ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES Example Paragraph 1:

1st Sem, S.Y. 2018-2019

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in
2
Teacher:
Handout #: the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians
Mrs. Judel Gay E. Bandiola, LPT
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
LESSON 6: PARTS OF AN ESSAY are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada’s cities are
clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of
 Introduction. In the introduction, you must grab the reader’s
space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.
attention and identify the thesis of the paper. You can do this by
starting with: Example Paragraph 2:
 several questions
Most teenagers and young adults do not know what they want to do
 some interesting facts or information
for the rest of their lives. It is a big decision. There are a number of things you
 a quote from a famous work or person
can do to narrow the choices. For example, you can take an interest test. The
 a definition of an important term related to the work
results of the test will guide you in choosing your career path. Another way is
do some research on your own about a career you would like to take. The
 Body. This is the main part of the work and the paragraphs must be
Internet offers plenty of website to browse that will give you an idea about a
clearly written and be arranged in a logical order, like chronologically
career you are interested in. You can also try volunteer work in the field in
or in order of importance. Each initial sentence links the preceding
which you are interested. Also called “job-shadowing,” you spend a day with a
paragraph and the whole section flows smoothly.
person who is working in a field that interests you. These are just a few helpful
 Within each paragraph, the sentences need to flow and refer
ideas as you begin to choose a career.
back to the topic.
 Cohesion is achieved by repeating important words, using
synonyms for the main subject, and using transitional words
LESSON 8: WRITING THE THESIS STATEMENT
like: however, such as, therefore, and for example.
Thesis Statement
 Conclusion. In the conclusion, you re-emphasize the thesis and
summarize all the main points. The conclusion consists of one  A thesis statement is a sentence or two that introduces your
paragraph which shows the final conclusion to the reader. argument or analysis.
 It is a statement in the opening paragraph.
 It expresses the writer’s position or interpretation of a subject.
LESSON 7: PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH  It makes a claim that will be proven by the writer later in the essay.
 It tells the reader what to expect as they read the essay.
 Topic Sentence. This sentence tells the reader the main idea, or
what the paragraph will be about. Purposes of Thesis Statements
 Supporting Sentences. These sentences give specific details relating
to the main idea.  To condense your argument
 Concluding Sentence. This sentence refers to the topic sentence  To test ideas by clarifying them into a sentence or two
and sums up the main idea of the paragraph.  To better organize your argument
  To give your reader a “guide” to your argument have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember,
always revise and rewrite your writing as necessary.
What a Thesis Statement IS NOT
 Does my thesis pass the ”how and why” test? If a reader’s first
 A question: “How does yoga affect the body?” response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-minder
 An announcement: “In this paper I will…” and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the
 A known fact: “Recycling is good for the environment.” reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

 Condense the assignment the topic into a specific question.

 Even if the topic does not ask question, you will still need to answer a
question about the issue you would like to explore.
 Choose a subject that people could disagree on.
 Express one main idea. The thesis statement should be specific. Only
discuss what will be covered in your paper and supported with
evidence.
 Provide your own conclusions about the topic.

Questions to Ask to Know that a Thesis Statement is a Strong One

 Does my thesis statement answer the question/writing prompt?

Re-reading the question prompt/ topic after constructing a working
thesis statement can help you fix an argument that misses the focus
of the question.
 Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If
your thesis simply states facts than no one would disagree with, it is
possible that you are providing a summary, rather than an argument.
 Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are
too often vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis
statement contains words like “good” or “successful,” make it more
specific: Why is something “good”; what specifically makes
something “successful”?
 Does my thesis statement pass the “So What?” test? If a reader’s
first response is likely to be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to
forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
 Does my essay support my thesis statement specifically and
without wandering? If your thesis statement and the body of your
essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It is
better to change your working thesis statement to reflect things you
LESSON 9: CREATING AN OUTLINE FOR AN ESSAY

Standard Five-Paragraph Essay Outline Paragraph LESSON 10: WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

I. Introduction LESSON 11: WRITING THE BODY PARAGRAPHS

A. Interesting opening to catch the audience’s attention.
LESSON 12: WRITING THE CONCLUSION
Students can use quotes, facts and figures, or anecdotes.
B. Background information LESSON 13: THE KINDS OF ESSAY
C. Preview of the main points of the essay
D. Thesis statement affirms the main idea of the essay
II. Body SOURCES:
A. Paragraph 1
1. Topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
and transitions from the paragraph before it.
2. Supporting details defend or strengthen the topic
sentence. Students should use at least two supporting
details in each paragraph. Supporting details can include
facts, examples, and expert opinions about a specific
subject. If primary or secondary sources are used,
students must use citations.
B. Paragraph 2
1. Topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph
and transitions from the paragraph before it.
2. Supporting details defend or strengthen the topic
sentence.
C. Paragraph 3
1. Topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph
and transitions from the paragraph before it.
2. Supporting details defend or strengthen the topic
sentence.

(NOTE: More paragraphs can be created using the same

format.)

III. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis statement by rewording it.
B. Summarize main points by rewording the topic sentences.
C. Tie to opening. The conclusion should relate to the opening
of the essay.