Academic Writing IV

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Academic Writing IV

Spring 2013 Meet twice a week M, W (Sec.201)

Monday 2:00-3:50 (3-505) Wednesday 8:00-9:50 (3-516)

E-mail: Austin Casey [email protected]

Phone: 134 3922 0499

Website: http://austincasey.yolasite.com/

Office Hours: (ICB 319) Wednesday 6-8, Thursday 10-12

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Today:HW: Vocabulary Chapter 6Grammar Part 3

Task 1Task 2MLA ReviewEssay Writing

Homework: Grammar Part 3, Journal 2 , vocabulary/reading

Journal Information1. Write the T2 question clearly. Then, paraphrase the question to show your

paraphrase ability.

2. The question can never count towards your 250 word limit. You will lose points if you are

under the limit.

3. If you don't write the question clearly, it is harder to grade it as I don't know if you answered the question. Ex: Whats your opinion vs Discuss

both views.

Announcement

Tonight there will be a representative from Bedfordshire and Wednesday Plymouth to

meet and speak with students.

If you want to do post-graduate school in U.K. You will need a professional Personal

Statement (PS) and a reference letter. It must be current (updated) and accurate.

Ask questions and get answers

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows the number of medals won by the top ten countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

T1: Band Descriptors

4 Bands:

1. Task (structure/overview[intro/conclusion])

2. Coherence (how words and sentences fit together)

3. Vocabulary

4. Grammar

T1: Example: Cinema Attendance

The graph below gives information about cinema attendance in Australia between 1990 and the present, with projections to 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

T1: Sample PDF

T2:


A company has announced that it wished to build a large factory near your community.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community.

Do you support of oppose the factory? Explain your position.

Write at least 250 words

Activity: Make an Outline - Task 2

Some people think that strict punishments for driving offenses are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others however believe that other measures would be more effective in improving road safety.

Introduction

Hook: catch reader's interest

Thesis _______________________

Body

Topic sentence 1 ( with evidence)

Topic sentence 2 (with evidence

Conclusion

Summary

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Make an outline for Task 2

Intro: paraphrase the question, write your thesis (Topic+Opinion)

Body 1: main point

Body 2: main point

Conclusion: paraphrase the thesis

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Paraphrase the question: circle key words


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Make synonyms:

Ex: 1. strict punishments = severe penalties

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1. strict punishments = severe penalties

2. driving offenses = road infringements, automotive disasters, vehicular incidents, vehicle collisions, car crashes, collision accidents

3. reducing traffic accidents = lowering traffic risks, decrease car crashes

4. effective = useful, adequate, ample, helpful

5. improving road safety = guaranteeing safety on the road, enhancing road security, lower the dangers of road traffic

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paraphrase

Various citizens believe that steeper automotive fines are essential to lowering vehicular incidents while others believe there can be other more adequate measures. I support that _____ because ______.

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Useful Idioms1. when in Rome, do as Romans do = ?

2. Actions speak louder than words = ?

3. The best of both worlds = ?

4. Cost an arm and a leg = ?

5. Cut corners = ?

6. Sit on the fence = ?

7. Turn your back on = ?

8. Clean up your act = ?

9. Flesh and blood = ?

10. benefit of the doubt = ?

11. a safe bet = ?

12. bread and butter = ?

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Useful IdiomsMost common idioms:

1. when in Rome, do as Romans do = When in another place, must adapt to local customs

2. Actions speak louder than words = it is better to show me than just tell me, I believe your actions more than your words

3. The best of both worlds = have double advantages (and no disadvantages)

4. Cost an arm and a leg = very expensive

5. Cut corners = when something is done badly to save money

Sit on the fence = when someone does not make a choice

Turn your back on = give up; abandon

Clean up your act = improve your behavior

Flesh and blood = family & relatives

benefit of the doubt = believe someone without proof

a safe bet = probably true, will happen

bread and butter = regular income

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Useful IdiomsMost common idioms:

6. Sit on the fence = when someone does not make a choice

7. Turn your back on = give up; abandon

8. Clean up your act = improve your behavior

9. Flesh and blood = family & relatives

10 .give benefit of the doubt = believe someone without proof

11. a safe bet = probably true, will happen

12. bread and butter = regular income, essentials

A Nice Story

It was a nice day so nice Mary decided to go for a nice walk in the nice park near her nice hotel. She thought it was a nice idea to nicely phone her nice friend Chris so that after their nice walk they could go for a nice coffee in one of the nice cafes which were near the edge of the nice town. The nice neighborhood was nicely famous for nice souvenirs.

A Nice Story

Notice the gender neutral name Chris

Other gender neutral names are Jamie, Gene and Casey

A Nice Story: Example

It was a fine spring day so studious Mary decided to go for a brisk walk in the botanical park near her 5 star hotel. She thought it was an excellent idea to suddenly phone her best friend Chris so that after their power walk they could go for an authentic coffee in one of the traditional cafes which were near the edge of the Italian town. The local neighborhood was especially famous for coffee-related souvenirs.

A Great Story

It was a great great day in the great countryside in the great land of greatness. Two great friends

decided to greatly eat some great great dishes. However there was a great great man blocking their way. They had to speak to him greatly to

greatly calm him down. After several great minutes the great man greatly backed away and

greatly said “sorry to disturb you”. The great friends were grateful and greatly continued their

great day.

Vocabulary

Read:

Chapter 6 p.51

We will do practice quiz

Essay Introduction Techniques

Following slides

AnecdoteA short story within an introduction to make the point clear.

Example:Sally got out of bed, and looked at the alarm clock. She was running late! She would have to hurry to catch the bus. This was one of those days that she was glad that her school had a uniform policy…she wouldn’t have to waste much time picking out an outfit.

RiddlesGet your reader’s attention with a challenging thought.

What’s plain, and boring? What makes all students in a school building look the same and lose their individuality? If you guessed UNIFORMS, you’re correct!

Fragment technique Uses 3 short fragments to create an image.

Example:A brand new fishing pole, a bucket of worms, and a warm spring day! These things are all useful to catch a big big fish.

QuotationsConversational“Mom, I’ve decided to become a soldier!”Famous Quote"War is nothing without a solider to fight it."- Tom Cruise

Shocking statementsProvides statistics or facts that startles readers

to pull them into your story.

• ExampleCan you believe that over 90% of students at our school don't like the school lunches, but only 5% take the time to make their own lunch?

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Writing Steps

Prewriting (brainstorming)100 word outline (typed)Rough Draft (revised)Final Draft (with references)

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Organizing Your IdeasMake an Outline

Research

Discovery

Technology

Science

Narrative Essay: Outline

Plot Diagram:

Diagram of a plot

Basic situation

Serie

s of e

vent

s/

Ris

ing

Act

ion

Climax

Resolution/

Denouem

ent

It’s time to get started……..

• Remember that your plot needs to have a:

• beginning (characters)

• conflict

• rising action

• a climax

• conclusion

Useful phrases1. It is crucial that we analyze the causes of this

disturbing issue and explore effective solutions. From my own perspective, the causes are multiple.

2. One of the most evident reasons is that...

3. Another factor that should be taken into considerations is that...

4. On the other hand, there are many opponents who strongly argue that _____. However, further analysis make it clear that _____.

5. Taking into account of all these factors, we may reach the conclusion that _____.


Write about the following topic:

Many magazines and websites feature stories about the private lives of famous people. We know their personal lives and we also can see photos of them in private or embarrassing situations. They are not paid for their image being used.

Is it appropriate for a magazine or website to give this kind of private information about celebrities?

Give reasons for your answer.

Write at least 250 words.

Many magazines and websites feature stories about the private lives of famous people. We know their personal lives and we also can see photos of them in private or embarrassing situations. They are not paid for their image being used.

Is it appropriate for a magazine or website to give this kind of private information about celebrities?

1. It is crucial that we analyze the causes of this disturbing issue and explore effective solutions. From my own perspective, the causes are multiple......

2. One of the most evident reasons is that...

3. Another factor that should be taken into considerations is that...

4. On the other hand, there are many opponents who strongly argue that _____. However, further analysis make it clear that _____.

5. Taking into account of all these factors, we may reach the conclusion that _____.


A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community.Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.

You should write at least 250 words.

model answer:

I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I believe that building a large factory near my community has advantages as well as disadvantages. In the following paragraphs I will list basic benefits and losses that will be brought by a new factory.

For several reasons, I think that a new factory will not be a good addition to my neighborhood. First of all, factories often bring pollution. They are prone to contaminating the local air and water. Second of all, factories make noise. Another important aspect of building a new factory near by is that it will make the local traffic heavy. As a result of this, the amount of traffic congestions will increase, as well as contamination of the air. So, all these obviously will not make one's life happier and healthier in my community.

From the other side, I believe that a new factory will bring some advantages to my community. First of all, it will bring new job opportunities. Many specialists will be required to work there. Second of all, I think many local community facilities will have to be renovated to obtain reliable supply of water and electricity. So, some old pipes may be changed. Another important benefit of this is that the local roads in order to manage the increasing traffic will be rebuilt and widened.

However, I do not think that listed above benefits are worth all these troubles including water contamination and the constant pollution of air. From my point of view all factories must be built far from the people communities because they can be really harmful for people's health.

(266 words)

model answer:

I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I believe that building a large factory near my community has advantages as well as disadvantages. In the following paragraphs I will list basic benefits and losses that will be brought by a new factory.

For several reasons, I think that a new factory will not be a good addition to my neighborhood. First of all, factories often bring pollution. They are prone to contaminating the local air and water. Second of all, factories make noise. Another important aspect of building a new factory near by is that it will make the local traffic heavy. As a result of this, the amount of traffic congestions will increase, as well as contamination of the air. So, all these obviously will not make one's life happier and healthier in my community.

From the other side, I believe that a new factory will bring some advantages to my community. First of all, it will bring new job opportunities. Many specialists will be required to work there. Second of all, I think many local community facilities will have to be renovated to obtain reliable supply of water and electricity. So, some old pipes may be changed. Another important benefit of this is that the local roads in order to manage the increasing traffic will be rebuilt and widened.

However, I do not think that listed above benefits are worth all these troubles including water contamination and the constant pollution of air. From my point of view all factories must be built far from the people communities because they can be really harmful for people's health.

(266 words)

Essay Types:You will write 2 essays and weekly journals

1. Remembering an Event (550-650 words)Something that happened to you. An interesting event that you remember clearly.2. Writing a Profile (550-650 words)You will describe something or someone.3. Proposing a Solution (550-650 words)You will discuss a problem and explain how to fix it

6. Journal EntriesThese will be given by the instructor. They will cover various topics.

Very similar to IELTS Task 2 questions7. Vocabulary Quiz

A weekly quiz on the target words

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Course Schedule:Lesson A Lesson B

Week 2 Essay 1: Profile /Narrative Grammar

Week 3 Grammar MLA Referencing

Week 4 Essay 1: Choose your topic Journal 1 Due (typed)

Week 5 Essay 1 Rough Draft Due (550+ words) T2

Week 6 Vocabulary quiz, Journal 2 (typed)

Week 7 Essay 1 Final Draft Due (550-650 words, typed with 3 references)

Journal 1

Different Shops

Write an essay comparing and contrasting the experience of shopping at two different kinds of stores. Use specific reasons and examples to illustrate the stores' similarities and differences.

Use 4 vocabulary words from Chapter 6

Journal 2

I want you to write your own IELTS Task 2 type question and answer it. Remember choose a trend or a problem. Then use the format “what are your opinions on this”

Use 4 vocabulary words from Chapter 6

Homework

Essay 1 (next week, Monday)

Task 2

Vocabulary: read p.57-60

Documents

Academic Writing IV