Learning and Teaching English: Writing

WRITING

TOPICS:

- How to write an Essay by Berkeley – ColWri 2.1X;

- Concise Writing;

- Paragraphs and Topics;

- Creating credibility at a word level;

- Outline for writing a research paper

- What makes a good essay?

Outline for writing a research paper

Notes

I – Introduction – Begin with thesis statement: In 1 clear sentence, state the focus of your paper.

A. Key points (have at least 3, but no more than 5).

1. State each main point that you´ll be making in the paper.

2. Main point.

3. Main point.

II – Body of Paper – outline the topic sentence and supporting research for each point you´ll be covering in the paper, beginning with point #1 stated in the introduction.

A. Point 1 – Topic sentence idea.

1. Research concept

a. supporting idea(s)

b. connect to next concept.

2. Research concept

a. supporting idea(s)

b. connect to next concept.

B. Point 1 – Topic sentence idea.

1. Research concept

a. supporting idea(s)

b. connect to next concept.

2. After last points is made and supported, create a transition to summary and conclusion.

III – Summary Paragraph – create a key summary sentence that declares a wrap-up of concepts to begin this paragraph.

A. Follow the summary sentence with clear sentences that summarize each of the main ideas that have been discussed in the body of the paper.

1. Summary of point 1

2. Summary of point 2

3. Summary of point 3

IV – Conclusion: Transition to the ending of your paper and final thoughts in a paragraph.

V – Reference: in alphabetical order by last name (see APA format).

WORDS TO USE	WORDS TO AVOID
Concrete words	Discriminatory
Clear words	Pompous
Formal words	Abbreviations
Simple words	Colloquialism
Correct spelling	Redundant words

° Make sure your subject is clear and defined.

° A good paragraph is organized so that makes sense to the reader. Each sentence leads logically to the next, and is connected through transition words.

° Signposts and transitions help readers find their way.

° Make sure that each sentence relates in some way to the topic sentence.

° A good essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence.

° It should answer a question or task.

° It should have a thesis.

° It should develop a thesis via a set of closely related reasons.

° It should include relevant examples, supporting evidence and information from academic texts or other credible sources.

° Use strong verbs.

° Spellchecking and proofreading.

SUMMARY: 5 sentences describing specific learning from these notes.

1. Concise Writing uses no more words than necessary to convey meaning.

2. An effective paragraph is coherent and develops its idea.