very exciting and useful experience that can be used by students.

Students who study abroad stand a chance to get better jobs when they return to their home country. This is because their qualifications and experiences may allow them to get jobs that are higher paid, and they have a better chance in getting a promotion quickly. Another advantage of studying abroad is the independence students’ gain being in a foreign country. For example, students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures. This will enable them to become more confident in their lives and relationships with others. Thus, studying abroad is a very rewarding and beneficial experience for students. 3. The issue of teen gang violence can be prevented with the concerted effort of the society across many programmes. After-school programmes such as sports a...