MODULE OUTLINE

AHElect Module 4 Overview: Effective Academic Writing Part 2

Serving as a continuation of Module 3 where the processes of formulating a sound thesis statement
and subsequently supporting it are tackled, Module 4 deals with the expansion and coherence of
gathered data relevant to the formulated thesis statement via the observance and inclusion of
various techniques in paragraph development and transitional devices.

Module Learning Outcome/s:

- Determine the purpose and/ or type of paragraph being used.
- Construct paragraphs of varying types.
- Connect ideas using appropriate transitional devices.

Pre-Discussion Activity
- Reflecting on Your Own Paragraph-Writing Abilities
Instructions: Read each statement below then tell whether it applies to you or not. Do so
by keeping in mind or writing in a separate sheet of paper the answers “agree” or “disagree”
for each statement. Answers DO NOT need to be submitted. They can be interpreted later
on using the explanations that follow all of the statements. Use these explanations for self-
reflection purposes.

Statements:
(1) I know what transitional devices are.
(2) I can enumerate at least three transitional devices.
(3) I experience NO problem with connecting my written ideas together.
(4) I am able to recognize/ classify a paragraph according to the function it serves.
(5) I DO NOT experience any difficulty in producing any type of paragraph.

Interpretations for your responses:

(A) If you answered ALL OF THE STATEMENTS WITH AGREE, then that is a great
sign that this module will be easy and quick for you because you are familiar already
with the skill of producing paragraphs of different types and in coherently connecting
them together.
(B) If you answered AT LEAST ONE DISAGREE, then this module will be useful to you
in further enhancing your already-existing skill related to paragraph writing and
maintaining coherence between and among the ideas found in them.
(C) If you answered MORE THAN ONE DISAGREES, then this module will be of great
help to you as this will enable you to learn how different types of paragraphs look like
and what they should contain when you start writing them yourself and how you may
connect them together.
Discussion/ Lecture:
I. The Three Main Parts of An Academic Paper and Techniques in Developing Them
An academic paper such as an academic essay or library research can be generally divided into
three main parts: (A) introduction, (B) body, and (c) conclusion. Each one serves a particular
purpose and may be developed using various techniques in paragraph development.

A. Introduction—these are the first few paragraphs in an academic paper. It serves two purposes:
(1) identify what the topic and the thesis statement/s are; and
(2) prove the importance of the topic and validity of the author’s thesis statement related
to the topic

For an introduction to effectively serve its purposes, there are various techniques in paragraph
development that writers can use separately or in combination:
1. Factual Information—this technique comes in the form of including details that have already
been proven and tested to be true or deemed to be logical.
Example:
Until recently, estradiol, the primary hormone secreted by the ovary, has been thought to
predominantly influence reproductive functions. Thesis Statement: It is now known that
this pleiotropic hormone has profound effects on plasticity in the developing and adult
brain (McEwen et al., 1995). Recent clinical studies demonstrate that estradiol
replacement in postmenopausal women ameliorates cognitive dysfunction (Sherwin. 1994;
Robinson et al., 1994; Henderson et al., 1996) and decreases the incidence and rate of
neurodegeneration associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (Henderson et al.,
1996; Paganini-Hill and Henderson, 1994: Brenner et al., 1994).

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What factual pieces of information are included in the paragraph?
(a) The hormone from the ovary called the estradiol influences reproductive
functions.
(b) It also affects plasticity of the developing and adult brain.
(c) Its replacement among menopausal women lessens brain-related problems such
as Alzheimer’s.

(2) How can the so-called factual pieces of information be checked for their validity or
truthfulness?
(a) Citations which include those by McEwen et al. (1995), Sherwin (1994),
Robinson et al., (1994), etc. can be counterchecked.
 (3) How do the so-called factual pieces of information contribute to the effectiveness of
the given introduction?
(a) The paragraph introduces the hormone estradiol as a potential preventive source
of medication/ medicine against Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases—
ailments that affect many and are seen to still be unpreventable or incurable
until the present times.

2. Anecdote—this technique comes in the form of including retellings of relevant personal

experiences or experiences by other people.
Example:
We sat on the edge of the bed together, the day's end ritual drawing to a close. I gently
stroked her bent arthritic spine with the loving intent to ease the pain from the hours spent
in immobility, moving only from the chair to the bathroom, to the dining table and back
again to the chair. Her physical care for this day was complete. She relaxed under the soft
touch of my hand and suddenly said: “You are such a good mother." I was jolted out of my
reverie to reply: “Excuse me, Mom." Our eyes met, we laughed spontaneously and heartily,
embraced and in that instantaneous moment transcended the mundane tasks of caring and
entered into a special moment of togetherness--a mutual caring, compassion and
recognition. Thesis Statement: This moment was not one of role reversal but one of
experiencing the meaning of caregiving and receiving. Several days later, I shared this
experience in a qualitative research class discussion in phenomenology. The class
participants were visibly moved, and shared recognition of…

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What experiences are included in the paragraph?
(a) generally an encounter between a patient and his/ her nurse or caregiver

(2) For what topic/s may the experiences be most relevant?

(a) in showing the essence or meaning of caregiving and receiving
(b) in discussing phenomenology (as mentioned in the paragraph itself)
(c) in gaining insights about maintaining proper nurse-patient relationships and care
of patients

(3) Why might the experience of the person who shared his/ her encounter be relevant to
the topics covered by the introduction?
(a) He/ she is probably a nurse/ caregiver who has had firsthand experience in
caring for patients.
3. Definition—this technique comes in the form of giving meaning to, providing examples of, or
describing of relevant concept/s.
Example:
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells inside the body with the
potential to cause death.[1] In America, it is the main cause of death in children aged 14
years or less.[2] In Indonesia, the 2013 Basic Health Research data state that 0.5% of total
cancer patients are children aged 14 years or less.[3] Children suffering from cancer at the
end of their lives need comfort, but it is rarely fulfilled.[4] The uncomfortable conditions
experienced by children are related to pain, dyspnea, digestive problems, and neurological
changes. [3] Nurses' management of pain or other symptoms is part of the multidisciplinary
model of providing comfort. [6] Nurses' understanding of what comfort means to children
at the end of their lives affects the intervention of comfort provided to increase the
children's quality of life. [Z] Thesis Statement: Therefore, exploring the nurses'
understanding on the essence and meaning of children's comfort at the end of their
life is a study necessarily conducted.

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What concepts are given meaning, provided with examples, or described in the
introductory paragraph?
(a) cancer
(b) uncomfortable conditions related to cancer experienced by children such as
pain, dyspnea, digestive problems, and neurological changes
(c) nurses’ duties including management of pain or symptoms/ provision of comfort

(2) How do the concepts defined in the paragraph relate to its topic, and how do they make
the introduction effective?
(a) The definitions provide ideas about the disease cancer that causes discomfort
among young patients; they identify the different types of discomfort that the
said disease causes among the identified patients; and they make the
introduction effective as they provide a clear picture of an issue of concern
which is the comfort that can be afforded to the patients while experiencing a
pain-causing disease.

4. Brief History—this technique comes in the form of including details about past events.
Example:
Thesis Statement: As with other practice professions, nursing requires a knowledge
foundation that is based on theory and derived from systematic research. The first
nursing theorist, Florence Nightingale, created detailed reports of both medical and nursing
matters as chief nurse for the British in the Crimean War in the mid-1850s. Nightingale
noted that “... apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, expectation, fear of surprise, do a patient
 more harm than any exertion” (p. 6) (2). As a result, Nightingale's conceptualization of
nursing included the need to have an understanding of the laws of nature, the prevention
of disease, and the use of personal power. She viewed persons as both physical and spiritual
beings, emphasizing the importance of the environment and the need to care for the patient,
not the disease. With her emphasis on the environment, changes in nutrition, hydration,
and sanitation, mortality rates dropped drastically during the Crimean War (3). In
subsequent years, Nightingale developed "laws of nursing" that formed the basis for
nursing science and guided nursing education in the United States from 1850 to the 1950s
(4).

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What past event/s are included in the paragraph?
(a) the creation of detailed reports by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War
in the mid-1850s
(b) her detailed reports and experiments leading to the dropping of mortality rates
during the said war

(2) Why are the identified past events relevant or helpful in making the introduction
effective?
(a) They prove the thesis statement or the claim that the nursing profession, just
like any other jobs, benefits from both sufficient theoretical knowledge and the
process of systematic researching which includes keeping records,
experimentation, and healthcare decisions based on results.

5. Quotation—this technique comes in the form of using statements coming from other sources.
Example:
Thesis Statement: As with other practice professions, nursing requires a knowledge
foundation that is based on theory and derived from systematic research. The first
nursing theorist, Florence Nightingale, created detailed reports of both medical and nursing
matters as chief nurse for the British in the Crimean War in the mid-1850s. Nightingale
noted that “... apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, expectation, fear of surprise, do a patient
more harm than any exertion” (p. 6) (2). As a result, Nightingale's conceptualization of
nursing included the need to have an understand laws of nature, the prevention of disease,
and the use of personal power. She viewed persons as both physical and spiritual beings,
emphasizing the importance of the environment and the need to care for the patient, not the
disease. With her emphasis on the environment, changes in nutrition, hydration, and
sanitation resulted, and mortality rates dropped drastically during the Crimean War (3). In
subsequent years, Nightingale developed "laws of nursing" that formed the basis for
nursing science and guided nursing education in the United States from 1850 to the 1950s
(4).
 Guided analysis of the above-given example:
(1) What statement from another person is included in the paragraph?
(a) the statement of Nightingale: “Apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, expectation,
fear of surprise, do a patient more harm than any exertion.”

(2) How does the identified part help in making the introduction an effective one?
(a) It comes from an icon in the profession being talked about—Florence
Nightingale.
(b) It supports the thesis statement that the nursing profession benefits best from
deriving decisions from research results—like what the source found out, i.e.,
apprehension, among many others, affects patients negatively.

6. Shocking Statement—this technique comes in the form of identifying unusual, unexpected,

or unknown pieces of information.
Example:
Thesis Statement: A mother's genetics determines how clever her children are,
according to researchers, and the father makes no difference. Women are more likely
to transmit intelligence genes to their children because they are carried on the X
chromosome and women have two of these, while men only have one.

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What unusual or unexpected details are included in the short introduction?
(a) Intelligence comes from just one parent instead of both—the mother.
(b) The male parent has little to no contribution to a child’s intelligence, making
their genes insignificant intelligence-wise.
(c) Intelligence is carried on the X chromosome which women have two of while
men only have one.

(2) How do the unexpected details support or make the introduction effective?
(a) They logically support or scientifically further explain the thesis statement that
mothers are the sole persons who pass on their intelligence to their children.

7. Current Events—this technique comes in the form of including recent events or trends that
are happening at the time of writing.
Example:
Thesis Statement: All hospitals should use electronic health records (EHRs). As new
legislation and advances in technology have led many hospitals and clinics away from
paper records, the debate between the two still lingers. Some doctors cling to paper records
 out of habit or personal preference, and there are often concerns about the security of
information and protecting patient privacy. But, as Americans become more transient and
medical professionals more interconnected, the fact that electronic records can be shared
easily between hospitals is becoming more and more important. EHRS also have a physical
lasting power that is unmatched by paper records. There are legitimate concerns about the
security of electronic records, but the benefits outweigh the risks. Thus, even though EHRs
pose some security risks, every hospital should use them because they are permanent and
they can be shared easily between hospitals.

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What recent events or current trends are included in the introduction?
(a) New rules and advancements in technology making hospitals shift away from
using printed records
(b) electronic records being easily sharable and longer lasting

(2) How do the recent events or given trends support or make the introduction effective?
(a) They make it seem that the thesis statement or argument, “All hospitals should
use electronic health records (EHRs),” is true since many believe it or imply it to
be their belief by means of how they prefer electronic versions of their records over
their printed counterparts.

8. Statistics—this technique comes in the form of presenting and interpreting numerical or

mathematical data.
Example:
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells inside the body with the
potential to cause death.[1] In America, it is the main cause of death in children aged 14
years or less.[2] In Indonesia, the 2013 Basic Health Research data state that 0.5% of total
cancer patients are children aged 14 years or less.[3] Children suffering from cancer at the
end of their lives need comfort, but it is rarely fulfilled.[4] The uncomfortable conditions
experienced by children are related to pain, dyspnea, digestive problems, and neurological
changes. [3] Nurses' management of pain or other symptoms is part of the multidisciplinary
model of providing comfort. [6] Nurses' understanding of what comfort means to children
at the end of their lives affects the intervention of comfort provided to increase the
children's quality of life. [Z] Thesis Statement: Therefore, exploring the nurses'
understanding on the essence and meaning of children's comfort at the end of their
life is a study necessarily conducted.

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What numerical or mathematical data are included in the introduction?
(a) 0.5% of total cancer patients are children aged 14 years or less
 (2) How does the number or numerical data support or make the introduction effective?
(a) It makes readers have more concrete idea about how many of those who suffer
from cancer are children whose comfort, while going through such illness, must be
ensured. While the number or percentage may seem insignificant, it still presents
the idea that there are young lives at stake and must be taken care of.

B. The Body—this part of an academic paper serves the following functions: (1) to explain, (2)
to provide examples, and (3) elaborate on reasons/ explore ideas.

Consider the following essay as an example:

(1) The human body is a wonderful piece of work that nature has created. (2) It is not beautiful
like the body of a butterfly or peacock but it is shaped practically. (3) It can do many types of work
which other animals cannot.

(4) It is not strong like the body of a tiger. (5) But in place of physical strength it has a big and
sharp brain. (6) By using this brain, the human physique has been able to overcome many of its
limitations. (7) By sitting in an airplane, it flies faster than a kite, by riding a motorcycle, it travels
faster than a leopard, and by firing a machine gun it fights much better than a tiger. (8) In spite of
all this, the human body suffers from many diseases because it has a weakness for habits such as
smoking, drinking and overeating. (9) When it is healthy the body can give great pleasure, but
when it is sick, it can cause great pain.

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) What is the thesis statement of the paragraphs above?
(a) Sentence 1: The human body is a wonderful piece of work that nature has
created.

(2) What techniques were possibly used to support and develop the introduction?
(a) Sentences 2 and 3 may either be classified as factual pieces of information or
shocking statements since they prove what makes the human body wonderful
by means of saying how it is better shaped compared to bodies of other
organisms despite it being less beautiful and how it is capable of doing
many types of work.

(3) Which sentences form the body of the paragraphs above?

(a) Sentences 4 to 9

(4) Why and how do those sentences function as the body?

(a) Sentences 4 and 5 explain and provide the reason why the human body is more
practical than the bodies of other organisms.
 (b) Sentences 6 and 7 provide examples of the many abilities that the human body
is capable of doing to overcome its limitations.

(c) Sentences 8 and 9 also provide other things that the human body can do, but
they focus more on the negative ones and their consequences that may put it to
harm.

Since the body of an academic paper must explore an idea, elaborate on a chosen topic, and support
the thesis statement, there are various paragraph development techniques a writer can use to do so
other than the one used previously. The common ones are as follows:

1. Narrative—this kind of paragraph shows how events take place and in what sequence.
Example: It was three in the morning. Sarah’s husband stood up from their bed and rushed to their
room’s toilet. There, he started vomiting. Later that morning, he was rushed to the hospital and was
found to have suffered from food poisoning.
Hours before that unfortunate event, the couple had gone eating at a fine-dining restaurant, with
Sarah’s husband unknowingly ordering and eating spoiled scallops. It took them such a mishap to
realize how serious and bothersome food poisoning can be, with Sarah even saying, “I was so
shocked by what was going on that didn’t know what to do to help him.”
Guided analysis of the above-given example:
(1) What events were mentioned in the paragraph?
(a) Sarah’s husband vomiting at 3am in the morning
(b) hospitalization of Sarah’s husband and the diagnosis of food poisoning
(c) Sarah’s husband and she eating at a restaurant and ordering spoiled food

(2) Can the events be sequenced in a chronological order or according to how they actually
happened? Which event comes first, second, and third?
(c) Sarah’s husband and she eating at a restaurant and ordering spoiled food
(a) Sarah’s husband vomiting at 3am in the morning
(b) hospitalization of Sarah’s husband and the diagnosis of food poisoning

(3) If any, are there details that support the claims of the narrative paragraph to be true?
(a) Direct quotation of Sarah where she states the events to be shocking and her not
knowing what to do

2. Definition—this kind of paragraph provides readers with meanings, descriptions, or examples

of a given concept or topic.
Example: Gardner and Lambert (1972) have defined attitude in terms of the endurance exhibited
by the learner in using extensive effort or energy to achieve a particular goal. Stem (1983) has
included attitudes towards learning the target language itself and learning languages in a general
way.
Guided analysis of the above-given example:
 (1) What concept is given meaning in the paragraph?
(a) attitude

(2) How is it given meaning?

(a) Citations involving Gardner and Lambert (1972) and Stem (1983)
(b) Gardner and Lambert (1972) defining attitude as related to the endurance or effort that
a person exhibits or exerts to achieve his/ her goals
(c) Stem (1983) specifying attitude in the context of language learning

3. Classification—this kind of paragraph groups things or individuals together based on a

certain standard or rule and by specifying their shared characteristics.
Example: It’s perfectly normal for kids to exhibit a certain behavioral style in class. Behavior, after
all, is a primary form of communication for school-age children. Decipher its meaning and you’ll
be better equipped to help your child succeed academically.
Here are a few of the more common classroom styles: The class clown tends to be outgoing.
Gregarious child is in need of attention. At home he’s also charming and funny, but at times drives
you crazy with his endless capacity for high jinx.
The shrinking violet is shy, introverted and insecure about speaking up in school. In a
comfortable setting at home or with close friends, however, she may be full of talk.
The daydreamer who tunes out or doodles in class may have a concentration problem, or
the work could be either too advanced or too easy.
The eager beaver tends to be a high achiever who’s naturally motivated. But he can be hard
on himself if he doesn’t meet his own standards.
Guided analysis of the above-given example:
(1) What standard or rule is used in grouping the individuals in the paragraph?
(a) behavioral style in class or common classroom styles

(2) What are the groups identified?

(a) shrinking violet
(b) daydreamer
(c) eager beaver
(3) What characteristics do the individuals in each group share?
(a) shrinking violet—shy, introverted, insecure, only talks with close friend or at home
(b) daydreamer—tunes out of class, doodles, has problems with concentrating
(c) eager beaver—high achiever, motivated, expects highly of himself or herself

4. Process—this kind of paragraph presents a series of actions that lead to a result. In addition,
it may provide explanations about how concepts function or work.
 Example 1: The researcher requested permission from the author of the “A Survey of Foreign
Language Learning Motivation” (Wang, 2010) among Polytechnic Students in China to use the
questionnaire in gathering the data needed in the study.
The questionnaire was modified through the assistance of the statistician and his adviser.
Example 2: A number of curious experiences occur at the onset of sleep. A person just about to go
to sleep may experience an electric shock, a flash of light, or a crash of thunder – but the most
common sensation is that of floating, or falling, which is why “falling asleep” is a scientifically
valid description.
A nearly universal occurrence at the beginning of sleep (although not everyone recalls it)
is a sudden, uncoordinated jerk of the head, the limbs, or even the entire body. Most people tend to
think of going to sleep as a slow, slippage into oblivion, but the onset of sleep is not gradual at all.
It happens in an instant. One moment the individual is awake, the next moment not.
Guided analysis of Example 1:
(1) What process is illustrated in Example 1?
(a) requesting permission from an author for the use of his/ her questionnaire

(2) What are the steps, in ascending order, involved in the process illustrated in Example 1?
(a) requesting permission from Wang (2010) for the use of his/ her questionnaire from the
study titled “A Survey of Foreign Language Learning Motivation”
(b) modification of the questionnaire with the help of a statistician and the research adviser

Guided analysis of Example 2:

(1) What process/ concept is illustrated in Example 2?
(a) sleeping

(2) What are the events involved in the process illustrated in Example 2?
(a) electric shock, flash of light, crash of thunder, floating, or falling
(b) uncoordinated jerking of the head, the limbs, or the entire body
(3) What are the other details in Example 2 that do not just state steps but explain the process or
concept involved?
(a) going to sleep not being slow or gradual but instantaneous

5. Description—this kind of paragraph simply describes what is given (e.g., a table, an illustration,
a person, an experience, etc.) by identifying its contents or appearance and telling what they
mean; it does not involve personal interpretation.
Given:
Table 5. Distribution of Respondents by their Use of Chinese Outside their Class
Chinese Language Usage Outside Class Frequency Percentage
1. Hardly 38 11.2
2. Sometimes with foreign friends 143 42.2
 3. Sometimes with other teachers or
38 11.2
peers
4. Sometimes with my family members 120 35.4
Total 339 100

Example:
The Respondents in Terms of their Use of Chinese Outside their Class
Table 5 shows the distribution of the respondents by their use of Chinese outside their class.
The 11.2% of the respondents hardly use Chinese outside their class. The 42.2% of the respondents
sometimes use Chinese language with foreign friends while 11.2% of the respondents sometimes
use Chinese language with other teachers or peers. The 35.4%of the respondents sometimes use
Chinese language with their family members.
Guided analysis of the above-given example:
(1) What parts of the table are mentioned or identified in the paragraph?
(a) The title, i.e., distribution of the respondents by their use of Chinese outside their class
(b) percentage corresponding to the response labeled as “hardly,” i.e., 11.2%
(c) percentage corresponding to the response labeled as “sometimes with foreign friends,”
i.e., 42.2%
(d) percentage corresponding to the response labeled as “sometimes with other teachers or
peers,” i.e., 11.2%
(e) percentage corresponding to the response labeled as “sometimes with family members,”
i.e., 35.4

(2) Does the paragraph contain personal interpretation of the given table?
(a) No, it does not. It merely presents or tells what the table contains and the connection or
meaning of the different parts.

6. Comparison and Contrast—this kind of paragraph focuses on similarities and differences

between and among identified groups.
Example:
The Changing World of Women
The lifestyles of women have changed drastically in the last thirty years and are still
changing today. Basically, there have been four major changes. These have been in sexual attitudes,
marriage ideas, marriage roles, and career opportunities.
The first major change has been in sexual attitudes. Thirty years ago it was considered
taboo for a woman even to say the word “sex” in public. Today women as well as men are able to
discuss sex and its problems and joys freely and openly. Additionally, women are now emphasizing
their roles as sexual partners and leaders rather than inferiors and followers, and men are accepting
that change, too.
Guided analysis of the above-given example:
(1) What is the topic explored in the given example and who are being compared and contrasted?
 (a) change in the lifestyle of women in the last thirty years

(2) How many changes are there and what are they specifically?
(a) 4: sexual attitudes; marriage ideas; marriage roles; career opportunities

(3) How different are the women of the past from their present counterparts in terms of the
identified major changes in their lifestyle?
(a) sexual attitude—present-day women are now expressive of the word “sex” even in
public setups unlike the women before them.
(b) marriage and career opportunities—present-day women are now active in discussing
with their partners the roles they play in life as well as in pursuing leadership roles unlike
their previous counterparts who saw themselves as inferiors and as mere followers.

7. Cause and Effect—this kind of paragraph specifies reasons or sources and results, telling how
an event takes place and why.
Example:
Why Students Leave College
There seem to be six basic reasons some of our classmates will not be with us when
graduation day arrives in four years.
The first to leave are the dissatisfied, such as my high school friend who could not adjust
to being away from home and among so many strangers.
Next to leave are those who get sick or have bad accidents. This happened to a girl down
the hall in my dormitory, but she plans to be back after Christmas.
Another reason to leave is marriage, either “shotgun” style or being unable to wait until
summer or graduation.
Also, after the first year or two, some students transfer, either for the reasons that might
also make them drop out (get closer to home, marry, money problems) or to earn a degree only
offered elsewhere.
There are two final reasons that cause dropouts: money problems and bad grades. College
students everywhere are always short on funds.
Finally, some students cannot handle the academic part of college life. For many reasons,
from too much partying to weak high school preparation, they flunk out of school. In fact, after
looking back over this list, it will be surprising if anyone sitting in this class will be left to graduate
in four years.
Guided analysis of the above-given example:
(1) What is the topic explored in the given example?
(a) why students leave college/ six basic reasons some of our classmates will not be with
us when graduation day arrives in four years

(2) What causes students to leave college?

(a) dissatisfaction
 (b) illnesses or accidents
(c) marriage
(d) transfer of residence or change of course preference
(e) financial problems
(f) bad grades because of bad habits or lack of ample preparation in high school

All of the previously identified paragraph development techniques/ methods fall under what is
called expository writing, a form of writing aimed at explaining ideas and educating or informing
readers about them. As opposed to other forms of writing, expository writing is informational and
backed with facts and is technical.

C. The Conclusion—the last part of an academic paper that serves the following functions: (1) to
summarize/ restate the main point/ thesis statement or (2) challenge readers to do certain
action/s related to the thesis statement.
Consider once again the example given previously:
(1) The human body is a wonderful piece of work that nature has created. (2) It is not beautiful
like the body of a butterfly or peacock but it is shaped practically. (3) It can do many types of work
which other animals cannot.

(4) It is not strong like the body of a tiger. (5) But in place of physical strength it has a big and
sharp brain. (6) By using this brain, the human physique has been able to overcome many of its
limitations. (7) By sitting in an airplane, it flies faster than a kite, by riding a motorcycle, it travels
faster than a leopard, and by firing a machine gun it fights much better than a tiger. (8) In spite of
all this, the human body suffers from many diseases because it has a weakness for habits such as
smoking, drinking and overeating. (9) When it is healthy the body can give great pleasure, but
when it is sick, it can cause great pain.

(10) The wise man would always keep his body fit because only a healthy mind and body can work
to do amazing things that no other creature ever can.

Guided analysis of the above-given example:

(1) Which sentence in the above paragraphs serves as the conclusion?
(a) Sentence 10: The wise man would always keep his body fit because only a
healthy mind and body can work to do amazing things.

(2) Why and how does that sentence function as the conclusion?
(a) Sentence 10 states a similar idea with the thesis statement as it says that the
body can do amazing things that no other creatures ever can, making it a
restatement. Also, it challenges readers to stay fit so that they can better take care
 of the wonderful bodies they have and prevent them from suffering from the
consequences of bad habits.

Discussion Activity 1: Analyzing a Short Essay for Its Parts and Purposes
Instructions for students: Read the given essay below then answer the questions that
follow. To give your answers, simply select the choice that corresponds to the correct one.
This must be accomplished under Module 4 on Canvas.

Essay:
(1) McDonald’s is a much better fast-food restaurant than Jollibee in terms of food,
atmosphere and staff. (2) McDonald’s hamburger is juicy and tender. (3) The place is clean
and well ventilated. (4) The staff members are friendly and accommodating. (5) With perks
that go beyond the offering of palatable food choices, McDonald’s is a fast-food chain that
is a bar higher than its competitors.

1. Which sentence serves as the thesis statement/ introduction of the essay?

a. 5 b. 3 c. 1
2. Which sentences serve as the body of the essay?
a. 1 and 5 only b. 2, 3, and 4 only c. 1, 2, and 3 only
3. Which sentence serves as the conclusion of the essay?
a. 5 b. 3 c. 1

Discussion Activity 2: Recognizing Types of Paragraphs

Instructions for students: Identify what type of paragraph is given in each item. To do
so, select the letter of the correct choice. This must be accomplished under Module 4 on
Canvas.
Choices:
A. Narrative D. Exposition G. Cause and Effect
B. Definition E. Description
C. Classification F. Comparison and Contrast

1. Writing an academic paper is as simple as learning the English alphabet. You begin by
identifying a topic; second is formulating an opinion regarding it; third is collecting
pieces of information to support that opinion; and fourth, is piecing or logically
putting them together to finally come up with a scholarly written output.
 2. The graph shows the progress of the company in terms of its sales in the previous month.
The first and last weeks can be seen to have garnered shares amounting to 30% and
35% respectively of the total profit in the said month while the rest, the second and
third weeks, returned sales ranges that are only between 20-25%.
3. Between 1 and 2am something caught the attention of Carl. He stood from his bed and
sat there, staring into the darkness. For him, something felt odd because usually during
such period of time, his surroundings would still be full of life. He later realized that
he was back home already, away from the dorm life he grew accustomed to in the past
years.
4. Despite having many health risks associated with them, fast-food chains still greatly
appeal to the market for the many conveniences they bring. These conveniences
include little to no effort to have the food prepared for eating, the absence of the need
to clean after feasting is done, and most importantly, the good taste that fast-foods
have to offer.
5. Data reveal that younger student-respondents enjoy learning Chinese language. On the
other hand, older respondents find that Chinese language learning is dull.
6. Cliché as it may be, but, “Beauty,” indeed, “is in the eyes of the beholder.” Something
beautiful to one person may not be as beautiful or worse, may not be enticing at all for
another. Preferences of people vary so much that it is impossible to actually determine
a single example of beauty.
7. Medicinal drugs can be divided into generic and branded ones. The former is generally
less pricey but is said to have enough drug concentration needed for it to be as effective
as its branded counterpart. The latter is pricier because of it supposedly having stronger
drug concentration which is why its consumption takes only less time before an illness
is cured.

II. Using Transitional Devices in Academic Writing

Transitional devices are used in academic writing for two general purposes:
(1) to connect sentences and paragraphs with each other; and
(2) to facilitate clear movements from one idea to another

Wordvice has a video-lecture on transitional devices titled “Effective Transition Terms in

Academic Papers” (link: https://wordvice.com/common-transition-terms-used-in-academic-
papers/) that can be utilized in further delving into the said topic.

Discussion Activity 3: Connecting Ideas Using Transitional Devices

Instructions for students: Go to each of the two following exercises provided by
Grammarbank.com: (1) https://www.grammarbank.com/transition-words.html and (2)
 https://www.grammarbank.com/transitions-test.html. Answer the items contained in each
one by replacing the blanks with the appropriate transitional devices from the given
choices. Afterwards, you may view your scores by scrolling down to the bottom parts of
each of the pages where the “Submit Test” button can be found. There is NO submission
required for this practice activity.

Summary and Conclusion

After writing a thesis statement and gathering and formatting relevant data for usage, the next step
in the academic writing process is to organize and expand them into paragraphs using varying
techniques and logically connect them together using appropriate transitional devices.

Graded Quiz 4: Classifying Paragraphs and Connecting Ideas

Instructions for students: Go to Canvas and take the 20-point quiz found under Module 4. In
there, select the choices that classify given paragraphs and best connect given ideas.

Module 4 Reminder: Expanding Supporting Details and Drafting the Academic Paper
Instructions for students: Once again with your groupmates, expand the data you previously
gathered regarding your thesis statement. To do the expansion, the data you gathered from Module
3 (i.e., direct quotations, paraphrased statements, and summaries) must be transformed into
complete paragraphs that are developed and connected using the various development techniques
and transitional devices presented in this module. Lastly, they must be organized accordingly into
the introduction, body, and conclusion parts.

Just like the previous module, THIS MODULE REQUIRES NO SUBMISSION. However, all of
the abovementioned details must be made ready and accomplished so that it will not be difficult
for your group to accomplish the final requirement later on.