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: (ICB 319) Wednesday 6-8, Thursday 10-12
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Today:
Homework Due: Journal 4: Technology
Writing Test
T1: Project Moses
Homework: Journal 5, Essay 2 (first 100 words)
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Reminder - Attendance
Each student is allowed 2 unexcused absences (X) per
session. After that your grade will be effected.
Hand in your assignments on time, if you are going to
miss a class, give your essay or journal to a classmate
Essay: Issues
Thesis = topic + opinion + reason (brief reason)
Must attach rough draft to get full score (don't
lose any papers I have handed back)
Essay: Issues
Rhetorical question = a question that has no expected
answer.
X Don't you think so? Isn’t it?
X You agree don't you? Aren't they?
Try not to use no more than 1 per essay/journal
It can be used as a hook or to catch the reader's
attention
Its not academic, and may seem childish if used
incorrectly
Essay: Issues
For non-specific or unsure examples, usually use or not
and as connectors
Ex: My grandfather said to always keep valuable metals
such as gold and silver in a bank vault. = both
Ex: Digging for pirate treasure with a metal detector, you
can find gold or silver. = we are not sure which one, non
specific example
Ex: The king collected valuable gems like rubies and
emeralds. = He collected both rubies and emeralds
Essay 2: Argumentative Essay
Rules for Essay 2:
1.Research Essay (3 Academic References)
2.Argument, counter argument + refute
3.Who disagrees with you
4.One quote “……….”
5.Cannot use first or second person (I, you, etc)
“ Quotes ” (1 kind of reference)
A few quotes are good (1-3 per essay)
Must have at least one academic quote
Don’t forget the in text citation, or you will have
plagiarism!
Put the in text citation right after the quotes:
According to Kant on filial piety, he stated that
“family ties are important” (Kant p.66). I agree
that having a strong connection in your family is
important because...
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“ Quotes ” (1 kind of reference),
each reference has 2 parts:
Lucky Smith writes in The Hunting Diaries that “I
think people should have the right to own a gun
and go hunting, because it is an age old custom
which can make us feel more natural. We also get
the benefits from cleaner meat and good exercise
in the forest; hunting is a way of life” (Smith p78).
last name and page number
Works Cited Page:
Smith, Lucky. The Hunting Diaries. Berkeley,
California: Berkeley Books, 2010.
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Paraphrase (1 kind of reference)
Read something from an author and put it in your
own words
Put the in text citation right after the paraphrase:
According to Lucky Smith on guns, he stated that
guns are safer these days due to new laws
(Smith p.66). I agree because...
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When do you cite sources in your
essay?
1. When you’re talking about an idea you got from
something you read. paraphrase
2. When you quote from something you read or
heard. Direct quote
3. When you want to give the reader some places
to look for more information.
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Essay 2: Argumentative Essay
Essay 1: Profile
Essay 2: Argumentative / Persuasive Essay
550 – 650 words
use quotes and paraphrasing from other authors
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Essay 2: Argumentative
I want this essay to be your opinion, but I also
want you to support your opinion with other
author's opinions
At least 3 references.
At least 1 quote
You may also use 1 paraphrase
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Meaningful Argument = Social Issue
1. Family: Growing Up, Love, Friends, Family, Child Raising,
Entertainment of Youngsters, Population Control,
Cloning/Genetics, Nursing Homes
2. Education/Jobs: Chinese vs. Western Education,
Educating poor people, Educational facilities, Part time
jobs
3. Health & Safety: Security & Police, Crime/Prisons,
Censorship, Robot Spies, Medical Care, Drugs
4. Sharing: Resources & Energy & Land (food, water, oil,
international aid, land/animals, etc)
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Popular Social Issues: General
Crime & Criminals: How to prevent crime, what to do with
criminals.
Censorship (blocking): how much should parents or the
government control (of the internet for example)
Resources: How to control, how to share
Child Raising: What is the best way to raise a child? How can
you make sure you child is popular, confident, educated, and
has some good abilities? Will you send them to camp? Will you
send them to learn some special skills?
Taxes:
Technology: various
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Discuss Topics
1. The government needs to control the food industry more, such as
requiring proper labeling and enforcing mislabeling
2. Refugees who face troubles in their country should be given
citizenship because it is a kind of human rights
3. China should provide rice and financial aid to poor countries
4. Gender specific schools are better (all-boys or all-girls school)
5. International companies need to be controlled more
6. International marriage should give you a green card to that country
(Levels: visa, residency card, green card, passport/citizenship)
7. Parents should be responsible for censoring the internet not the
government
8. Companies should not market to children, it is a bad influence
9. Children should be 18 before dating (Puppy Love is not acceptable)
/ youngsters should have a curfew
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More Topics
Adoption, Human Cloning, Nursing homes,
Cremation of dead people, Organ donation,
Death penalty, Animal rights, Gambling, Hunting
and Guns, Steroids in Sports, Robots & Jobs,
Genetically Modified Foods, Space Exploration,
One Child Policy, Euthanasia, Vegan/Vegetarian
person, Student Suicide, Political Dispute
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Essay 2: Example Outline
Title: Video Games are The Devil
Thesis: I don't think students need to use video games because
they waste time, keep you from playing outside, and they will make
your eyes bad.
T1 The first thing about video games that disturbs me is that they
can take away precious time from students
T2 Secondly, I think students will not be encouraged to play
outside if they have the latest games waiting for them at home'.
T3 Last but not least, using games a lot will make your eyes bad
Conclusion
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Essay 2: More Help
You can choose something that most people will
disagree with, that can be more fun and
interesting for argumentative essays
Choose your own topic, a topic not listed is better
– it will be fresh and new
Write your real opinion, it is easier to have
supporting evidence this way
You don't have to agree with me, or your friends,
or anyone – I want to see original topics.
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Activity: supporting evidence
I support teenagers working. List 3 good points and 3
bad points
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
I support that people have the right to own guns. List 3
good points and 3 bad points.
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
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Journal 5: Small Arguments (300+
words)
1. Make your own argument about something that doesn’t really
matter. It is not a serious social problem.
2. Be creative
3. Choose a small topic
4. It can just be a simple opinion
5. Describe your point and counterpoint (like a mini Essay 3)
5. Due Week 12
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Journal 5 Example:
Bananas are the most convenient food because
they have their own wrapper and you can carry
them around and trade them.
Other's Opinion: Many people think eggs are
more convenient, but they can easily spoil or
break and make a mess.
Counterargument / refute
Journal 5 Example: small arguments
Opinion
Argument
I like cats.
Cats are a useful pet
because they can catch
mice.
Rice is better than noodles.
Rice is better than noodles
because it is healthier.
TVs are bad.
TV programs are bad for
children because they
show a lot of violence.
Blue is the best color.
Blue is the best color
because it can make you
feel calm.
Essay 2: Social Issue Rule
You must choose a topic that at least 50% of
people disagree about.
Ex: I think eating well is healthy for your life. NO
Ex: I think pollution is wrong because...
NO
Ex: Why the pencil is better than the pen. NO,
small problem
Ex: How to install windows 7 NO, too small
Ex: Once I saw a dog eating a pie. NO, horribly
written, not a thesis
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Essay 2: Don't be afraid if 50% or
more disagree.
50% or more disagree:
Ex: Unfortunately, war is important to develop
better technology. YES
Ex: Unlike my classmates, I think we should study
more and sleep less to become more
competitive YES
Ex: I may be different, but I think smoking is an
important way to relax yourself because...
YES
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Social Issue Rule
Your topic must be a social issue that can relate
to others.
Ex: I had a difficult exam last week. NO
Ex: I always struggle with English essays. NO
Ex: Many people will struggle with exams if they
were not properly educated because... YES
Ex: Tests should not be given in our university
because (non graded schools)... YES
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Must be a big argument
Ex: Bananas are the most convenient food
because they have their own wrapper and you
can carry them around and trade them. NO
Ex: Reading magazines is better than reading
novels because you can get more information
from the pictures. NO
Ex: Children should be limited in the time they
spend watching TV everyday for their mental
and physical development. YES
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Try to make it an important issue
Bottled water is better than tap water
Pet fish are better than pet dogs
Taking too much medicine is bad for you
Eating too much junk food is bad for you
ALL NO
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WRITING TASK 2 - Outline
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that nuclear technology is a
danger to life on earth, while others believe it can
bring great benefits to mankind.
Which side do you support and why?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words
Activity: Discuss Topics
What is the most important quality of a good friend?
What do you think can make friends break up?
Why do modern people have fewer friends these days?
What do you think of the educational system in your country?
How can teachers encourage creativity in students?
Who is the most successful person you know?
Do you think an adventurous spirit is born or nurtured?
What kind of people are more likely to succeed?
Who do you admire the most?
Example
1. What is the most important quality of a good friend?
Topic: Important quality of friends
Thesis: Friendship can teach us the benefits of teamwork, as
well as how to get along with others and be successful,
therefore trust is an essential quality in a good friend.
Essay: Useful Idioms 4: on Money
1. bread and butter = ?
2. bread winner = ?
3. bring home the bacon = ?
4. at all costs = ?
5. born with a silver spoon in one's mouth = ?
6. face value = ?
7. to cash in on sth = ?
8. hit the jackpot = ?
9. strike it rich = ?
10. to be in the red = ?
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Essay: Useful Idioms 4: on Money
1. bread and butter = reliable income
2. bread winner = the supporter of the family
3. bring home the bacon = bring home money for family
4. at all costs = no matter what
5. born with a silver spoon in one's mouth = rich/spoiled kids
6. face value = the obvious value, surface value
7. to cash in on sth = draw out money, take advantage of sth
8. hit the jackpot = to get rich, lucky
9. strike it rich = to get rich
10. to be in the red = to be in debt
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Activity – make a sentence with the
following idioms
Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
face value
hit the jackpot
to be in the red
Common Idioms 3
Apple of my eye
Carry a torch for someone
Kick the bucket / have a bucket list
Diamond in the rough
My knight in shining armor
Have your cake and eat it too
All the world's a stage
Be like clay
Common Idioms 3
Apple of my eye = your treasure
Carry a torch for sb = carry a secret love for sb
Kick the bucket
= to die
Diamond in the rough = sth good in the bad
My knight in shining armor = your hero
Have your cake and eat it too = best of both worlds
All the world's a stage = everyone plays their part in this world
To be like clay = moldable, easy to control (person) *neutral
word *
Activity – make a sentence with the
following word sets
Jane, clay
Bill, diamond in the rough
Bill, kick the bucket
Jane, have her cake and eat it too
Essay Types:
You will write 2 essays and weekly journals
1. Remembering an Event (550-650 words)
Something that happened to you. An interesting event that you remember clearly.
2. Writing a Profile (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
6. Journal Entries
These will be given by the instructor. They will cover various topics.
Very similar to IELTS Task 2 questions
7. Vocabulary Quiz
A weekly quiz on the target words
Course Schedule:
Lesson A
Lesson B
Week 4
Essay 1: Choose your topic
T2
Week 5
Essay 1 Rough Draft Due (550+ words)
Week 6
Essay 1 Final Draft WEDNESDAY(550+ words)
Week 7
T1 T2
Week 8
Quiz
Week 9
Midterm
J3
J4
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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 Chapter 6
Journal 2
Choose an IELTS Task 2 question and answer it.
Remember choose a trend or a problem. Then
use the format “what are your opinions on this”
Use 4 vocabulary words from Chapter 6
Journal 3: Bucket List
A bucket list is a list of things you want to do in
your life before you die.
Although this is a creative writing assignment,
you must still follow the correct structure as usual.
250+ words, follow normal structure: Introduction,
Body, Conclusion. Make a thesis
Journal 4: IELTS T2
Choose a science or technology based IELTS
Task 2 question and answer it. Remember
choose a trend or a problem. Then use the format
“what are your opinions on this”
Write the question clearly and paraphrase it for
the introduction.
250+ words, use 4 vocabulary words from
Chapter 7
Journal 4: Tech
TOPICS: people's reliance on machines, government spending
money for space exploration and development of new energy
tech like ITER or CERN, military tech, functional robots
Will modern people forget basic survival and necessary skills like
writing and cooking because they use machines too much?
How do you think people in the future will use robots?
Why do people long for tech?
Journal 5: Small Arguments (300+
words)
1. Make your own argument about something that doesn’t really
matter. It is not a serious social problem.
2. Be creative
3. Choose a small topic
4. It can just be a simple opinion
5. Describe your point and counterpoint (like a mini Essay 3)
5. Due Week 11
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Journal 6: Philosophy (300 words)
Choose one of the following:
1. What is the universe? Where does it come from? Of what is it
made? How did it come to exist? What is its purpose? By what
process does it change? How long will it exist? Can we leave our
universe?
2. What is the nature of humans? Are humans high or low in the
universe? Where are we from, where are we going, and why?
What is our destiny?
3. What is the meaning of life? What is reality? Is there a real
truth? Is there a universal Truth, or does it depend on the person?
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Journal 7: Review (300 words)
Book or film review:
Choose a book or film and write a review about it.
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Homework
Journal 5: Small arguments (Monday, May 6)
Essay 2: First 100 words (Wednesday, May 8)