LPE2501 ACADEMIC WRITING
LECTURE NOTES 1
[WEEK 1 – 5]
Topics:
1. Introduction to Academic Writing
2. Features of Academic Writing
3. Language in Academic Writing
4. Pre-writing Strategies
5. Components of an Academic Essay
6. Structure of a Paragraph
1. INTRODUCTION TO 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 evidence and references. Academic writing
demonstrates elements of unity, coherence and adheres to the formal conventions of
punctuation, spelling, grammar, citation and referencing style. Read the two examples
of texts below:
Example of an Academic Text
Over the past decade, an increasing number of epidemiological studies have
linked urban air pollution to increased risk for morbidity and mortality. These
new findings have led to revised air pollution standards for the United States,
and it will probably have similar consequences in other countries around the
world. This new evidence on adverse health effects of air pollution has also
motivated research to identify those groups within the population who may be
at increased risk from exposure to air pollution, for example, infants, persons
with chronic heart and lung disease, and the elderly population.
Example of a Non-academic Text
Many people are getting sick and dying because of air pollution. So, the law for
air pollution in the United States has changed. Other countries may also change
their air pollution law. The group of people who are in danger because of air
pollution are babies, people with serious heart and lung problems, and old
people.
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 – simple,
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
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3. LANGUAGE IN ACADEMIC WRITING
The writing process involves editing and revising your work for grammatical errors,
mechanics of writing (punctuation, capitalisation and spelling) and sentence structure.
Below are some guidelines to help you edit and revise your writing tasks. You will learn
about language and sentence errors in detail in Lecture Notes 6 and 7.
Subject-verb Agreement
(SVA)
Subjects and verbs must agree in number
✓ If the subject is singular, the verb must be
singular too.
Example:
The doctoral student writes every day.
✓ If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
Example:
The doctoral students write every day.
Verb tenses
Three common tenses used in academic writing
are:
✓ Simple present tense – Use to describe a
general truth or a habitual action. This tense
indicates that the statement is generally true in
the past, present, and future.
Example:
The hospital admits patients whether or not they
have proof of insurance.
✓ Simple past tense – Use the simple past tense
to describe a completed action that took place at
a specific point in the past.
Example:
Zimbardo (2018) researched many aspects of
social psychology.
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✓ Present perfect tense – Use the present
perfect to indicate an action that occurred at a
nonspecific time in the past. This action has
relevance/effect in the present.
Example:
Numerous researchers have used this method.
Spelling and Vocabulary
Use academic vocabulary or formal words when
you do academic writing.
If you are not sure of certain words and their
spelling, use a dictionary to help you. Avoid having
spelling errors as they may cause confusion to your
readers.
Note: British spelling should be used in all writing
tasks for LPE2501 Academic Writing course.
Punctuation
Use correct punctuation to convey your ideas
accurately. You may refer to the following links to
help you with punctuation.
https://student.unsw.edu.au/punctuation-guide
https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/writing/punctuation
EXERCISE 1
Read the following sentences. Identify any language, spelling or punctuation error
and rewrite the sentences correctly.
1. Urbanisation has causing many problems to the environment and to the human
population.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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2. Urbanization allows people to move to cities and towns because they view rural
areas as places with hardship and primitive lifestyle
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. Air pollution often plague industrialised cities, particularly during their early
development.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. In the year 1800 only about 2 percent of the world's population live in urban
areas. (Johnson & Hague, 2019)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
5. According to The Department of Economic and Social Affairs, two-thirds of the
world's people is expected to live in urban areas by the year 2050.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Academic Vocabulary
Academic writing requires the use of formal, objective and impersonal words. This
ensures that ideas and arguments are written in a clear, convincing and professional
manner.
Formal words Vs. Informal words
Example:
Informal words
Formal words
A couple of researchers have found
out that sleep affects mental alertness.
Several researchers have discovered
that sleep affects mental alertness.
The students did the experiment in the
lab.
The students conducted the
experiment in the lab.
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Apart from using formal words, the following features of informal language should
also be avoided for academic writing.
Features of
informal
language
Definition
Example
Appropriate
alternative
Contractions
Shortened words,
with missing letters
from the original
word
The authors didn’t
provide evidence
for their claim.
The authors did
not provide
evidence for their
claim.
We administered
the questionnaire
to the participants.
The questionnaire
was administered
to the participants.
Cosmetic
companies are
spending big
bucks to advertise
their products.
Cosmetic
companies are
spending a large
amount of money
to advertise their
products.
Safety officers are
looking into the
problem.
Safety officers are
investigating the
problem.
Meteorologists
have issued a
storm warning
since it has been
raining cats and
dogs.
Meteorologists
have issued a
storm warning
since it has been
raining heavily.
Personal pronoun Substitute for the
proper name of a
person or thing
E.g. I, we, us, you,
your
Colloquial / slang
words
Words and
expressions that are
used in everyday
spoken language
E.g. stuff, gig, chap
Phrasal verbs
Combination of
words that usually
take on a different
meaning of the
original verb
E.g. verb+prep or
verb+adv
Idiomatic
expressions
Words that have a
different meaning
from the meaning of
the words in the
expression
6
EXERCISE 2
Identify suitable formal words to replace the informal words/expressions listed below.
Informal words / expressions
1
Enough
2
Start
3
Get
4
Chance
5
Come across
6
Going up
7
Cut out
8
Beyond a shadow of doubt
9
Cut to the chase
10
Check it out
Formal words
EXERCISE 3
Improve the language in the text below by replacing the informal words or expressions
with formal words.
Workplace stress is one of the most formidable obstacles to employees in the
workplace. Stress at the workplace doesn’t only affect the productivity of employees
but also impact their physical and mental health. Developing effective strategies for
managing stress in the workplace is a good step in protecting the physical and mental
health of employees and ensuring continued productivity.
Firstly, employees need to identify the symptoms of stress they might be facing
in order to look out for possible solutions (World Health Organization, 2018). The
symptoms of stress fall into two categories, physical and non-physical symptoms.
Physical symptoms are often the harder of the two to identify as they can be easily
dismissed as the symptoms of other sickness. Physical symptoms include chest pain,
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over tired, and changes to sleep patterns, while non-physical symptoms include feeling
overwhelmed, feeling sick and tired, and worried.
Apart from that, employers play a very big role in minimising workplace stress.
Employers need to set reasonable workload for their employees. So much workload
that is unachievable will leave employees feeling stressed and overwhelmed. In
addition to setting reasonable workload, work completion targets should be at levels
that are achievable with clear instructions. Out of the blue and unclear work
assignments often lead to confusion and stress among employees. Therefore,
employers must set clear guidelines for work assignments to be done satisfactorily.
Informal words / expressions
Formal words
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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4. 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
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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 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
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EXERCISE 4
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
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EXERCISE 5
Based on the topic chosen in Exercise 1, write an outline using the outlining
technique.
Topic: ____________________________________________________________
Paragraph 1
Main idea
:
Point 1
:
Point 2
:
Paragraph 2
Main idea
:
Point 1
:
Point 2
:
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5. 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
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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.
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In addition to the self-confidence engendered by an improved appearance,
regular exercise also increases stamina. Regular exercise allows for a stronger and
healthier body and is obviously more capable of working harder and withstand
fatigue. Paisley (2012) states that “a worker who exercises should be able to
complete a forty-hour week at work and still retain enough energy for mowing the
grass, painting the garage or cleaning the windows at home” (p. 87). Similarly, a
student who exercises regularly would be able to attend classes and still find the
energy and stamina to work part-time and accomplish various tasks efficiently.
Hence, improved endurance is one of the benefits of regular exercise.
In conclusion, people can benefit immensely by exercising regularly. Although
easy solutions to the goals of losing weight and achieving an attractive and energetic
body saturate the media, acquiring these benefits is not easy. However, the rewards
are fully worth the effort of regular exercise, which makes people feel relaxed, look
healthy and have adequate strength for strenuous as well as routine activities.
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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?
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.
THESIS
STATEMENT
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GENERAL
STATEMENTS
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.
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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
- states the topic and controlling idea
of the paragraph
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
BODY PARAGRAPH
- provide explanation, examples and
details of the topic
- consists of three parts
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
- summarises the main points of the
paragraph or restates the topic
sentence in different words
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Below is an example of an academic paragraph and its components.
Transition signals to
show the connection
between ideas
TOPIC
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.
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
SENTENCE
SUPPORTING
SENTENCES
Reporting verb used
to introduce
borrowed
information
6. 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.
TOPIC
CONTROLLING IDEA
b) Next, social media can also cause mental distress among its users.
TOPIC
CONTROLLING IDEA
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
TOPIC T TOTHDHDFNBFDNDFBBBD TOPIC
PICTTYYY
OPIC
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Example 3
Writing Topic Sentences with reference to the Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement:
Overscheduled lifestyles, changes in family structure, and emphasis on individualism
are three reasons for the generation gap between younger and older people.
Explanation:
This thesis statement tells us that the topic of the text is the gap between younger and
older people and the focus is the causes of this gap.
We also know that the first paragraph of the text will discuss how overscheduled
lifestyles affect the generation gap between younger and older people.
The second paragraph will discuss the changes in family structure and how it affects
family relationships, while the third paragraph will discuss how individualism can
create a difference between generations.
To establish the connection between the thesis statement and the paragraphs of the
text, the following topic sentences are used.
Topic Sentence 1:
Overscheduled lifestyles is one reason why younger and older people become isolated
from each other.
Topic Sentence 2:
Another reason for the generation gap between younger and older people is the
change in family structure from extended families to nuclear families.
Topic Sentence 3:
The third cause of the generation gap between younger and older people is emphasis
on individualism.
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EXERCISE 6
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.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. The use of technology in the classroom has many benefits.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. The usage of technology in the classroom improves knowledge retention,
encourages individual learning, and enhances classroom engagement.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. There are three benefits of using technology in the classroom.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
5. Cool Math, Edmodo, and Fun Brain are some examples of the many education
technology tools that can be used to enhance classroom learning.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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EXERCISE 7
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?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 3:
Next, there is too little parental supervision.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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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?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 3:
Is a communication tool.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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EXERCISE 8
Write an appropriate topic sentence for each of the paragraphs below.
1.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
After-school programmes such as sports and games, art and music activities,
internships in local area businesses and professional organisations as well as
volunteer activities in the community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits
outside of school hours. More job opportunities for teens, especially those funded by
state and local programmes, would offer income for teens as well as work for the
community. Outreach to families through schools, community organisations and
places of worship would help promote inter-generational activities that could improve
family ties, helping teens to work on their problems at the family level instead of taking
them to the streets. Therefore, the problem of teen gang violence can be eliminated
with the combined effort of the community via numerous programmes.
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SUPPORTING SENTENCES AND SUPPORTING DETAILS
Supporting Sentences
Supporting sentences explain and develop the idea expressed in the topic sentence.
These sentences must represent the writer’s point of view and voice.
EXERCISE 9
Read the topic sentences below. Write three supporting sentences that could be
included in the paragraph.
1. Topic Sentence:
Participating in recreational activities brings many benefits to students.
Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 3:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2.
Topic Sentence:
The main reason for unemployment among fresh graduates is the lack of
communication skills.
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Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 3:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3.
Topic sentence:
One of the ways to promote Green Living is through awareness campaigns.
Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 3:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Supporting Details
There are several kinds of supporting details, such as examples, facts, statistics, and
quotations. These supporting details are usually taken from other sources i.e. journals,
books, and credible online sources.
Supporting details further develop the supporting sentences. They also add to the
validity of the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. This information, however,
must be carefully documented using proper citation methods and referencing
convention to avoid plagiarism. You will learn further about citation and referencing in
Lecture Notes 2.
EXERCISE 10
Read the paragraphs below. Underline the supporting details and decide whether they
are examples, facts, statistics or quotations.
1.
Wildlife tourism also has an implication on physiological changes in animals
subject to disturbance. Since animals are a regular subject to wildlife watching
activities, it gives an unpleasant impact to their behavioural responses. Getting too
close to animals can result in adverse effects on wildlife, even if they are not apparent
to the observer. Some animals may flee, others may be stressed and have
physiological responses. For example, animals in the Northern Territory in high
visitation areas have become accustomed to human presence, and visitors may enjoy
passive interactions with these animals through wildlife watching and photography
(Gross, 2012). This can cause prolonged stress in animals which may lead to a
decrease in weight, reduction in breeding success and increased vulnerability to
disease.
Supporting detail type: ____________________
2. For many working adults, online education has greatly enhanced the opportunity
to take classes and complete their studies. Research indicates that although most
online students successfully complete their degree programme, about forty percent of
them fail in their studies (Bates, 2010). Most online students pursue their study online
because they realise the many advantages of online education; nevertheless, it can
be a major issue if students do not put in sufficient effort and time in completing their
studies. In most cases, students can access their course at anytime from anywhere.
This means that parents, working students and professionals on the move have the
option of attending classes no matter how hectic their work schedule. Students only
need a computer and Internet access to take online classes.
Supporting detail type: ____________________
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3.
All languages change over time and vary from place to place. "Language is
subject to change and is not caused by unnecessary sloppiness, laziness or
ignorance" (Aitchison, 1981, p.67). Languages may change as a result of social or
political pressures such as invasion, colonisation, and immigration. Language also
changes very subtly whenever speakers come into contact with each other. No two
individuals speak identically; people from different geographical places clearly speak
differently, but even within the same small community there are variations according
to a speaker’s age, gender, ethnicity as well as social and educational background.
Through interactions with different speakers, new words, expressions, and
pronunciations are integrated into speech.
Supporting detail type: ____________________
4.
One vital step in protecting the environment is by reducing the use of plastic
bags. Plastic bags cost the city of San Francisco 17 cents each to handle once
discarded. Over the state, California spends about 25 million dollars sending plastic
bags to landfills each year, and another 8.5 million dollars to remove littered bags from
streets. While a grocer pays next to nothing for plastic bags and gives them to
customers at no charge, the follow-on cost to society is much higher. If customers can
be trained to bring their own reusable bags every time they shop, this will lead to a
reduction in one of the major polluting items in the environment. Paper bags are
biodegradable and make a good option to reduce the use of plastic bags (Society for
the Environment, 2013). Grocery stores and other retail stores should be actively
discouraged from giving out plastic bags. There are numerous and various incentive
systems employed in some cities around the world in reducing the use of plastic bags
to conserve the environment.
Supporting detail type: ____________________
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CONCLUDING SENTENCE
A concluding sentence is the last sentence of a paragraph. It either restates the main
idea of the paragraph by repeating the topic sentence in different words or summarises
the main points of the paragraph. A concluding sentence begins with suitable transition
signals such as therefore, hence, and thus.
EXERCISE 11
Write a suitable concluding sentence for each of the following paragraphs.
1.
The changes in roles of nurses through a university education have affected
their practice and their image among the community. Previously they were seen as
the doctor’s helper. “A good nurse was disciplined, sober, humble, obedient, and never
complained about her work” (Stevens, 2012, p.202). Currently, the roles of nurses as
part of a team of health professionals have also expanded as a result of university
education. For example, nurses are required to explore different facets of health and
develop more specialised knowledge, giving them the ability to collaborate effectively
(Duffy et al., 2011). They also have had a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment
and prevention. This is due to the stronger theory base that is taught at universities.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2.
People need to continuously adjust their habits to bring an end to climate
change. Simple changes, like recycling and turning off the lights when leaving a room
is a good place to start, but it cannot stop there. For example, when people are out
shopping, they should carefully evaluate their purchases and buy fewer items. When
people buy things they do not need, the things quickly end up in the landfill, which is
a waste of resources. It is also important to look for ways to further reduce
consumption at home. For example, paper towels could easily be replaced with cloth
rags. People can also look for ways to minimise their use of other valuable resources
by shifting their daily habits towards more sustainable practices such as taking shorter
showers, eating less meat, and walking to nearby locations rather than driving.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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3.
Choosing a college or university can be difficult for high school students. The
most difficult part is finding a university that prepares them well for their future career.
In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and
upto-date. In addition, the educators must be highly qualified and respected in their fields.
Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. Students need to
be able to pay not only the tuition fees but also the living expenses. Fortunately, some
institutions might be able to offer scholarships if students cannot afford the fees. Of
course, a good location is also very important when choosing a college or university.
The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying. Moreover, there
should be opportunities near the college or university for part-time jobs or internships
to provide some work experience for students.
___________________________________________________________________
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