Session 9
Next week: drafting the comparison paragraph on cars
Reading: p. 57--64
1.
2.
3.
4.
scanning: a piece of information
skimming: main ideas
thorough reading: main ideas + important details
critical reading: evaluative opinion about readings
The Process of Writing
1. collect information: brainstorm (list of key words/adjectives; free
writing; talk to someone) reading
2. connecting information: make an outline (writing plan)
3. drafting (focus on content)
4. revising (relevance and clarity): focus on content and organization
5. transition words (flow): e.g. first, second, next, finally, last, in
contrast, on the other hand, unlike foreign cars
6. write the concluding sentence (optional)
7. editing :
a) sentence-level grammar: subject-verb agreement, verb tense,
word form, connection of clauses,
b) sentence combination
c) wording and phrasing: word forms; word choice, add adjectives,
adverbs, phrases; clauses; or even sentences
d) spelling check; punctuation; format (indentation, double-spaced,
typewritten)
1. The structure of a paragraph
(1.) Topic Sentence: the main idea or the topic of the paragraph
(2.) Supporting sentences ( explanation, facts or details, examples, or
evidence)
(3.) Concluding Sentence (optional): restatement of the main idea or
the author’s suggestions, predictions, or other opinions
Relevance, movement, writing English sentences
Subjects of comparison: foreign cars and domestic cars
Points of comparison: quality and dependability
TS: Foreign and domestic cars vary in quality and dependability.
SS: A. foreign cars
1. engine : long-lasting (durable), powerful,
2. body: luxurious, thick and heavy (crash test),
3. gas mileage: lower (gas-consuming)
4. variety of equipment (features): air bag, anti-brake system;
more options
B. domestic cars
1. engine: not as durable as those of imported cars ( less reliable),
less powerful
2. body: light and thin--safety
3. gas mileage: better
4. variety of equipment: basic, limited options
Foreign and domestic cars vary in quality and dependability. The
engines of foreign cars are long-lasting and powerful, and their
bodies can usually provide drivers and passengers with sufficient
protection in accidents. The engines of foreign cars are known for
their durability and strong power. Also, almost all imported cars need
to go through the crash test to ensure safety for drivers and
passengers; consumers can be reasonably secure about their safety in
this type of cars. Moreover, the thick and heavy bodies of these cars,
in an accident, usually mean satisfactory protection because the body
frames will not be seriously damaged, but their gas mileage may be
low. In terms of features, one can find a car phone, GPS (Global
Positioning System), a number of air bags, satellite TV, comfortable
leather seats, cruise control, and so on in foreign cars. Compared to
imported cars, the engines of domestic cars are less powerful and
reliable, and there are only limited features for consumers to choose
from. Although driving a domestic car can be risky in a crash
because of its light body, it tends to have a satisfactory gas mileage.
1. Does the topic sentence clearly state the point of comparison?
2. Do you have any suggestions about the supporting sentences? Are
there any extra sentences? Are they clear?
3. Check the following:
a) sentence-level grammar: subject-verb agreement, verb tense,
word form, connection of clauses
b) sentence combination
c) wording and phrasing: word forms; word choice, add adjectives,
adverbs, phrases; clauses; or even sentences
d) spelling check; punctuation; format
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