LPE2503 ACADEMIC WRITING
LECTURE NOTES 1
[WEEK 1 – 5]
Topics:
1. Introduction to Academic Writing
2. Types of Academic Writing
3. Structure of Academic Writing
4. Academic Vocabulary
5. Prewriting Strategies
6. Components of an Academic Essay
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 and 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
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining cognitive functions, particularly in
aging populations. Studies show that dehydration negatively affects short-term
memory, attention, and reaction time. Conversely, adequate water intake
helps improve mental alertness and mood (Zhang et al., 2019). Research
highlights that dehydration impairs cognitive performance by reducing the
brain’s ability to function optimally, as water is essential for maintaining brain
structure and neurotransmitter function (Rosinger et al., 2019). Therefore,
staying hydrated is essential to preserving cognitive abilities, especially as one
ages (Hooper et al., 2021).
(Adapted from the Effects of dehydration and rehydration on cognitive
performance, 2019)
Example of a Non-academic Text
Drinking enough water is really important for keeping your brain working well,
especially as you get older. When you are dehydrated, it can affect your
memory. This will make it harder for you to concentrate. On the other hand,
staying hydrated helps boost mental sharpness and improves your mood.
Water plays a key role in keeping your brain healthy and functioning properly,
so it is essential to drink enough to keep your mind active and alert.
(Adapted from the Effects of dehydration, 2020)
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. TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
It is important for you to be familiar with the different types of academic writing.
Different forms of academic writing serve different scholarly purposes, each with its
distinct objectives and structures. The tasks you might do depend on your subject and
your level of study. For instance, reports are common in science subjects, whereas
essays are more common in arts and humanities subjects. Below are some of the
types of academic writing:
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3. STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC WRITING
Academic writing should have a clear structure. This helps you convey information in
a coherent and logical manner to the reader. You want your response to be focussed
and progressive, rather than just a jumble of ideas. A well-organised essay contains:
Travelling by car undeniably has become an indispensable part of the daily lives of urban
residents. In recent years, the number of private motorised transportation is increasing in
developing countries. Although most people prefer to travel in private cars, some individuals
have started practicing the concept of ridesharing or carpooling. The practice involves multiple
individuals travelling together in a single vehicle to a shared destination. Numerous studies
have proven that carpooling offers many benefits, not just to an individual but also to the
community. Carpooling reduces cost, benefits the environment, and builds connections.
The first benefit of carpooling is it offers significant cost savings. Sharing a car allows
people to split expenses such as fuel, tolls, and parking fees. This significantly reduces the
financial burden on individuals, making commuting more affordable. According to a study by
the U.S. Department of Energy, individuals can save up to $600 annually by carpooling just
twice a week (DOE, 2021). In addition, sharing rides reduces the need for parking fees,
especially in areas where parking is expensive. Drivers can take advantage of dedicated
carpool parking spaces or discounted parking rates offered by companies or local governments.
For example, Ahmed and Thompson (2024) explain that many businesses are reported to offer
subsidies or parking discounts to employees who regularly carpool, which reduces the overall
cost of commuting and encourages more sustainable transportation options. Therefore,
carpooling promotes a more affordable way to travel.
Furthermore, carpooling contributes to environmental sustainability. Greenhouse gas
emissions can be reduced by carpooling due to the reduction in fuel consumption. When
multiple people share a ride, it reduces the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn
reduces traffic congestion and minimises the release of harmful pollutants. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) reports that carpooling can slash individual carbon emissions by up
to 50%, positioning it as an effective climate change mitigation strategy (EPA, 2022). Moreover,
with fewer cars on the road, carpooling also helps lower noise pollution, particularly in urban
areas where constant traffic noise is a typical issue. Noise pollution from traffic can cause
harmful effects to human health, resulting in issues such as stress, sleep disturbances, and
cardiovascular problems. Carpooling directly lessens these negative impacts by reducing the
number of vehicles in high-traffic areas. Hence, carpooling supports a sustainable future for
cities and communities.
Besides benefiting the environment, carpooling also fosters valuable interpersonal
connections. Commuting with colleagues or neighbours promotes social engagement and
results in the formation of new friendships with existing acquaintances. It provides an
opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, turning the commute into a more enjoyable
experience. Additionally, sharing the journey can alleviate the stress of traffic, as the company
of others brings comfort and relaxation. The exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences can
be a refreshing break from the routine of everyday life. Thus, carpooling not only enhances the
commute but also strengthens social bonds and enriches daily life.
In conclusion, people can benefit immensely by sharing vehicles regularly. From
cutting costs to conserving the environment and fostering heartwarming friendships, carpooling
offers it all. It is a promising solution to major concerns like air pollution and heavy traffic, but it
also comes with some potential drawbacks. To ensure its success, it is important to openly
address the challenges and explore practical solutions or alternative options.
Introductory
paragraph
Body
paragraphs
Concluding
paragraph
Additionally, in terms of content, academic writing needs to have an objective that is
specific and not personal. To avoid bias, any claims or arguments made should be
supported with relevant evidence. When you write, you may incorporate ideas from
various sources with proper in-text citations and referencing to ensure that your writing
is credible.
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4. 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:
Apart from using formal words, the following features of informal language should
also be avoided for academic writing.
4
EXERCISE 1
Identify suitable formal words to replace the informal words used below.
1. The data are not enough to make a strong conclusion about the study.
______________________________________________________________
2. The academic year starts at the beginning of October.
______________________________________________________________
3. The team managed to get all the required permits ahead of schedule.
______________________________________________________________
4. Each candidate will get a shot to present their proposals during the
conference.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. The researchers looked into the effects of social media on mental health.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5
EXERCISE 2
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,
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.
(Adapted from The American Institute of Stress, 2021)
Informal words / expressions
Formal words
1
2
3
4
6
5
6
7
8
9
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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.
Subjects and verbs must agree in number.
If the subject is singular, the verb must be
singular too.
Subject-verb
agreement
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.
Three common tenses used in academic
writing are:
Verb tenses
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.
7
Zimbardo (2018) researched many aspects
of social psychology.
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.
Verb tenses
Example:
Zimbardo (2018) researched many aspects of
social psychology.
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
method.
Spelling and
vocabulary
researchers
have
used
this
Zimbardo (2018) researched many aspects
of social psychology.
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 LPE2503 Academic Writing
course.
Punctuation
Use
correct
punctuation
to convey
your ideas
Zimbardo
(2018)
researched
many aspects
of
accurately.
social psychology.
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/punctuati
on
8
Zimbardo (2018) researched many aspects of
social psychology.
EXERCISE 3
Read the following sentences. Identify any language, spelling or punctuation error
and rewrite the sentences correctly.
1. Since the earliest days of Artificial Intelligence, its definition has focusing on the
ability to behave with the appearance of intelligence.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. In addition Malaysia enjoys a free and competitive labor where an employeremployee relationship is cordial and harmonious.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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. The agriculture sector in Malaysia generate the most revenue for economic growth
due to Malaysia’s vast areas of land and biodiversity.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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5. PREWRITING STRATEGIES
There are two prewriting strategies commonly used by writers – Brainstorming and
Outlining. Brainstorming involves the process of generating ideas and clustering
them to help writers identify the focus of the topic. In deciding the writing focus, you
can brainstorm and narrow down ideas that interest you. To help you better visualise
and explore your ideas, you can cluster related ideas accordingly. Below is an example
of a cluster diagram used for brainstorming.
Steps
1 – Choose a topic and brainstorm ideas and vocabulary related to the topic.
2 – Link related ideas together using lines and boxes to form clusters of ideas.
3 – Connect your clusters to your topic.
E.g.
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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 Carpooling
Paragraph 1
Main idea
: Carpooling reduces cost
Point 1
: divides cost of fuel
Point 2
: reduces parking costs
Paragraph 2
Main idea
: Carpooling benefits the environment
Point 1
: reduces emission of pollutants
Point 2
: lowers noise pollution
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EXERCISE 4
Choose a topic from the given list and brainstorm for possible ideas using the
clustering technique.
Student volunteering
Cultural diversity
Food security
Tourism
Artificial intelligence
Cyberbullying
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EXERCISE 5
Based on the topic chosen in Exercise 4, write an outline using the outlining
technique. Pair up with a classmate and exchange your outlines. Review each
other’s outline and provide feedback on organisation.
Topic: ____________________________________________________________
Paragraph 1
Main idea
:
Point 1
:
Point 2
:
Paragraph 2
Main idea
:
Point 1
:
Point 2
:
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6. 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
▪
▪
▪
▪
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
Supporting details
Concluding sentence
Paragraph 2
▪
▪
▪
▪
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
Supporting details
Concluding sentence
Paragraph 3
▪
▪
▪
▪
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
Supporting details
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.
Travelling by car undeniably has become an indispensable part of the daily lives of
urban residents. In recent years, the number of private motorised transportation is
increasing in developing countries. Although most people prefer to travel in private
cars, some individuals have started practicing the concept of ridesharing or
carpooling. The practice involves multiple individuals travelling together in a single
vehicle to a shared destination. Numerous studies have proven that carpooling
offers many benefits, not just to an individual but also to the community. Carpooling
reduces cost, benefits the environment, and builds connection.
The first benefit of carpooling is it offers significant cost savings. Sharing a
car allows people to split expenses such as fuel, tolls, and parking fees. This
significantly reduces the financial burden on individuals, making commuting more
affordable. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, individuals can
save up to $600 annually by carpooling just twice a week (DOE, 2021). In addition,
sharing rides reduces the need for parking fees, especially in areas where parking
is expensive. Drivers can take advantage of dedicated carpool parking spaces or
discounted parking rates offered by companies or local governments. For example,
Ahmed and Thompson (2024) explain that many businesses are reported to offer
subsidies or parking discounts to employees who regularly carpool, which reduces
the overall cost of commuting and encourages more sustainable transportation
options. Therefore, carpooling promotes a more affordable way to travel.
Furthermore, carpooling contributes to environmental sustainability.
Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by carpooling due to the reduction in
fuel consumption. When multiple people share a ride, it reduces the number of
vehicles on the road, which in turn reduces traffic congestion and minimises the
release of harmful pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports
that carpooling can slash individual carbon emissions by up to 50%, positioning it as
an effective climate change mitigation strategy (EPA, 2022). Moreover, with fewer
cars on the road, carpooling also helps lower noise pollution, particularly in urban
areas where constant traffic noise is a typical issue. Noise pollution from traffic can
cause harmful effects to human health, resulting in issues such as stress, sleep
disturbances, and cardiovascular problems. Carpooling directly lessens these
negative impacts by reducing the number of vehicles in high-traffic areas. Hence,
carpooling supports sustainable a future for cities and communities.
15
Besides its environmental benefits, carpooling also fosters valuable
interpersonal connections. Commuting with colleagues or neighbours promotes
social engagement and results in the formation of new friendships with existing
acquaintances. It provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations,
turning the commute into a more enjoyable experience. Moreover, sharing the
journey can alleviate the stress of traffic, as the company of others brings comfort
and relaxation. The exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences can be a refreshing
break from the routine of everyday life. Thus, carpooling not only enhances the
commute but also strengthens social bonds and enriches daily life.
In conclusion, people can benefit immensely by sharing vehicles regularly.
From cutting costs to conserving the environment and fostering heartwarming
friendships, carpooling offers it all. It is a promising solution to major concerns like air
pollution and heavy traffic, but it also comes with some potential drawbacks. To
ensure its success, it is important to openly address the challenges and explore
practical solutions or alternative options.
16
COMPONENT 1: INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
An introductory paragraph introduces the topic of the academic text to readers. 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?
Travelling by car undeniably has become an
indispensable part of the daily lives of urban residents. In
recent years, the number of private motorised transportation
number is increasing in developing countries. Although
most people prefer to travel in private cars, some individuals
have started practicing the concept of ridesharing or
carpooling. The practice involves multiple individuals
travelling together in a single vehicle to a shared
destination. Numerous studies have proven that carpooling
offers many benefits, not just to an individual but also to the
community.
Carpooling
reduces
cost,
benefits
the
environment, and builds connection.
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: Benefits of Carpooling
Thesis statement 1:
Carpooling reduces cost, benefits the environment, and builds connection.
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 benefits of carpooling for individuals.
This thesis statement states the number of benefits 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:
Carpooling refers to a mean of transport where the driver shares a common
route and time in their private vehicle with passengers.
This thesis statement is too general. It does not provide the specific aspect of
the topic (carpooling) 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 a
concluding sentence. Below is the structure of a body paragraph:
TOPIC SENTENCE
- states the topic and controlling idea
of the paragraph
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
- provide explanation, examples and
details of the topic
BODY PARAGRAPH
SUPPORTING DETAILS
- provide examples, facts, statistics,
and quotations
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
Reporting verb
used to introduce
borrowed
information
TOPIC
SENTENCE
The first benefit of carpooling is it offers significant cost saving.
Sharing a car allows people to split expenses such as fuel, tolls, and parking
fees. This significantly reduces the financial burden on individuals, making
commuting more affordable. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy states
that individuals can save up to $600 annually by carpooling just twice a week
(DOE, 2021). In addition, sharing ride reduces the need for parking fees,
especially in areas where parking is expensive. Drivers can take advantage of
dedicated carpool parking spaces or discounted parking rates offered by
companies or local governments. For example, Ahmed and Thompson (2024)
explains that many businesses are reported to offer subsidies or parking
discounts to employees who regularly carpool, which reduces the overall cost
of commuting and encourages more sustainable transportation options.
Therefore, carpooling promotes a more affordable way to travel.
SUPPORTING
SENTENCES
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
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.
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Example 3
Writing Topic Sentences with reference to the Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement:
Overscheduled lifestyle, 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
lifestyle affects 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:
First, overscheduled lifestyle is the reason 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 Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language
1. Languages shape the way people perceive the world.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. There are numerous advantages of learning a foreign language.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. Learning a foreign language offers individuals with enhanced cognitive abilities,
increased cultural understanding, and expanded career opportunities.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. There are three advantages of learning a foreign language.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
5. Duolingo, FluentU, and LinguaLift are some examples of the many language
learning applications that can be used to improve the learning experience.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
23
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 inappropriate content, risk of social media addiction, and cyberbullying
are three reasons children should not be allowed on social media.
Topic Sentence 1:
Social media allows children to communicate with others.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 2:
The heightened risk of social media addiction is another reason why children should
avoid the platforms.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 3:
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target
another person.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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2. Thesis Statement:
The adoption of a cashless payment system offers many benefits as it increases
convenience, enhances financial tracking, and reduces risk of theft.
Topic Sentence 1:
A cashless payment system helps to increase convenience.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 2:
The second advantage is that it enhances the process of financial tracking of
individual’s spending habit.
Is the topic sentence appropriate? If not, what is the problem?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 3:
There is also a considerable risk of counterfeit notes.
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 two supporting sentences that could be
included in the paragraph.
1. Topic Sentence:
Participating in recreational activities helps to improve student’s mental health.
Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2.
Topic Sentence:
The main reason for unemployment among fresh graduates is the lack of
communication skills.
Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3.
Topic sentence:
One of the ways to promote Green Living is through awareness campaigns.
Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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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 more 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 for 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 instance, 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 per cent
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 any time 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 plastic bag use.
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 are 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 to reduce the use of plastic bags to conserve the
environment.
Supporting detail type: ____________________
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EXERCISE 11
Select the most suitable excerpts to be used as supporting details for the following
topic sentences and supporting sentences.
1. Topic Sentence:
Supporting Sentence:
Firstly, the primary cause of climate change is bad
agronomic practices within the agricultural sector.
Nitrogen-based fertilizers that are commonly used in
agronomic practices release Nitrous Oxide gas (N20)
into the air.
Supporting Details:
A) Nitrogen is critical to plant growth and reproduction. The addition of nitrogen is
crucial in sustaining soil fertility as pasture and crop growth will often respond to
increased availability of soil nitrogen (Agriculture Victoria, n.d.).
B) Green (2020) claims that at present, human agricultural practices account for over
two-thirds of global N20 emissions. Research has shown that excess nitrogen can
lead to overgrowth of algae in water and in the atmosphere; N20 can also destroy
the ozone layer, protecting the earth from ultraviolet radiation.
2. Topic Sentence:
Supporting Sentence:
Secondly, cloud accounting software ensures data
security.
Data are stored properly in the cloud and
continuously backed up which in return will avoid
data loss.
Supporting Details:
A) Dimitriu and Matei (2015) explain that the emergence of cloud accounting software
has managed to ensure data security as financial data are automatically saved into
the cloud. Users can schedule data to be stored and backed up accordingly,
whether on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Since data is backed up regularly in
a cloud software, users are not exposed to data loss.
B) Erkins (n.d.) claims that one of the greatest advantages of cloud accounting
software is the ability to access data from the cloud easily. Users can access their
data from anywhere, and they could also collaborate with their business partners
and employees at any time.
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3. Topic Sentence:
Supporting Sentence:
First, drinking water promotes healthy mental
function, which is important to live a healthy life.
Dehydration will lead to reduced mental and
cognitive functions.
Supporting Details:
A) Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be
done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water, ice pops,
or sports drinks. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing
caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas (Cobb, 2017).
B) Failing to drink enough water can cause headaches, shorter attention span and
difficulty to concentrate. Research has also shown that being dehydrated by just
2% impairs performance in tasks that require attention, psychomotor and
immediate memory skills (Adan, 2012).
4. Topic Sentence:
Supporting Sentence:
Next, another benefit of recycling is it saves energy.
Turning recycling products into usable materials
requires less energy in comparison to processing raw
materials.
Supporting Details:
A) Manufacturing recycled paper uses only 60% of the energy needed to produce
paper from fresh pulp. On top of that, manufacturing one ton of paper with recycled
paper stock can save between 3,000 and 4,000 kilowatt-hours over the same ton
of paper made with fresh pulp (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).
B) Recycling reduces the cost of production during manufacturing. Using existing
materials to produce new products is cheaper than mining and manufacturing new
raw materials (Synoracki, 2019).
5. Topic Sentence:
Supporting Sentence:
First, one of the effects of stress is it can compromise
the immune system.
Stress has been clinically proven to interfere with
inflammatory processes, wound healing and
responses to infectious agents in the body.
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Supporting Details:
A) High stress levels can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, high blood
pressure can cause serious health problems, such as stroke and heart attacks (U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.).
B) According to the American Psychological Association (2004), stress will reduce the
number of natural killer cells of lymphocytes in the body, which are needed to fight
viruses.
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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 12
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 places to start, but they 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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IN-CLASS ACTIVITY (WRITING PORTFOLIO 1)
1. In Week 5, bring your completed Outline Form (draft) to class.
2. Choose a peer and exchange your Outline Form (draft) along with your
Peer Review Form.
3. Use the Peer Review Form to provide constructive feedback on your
peer's outline.
4. After completing the review process, revise your own outline based on
the feedback received.
5. Use the Outline Form (Final) to make the necessary changes.
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