WRITING SKILLS – WEEK 3

DR. VELAVAN ARUMUGAM

REC AP !
PEER FEEDBACK

1 . G e t i n pairs a n d read each

Topic other’s introductory paragraph.
( W R I T IN G BUDDY)
2. Identify the topic, h o o k a n d
thesis statement.
HOOK 3.When reviewing, l o o k at the
sentence structure. (Does it f o l l o w
the formula?)
4 . G i v e comments to you f r i e n d s ’
Thesis S t a t e m e n t writing (be nice peeps!)
 ‘GETTING THE RIGHT BODY’
We now know what makes a
good introduction and we know
how to write one.

But, an essay (in college writing)

requires more than that. We also
need the body to explain and
elaborate our points. (sounds
familiar?)
REC AP !

Topic Sentence

Supporting Details
(SD 1, SD 2 )
Example
Concluding
Remarks
 INTRODUCTION
TOPIC Three Reasons Why I do not Enjoy Going to the Movies.
I am a movie fanatic. My friends count on me to know movie trivia as
I can say I know everything about a movie and I remember every big
Oscar awarded since I was in grade school. My friends, though, have
stopped asking me if I want to go out to the movies. While I love
movies as much as ever, the inconvenience of going out, the temptations
of the concession stand, and the behavior of some patrons are reasons
for me to wait and rent the DVD. THESIS STATEMENT
 BODY 1

To begin with, I hate going to the cinema because I just don't enjoy the general hassle
of the evening. Since small local movie theaters are a thing of the past, I have to drive
for fifteen minutes to get to the nearest multiplex. The parking lot is shared with several
restaurants and a supermarket, so it's always jammed. I have to drive around at a snail's
pace until I spot another driver backing out. Then it's time to stand in an endless line,
with the constant threat that tickets for the show I want will sell out. If we do get tickets,
the theater will be so crowded that I won't be able to sit with my friends, or we'll have
to sit in a front row gaping up at a giant screen. To conclude, the inconvenience that I
often face going to the movie theatre is one of the reasons why I loathe going to the
cinema.
 Topic Sentence
The thesis statement tells what the
whole paper is about. The topic
sentence, however, shows only It is usually the first sentence of
what the paragraph it is attached the paragraph
to is about.

» relate back to the argument of

the thesis;
» concisely summarize the key idea
of the paragraph; TOPIC + MAIN IDEA
» Contain the main idea from the
thesis statement.
 BODY 1
TOPIC SENTENCE

To begin with, I hate going to the cinema because I just don't enjoy the general
hassle of the evening. Since small local movie theaters are a thing of the past, I have to
drive for fifteen minutes to get to the nearest multiplex. The parking lot is shared with
several restaurants and a supermarket, so it's always jammed. I have to drive around at
a snail's pace until I spot another driver backing out. Then it's time to stand in an
endless line, with the constant threat that tickets for the show I want will sell out. If we
do get tickets, the theater will be so crowded that I won't be able to sit with my friends,
or we'll have to sit in a front row gaping up at a giant screen. To conclude, the
inconvenience that I often face going to the movie theatre is one of the reasons why I
loathe going to the cinema.
 Main Ideas

The main idea is the point

of the paragraph. It is the
most important thought
Tobegin with, I hate going
about the topic. to the cinema because I just
don't enjoy the general
hassle of the evening.
It is the point of the topic
sentence
 Supporting Details
A paragraph contains facts, Comparisons
statements, examples-
specifics which guide us to a Contrast
full understanding of the
topic. They clarify, illuminate, Statistics
explain, describe, expand
and illustrate the main idea Elaboration
and are supporting details.
 BODY 1
TOPIC SENTENCE

To begin with, I hate going to the cinema because I just don't enjoy the general
hassle of the evening. Since small local movie theaters are a thing of the past, I have to
drive for fifteen minutes to get to the nearest multiplex. The parking lot is shared with
several restaurants and a supermarket, so it's always jammed. I have to drive around at
a snail's pace until I spot another driver backing out. Then it's time to stand in an
endless line, with the constant threat that tickets for the show I want will sell out. If we
do get tickets, the theater will be so crowded that I won't be able to sit with my friends,
or we'll have to sit in a front row gaping up at a giant screen. To conclude, the
inconvenience that I often face going to the movie theatre is one of the reasons why I
loathe going to the cinema.

SUPPORTING SUPPORTING
EXAMPLE
DETAIL 1 DETAIL 2
 Concluding R e m a r k s
It is significant for us to give a
closure to our reader(s) before It is usually the last
moving on to our next point. sentence of the paragraph

Ending your paragraph with a

s u p p o r t i n g deta il or an
Rephrase Topic Sentence
example will cause your essay
TOPIC + MAIN IDEA
to be distorted.
 BODY 1
TOPIC SENTENCE

To begin with, I hate going to the cinema because I just don't enjoy the general
hassle of the evening. Since small local movie theaters are a thing of the past, I have to
drive for fifteen minutes to get to the nearest multiplex. The parking lot is shared with
several restaurants and a supermarket, so it's always jammed. I have to drive around at
a snail's pace until I spot another driver backing out. Then it's time to stand in an
endless line, with the constant threat that tickets for the show I want will sell out. If we
do get tickets, the theater will be so crowded that I won't be able to sit with my friends,
or we'll have to sit in a front row gaping up at a giant screen. To conclude, the
inconvenience that I often face going to the movie theatre is one of the reasons why I
loathe going to the cinema.

SUPPORTING SUPPORTING CONCLUDING

EXAMPLE
DETAIL 1 DETAIL 2 REMARKS
 NOW YOU TELL ME
Next, it is proven that boarding school produces student who portrays a disciplined human being.
When a student lives in school premises under supervision of school teacher, it means that they are
bonded with the rules and regulations. Need it or not, they must follow the rules or they will be
fined and strict action by the disciplinary board. Thus, the students will be guided on how to obey
the school’s law in order to become a disciplined student. Consequently, crimes like vandalism,
truancy and littering can be avoided at all costs. Next, the students will also have a better time
management if they have self-discipline. For example, when the teacher sets up a due date of
submission, students are expected treat it seriously and submit their homework right on time and
will train them to be punctual. This will be useful when they have grown up and serve as workers,
they need to apply a good work ethics as they have proper time management. The boarders had
always have their own schedules fixed daily so they know how to do to avoid procrastination. It is
undeniable that boarding school has successfully trained students with strong discipline and sense of
punctuality to excel in challenging life, thus it is better than day school.

SUPPORTING SUPPORTING CONCLUDING

TOPIC SENTENCE EXAMPLE
DETAIL 1 DETAIL 2 REMARKS
 Conclusion

• Restate thesis s t a t e me n t ;
It should conclude your
• Get t h e m a i n idea from t h e first
p a r a g r a p h of y o u r essay body; essay (make it memorable)
• Get t h e m a i n idea from t h e second
p a r a g r a p h of y o u r essay body;
• Get t h e m a i n idea from t h e t h i r d
p a r a g r a p h of y o u r essay body; Rephrase thesis
• Conclude all y o u r ma i n thoughts.
Answer t h e mo s t valuable questions
statement
of y o u r paper. Summary
Concluding remarks
 CONCLUSION
After arriving home from the movies one night, I decided that I was not
going to be a moviegoer anymore because I was tired of the problems
involved in getting to the theater, resisting unhealthy snacks, and dealing
with the patrons. Each problem serves different difficulties for me and I do
not think it is worth it to go through the hassle. The next day, I arranged to
have premium movie channels added to my cable TV service, and I also got
a Netflix membership. I may now see movies a bit later than other people,
but I'll be more relaxed watching box office hits in the comfort of my own
living room.

REPHRASE THESIS CONCLUDING

BRIEF SUMMARY
SENTENCE REMARKS
 NOW YOU TELL ME
As a conclusion, it is better for the students to attend boarding schools than day
school as it brings a lot of benefits in life-long experiences like being
independent, having a better self-discipline, and learning a better social skill. No
doubt that boarding school’s graduates can be more independent in their life,
discipline in doing every task and excel in their social skills as it is way more
structured and trained the children to be prepared in facing the life that full of
obstacles. Hence, in order to develop a well-mannered, intelligent and well-
balanced students, boarding school is the place you should consider.
What are the differences between these terms?

Topic Sentence

Main Idea
S u p p o rting
Detail(s)
Concluding
Remarks
 HOMEWORK

1. With your writing buddy, g o o g l e a 5-

PADLET paragraph essay.
2 . Identify the f o l l o w i n g items
T itle
What does your name Hook
mean to you? Thesis Statement
Main i d e a (1, 2, 3)
Topic Sentence
SD 1, Sd 2, Example
C o n c l u d i n g remarks
Conclusion
3. Paste, label a n d highlight i n a w o r d
doc.