Basic Writing

Writing a Paragraph
Paragraph definition
A group of 6-12 sentences about one topic
Every sentence in a STRONG paragraph is about the same topic arranged logically to
explain the writer’s main idea about that topic
→ If a new main idea, then move on to the next paragraph
The structure of academic writing: preferably top-down

INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION

Introduce the topic or The longest part which Sum up what you have
why you are writing this contains the main point just said
of the text:
- Topic sentence
- Supporting sentences
- (Example)
- (Recap)
Practice: identifying a strong paragraph
Practice: identifying a strong paragraph
Practice: identifying the topic
Practice: identifying relevant sentences
Practice: identifying the structure of a paragraph
Brainstorming

Always do this first: ADOPT A FIRM POSITION: agree/partially agree/disagree

Consider these two factors:

1. Your own standpoint

2. Supporting points for each standpoint

Sometimes, it is difficult to support your own standpoint

→ switch to the opposite standpoint if easier

Brainstorming
Then, LIST OUT SUPPORTING IDEAS
Stakeholder Analysis Discussion Clock Level Analysis
Divide ideas based on stakeholders - Divide ideas based on different aspects of Divide ideas based on levels of importance,
people and parties affected in the issue the issue scale, …

Example: Do you think that cars should be Individual → Family → Government →

banned in the city center? Society → World

Example: The importance of education

Example: Do you think the advantages of

video games outweigh the disadvantages?
Brainstorming
Think of argumentation in a direction:

❏ Answer the question ‘Why’

❏ Think of consequences/outcomes: what it will bring about, how it develops over time
❏ Rephrase: often associated with the phrase ‘in other words’ for important messages
❏ Compare and contrast: similarities and differences, pros and cons, upsides and downsides, etc
❏ Exemplify from real life
❏ Put forward a null hypothesis: bring up an opposite theory: if it did not happen, what would the outcomes
be?
Brainstorming

Other important tips:

1. Put yourself in the question

2. No over-stressing of stereotyped ideas
3. Expand background knowledge

English sources: The Guardian, NY Times, The Economists, CNN, BBC, Quora Forum

Vietnamese sources: VTV, Governmental News, Dantri, Vietnamnet, Zing.vn

Brainstorming

Other important tips:

4. Write them down
5. Write them in a system of key words
Example: With the topic ‘In your opinion, do the benefits of video games outweigh its drawbacks?’, one can sketch out ideas like this:

Drawbacks outweigh benefits

- On the one hand: Benefits entertainment: relax after hard work

education: learn about some life skills: problem-solving, quick thinking, concentration span,
…
- On the other hand: Drawbacks → high addictiveness: game’s new progression anditargets → children more compelled to play
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii games → consequences on health, studies and social life
Introduction

Two parts

- Background information of the topic

- Bring up the topic question
General In this day and age, the Internet has pushed back the frontier of human impossibilities in a
statement multitude of ways.

Thesis - Opinion / what’s going to be presented in the essay

statement Nevertheless, from my standpoint, this technological breakthrough still presents
several challenges to the society.
Introduction

General statement: popular phrases

- It can be argued that ...
- It has been suggested that …
- In the current context (of …)
- In this day and age, ...
- … a hotly debated issue/a topic of (major) concern
- There has been considerable/fierce/prolonged controversy around ...
- From time immemorial, ...
Introduction

Requirements for the introduction

Concise: refrain from brushing around the bush

General: just stating generally what the opinion is

Straight to the point: just state the opinion right in the intro

Impressive: by advanced vocabulary and grammar structures (but

not over do it)
Topic sentence
Practice: identifying a good topic sentence
Practice: Writing a good topic sentence

First: brainstorm, then remember the above requirements to write a good introduction and
corresponding topic sentences for each of the following topics:

- Topic 1: The problems of living in the city

- Topic 2: The benefits of the Internet
- Topic 3: The importance of studying English
- Topic 4: The drawbacks of smoking
- Topic 5: The role of family in our daily life