HOW TO TEACH

WRITING
EDU3304 – TEACHING OF WRITING
 Why teach writing?

Reinforcement:

Concise
Visual
Coherence Logical, How everything fix
understanding
consistency together comprehensive in scope;
succinct; terse
 Why teaching writing?

Language development:

Mental Mental Learning

process activity experience
 Why teach writing?

 Learning styles.
Writing

Slower Faster
process Process
 What kind of writing should students do?

Find general or Age

similar interests

Motivate Interest
them

Level
What do writing sequences look like?

Elementary Intermediate Advanced

• Study of the topic • Statements for • Upper intermediate
and then writing writing • Advanced level
• Produce something • Opinion or position
alike about a topic
 Advance level

Expose the topic or Write a report about

give their opinion the topic

Teacher receive the

Share their writing with
report and hands them partners
back
 How should teacher correct writing?

AVOID.

Don’t correct in red ink and

underlining

Avoid “over correction”

How should teachers correct writing?

Let them correct their own work

Written symbols

Write a comment
Written symbols.
Written symbols.
Written symbols.
What can be done about handwriting?

New We can not ask them

writing to change their
Double work system handwriting, but for
(different culture)
Reflects legibility
personality or
characters

Exams and
crucial
things
How does writing fit into ESL classroom?

Engage Study Activate

Promote the use of a

Promote literature
journal
“There is no limit to the
kind of texts we can ask
students to write.”
 HOW TO TEACH
STUDENTS TO WRITE
A THESIS STATEMENT
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
By: Miss Farah Lydia
REVISION
Table of Contents

1. Introduce 3. Thesis Statement

them… Writing
What is a thesis Practice!
statement?

2. Content
o How to write a thesis
statement?
o Formula
o Example
 A thesis
statement..
o summarizes your position on the
topic of your paper

o acts as a roadmap to your

readers.
 Cont…
Main
points ONE
the main points sentence
of your essay your entire paper
covers squeezed into ONE
sentence

Map END
in what order at the end of the
the main ideas introduction.
appear
A thesis statement
Where to put it?
must… At the end of the
introduction
paragraph.

Words? Formula!
Keep it brief (around Claim (your position) +
20-25 words), ONE reason “why?/how?”
sentence only. (evidence) =
Thesis Statement.
 FORMULA
o w r i te
t
How is Claim (your position) +
a thes ?
m e n t reason “why?/how?”
stat e
(evidence) =
Thesis Statement.
 FOR EXAMPLE…

Topic: Explain why and why not students should wear

school uniforms to school.

Your main idea: whether students should wear school uniform

for VS against

Choose your
position.
 Topic: Explain why and why not students should wear
school uniforms to school.

LET’S PICK THE

AFFIRMATIVE. Your reasons =
o Pay more attention to
Your claim = their study
Students should wear school Remember!
uniforms. o Avoid unnecessary
+
A 3-point thesis
statement is the competition
strongest kind
Your reason = of thesis statement.
o Promote equality
So that they can better
concentrate on their study. Your claim + your reasons =
Thesis Statement.
 A strong thesis
statement.
Students should wear school
uniforms because they
enable the students to
concentrate in class, avoid
any unnecessary competition
and promote equality.
 Sample of thesis statement
Everybody knows the koala, that sweet Australian animal that
resembles a teddy bear. Although koalas look like toys, they
are actually strong climbers and spend their days in the
treetops. Mother koalas carry their babies around from tree to
tree in a pouch, or pocket, on their stomach. Although there
were millions of koalas in Australia in the past, they are now a
protected species of animal. As a result of human population
growth, pollution, deforestation and hunting, the number of
koalas has declined.
Exercise 1
In these introductory paragraphs, underline the thesis statement. Then circle the
topic and draw another line under the main idea in each thesis statement. Share
your answers with a partner.

Before I travelled to the UK last year, I thought that British food

was just fish and chips, roast beef, apple pie, rice pudding and
endless cups of tea. These foods are popular in Britain, but
during my travels, I discovered that there is so much more to
eating in the UK. People from all over the world have made
their home in Britain, and they have brought with them their
own food. Even in small towns, you can find Chinese, Indian
and Italian restaurants among others.
The UK can be divided into different regions that each has its
own characteristic foods influenced by the culture of the people
who live there.
 Exercise 2

Everybody knows the koala, that sweet Australian

animal that resembles a teddy bear. Although koalas
look like toys, they are actually strong climbers and
spend their days in the treetops. Mother koalas carry
their babies around from tree to tree in a pouch, or
pocket, on their stomach. Although there were millions
of koalas in Australia in the past, they are now a
protected species of animal. As a result of human
population growth, deforestation and hunting, the
number of koalas has declined.
 4.3.4 Common errors in writing thesis statements

4.3 Thesis statement

WRITE STATEMENTS, NOT ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Tab 1

The subject of this paper will be about crimes.

Tab 2

Does not make a point about the crimes

Tab 3
but merely tells, in rather weak and
unimaginative way, the writer’s general
Tab 4 subject.

This essay will cover the crime wave in our country

and ways to overcome it.

A thesis statement must advance a point

about a limited subject
 4.3.4 Common errors in writing thesis statements

4.3 Thesis statement

AVOID STATEMENTS THAT ARE TOO BROAD
Tab 1

Crimes are really worrying nowadays.

Tab 2

Tab 3 Could not be supported with specific

details in five hundred words or less.
There are many ambiguity here without
Tab 4
any frame.

Crime is a major concern of everyone in

our country and there are three main
crimes that are really worrying nowadays
which are….
 4.3.4 Common errors in writing thesis statements

4.3 Thesis statement

AVOID STATEMENTS THAT ARE TOO NARROW
Tab 1

In the last year there have been over twenty robberies in our neighborhood.
Tab 2

Tab 3
It is a simple fact that does
Tab 4 not require much support.
Such a statement is
sometimes called dead-end
statement, there is no place to
go with it.
 4.3.4 Common errors in writing thesis statements

4.3 Thesis statement

MAKE SURE STATEMENTS DEVELOP ONLY ONE IDEA
Tab 1
CLOSE

Tab 2
One of the most serious problem affecting young
people today is bullying, and it is time more kids
Tab 3 learned the value of helping others

Tab 4

Appears to have two

separate ideas

The problems of overcrowded American prisons

must be solved, and judges must start handing out
tougher sentences.
 Let’s practice!
In your group, write a suitable thesis statement on each topic
given below.

1. Education is important.
2. Driving a car is an important responsibility.
3. Celebrities are good roles models.
4. Fast food is bad for health.
5. Internet can be addictive.
 Writing

TEACHING HOW TO
WRITE Hello!

INTRODUCTION, BODY
& CONCLUSION
Make them easier for your students
LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

● Formulate thesis statement

● Structure an essay with attention to the three major
components:
● introduction
● development
● conclusion
TOPIC OUTLINES
Introduction ESS
Intro AY
4.1 Parts of an essay ducti
on
Thes
4.1.1 The three parts of an essay is Sta
teme
nt

4.2 The introductory paragraph Body

Parag
raph
4.2.1 The purpose of an introduction #1
Body
4.2.2 General statements Parag
raph
#2
4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction Body
Parag
raph
#3
4.3 Thesis statement
4.3.1 Definition Concl
usion
4.3.2 Key features
4.3.3 How to develop thesis statement
4.3.4 Common errors in writing thesis statement
4.3.5 The purpose of an outline

4.4 Conclusion
4.1.1 Techniques of writing memorable conclusion
INTRODUCTION

AN ESSAY IS GROUP OF PARAGRAPHS

WRITTEN ABOUT A SINGLE TOPIC AND
A CENTRAL MAIN IDEA. IT MUST HAVE
AT LEAST THREE PARAGRAPHS, BUT A
FIVE-PARAGRAPHS ESSAY IS A
COMMON ASSIGNMENT FOR ACADEMIC
WRITING.
 4.1.1The three parts of an essay

4.1 Parts of an essay

An essay introduction consists of two parts:
a few general statement to attract your
reader’s attention and a thesis statement to
state the main idea of the essay.
 4.2.1 The purpose of an introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

Getting started, or writing an introductory
paragraph, can be easy if you remember that
an introduction has four purposes:
It introduces the topic of the essay

It gives a general background of the topic.

It often indicates the overall ‘plan’ of the essay.

It should arouse the reader’s interest in the topic.

 4.2.2 General Statements

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

● The introduction is your reader's
first peek into your writing.
General statements ● If you have many strong ideas in
your essay, you want to make
sure your reader pays attention
to those ideas.
● In order for this to happen, your
Introduce the introduction needs to capture
general topic of the reader's interests.
the essay ● This is why it is called a "hook,"
because it hooks your reader's
attention the way a fisherman
hooks a fish.
Capture the u ction
o d
reader’s interest. Intr --
-- ---------
----- ----
--
------
 4.2.2 General Statements
4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

General
statement

Thesis
statement
This introduction is so called
because it is shaped like a
funnel----wide at the top and
FUNNEL narrow at the bottom. It begins
INTRODUCTION with one or two general
sentences about the topic.
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

Strategies to bait the reader
An introduction always includes some
general statements about your subject and a
Move from general to thesis statement that announces the focus of
specific
your essay. The thesis statement is usually
Use an anecdote the last sentence in the introduction because
it is the most specific.
Use a quotation

Ask a question

Presents facts and statistics

 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

1. Move from general to specific General statements provide background
information on the focus of health care
for homeless people with HIV.
There are a number of frightening disease epidemics occurring in the United States
today, but one of the most frightening is the epidemic spread of sexually transmitted
diseases.
General
Among the most serious of these sexually transmitted diseases is HIV
Statements
which leads to AIDS, a fatal disease.

HIV is especially problematic among homeless people. More

Specific
This particular population is difficult to treat due to a number of
barriers such as, limited access
Very Specific: to health care, mistrust of health care
Thesis professionals, and a lack of awareness of the
Statement disease, itself.
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

2. Use an Anecdote/Story

A brief dramatic story or example can be used to get the attention of your reader.
Look at the example below and think about how it catches your attention.
An example of a story in the third person.

John’s parents divorced when he was in elementary school.

After the divorce, his mother had to go to work to support him and
his three sisters. This disrupted John’s home life in serious ways.
Without the constant supervision of his mother and the lack of a
father for a role-model, John began skipping school and socializing
with the wrong group of people. He eventually turned to taking
Thesis
drugs and was later arrested for being a drug dealer and sent to
Statement
prison. John is not unlike other prisoners. In many prisons today,
over half of all inmates come from divorced families. Divorce can
be the catalyst that unleashes emotional problems in children
and can affect children psychologically, mentally, and socially.
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

Anecdote is…
• a short, interesting, or amusing
story about a real person or event
amusing anecdotes about his brief career
as an actor.
The book is a rich store of anecdote.
• a personal account of an event.
This research is based on anecdote not
fact.
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

3. Quotation

Sometimes controversial or well-known quotations can be used to

surprise your reader. Look at the example below and notice how a
quotation can be used to get you interested in the rest of the essay. Quotation
Horace once wrote, “Advancing years bring with them many blessings,” For
many senior citizens in the United States today, old age can often come as
a curse. Many older people suffer
from ill health, loneliness, and/or financial instability; however, life
in later years does not have to be this way. Many senior citizens
can experience the blessings of advancing years that Horace once
wrote about. In order to do that, let’s consider ways in which old
age actually enhances life.
(Quotation from: Watson, 1951)

Thesis Statement
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

3. Quotation

Sometimes controversial or well-known quotations can be used to surprise your

reader. Look at the example below and notice how a quotation can be used to
get you interested in the rest of the essay.

Henry David Thoreau, an American poet, once wrote, “ Our life is

frittered away by detail… simplify, simplify!” These words of advice
are difficult to follow in a society where a hectic pace of life is the
norm and the attainment of more material goods is encouraged.
However, I believe that this philosophy of living simply has quite a
bit of merit. The difficulty of following this philosophy is knowing
where we should begin. If we examine Henry David Thoreau’s life
carefully, I believe we will find a number of ways in which to simplify
our own lives and yet live richly.
(Quotation from: Watson, 1951)
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

4. Ask a question

Another way to catch your reader’s attention is with a question. Questions

can make your reader begin thinking about the subject in your essay. Question

Did you know that one of the eight architectural wonders of the world
is located in Cambodia? Angkor Wat is an ancient Buddhist temple that
was the center of culture and religion for the Khmer empire for several
centuries. It was only recently re-discovered by a French explorer during
the 1800’s. It has now become one of the most popular tourist
attractions
in Southeast Asia. If you visit Angkor Wat, you will find much to admire in
its size, historical significance, and beauty. Thesis Statement
 4.2.3 Techniques of writing effective introduction

4.2 The Introductory Paragraph

5. Presents facts or statistics

Facts
Got high blood pressure? Try truffle. Worried about heart disease. Buy a bon-bon.
It’s the best news in years! Studies in two prestigious scientific journals say dark
chocolate is good for you. It seems that eating a small piece of dark chocolate
regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease because dark chocolate but not milk
chocolate or white chocolate contains high amounts of flavenoids, powerful
cholesterol-fighting compounds. What is the next health food going to be ? Ice-
cream? Sugar cookies? There are so many conflicting news stories about which
foods are good for you that it is often difficult to make the right choices at the
supermarket.

Thesis Statement
A plan that builds an essay

y
sa
Es
-
---
-- ---
--
--- - ---
-
-
--- ------
-
--- ---
-
---

Next page: Back to thesis statement

4.3 Thesis statement
4.3.5 The purpose of an outline
WHAT IS AN OUTLINE?

Imagine your skeleton :

although you don’t see it, it
supports your body.
In the same way, although a
reader won’t see your
outline, making an outline in
advance will support your
essay by providing its
structure.
In fact, adding more
information to an outline is
called “fleshing it out”
 4.3.5 The purpose of an outline

4.3 Thesis statement

Essay Outline
STRUCTURE OF AN
I. Introduction Thesis: ____________
OUTLINE? II. Body
1. Topic
Making an outline can Sentence:_____________
help you organise what
-
you want to write. supporting idea
This is a rough plan for
-
your essay and can help
supporting idea 2. Topic
make the process of Sentence: ____________
writing much easier.
-
supporting idea
-
supporting idea
3. Topic
Sentence:____________
-
supporting idea
Exercise
Exercise: The benefits of Yoga

Doing yoga regularly can be good for your mind, body and your emotions

Emotional benefits
Helps you feel calm and peaceful
Reduces fear, anger, and worry

Mental benefits

Develop clear thinking

Improves concentration

Develops self-confidence

Physical benefits

Makes you strong and flexible

Improves blood circulation
Improves digestion

Therefore, to build mental, physical, and emotional health, consider practicing yoga

Next page: Conclusion

4.4 Conclusion
The conclusion needs to wrap up things and allow the reader to
withdraw gracefully. How do you withdraw gracefully?

1. Rephrase the thesis

2. Make additional
statements about the
topic.
3. End with a general
statement that leaves an
impression on the
reader .
4.4 Conclusion (specific to general)…

1. REWORD: Rephrase
the thesis.
2. REMIND: Additional
statements about the
paper topic. Mention
some of your best
points.
3. RELATE: General
statement that ends
the essay .
4.4 Conclusion Thesis statement

There were several factors that caused my family to make the difficult decision to
immigrate to the United States

Conclusion paragraph

The decision to move to the United States was a difficult one for my parents to make.
Though I was angry with their decision at the time, I understand now that the poor economy and political
instability of my country forced them to immigrate. Through this experience I learned that one simply
cannot control all of life’s circumstances . One must learnt to deal with tough situations as they come and
work to be successful regardless of one’s location.

The first two sentences The writer concludes by discussing the

reemphasize the thesis lessons learned from his experience
statement
 4.4.1 Techniques of writing memorable conclusion

4.4 Conclusion
1. Make a prediction

We have seen how the costs of attending college

have been rising while, at the same time, sources
of financial aid for students have been
disappearing. If this trend continues, fewer and
fewer families will be able to send their children
through four years of college.

A prediction talks about what might happen in the future.

A prediction can be a good way to finish your essay. It can make
your reader think about the possible results of your thesis
statement.
 4.4.1 Techniques of writing memorable conclusion

4.4 Conclusion
2. Suggests results or consequences.

To sum up, the costs of attending college are up and financial aid for students is down.
Fewer and fewer future members of the workforce are able to educate themselves
beyond high school. As a result, the nation will waste the intelligence, imagination, and
energy of a large segment of the present college-age generation.
 4.4.1 Techniques of writing memorable conclusion

4.4 Conclusion
3. Suggests a solution, make a recommendation, or call for action.

It is clear that the U.S system of higher education is

in trouble. For many students, four years of college
is no longer possible because of increasing costs
and decreasing financial aid. To reverse this trend,
we must demand that government increase its
financial support of colleges and universities and
restore financial aid programs. Our future depends
on it.

A recommendation is often used by a writer after he/she has discussed a problem in an

essay. A recommendation can be used to suggest a solution or call the readers to do
something about the problem in the essay.
 4.4.1 Techniques of writing memorable conclusion

4.4 Conclusion
4. Quotation
In conclusion, costs are rising and financial aid is declining, with the
result that many can no longer afford to go to college. If our nation is to
prosper, increased government funding for education is essential, even if
it requires higher taxes. As Horace Mann argued in his Fifth Annual
Report, a nation’s economic wealth will increase through an educated
public. It is therefore in the self interest of business to pay the taxation
for public education.

A relevant quotation can bring good

closure to your essay, especially if the
quotation is from an expert on the topic in
your composition.
Summary
Introduction – Think of an introduction as an upside down triangle.
• General statement that introduces the topic.
• Additional statements that lead into the thesis
1. Move from general to
statement.
specific
• Thesis statement.
2. Use an anecdote
3. Use a quotation
4. Ask a question
5. Presents facts and statistics

Thesis statement (common errors in writing

thesis)
1.Write statements, not announcements
2.Avoid statements that are too broad
3.Avoid statements that are too narrow
4.Make sure statements develop only one idea
End of
Lecture
Please complete
the thesis
statement task
in slide 33.