dhbadd ad dds a a = =a = = —_ ~ a aA hk kk Writing Learning outcomes - Can write a basic paragraph containing a topic sentence and related details if provided with a model. - Can write the concluding sentence or sentences of a basic paragraph, given a model. DEE Zombies There are fivo main reasons why Eombies have become so popular in mass media nowadays. First zombies have become a recurring theme in mass media in diferent series, ims and even video games. Series and films such as The Walking Dead and Resident Evil show the proliferation of the idea of zombies, reaching audience rating of 6.6 milion viewers as in the case of The Walking Dead in 2013. A second reason why zombies are so popular, according to experts, is because they symbolize ‘the shadow’ and represent all the things humans are afraid of, but they hhave a hard time fighting, such as terrorism and pandemics. Daniel Drezner, a professor of international poitics, states that “zombies thrive in popular culture during times of recession, epidemic and general unhappiness.” Those, perhaps, are the hopeless times humanity witness in the ‘modern era of terrorism and uncertainty. In conclusion, zombies are a very popular modern myth reflecting the fears humans have. 1. What is the paragraph about? Zombies 2. What is the main point about the topic? They have become popular in mass media 3. What evidence is provided to prove the main point? a. They have become a recurring theme in series. games and even video games. They symbolize “the shadow” and represent all the things humans are afrail 4, Does it conclude or summarize ideas in a closing statement? Yes. it does. 4. Aparagraph is a group of sentences developing one topic. A well-structured paragraph contains the following elements: Generally, the first sentence stating the main idea of the paragraph is called the topic sentence. This sentence contains the main idea of the paragraph The topic sentence is neither too general nor too specific. ‘The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph. ‘What is the topic sentence of the model above? There are nwo main reasons why zombies have become so popular in mass media nowadays. 2. The sentences expanding the main idea are called supporting ideas. The example paragraph about zombies has two supporting sentences. Each one proves the truth of the topic sentence by giving two examples of the popularity of the existence of this myth. 3. These supporting ideas are expanded using examples, statistics, quotations and facts. They are referred to as supporting details. List the supporting details of the paragraph: a, Examples + Statistics: Series and films such as The Walking Dead and Resident Evil show the proliferation of the idea of zombies. reaching audience rating of 5,6 million viewers as in the case of The Walking Dead in 2013, UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENGI156. 16mon to forget what we have read. The best way to retain information after reading any text is by taking reading noles, One way of taking notes is by copying important sentences irectly from the text, such as definitions and key phrases. Readers can also identify important as, words and phrases and write them using their own words. For example: Living in a big city in the 21st century can be stressful: noise, rush, traffic jams, intrusive commercials, bad ecology, high prices, and other factors do not contribute to one’s calmness and inner harmony. Additional stresses such as.hard work, fatigue, family problems, taxes, and so on only multiply and increase the existing stress. No wonder that in such conditions, people living in cities often develop various psychological conditions that can hardly be called healthy. Depression and nervous breakdowns have become as common in recent decades as the flu_One condition is anhedonia—a dangerous condition that can be aenoral inability to have fun and feel pleasure. But what causes it? ‘The key phrases of this paragraph have been underlined. Of course, this is not the only method to take notes. The type of text and the kind of information the reader considers to be important must be taken into account when taking reading notes. Another method of taking notes is to write the important information using the reader's own words, that is, paraphrasing, For example: ee a There are several circumstances that affect one’s calmness... People who lve in cties usually show mental problems. ‘Sometimes, it is also useful to write your o1 be a little Jonger than the content of the text. UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 25 PREP ERA HETHHTHENHNTRNH HERVEPES EUG hee Ran do http://www.Idoceontine.com/dictiona cause tet | | (Owing to misbehavior, the security forces are sometimes implicated in criminal acts. | Examples: ‘When reading. 2 text, you can also ask what jenied? Or why did this happen? ‘tis essential to locate the specific part ofthe | text where these words may appear and.tead that section carefully in order to understand how the ideas are related. Example: Cause: Schizophrenia Effect: Anhedonia Cause: A common fatigue or sickness. Effect: Depriving a person of positive emotions for some period of time UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 27} biked oe tk ii Al Ae Writing Write a short paragraph that describes a cause-effect relationship. You may want to choose a Specific topic or event, or you can also examine why something has happened or exists. Try to Use some of the following cause-effect markers: Due fo, since, because (of), on account of, as @ consequence, consequently, as a result, resulls in, s0, leads (led) to, therefore, thus, accordingly, hence, owing to, to be responsible for, for this reason. In the following paragraph, the sentence containing the topic has been underlined, as well as cause-effects markers. Example: It is shocking that in today's technological and scientific era most people continue to believe in ghosts, elves, faiies_ extrasensory perception and the like. People believe jin extraordinary things because they usually lack understanding of how Mother ‘Nature works. Think about cave men; they had no idea about the process of rain; therefore, they probably believed the phenomenon was due to some sort of mystery or that there was something or someone evil making water fall from the sky. Another reason why people believe in imaginary creatures has to do with whet they were taught at home by their parents. As a consequence, when children grow up they will end up seeing ghosts or spirits, which coincidentally appear only at night time in their bedrooms. Suggested topics: What causes sibiing rivalry? a What are the social effects of everyone on the planet having cell phones? What are the effects of school bullying on children? z What potential dangers do earthquakes bring? Your own topic Z UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENGI156 34Which pair of words above (1,2)(3,4)(5,6)(7,8) both best describe the tone of this text? _(__)_ Which 4 of the following 4 phrases is NOT a good exampla of the tone of the text? a. The origins of public interest in nature conservation in Britain go back many years, In other countries similar efforts can be observed, (©) We think that the environment is totally awesome. d. They combined forces and started to campaign for the creation of a National Trust. Which option above is NOT a good example of the tone of the text: __ Which characteristics make the phrase you selected different? Pea Eee Referring to and citing the work of others is a good way to strengthen your writing. In some cases, a paraphrase or reference wil be appropriate. In other cases, a direct quotation of another person's words is necessary. A quotation is an exact reproduction of another speaker's or writer's words that is used to support ideas in a text. A direct quotation is often useful in the following circumstances: | © Using a new idea or concept in a specialized way According to Sameulson, the generation born between 1982 and 2000 are called © Explaining a rule or written standard State education law says students should be in the “least restrictive environment”, illennials”. © Referring to unique phrasing of ideas used by another author or speaker When Martin Luther King said, "I have a dream” his words inspired many people. Exercise 1: What purpose does the quotation below serve in the paragraph? Decide whether the purpose is closer to #1, #2 or #3 above (Paragraph 11) In other countries similar efforts can be observed. In 1872 the United States established the Yellowstone National Park, the first of its kind in the world. Some have called National Parks “America’s best idea’S, and itis certain that the model of Yellowstone parks and the national parks service established in 1912 has been followed all over the globe. 4.4 Why did the author choose to use a direct quotation? Write either #1, 2 or 3. _2)_ (Paragraph 3) The trusts aims were described as follows in the National Trust Act of 1907: UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENGI156 41 PRE RRR RRA NAN NNNNNNNNNN NNN NYY EOWd kk ee wk Mh aSV WWW To promote the permanent preservation, for the benefit of the nation, of lands and {enements (including buildings) of beauty or historical interest; and, as regards land, to Preserve (so far practicable) their natural aspect.2 1.2 Why did the author choose to use a direct quotation, reason #1, 2.0 37 _2 PRET ane ‘Many verbs can help you to identify the sources of information being cited or referred to in a text. You may see some of the following verbs used to indicate who said a quote. Example’ The author __ (asserts, argues, sustains, proposes, indicates, affirms, suggests, writes) = that national parks are important. With a partner, try saying the sentence above with a few different verbs in bold, Find and underline the verb being used to introduce the quote in the following text: 1) The origins of public interest in nature conservation in Britain go back to the early 18th century when Wordsworth wrote about the Lake District that it is a "sort of national property in which every man has a right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy"s. a. Verb: Aue b. Who originally said the quote above? (First and Last name) Wordgwor . What is the title of the original text that it appeared in, and when was it published? \3T Guide ~hryeoug “tro Oishict OF 4g Las in the niath OF Eygkine UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENGI1S6 42Writing Learning outcomes + Can write a basic paragraph containing a topic sentence and related details if provided with a model + Can write the concluding sentence or sentences of a basic paragraph, given a model RII ‘Writing Paragrap When wniting in English, itis important to use good paragraph slylo so your idoas can bo understood easily. Tople sentence: This defines what you will say and how you plan to approach the issue. A topic sentence usually has a general topic, then a controling idea that includes a more specific perspective about the general topic. The topic is in bold. Examples: ©) peed + Rice is an important. ed fo mt ‘Colombians. + There are several different ypes of wildife sanctuaries in Colombia, and all of them work together o preserve ili UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 43COTTA ey eee Both supporting Ideas and a concluding sontonce are essential for creating a woll-formod paragraph. ‘Supporting ideas: Usually, these are 2-4 sentences that add more detailed ideas to complete the perspective on the topic you introduced, ‘Some phrases used to show addition of information: for example, furthermore, in addition, (the) first, second, finally, moreover Concluding sentence: This restates the topic and controlling idea of the paragraph in a new way, and makes it clear that itis the end of the paragraph. ‘Some phrases used to begin the conclusion sentence are: in conclusion, to sum up, therefore, as a result, over all Example: i : [Topic] Rice is an important food for most Colombians because it is an inexpensive and versatile food. [Support 1] First, itis inexpensive because it can be purchased in large bags and used over a long period of time. Uncooked rice can be stored without affecting the taste. [Support 2] In addition, it is versatile because it has a neutral taste and can be eaten with almost any type of protein or vegetable. Many Colombian dishes include rice because it can ‘be prepared in many different ways. [Concluding sentence] As a result of these features, rice is an important and delicious staple of Colombian cuisine. UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 44Writing Write a paragraph in response to the following question: th for humans and What do you think are some advantages of nature preserves, bo animals? i, yrting sentences, [Be sure your paragraph has a topic sentence with a controlling idea, supporting be sure all the ‘and a concluding sentence. When you are finished, check with a partner (0 elements are present] UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 45 hl hurl NN SW OELOL loot wher Ec! As we have seen before, authors may have different purposes when they write, One of these piNboses can be to clarify a concept or help the reader make an informed choice, For these and ther purposes, he/she may need to contrast or point tothe differences between two elements Contrast words signal differonces. Authors use contrast transitions to show that the second idea is different from the first one in some way. Contrasts may help understand a | concept more clearly in relation to another, and be able to distinguish apparently similar | or confusing elements. ‘Some contrast words are: But, yet, however, although, nevertholess, stil, Instead of, In contrast, on tho other hand, on the contrary, conversely, opposite, in spite of, despite, as opposed to, rather than, albeit, difference, different(ly), different from, unlike, while, less, more, etc. Read paragraph 4 from the text above: 1. The spread of networks, digital culture, and mass collaboration affect young and old alike. However, there is a fundamental difference between those who established the habits of leaming, participation, personal relationships, and work in the pre - digital world, then adapted the new technologies to fit their existing worldview, and those whose expectations and experiences are rooted exclusively in the networked digital world, While the former group tends to look at technology as a problem to be ‘solved or a new tool to integrate into an existing framework, the latter starts with an inherent grasp of the possibilities of networks and data, a. Can you tell what two ideas are being contrasted with the help of the words “However”, “difference” and "While"? The words “However”, “difference”, and “While” are contrasting the idea that | even though the fast growth of technology affects all ages, people who were bom. | in the pre-digital era act and think differently about technology from people who | were born in the networked, digital world. Identifying contrast words can help you read better and understand necessary | distinctions that the authors make. : | | UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1IS6 51Transitions oF connectors show the relationships between ideas in sentences. In the same way, patterns of organization or organizational patterns show the relationships between supporting details in paragraphs, essays and chapters. It helps to recognize the common patterns in which authors arrange Information, You will then be better able to understand and remember what you ead. The following are some of the most common in academic reading and writing Uist of items: a list of items refers to a series of reasons, examples, or other details that Support an idea. The items have no time order, but are l'sted in whatever order the author | prefers. Addition words are often used in a list of items to tell us that other supporting Points are being added to a point already mentioned. ‘Some addition words are: ono, first (of all), second(ly), third(ly) to bogin with, also, in addition, next, other, anothor, moreover, further, last (of all), finally Time order: authors usually present events and processes in the order in which they. happen, resulting in a pattern of organization known as lime order. In addition to time transitions such as before, previously, now, immediately, when, whenever, while, during, until, frequently, eventually, later, after, finally etc, signals for the time order Patter include dates, times, and such words as stages, sories, steps, and process. This pattern may be used for one or al of the following purposes: + To explain the history of an event or a topic + Totell a story or relate an experience * To explain how to do or to make something + Toexplain the steps in a process Order of importance: in persuasive writing, most essays move from the least to the ‘most important point, and the paragraphs are arranged in an effort to build the essay's strength. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to begin with your most important supporting point, such as in an essay that contains a thesis that is highly debatable. When writing a persuasive essay, itis best to begin with the most important point because it immediately captivates your readers and compels them to continue reading. This pattem is best used for the following purposes: + Persuading and convincing . Ranking items by their importance, benefit, or significance 2 Illustrating a situation, problem, or solution. Comparison- contrast: this pattern shows how two things are alike, or how they are different, or both. When things are compared, their similarities are pointed out, when they are contrasted, their differences are discussed, UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENGI156 53eee eb hed ddd Te Comparison words signal similarities. Authors use a comparison transition to show that a second idea is like the first one in some way. Some comparison words are: (just) 2, (ust) like, both, equally, resomblo, likewiso, in like fashion, In a similar ‘manner, in the same way, alike, same... Contrast words signal differences. Authors use contrast transitions to show that the Second idea is diferent from the first one in some way. Contrasts may help understand 2 concept more clearly in relation to another, and be able to distinguish apparently similar or confusing elements, Some contrast words are: But, yet, however, although, nevertheless, still, instead of, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, conversely, opposite, in spite Of, despite, as opposed to, rather than, difference, differont(ly), different from, Unlike, while, less, more, ete. This pattern can be used to + Help the reader make an informed decision ‘+ Clarify a concept : ‘+ Persuade the reader that one way of thinking about something is better than another. Definition-example: Often, academic paragraphs begin with a definition, and other ‘sentences init clarify this meaning by giving examples. Good textbook authors want to help readers understand the important ideas and terms in a subject—whether itis. | psychology, sociology, business, biology or any other fields. Such authors then usually | take time to include key definitions, and one or more examples to explain and clarify them. ‘The definitions are signaled by such words as: fs, are, is called, is known as and ‘refers to. Examples are signaled by words like: such as, for instance, for example, | illustrated by, etc. | Cause and effect: Cause and effect words signal that the author is explaining the reasons why something happened or the result of something happening. Cause and effect words include: therefore, thus, because, as a (consequence), consequently, due to, so , as a result, results in, leads to, since, owing to, effect, cause, it..will, affect, because (of), reason, explanation, accordingly UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENGI156 54ROI fox academic 1axt Mustratton: ilustration patterns indicate that an author will provide one oF more examples to develop and clanty a given idea Mustration words include: (for) example, (for) Instance, such as, Including, specifically, | to bo specific, (as an) iMustration, to llustt Description: a description is a “word picture,” Whon writers nood to describe theit topic $0 that it becomos clearer and the reader can understand how it looks, works, of fools, they US descnptive words such as adjectives, A final point: Keep in mind that a paragraph or passage may often be made up of more than one pattern of organization, Example: what would be the patterns) of organization of the following paragraph fromthe text? | 8. And most importantly, as we've seen from the demographic data, the third reason is that there simply are nol enough older people relative to younger ones to make a difference. With the exception of a very narrow stratum of elites, they don’t figure into the knowledge economy in the same way that their peers do in more developed countries, where senior executive ranks of large organizations are dominated by 40 - and 50 - ‘somethings. The most prevalent patterns of organization as signaled by transitions in this paragraph could bbe: Order of importance, listing, and cause-effect. UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 55 ok ee eR WR RAR RRS 8SWriting Learning outcomes = Can express a personal opinion in a simple academic text = Canwrite a basic paragraph containing a topic sentence and related details - Canwrite the concluding sentence of a basic paragraph ‘Writing a personal opinion in a paragraph Points to consider: + Before you start writing your paragraph, make sure you brainstorm possible opinions. ‘on the matter, and then choose one. You should also make a list of the ways you are going to support your opinion, (Planning) + The paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states your opinion clearly. + Present the reasons for your opinion in logical order. + Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language to express your opinion. Rather, express your opinion in a non-emotional way (e.g. It seems that, | therefore feel, etc.) + Well-known quotations relevant to the topic you are writing about might make your composition more interesting. For example, if you are writing an essay on education, a quotation you may include is: "Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” (Will Durant). + When you express your opinion in writing, you may support your reasons with. examples and details from personal knowledge and experience. However, your writing will become stronger and more convincing if you can also include facts, ideas and. quotes from one or more other sources. These might include information from journal articles, websites and reference books. htto:/iacademicwriting wikidot com/or-and-anainst-essays Opinion signals ‘When you state an opinion, you should indicate that itis an opinion by using an opinion signal such as one of these: In my opinion,... (with a comma) In my view... (with a comma) 1 believe (thal)... without a comma) 1 think (that)... (without a comma) Source signal To give information from an outside source, (a book, a newspaper, another person), use According to X, with a comma: UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES - LENG1156 57 eS were eee NN Vey