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The reading and the lecture will be on an academic subject in one of the following areas.
Life science Any of several branches of science, such as biology, medicine, anthropology, or ecology,
that deal with living organisms and their organization, life processes, and relationships to each other and
their environment.
Social science The study of human society and of individual relationships in and to society, including
sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history.
Physical science Any of the sciences, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology, that analyze
the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter.
Humanities Branches of knowledge that investigate human beings, their culture, and their selfexpression, including the study of languages and literatures, the arts, history, and philosophy.
If any of these subjects is unfamiliar to you, there are several things you can do to prepare. Read articles
in academic journals at the library, download podcasts of lectures, subscribe to a blog on the subject, or
buy lecture series such as the Great Courses.
To begin with, your focus should be on summarizing the main points of the lecture.
Your next task is to show how the lecture challenges or supports the reading. Begin by typing out an
outline so your essay has a clear, coherent structure. You can fill it in and delete as you write.
Choose your words carefully so that you are answering the exact question that is asked.
Just writing generally about the subject will not get you high marks.
Here are some key phrases you can use in your essay.
Challenges the reading
contest, dispute, query, question
doubt, mistrust
object (to), protest
oppose, resist, defy, face
Supports the reading
advocate, back, champion
confirm, bear out, corroborate, substantiate
validate, verify, vindicate
help, boost, support
Use verbs to indicate that you are summarizing:
suggest, say
report, tell
argue, question, ask
conclude
This essay should express your opinion. You must show that you agree or disagree with a statement.
Some phrases you can use are:
Agreement
I have come to the conclusion that A is true because...
In my experience, B is usually true.
If you consider the evidence, it is clear that A is the best choice.
Disagreement
The way I see it, A would be a poor course of action.
A rivals B because...
While I admit that A would be the better choice in some limited situations, B is a better choice overall.
Sketch pictures that come to mind as you consider the question. Relax and allow your mind to
associate new words with those pictures. Write down the first word that comes to mind for each image,
symbol, scribble, line or structure. Organize the words into clusters of similar or related ideas.
Be well read
One of the roads to good writing is reading. Read the kind of writing that you would like to produce. Some
ideas include:
Organization
Every essay should have the following organizational structure:
Introduction
Body (paragraphs or sentences to explain, prove, illustrate, etc.)
Conclusion
Transition words should be chosen carefully so that they are true guideposts for the reader. Do not use
"first, second, third" unless you are describing steps in a process or explaining events chronologically!
To indicate that an example or an illustration follows:
chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as, as an
example, in this case
To show how one action is similar to another action:
all in all, all things considered, briefly, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final
analysis, in the long run, to sum up, to summarize, finally
Parts of a Paragraph
Topic Sentence
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an
excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price.
Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are
encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.
Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable
place to live.
Supporting Details
What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.
What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.
Closing Sentence
What is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.
What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.
How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.
Example:
There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an
excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price.
Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are
encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada's cities are clean and efficiently managed.
Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable
place to live.
Prewriting Paragraphs
1. Think carefully about what you are going to write. Ask yourself: What question am I going to answer
in this paragraph oressay? How can I best answer this question? What is the most important part of my
answer? How can I make an introductory sentence (or thesis statement) from the most important part of
my answer? What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence? How can I make this
paragraph or essay interesting? Do I need more facts on this topic? Where can I find more facts on this
topic?
2. Open your notebook (or word processing program on your computer). Write out your answers to
the above questions. You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help you
remember why and how you are going to writeyour paragraph or essay.
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for and write down facts that will help
you to answer your question. Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact
question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay.
4. Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself: What else do I want to say about this topic? Why should
people be interested in this topic? Why is this topic important?
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most important point you are going to
present. If you cannot decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it
throughout your paragraph or essay.
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea. Once you have chosen the
most important point of your paragraph or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it.
Look at the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas will
best support the main idea of your paragraph. Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use,
ask yourself which order to put them in the paragraph. Write down your own note set that you can use to
guide yourself as you write your paragraph or essay.
5.
6.
7.
Definition Paragraphs
When writing a definition paragraph, you take a thing or an idea and explain what it is.
Example: Write a paragraph giving the definition of a pest.
The following words can help you to write a good definition paragraph:
1.
Example: A pest is defined as any animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.
2.
Example: A pest is a kind of animal or plant that damages crops, forests, or property.
When writing a classification paragraph, you group things or ideas into specific categories.
Example: Write a paragraph discussing two types of energy resources.
The following words can help you to write a good classification paragraph:
Helper Phrases
Example
is a kind of
can be divided into Energy resources can be divided into two types.
is a type of
falls under
belongs to
is a part of
fits into
is grouped with
is related to
is associated with
Description Paragraphs
In a description paragraph, you are writing about what a person, place, or thing is like. Sometimes, you
may describe where a place is located.
Examples:
Write a paragraph describing what a polar bear looks like.
Describe where Canada's industry is located.
The following words can help you to write a good description paragraph:
Properties
Example
size
color
shape
purpose
Measurement
Example
length
width
mass/weight
speed
Analogy
Example
is like
resembles
Location
Example
in
above
below
beside
near
north/south/east/wes
t
In a compare and contrast paragraph, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more
people, places, things, or ideas.
Example:
Write a paragraph comparing the weather in Vancouver and Halifax.
The following words can help you to write a good compare and contrast paragraph:
Similarities
Example
is similar to
both
also
too
as well
Differences
Example
however
but
in contrast to
differs from
while
unlike
Sequence Paragraphs
In a sequencing paragraph, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of
order. Usually, this order is based on time.
Example:
Write a paragraph outlining how a person becomes the Prime Minister.
The following words can help you to write a good sequence paragraph:
Order
Example
first, second, third, First, you need to become a leader of a political party.
etc.
both
in the beginning
before
then
after
Before becoming the prime minister, you need to become the leader of a political
party.
Then, you must win a seat in the House of Commons.
After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a
majority of seats.
finally
Finally, after all these steps, you can call yourself the Prime Minister.
at last
subsequently
Subsequently, you must make sure you have a majority of seats in the House of
Commons.
Time
Example
recently
previously
She is the new Prime Minister. Previously, she worked as a lawyer in Toronto.
afterwards
She won the party leadership last year. Afterwards, she won the election.
when
When she won the party leadership, she was still working as a lawyer.
after
After winning a seat in the House of Commons, you must make sure you have a
majority of seats.
Choice Paragraphs
In a paragraph where you have to make a choice, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that
you prefer. Often, you will need to give your opinion on a choice of actions or events.
Example:
Write a paragraph stating whether you would prefer to play hockey or lacrosse.
The following words can help you to write a good choice paragraph:
Point of View
Example
in my opinion
belief
idea
understanding
I think that
I consider
I believe
it seems to me
I prefer
like/dislike
hope
feel
Explanation Paragraphs
In an explanation paragraph, you need to explain how or why something happens. Very often in social
studies class, you will be asked to explore causes and effects of certain events.
Example:
Write a paragraph explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the nineteenth century.
The following words can help you to write a good explanation paragraph:
Cause
Example
because
since
as a result of
Since living conditions in Europe were terrible, many people moved to Canada.
People moved to Canada from Europe as a result of poor living conditions in
Europe.
is/was due to
The large influx of people to Canada was due to economic pressures in Europe.
Effect
Example
therefore
thus
consequently
hence
it follows that
if... then
Evaluation Paragraphs
In an evaluation paragraph, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You need to
make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. In the paragraph, you will state your
evaluation or recommendation and then support it by referring to your criteria.
Example:
Write a paragraph evaluating whether pesticides should be used on farms.
The following words can help you to write a good evaluation paragraph:
Criteria for
Evaluation
Example
good/bad
correct / incorrect
moral / immoral
right / wrong
important / trivial
Recommendation Example
suggest
recommend
advise
argue
Parts of an Essay
Introduction Paragraph
What is an introduction paragraph?
The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay.
What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of your essay. A good opening paragraph captures the interest of your reader
and tells why your topic is important.
How do I write one?
1. Write the thesis statement. The main idea of the essay is stated in a single sentence called the thesis
statement. You must limit your entire essay to the topic you have introduced in your thesis statement.
2. Provide some background information about your topic. You can use interesting facts, quotations, or
definitions of important terms you will use later in the essay.
Example:
Hockey has been a part of life in Canada for over 120 years. It has evolved into an extremely popular sport
watched and played by millions of Canadians. The game has gone through several changes since hockey
Supporting Paragraphs
What are supporting paragraphs?
Supporting paragraphs make up the main body of your essay.
What do they do?
They develop the main idea of your essay.
How do I write them?
1.
2.
3.
List the points that develop the main idea of your essay.
Place each supporting point in its own paragraph.
Develop each supporting point with facts, details, and examples.
To connect your supporting paragraphs, you should use special transition words. Transition words link your
paragraphs together and make your essay easier to read. Use them at the beginning and end of your
paragraphs.
First
Second
Third
For counter examples
However
Even though
On the other hand
Nevertheless
For additional ideas
Another
In addition to
Related to
Furthermore
Also
To show cause and effect
Therefore
Thus
As a result of
Consequently
Like all good paragraphs, each supporting paragraph should have a topic sentence, supporting sentences,
and a summary sentence.
Summary Paragraph
What is a summary paragraph?
The summary paragraph comes at the end of your essay after you have finished developing your ideas.
The summary paragraph is often called a "conclusion."
What does it do?
It summarizes or restates the main idea of the essay. You want to leave the reader with a sense that your
essay is complete.
How do I write one?
1.
2.
3.
Restate the strongest points of your essay that support your main idea.
Conclude your essay by restating the main idea in different words.
Give your personal opinion or suggest a plan for action.
Example:
Overall, the changes that occurred in hockey have helped to improve the game. Hockey is faster and more
exciting as a result of changes in the past 120 years. For these reasons, modern hockey is a better game
than hockey in the 1890s.
Prewriting an Essay
the above questions. You do not need to spend a lot of time doing this; just write enough to help you
remember why and how you are going to write your paragraph or essay.
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph or essay topic. Look for and write down facts that will help
you to answer your question. Timesaving hint: make sure the facts you are writing are related to the exact
question you are going to answer in your paragraph or essay.
4. Write down your own ideas. Ask yourself: What else do I want to say about this topic? Why should
people be interested in this topic? Why is this topic important?
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph or essay. Choose the most important point you are going to
present. If you cannot decide which point is the most important, just choose one point and stick to it
throughout your paragraph or essay.
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea. Once you have chosen the
most important point of your paragraph or essay, you must find the best way to tell your reader about it.
Look at the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas will
best support the main idea of your essay. Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask
yourself which order to put them in the essay. Write down your own note set that you can use to guide
yourself as you write your essay.
Writing an Essay
For the introduction, write the thesis statement and give some background information.
Develop each supporting paragraph and make sure to follow the correct paragraph format.
Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
Focus on the main idea of your essay.
Use a dictionary to help you find additional words to express your meaning.
Editing an Essay
The editing stage is when you check your essay for mistakes and correct them.
Make sure your essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a summary paragraph.
Check that you have a thesis statement that identifies the main idea of the essay.
Check that all your paragraphs follow the proper paragraph format.
See if your essay is interesting.
Kinds of Essays
Definition Essay
When you are writing a definition essay, you take a term or an idea and write about what it is. Often,
definitions are combined with classification or other forms of organization in the essay. You need to give a
careful definition of the key term before going on to discuss different types or examples.
Example question:
Write an essay defining energy resources and discuss the different types.
Introduction:
Classification Essay
In a classification essay, you separate things or ideas into specific categories and discuss each of them.
You organize the essay by defining each classification and by giving examples of each type.
Example question:
Introduction:
Description Essay
In a description essay, you write about what a person, place, or thing is like. You organize the essay by
describing different parts or aspects of the main subject.
Example question:
Introduction:
Example question:
Introduction:
Supporting paragraphs: 1. Compare weather in spring and summer for both cities. State how they
are similar or different.
2. Compare weather in fall and winter for both cities. State how they are
similar or different.
Summary paragraph:
Sequence Essay
In a sequence essay, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order.
Usually, this order is based on time. You organize the essay by writing about each step of the process in
the order it occurred.
Example question:
Introduction:
Choice Essay
In a choice essay, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. You organize the essay
by describing each option and then giving your opinion.
Example question:
Write an essay choosing between hockey in the 1890s and hockey today.
Introduction:
Explanation Essay
In an explanation essay, you explain how or why something happens or has happened. You need to
explain different causes and effects. You should organize the essay by explaining each individual cause or
effect.
Example question:
Introduction:
Evaluation Essay
In an evaluation essay, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You make your
evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. Organize the essay by discussing the criteria you
used to make your judgment.
Example question:
Introduction: