ACADEMIC ENGLISH III
Class 7
March 29, 2013
Today
Continue compare/contrast writing.
First – Essay Structure
Similar to paragraph structure we looked at previously.
The essay is an expanded form of this.
Essay Structure - Introduction
Consists of two parts:
1. Opening Statements.
- attract reader’s attention.
2. Thesis statement.
- state the main idea of the essay.
- names the specific topic.
- gives a general idea of essay’s contents.
Essay Structure - Body
Consists of one or more paragraphs:
- Each paragraph develops the claim set out in the thesis
statement.
- Number of paragraphs in the body varies.
Essay Structure - Conclusion
Consists of two parts:
1. A summary or review of the main points discussed in the
body.
2. Closing.
Essay Structure - Other elements
- Unity
- Coherence
i.e.) Transition signals: therefore, because, although, first.
- More on these later.
Thesis statement
Most important sentence in the introduction.
It is usually the last sentence in the introduction.
- It states the specific topic of the essay and also
indicates the type of essay.
- The thesis statement tells the reader about the
contents of the essay.
Thesis statement
The pattern of organization the essay will follow:
• When buying a used car, use these four strategies to get
the best price.
Instructional
• There are two key differences between a divorce lawyer
and a corporate lawyer.
Comparison/contrast
• My best friend and I spent an entire summer building a
tree house in my grandmother’s old apple tree.
Chronological order
Thesis statement
The thesis statement makes a claim and indicates how this claim
will be discussed.
Examples:
“Native Americans have made valuable contributions
to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of
language, art, and government.”
“A college education is a good investment because it
increases earning potential, provides networking
opportunities, and broadens perspectives.”
Thesis Statement – Key Features
- States the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence.
- Is not written as a question.
- Comes at the end of the introduction.
- States the claim/position of the paper.
- States how the claim will be discussed/analyzed.
- Does not directly announce the main topic.
Thesis Statement Problems.
Poor:
The sport of cross-country jogging.
 Not a complete sentence. No claim.
Improved:
The sport of cross-country running allows people to get in
better shape and meet interesting people.
Thesis Statement Problems.
Poor:
Why do I want to be a teacher?
 This is a question, not a statement.
Improved:
Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows a
person to work with students and be creative.
Thesis Statement Problems.
Poor:
I will compare and contrast Hansot 도시락 and Kim Pasa.
 This is an announcement. It is also too general.
WHAT will the two restaurants be
compared/contrasted on?
Improved:
Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot
Dosirak and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s superior menu choice and food
quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.
Essay Structure - Introduction
Funnel introduction:
- wide at the top, narrow at the bottom.
General statements
thesis statement
Essay Structure - Introduction
Source: http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/intro.htm
Introduction
General comment
qualify
relate
thesis
Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step
Essay topic: compare/contrast Hansot and Kim Pasa for a
college student on a budget
1. Focus on a key word or phrase related to your topic.
- food in college
Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step
Food in college
2. Write an opening sentence providing a general comment
about that word/phrase.
- While attending college, having access to food that is both
cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival.
Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step
Food in college
While attending college, having access to food that is both
cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival.
3. Write a few more (2 or 3) more specific sentences that lead
you to your actual topic (thesis).
- Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel
their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to
purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited
budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between
food that they like and food they can afford.
Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step
While attending college, having access to food that is
both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival.
Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to
fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the
funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are
on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a
balance between food that they like and food they can afford.
4. Next, write a sentence (or 2) clearly relating to the previous
sentences and also introducing the specific topic.
- Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget
need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets.
Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants
for college students to get their meals.
Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step
While attending college, having access to food that is both
cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the
fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic
and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food
can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget
forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food
they can afford. Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget
need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets.
Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for
college students to get their meals.
5. Finish with the thesis statement.
- Despite similarities in both price and service between
Hansot and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s wider menu choice and
food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.
Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step
While attending college, having access to food that
is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s
survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly
need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular
activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an
issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget
forces students to seek a balance between food that they
like and food they can afford. Freshmen, who are often
new to being on a budget need to know how to get the
best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim
Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students
to get their meals. Despite similarities in both price and
service between Hansot and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s wider
menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a
student on a budget.
Compare/Contrast Writing
Compare/Contrast Writing
A key feature of comparison/contrast essays is organization.
- Careful organization is necessary for an effective essay of
this kind.
- You don’t want to confuse the reader(s).
- There are several to organize a comparison/contrast
essay.
Block Organization
• Basic outline:
• I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis
statement).
• II. Body
•
A. Topic A features
- Feature 1
- Feature 2
B. Topic B features
- Feature 1
- Feature 2
• III. Conclusion
NOTE: Make sure you discuss the same features for each topic!
Point-by-Point Organization
• Basic outline: (Two topics, A & B)
• I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).
• II. Body
•
•
A. Difference/similarity 1
- Topic 1
- Topic 2
B. Difference/similarity 2
- Topic 1
- Topic 2
C. Difference/similarity 3
- Topic 1
- Topic 2
• III. Conclusion
NOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!
Compare/Contrast Writing - Analysis
- It is not enough to simply say:
“This is how A & B are different; this is how they are
similar.”
- The above is just regurgitating information.
You need a basis for the comparison AND
Analysis of the comparison.
 Go beyond “here is some information…the end ”
Bases of comparison/contrast
i.e.,) fresh foods and canned foods
Compared/contrasted on:
- Flavor
- Health benefits
- Cost
Bases of comparison/contrast
i.e.,) iPhone 5 and Galaxy SIII
Could compare/contrast on: ?
- Convenience
- Costs
- Capabilities
- Design
Source: www.techradar.com
Point of
comparison
Job X
Job Y
Salary
Benefits
(vacation,
pension, health
insurance).
Advancement
opportunities
$30/hour
good
$25/hour
good
Same or
different
?
different
same
Not good
good
different
Workplace
environment
Friendly,
supportive
Friendly,
supportive
same
Compare/Contrast Writing - Analysis
After analysis, you can decide on a thesis statement.
“Job X and Job Y are similar but different.”
Next Class
Look at coherence
Peer feedback
 Don’t forget your 1st draft (NOT your rough draft)