Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LECTURE NOTES 1
[WEEK 1 – 5]
Topics:
1. Introduction to Academic Writing
2. Features of Academic Writing
3. Language in Academic Writing
4. Pre-writing Strategies
5. Components of an Academic Essay
6. Structure of a Paragraph
1. INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC WRITING
Academic writing refers to the style of writing that follows a specific structure and
uses formal academic language. It involves stating writers’ viewpoints objectively
and supporting them using credible evidence and references. Academic writing
demonstrates elements of unity, coherence and adheres to the formal conventions of
punctuation, spelling, grammar, citation and referencing style. Read the two
examples of texts below:
Many people are getting sick and dying because of air pollution. So, the law for air
pollution in the United States has changed. Other countries may also change their
air pollution law. The group of people who are in danger because of air pollution
are babies, people with serious heart and lung problems, and old people.
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2. FEATURES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
Features Descriptions
Formal structure
Organisation Introduction - includes thesis statement
Body - consists of paragraphs with topic sentences and
supporting sentences and details
Conclusion – has a concluding sentence or paragraph
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3. LANGUAGE IN ACADEMIC WRITING
The writing process involves editing and revising your work for grammatical errors,
mechanics of writing (punctuation, capitalisation and spelling) and sentence
structure. Below are some guidelines to help you edit and revise your writing tasks.
You will learn about language and sentence errors in detail in Lecture Notes 6 and 7.
Example:
The doctoral student writes every day.
Example:
The doctoral students write every day.
Example:
The hospital admits patients whether or not they
have proof of insurance.
Example:
Zimbardo (2018) researched many aspects of
social psychology.
Example:
Numerous researchers have used this method.
https://student.unsw.edu.au/punctuation-guide
https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/writing/punctuation
EXERCISE 1
Read the following sentences. Identify any language, spelling or punctuation error
and rewrite the sentences correctly.
1. Urbanisation has causing many problems to the environment and to the human
population.
________________________caused___________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_____
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2. Urbanization allows people to move to cities and towns because they view rural
areas as places with hardship and primitive lifestyle
___________________migrate_______________________________________
________________________________________________________________
______
3. Air pollution often plague industrialised cities, particularly during their early
development.
_____________________Industrialised cities is often plagued by air pollution
________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
4. In the year 1800 only about 2 percent of the world's population live in urban
areas. (Johnson & Hague, 2019)
_________only____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___
Academic Vocabulary
Academic writing requires the use of formal, objective and impersonal words. This
ensures that ideas and arguments are written in a clear, convincing and professional
manner.
Example:
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The students did the experiment in the The students conducted the
lab. experiment in the lab.
Apart from using formal words, the following features of informal language should
also be avoided for academic writing.
E.g. verb+prep or
verb+adv
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EXERCISE 2
Identify suitable formal words to replace the informal words/expressions listed below.
1 Enough Sufficient
2 Start Commence
3 Get achieve
4 Chance Probability
6 Going up Escalate/skyrocket
EXERCISE 3
Improve the language in the text below by replacing the informal words or
expressions with formal words.
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chest pain, over tired, and changes to sleep patterns, while non-physical symptoms
include feeling overwhelmed, feeling sick and tired, and worried.
Apart from that, employers play a very big role in minimising workplace stress.
Employers need to set reasonable workload for their employees. So much workload
that is unachievable will leave employees feeling stressed and overwhelmed. In
addition to setting reasonable workload, work completion targets should be at levels
that are achievable with clear instructions. Out of the blue and unclear work
assignments often lead to confusion and stress among employees. Therefore,
employers must set clear guidelines for work assignments to be done satisfactorily.
4 So much Intense
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4. PRE-WRITING STRATEGIES
There are two pre-writing strategies commonly used by writers – Clustering and
Outlining. Clustering is used in the process of brainstorming to help writers to
identify the focus of the topic. It allows the writers to explore ideas in a visual form. In
deciding the writing topic and focus, you can brainstorm and narrow down ideas that
interests you using the clustering technique.
Steps
1 - Draw a box in the centre of the paper and write the topic.
3 - Think about each of the ideas, draw boxes around them, and write more ideas.
E.g.
Exercis
e
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Outlining is a technique that helps writers to arrange ideas in an organised and
logical manner. It also helps the writers to stay focussed. After you have
brainstormed for a topic and focus, you should outline your points.
Steps
3 - Write an outline.
E.g.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
EXERCISE 4
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Choose a topic from the given list and brainstorm for possible ideas using the
clustering technique.
EXERCISE 5
Based on the topic chosen in Exercise 1, write an outline using the outlining
technique.
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Topic: ____________________________________________________________
Paragraph 1
Main idea :
Point 1 :
Point 2 :
Paragraph 2
Main idea :
Point 1 :
Point 2 :
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ESSAY
I. Introductory paragraph
General statements
Thesis statement
Paragraph 1
A. Topic sentence
1. Supporting sentence
2. Supporting sentence
3. Supporting sentence
(Concluding sentence)
Paragraph 2
B. Topic sentence
1. Supporting sentence
2. Supporting sentence
3. Supporting sentence
(Concluding sentence)
Paragraph 3
C. Topic sentence
1. Supporting sentence
2. Supporting sentence
3. Supporting sentence
(Concluding sentence)
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In recent years, many people have become increasingly aware of the need for
optimum health. Almost everywhere people turn, whether it is to a newsstand,
television or billboard, information for guarding and improving health bombards them.
Although much of this information is commercially motivated by those eager to sell
vitamins and health supplements, some of the information especially on regular
exercise, merits serious attention. Numerous studies have proven that regular exercise
provides many benefits, and it only needs to be carried out at least three times a week
for thirty minutes. Regular exercise releases tension, improves appearance, and
increases stamina.
The first benefit of regular exercise is the release of tension. Tension builds in
the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety
or fear. Health experts agree that performing calisthenics or participating in an active
sport such as tennis or volleyball for thirty minutes releases tension. If people swim,
jog or ride a bicycle for thirty minutes, they should sleep better at night and have a
better temperament the next day. In addition, after the release of tension, petty
irritations and frustrations should be less troubling. For example, Roscoe (2010)
explains that an employee stressed with work and traffic congestion, may rush home,
argue with the family, and eat excessively. Taking about thirty minutes to release
frustrations through physical exercise could help him or her avoid this behaviour.
Therefore, exercising regularly can eliminate or at least control tension.
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In addition to the self-confidence engendered by an improved appearance,
regular exercise also increases stamina. Regular exercise allows for a stronger and
healthier body and is obviously more capable of working harder and withstand fatigue.
Paisley (2012) states that “a worker who exercises should be able to complete a forty-
hour week at work and still retain enough energy for mowing the grass, painting the
garage or cleaning the windows at home” (p. 87). Similarly, a student who exercises
regularly would be able to attend classes and still find the energy and stamina to work
part-time and accomplish various tasks efficiently. Hence, improved endurance is one
of the benefits of regular exercise.
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COMPONENT 1: INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
An introductory paragraph introduces the topic of the academic text to the reader. It also
provides an overview to the content of the text. It consists of two parts which are general
statements and a thesis statement.
GENERAL STATEMENTS
General statements provide background information of the topic to the reader. It also
attracts readers’ attention to the topic of the text.
1. Based on the general statements, what do you think is the topic of this text?
THESIS
STATEMENT
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THESIS STATEMENT
A thesis statement states the main ideas that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
The body paragraphs are written with reference to the thesis statement in the
introductory paragraph. A good thesis statement:
Thesis statement 1:
Reading brings many advantages to adults as it can improve concentration,
reduce stress, and provide tranquillity.
This is a well written thesis statement as it provides readers with all the
main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. This style of
writing a thesis statement will allow readers to have a clear idea of what to
expect in the body paragraphs.
Thesis statement 2:
There are three advantages of reading for adults.
Thesis statement 3:
Reading is a popular hobby nowadays.
This thesis statement is too general. It does not provide the specific aspect
of the topic (reading) or the main points that will be discussed in the body
paragraphs. You should avoid writing a thesis statement that is too general.
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COMPONENT 2: BODY PARAGRAPHS
A paragraph in the body of an academic text contains the discussion of the main points
mentioned in the thesis statement. This is where the topic is developed using facts,
examples, and other details. A body paragraph consists of a clear topic sentence with
reference to the thesis statement, relevant supporting points and supporting details, and
also a concluding sentence. Below is the structure of a body paragraph:
TOPIC SENTENCE
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
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Below is an example of an academic paragraph and its components.
Transition signals to
show the connection TOPIC
between ideas
SENTENCE
The first benefit of regular exercise is the release of tension .
Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline
produced by stress, anxiety or fear. Health experts agree that performing
calisthenics or participating in an active sport such as tennis or volleyball for
thirty minutes releases tension. If people swim, jog or ride a bicycle for thirty
minutes, they should sleep better at night and have a better temperament the SUPPORTING
next day. In addition, after the release of tension, petty irritations and SENTENCES
frustrations should be less troubling. For example, Roscoe (2010) explains
that an employee stressed with work and traffic congestion, may rush home,
argue with the family, and eat excessively. Taking about thirty minutes to
release frustrations through physical exercise could help him or her avoid this
behaviour. Therefore, exercising regularly can eliminate or at least control Reporting verb
tension. used to introduce
borrowed
CONCLUDING information
SENTENCE
TOPIC SENTENCE
Example 1
b) Next, social media can also cause mental distress among its users.
Example 2
TOPIC
CONTROLLING IDEA
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Example 3
Writing Topic Sentences with reference to the Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement:
Explanation:
This thesis statement tells us that the topic of the text is the gap between younger
and older people and the focus is the causes of this gap.
We also know that the first paragraph of the text will discuss how overscheduled
lifestyles affect the generation gap between younger and older people.
The second paragraph will discuss the changes in family structure and how it affects
family relationships, while the third paragraph will discuss how individualism can
create a difference between generations.
To establish the connection between the thesis statement and the paragraphs of the
text, the following topic sentences are used.
Topic Sentence 1:
Overscheduled lifestyles is one reason why younger and older people become
isolated from each other.
Topic Sentence 2:
Another reason for the generation gap between younger and older people is the
change in family structure from extended families to nuclear families.
Topic Sentence 3:
The third cause of the generation gap between younger and older people is
emphasis on individualism.
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EXERCISE 6
Read the thesis statements below. For each thesis statement, decide if it is a good
thesis statement. If not, rewrite the thesis statement according to the qualities of a
good thesis statement.
5. Cool Math, Edmodo, and Fun Brain are some examples of the many education
technology tools that can be used to enhance classroom learning.
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_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
EXERCISE 7
Read the thesis statement and topic sentences in each question. For each topic
sentence, decide if it is a good topic sentence. If not, rewrite the topic sentence
according to the qualities of a good topic sentence.
1. Thesis Statement:
Exposure to violence, an inadequate rating system, and too little parental
supervision are three reasons why children should not play video games.
Topic Sentence 1:
Children in the United States love to play video games.
The first reason children is not allowed to play video games is exposure to
violence .
Topic Sentence 2:
Inadequate rating system for evaluating video games is another reason why
children should avoid video games.
Topic Sentence 3:
Next, there is too little parental supervision.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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2. Thesis Statement:
Social media in today’s society allows people to stay connected, to keep
abreast with the latest news, and to communicate across borders.
Topic Sentence 1:
Social media allows people to stay connected.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 2:
The second advantage is that people are able to keep abreast with the latest
news around the world.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Topic Sentence 3:
Is a communication tool.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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EXERCISE 8
Write an appropriate topic sentence for each of the paragraphs below.
2. Studying abroad can guarantee more advantages to students than those study in
locals.
_
Students who study abroad stand a chance to get better jobs when they return to
their home country. This is because their qualifications and experiences may allow
them to get jobs that are higher paid, and they have a better chance in getting a
promotion quickly. Another advantage of studying abroad is the independence
students’ gain being in a foreign country. For example, students have to cope with
the challenges of living alone and meeting new people from different cultures. This
will enable them to become more confident in their lives and relationships with
others. Thus, studying abroad is a very rewarding and beneficial experience for
students.
3. The community can contribute in solving the problemsof teen gang violence.
After-school programmes such as sports and games, art and music activities,
internships in local area businesses and professional organisations as well as
volunteer activities in the community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits
outside of school hours. More job opportunities for teens, especially those funded by
state and local programmes, would offer income for teens as well as work for the
community. Outreach to families through schools, community organisations and
places of worship would help promote inter-generational activities that could improve
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family ties, helping teens to work on their problems at the family level instead of
taking them to the streets. Therefore, the problem of teen gang violence can be
eliminated with the combined effort of the community via numerous programmes.
EXERCISE 9
Read the topic sentences below. Write three supporting sentences that could be
included in the paragraph.
1. Topic Sentence:
2. Topic Sentence:
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The main reason for unemployment among fresh graduates is the lack of
communication skills.
3. Topic sentence:
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Supporting Sentence 2: can expose environmental issue to public, informative
details can be shared through mass media
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Supporting Details
There are several kinds of supporting details, such as examples, facts, statistics, and
quotations. These supporting details are usually taken from other sources i.e.
journals, books, and credible online sources.
Supporting details further develop the supporting sentences. They also add to the
validity of the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. This information, however,
must be carefully documented using proper citation methods and referencing
convention to avoid plagiarism. You will learn further about citation and referencing
in Lecture Notes 2.
EXERCISE 10
Read the paragraphs below. Underline the supporting details and decide whether
they are examples, facts, statistics or quotations.
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Supporting detail type: ____________________
2. For many working adults, online education has greatly enhanced the
opportunity to take classes and complete their studies. Research indicates that
although most online students successfully complete their degree programme, about
forty percent of them fail in their studies (Bates, 2010). Most online students pursue
their study online because they realise the many advantages of online education;
nevertheless, it can be a major issue if students do not put in sufficient effort and
time in completing their studies. In most cases, students can access their course at
anytime from anywhere. This means that parents, working students and
professionals on the move have the option of attending classes no matter how hectic
their work schedule. Students only need a computer and Internet access to take
online classes.
3. All languages change over time and vary from place to place. "Language is
subject to change and is not caused by unnecessary sloppiness, laziness or
ignorance" (Aitchison, 1981, p.67). Languages may change as a result of social or
political pressures such as invasion, colonisation, and immigration. Language also
changes very subtly whenever speakers come into contact with each other. No two
individuals speak identically; people from different geographical places clearly speak
differently, but even within the same small community there are variations according
to a speaker’s age, gender, ethnicity as well as social and educational background.
Through interactions with different speakers, new words, expressions, and
pronunciations are integrated into speech.
4. One vital step in protecting the environment is by reducing the use of plastic
bags. Plastic bags cost the city of San Francisco 17 cents each to handle once
discarded. Over the state, California spends about 25 million dollars sending plastic
bags to landfills each year, and another 8.5 million dollars to remove littered bags
from streets. While a grocer pays next to nothing for plastic bags and gives them to
customers at no charge, the follow-on cost to society is much higher. If customers
can be trained to bring their own reusable bags every time they shop, this will lead to
a reduction in one of the major polluting items in the environment. Paper bags are
biodegradable and make a good option to reduce the use of plastic bags (Society for
the Environment, 2013). Grocery stores and other retail stores should be actively
discouraged from giving out plastic bags. There are numerous and various incentive
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systems employed in some cities around the world in reducing the use of plastic
bags to conserve the environment.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
A concluding sentence is the last sentence of a paragraph. It either restates the main
idea of the paragraph by repeating the topic sentence in different words or
summarises the main points of the paragraph. A concluding sentence begins with
suitable transition signals such as therefore, hence, and thus.
EXERCISE 11
Write a suitable concluding sentence for each of the following paragraphs.
___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Choosing a college or university can be difficult for high school students. The
most difficult part is finding a university that prepares them well for their future
career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and
up-to-date. In addition, the educators must be highly qualified and respected in their
fields. Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. Students
need to be able to pay not only the tuition fees but also the living expenses.
Fortunately, some institutions might be able to offer scholarships if students cannot
afford the fees. Of course, a good location is also very important when choosing a
college or university. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying.
Moreover, there should be opportunities near the college or university for part-time
jobs or internships to provide some work experience for students.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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