Academic Writing IV
Spring 2013 Meet twice a week M, W (Sec.201)
Monday 2:00-3:50 (3-505) Wednesday 8:00-9:50 (3-516)
E-mail: Austin Casey austinkc@hotmail.com
Phone: 134 3922 0499
Website: http://austincasey.yolasite.com/
Office Hours:
1
Today:
Vocabulary synonyms
IELTS T2 review, transition words practice
useful phrases for IELTS writing T1 & T2
Homework: Journal 1 – Due in 1 week
2
Vocabulary: Synonyms
Words with the same meaning
Such as old people = elderly folks, aged, senior
citizens, geriatrics
Synonyms
Language lists
The words in the following groups are not necessarily
synonyms, though many are.
It is highly recommended that you study the PPTs or
make flashcards in order to learn and review the
words in these lists.
Similar words
Similar words
Language List 1: Statistics & Data
(adv.) approximately, almost, around, nearly, roughly
(n.) average, mean, median, the norm
(v.) categorise, arrange, classify, divide, group, sort
(n.) category, class, kind, group, sort, type
(n.) data, facts, figures, information, statistics
(n.) factor, aspect, detail, variable
(n.) figure, [bar/line/pie/organizational] chart, [flow]
diagram, drawing, flow-chart, [bar/line] graph,
histogram, illustration, picture, table
(n.) frequency, prevalence
(adj.) frequent, common, prevalent, regular, ant:
infrequent, uncommon, rare
(adv.) frequently, commonly, often, regularly, ant:
infrequently, rarely
(n.) majority, the bulk, ant: minority
(adj.) obvious, clear, apparent, evident
(adv.) obviously, clearly, apparently, evidently
(n.) occurrence, incidence, rate
(n.) odds, chance, likelihood, probability
(n.) percentage, portion, proportion, ratio, segment
(prep.) regarding, about, concerning, relating to
(v.) show, demonstrate, illustrate, reveal
(adj.) significant, considerable, notable, remarkable,
ant: insignificant, unremarkable
(adv.) significantly, considerably, notably, remarkably,
ant: insignificantly, unremarkably
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Machine translation (MT) is slower and less accurate than
human translation and there is no immediate or
predictable likelihood of machines taking over this role
from humans.
Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For instance
especially
because
For these
reasons
In order to
It is true
Of course
similarly
however
It seems to
For example
be advances in technology over
It is true that there have been great
the last forty years. .................... the use of mobile phones and
e-mail communication are common these days. ....................,
machines that translate from one language to another are still
in their early stages.
On the
contrary
For instance
especially
because
For these
reasons
In order to
It is true
Of course
similarly
however
It seems to
be
For example
It is true that there have been great advances in
technology over the last forty years. For
example / For instance the use of mobile
phones and e-mail communication are common
these days. However, machines that translate
from one language to another are still in their
early stages.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
.................... that a machine could never do as good a job as a
human, .................... when it comes to interpreting what people
are saying. ...................., machines can translate statements
such as “Where is the bank?” but even simple statements are
not always straightforward .................... the meaning depends
on more than just words. .................... the word “bank” has a
number of different meanings in English. How does a
translating machine know which meaning to take?
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
It seems to me that a machine could never do as good a job as a
human, especially when it comes to interpreting what people
are saying. Of course, machines can translate statements such
as “Where is the bank?” but even simple statements are not
always straightforward because the meaning depends on more
than just words. For instance / For example the word “bank”
has a number of different meanings in English. How does a
translating machine know which meaning to take?
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
.................... understand what people are saying, you need to
take into account the relationship between the speakers and
their situation. A machine cannot tell the difference between
the English expression “Look out!” meaning “Be careful!” and
“Look out!” meaning “Put your head out of the window”. You
need a human being to interpret the situation.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
In order to understand what people are saying, you need to take
into account the relationship between the speakers and their
situation. A machine cannot tell the difference between the
English expression “Look out!” meaning “Be careful!” and
“Look out!” meaning “Put your head out of the window”. You
need a human being to interpret the situation.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
.................... with written language, it is difficult for a machine to
know how to translate accurately .................... we rarely
translate every word. ...................., we try to take into
consideration how the idea would be expressed in the other
language. This is hard to do .................... every language has
its own way of doing and saying things.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
Similarly with written language, it is difficult for a machine to know
how to translate accurately because we rarely translate every
word. On the contrary, we try to take into consideration how the
idea would be expressed in the other language. This is hard to
do because every language has its own way of doing and
saying things.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
.................... I feel that it is most unlikely that machines will take
the place of humans in the field of translating and interpreting.
If machines ever learn to think, perhaps then they will be in a
position to take on this role.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or
phrase from the words below:
On the
contrary
For these
reasons
For instance
especially
because
In order to
It is true
Of course
however
It seems to be
similarly
For example
For these reasons I feel that it is most unlikely that machines will
take the place of humans in the field of translating and
interpreting. If machines ever learn to think, perhaps then they
will be in a position to take on this role.
Useful phrases for IELTS wT1 & T2
1. It is crucial that we analyze the causes of this
disturbing issue and explore effective solutions.
From my own perspective, the causes are multiple.
2. One of the most evident reasons is that...
3. Another factor that should be taken into
considerations is that...
4. On the other hand, there are many opponents who
strongly argue that _____. However, further
analysis make it clear that _____.
5. Taking into account of all these factors, we may
reach the conclusion that _____.
NEXT CLASS:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many magazines and websites feature stories about the private lives of
famous people. We know their personal lives and we also can see
photos of them in private or embarrassing situations. They are not
paid for their image being used.
Is it appropriate for a magazine or website to give this kind of private
information about celebrities?
Give reasons for your answer. Write at least 250 words.
Many magazines and websites feature stories about the private
lives of famous people. We know their personal lives and we also
can see photos of them in private or embarrassing situations.
They are not paid for their image being used.
Is it appropriate for a magazine or website to give this kind of
private information about celebrities?
1. It is crucial that we analyze the causes of this disturbing issue and explore
effective solutions. From my own perspective, the causes are multiple......
2. One of the most evident reasons is that...
3. Another factor that should be taken into considerations is that...
4. On the other hand, there are many opponents who strongly argue that
_____. However, further analysis make it clear that _____.
5. Taking into account of all these factors, we may reach the conclusion that
_____.
Essay Types: You will write 2 essays & weekly journals
For essay 1, choose #1 or #2. For essay 2, everyone will do #3
1. Remembering an Event – Narrative Style Essay (550-650 words)
An interesting event that you remember clearly.
2. Writing a Profile – Descriptive Style Essay (550-650 words)
You will describe something or someone.
3. Proposing a Solution (550-650 words)
You will discuss a problem and explain how to fix it
4. Journal Entries
These will be given by the instructor. They will cover various topics.
Very similar to IELTS Task 2 questions
5. Vocabulary Quiz
A weekly quiz on the target words
Writing a Profile: Description
Essay
“The devil is in the details.”
Benjamin Franklin
What is a Description Essay
A description essay appeals to the reader’s
five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and
touch.
It paints a vivid picture with words. The
writer’s purpose is to describe people, places,
or objects as detailed as possible so that the
readers are able to form a clear picture in
their minds.
To write a description essay,follow the
following steps . . .
Step one: Choose an interesting topic (a
person, place or an object)
Step two: Decide on what kind of main
impression you want to convey with your description
Examples:
Topic—Cambridge Campus
Main Impression—Cambridge campus is
vibrant with the past. It has a great history and
historical artifacts like Newton's tree.
Topic—My Grandma
Main Impression—My grandma is a strong
and powerful woman.
Step three: Support the main impression with
at least three major features.
Examples:
Cambridge Campus is vibrant: one can sense
the lively atmosphere by watching students
busy socializing, faculty members busy
conduction classes, and student organizing
activities
My grandmother is a strong woman. Her
strength lies in her intellectual power, her
emotional steadiness and her good health.
Step four: Use descriptive details. The following
are ways to provide descriptive details.
Vague: The pickles tasted strange.
Improved: The pickles tasted bitter and
spoiled.
Vague: The old house smelled strange.
Improved: The old house smelled like damp
cheese
Vague: The man smiled.
Improved: The hulking, wild-haired,
handsome man grinned widely.
Fixing the wording
1). Replace being verbs (am, be, been, is, was, were) with descriptive
action words to improve a description essay.
Vague: Leo is having a conversation with Elizabeth.
Improved: Leo whispers lovely secrets into Elizabeth’s ear.
Improved: Leo yelled at Elizabeth for making a mess in canteen so loud
that he embarrassed her in front of her professor
Vague: The music is heard throughout the apartment.
Improved: The music blares throughout the apartment, destroying
dishes and sending our dog to hide away under the bed.
Improved: The school choir sings soft songs but has a powerful bass
line which can be heard for miles around campus, in fact last year some
dogs were so frightened that they began to roam wild and attack
citizens.
Fixing the wording
2). Replace boring verbs with action verbs to further enrich the
description in the essay.
Vague: The salesman looked at Erika when she opened the door.
Improved: The salesman started his presentation at Erika when she
opened the door.
Vague: Paul’s hungry date ate the pastry.
Improved: Paul’s hungry date devoured the pastry and got white
powdered sugar all over her face until she looked like a scary ghost.
3). Avoid vague nouns, such as thing, stuff, and item.
Vague: Honesty is a thing that I admire.
Improved: Honesty is a trait that I admire.
Vague: Henry gave the stuff to his brother.
Improved: Henry gave a truckload of fantasy novels to his brother.
Writing Descriptive Essays
I. Introduction
1. Lead-in: Introduce the person or place to be described in
an interesting way.
2. Transition: Explain how you get to know this person or
place.
3. Thesis Statement:
1). Present the main impression of the person or place.
2). Present the three features that support the dominant
impression.
Body
Body Paragraph 1
1. Topic Sentence: Introduce the first feature.
2. Supporting Details: Use descriptive details.
3. Closing Remarks: Summarize this paragraph.
Body Paragraph 2
1. Topic Sentence: Introduce the second feature.
2. Supporting Details: Use descriptive details.
3. Closing Remarks: Summarize this paragraph.
Body Paragraph 3
1. Topic Sentence: Introduce the third feature.
2. Supporting Details: Use descriptive details.
3. Closing Remarks: Summarize this paragraph.
Conclusion
1. Rephrase the thesis sentence.
2. Restate the three features.
3. Extend the significance of the description.
Short Assignment:
Take out a piece of paper. Describe a simple object.
1 paragraph = about 150-250 words
Use various adjectives and idioms. Make a thesis.
Hints:
Choose a normal object and make it come to life. Such as a bottle of water or a
pencil. Each item has a history. You may attribute human traits to the object.
Start with a boring thing and try to make it interesting. It is similar to creative
writing.
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What is a good essay?
Structure is more important than content
> IMPORTANT: The structure is correct
> At the end of the introduction (the thesis), the reader knows the essay topic
clearly.
> The main topic is clearly expressed.
> The main topic is creative and new. It stands out.
> The main idea is well developed. You have already considered any problems that
may come up.
> The transition is smooth and logical.
> Each paragraph has a clear relation to the main topic.
> There is evidence and examples to support your essay.
> There are good vocabulary words and sentences.
> The conclusion is done correctly.
> Research is correctly documented. Cite your sources.
37
Review: Thesis Statement
A thesis statement needs a topic
and an opinion.
Topic: what you want to talk about
Opinion: what do you think about
the topic
38
Review: Thesis Statement
first person (I believe, In my opinion...)
unclear language (It seems, etc.)
2 ideas
facts - A thesis is something you plan to make an
argument about.
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Example Thesis Statements
1. Our cafeteria would be greatly improved if several
changes were made.
2. Doctors are often great role models because of the
way they dress, talk, and behave.
3. My first night as a security guard turned out to be one
of the most frightening experiences of my life.
4. Motorcycles are inferior to cars because they are
harder to control, seasonal, and produce more noise.
5. The twentieth century produced three inventions that
dramatically changed the lives of all Americans.
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Example Thesis Statements
6. Stress in the fast-food workplace has led to serious
physical, psychological, and emotional problems for
employees.
7. Advertisers target young people in order to market
popular goods like shoes, phones, and backpacks.
8. Living in a city has certain advantages over living in
the suburbs.
9. Before moving away from home, every person should
have mastered certain key skills.
10. Independent “mom and pop” stores are superior to
larger chain stores for a number of reasons.
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Make an Outline:
Topic Sentence 2
a. Evidence
b. Evidence
c. Example
Introduction with hook &
thesis
Topic Sentence 3
a. Evidence
Topic Sentence 1
a. Evidence
b. Evidence
c. Example
b. Evidence
c. Example
Conclusion
Make an Outline:
Cannot Drive certain days
a. License plate number
b. Too many want license
c. Price was increased
Thesis: Private car is a
hassle
Difficult to park
a. Expensive
Traffic Jam
a. I had a traffic jam
b. No spaces
c. Waste time park
b. Too many cars
c.
Conclusion
Journal 1
Different Shops
Write an essay comparing and contrasting the
experience of shopping at two different kinds of
stores. Use specific reasons and examples to
illustrate the stores' similarities and differences.
Use 4 vocabulary words from FOV2 Chapter 6 or
from the new words list
Extra Journal 1
I want you to write your own IELTS Task 2 type
question and answer it. Remember choose a
trend or a problem. Then use the format “what
are your opinions on this”
Homework
Learn the new vocabulary words
Journal 1