Essays

__ Academic Writing __ Good morning everyone! Today we are going to study writing in preparation for academic tests, such as TOIC or TOEFL.

Most academic tests involve writing essays that show your feelings or opinions.

__ Essays __ are organized on a certain topic and arranged using paragraphs. __ Paragraphs __ are a collection of sentences on a certain topic. __Sentences__ are a group of words that communicate a clause. __ A clause __ is a part of a sentence made of words with a single meaning. __ Words __ come in many forms and are used in groups to communicate a message, statement or question.

Now I would like to give you a pre-test. I want to know how well you can write a paragraph. This will help me identify problems.

So, you have 15 minutes to write a paragraph on any topic you choose.

GO

Thank you. Please write your nickname at the top of the page. I will keep your paragraph and we can have a good laugh at how bad they are later.

You all started your paragraphs very badly. Why?

Compound Two independent clauses joined by FANBOYS For, and, not, but, or, yet and so.

Complex An independent clause joined to a dependant clause using: also, which, therefore, however, hence, besides, for example, so, meanwhile, then, finally, as a result, unless, until, when. Whenever, who, who, while … etc

__ Five Sentence Paragraph __

Topic sentence – States the topic and controlling idea Supporting sentence – Gives evidence or example Supporting sentence – Gives evidence or example Supporting sentence – Gives evidence or example Concluding sentence – Ends the paragraph with

Living in Thailand is a great what with the people mculture and wonderful environment: however there are some drawbacks. Whilst the weathyer in the cool season is good the hot season is unbvearable. The way peole drive is also a major problem here with crazy driver everywhere. The sight of dieing dogs is something I pparticualarly hate. Even though there are a few bad things about living in thailanf the most are too good not to live here.

As an expat, living in Thailand is a wonderful experience, with the people, culture and environment: however there are some drawbacks. Whilst the weather most of the year is good the hot season is unbearable. The way some people drive is also a major problem in Thailand, with crazy and even drunken driving the norm. The sight of diseased and suffering street dogs is something I particularly hate. Even though there are a few bad things about living in Thailand the good far outweighs the bad.

Topic sentence Supporting sentence Supporting sentence Supporting sentence Concluding sentence - Love can be painful Someone doesn’t love you back When you fight and break up If someone dies Love is good but be prepared for heart break -  Love is something we all want and dream about, but are we prepared for the pain and suffering that can sometime go with romance. If you love someone when they don’t love you back, it is hard to deal with. Fighting with our loved one can cause break ups and real heartache. When someone you love dies there is nothing worse than the pain of losing them. Love can be the most wonderful thing in the world, but it can also be the worst. __ The Five Paragraph Essay __ jiap || Topic and idea S1 S2  S3  Concluding || How write essay Topic and idea Structure Kinds of sentences || S1 S2  S3  Concluding || Topic and idea Think about Narrow brainstorm || S1 S2  S3  Concluding || Structure paragraph Thesis Support conclusion || S1 S2  S3  Concluding || Kinds of sentences Simple Compound complex || S1 S2  S3  Concluding || Topic and idea Structure Kinds of sentences ||
 * Thesis paragraph
 * Support paragraph J || Topic and idea
 * Support paragraph 2 || Topic and idea
 * Support paragraph 3 || Topic and idea
 * Concluding paragraph || Topic and idea

Writing an essay is not difficult if you follow certain steps. You need a good thesis idea. You also need good structure to your essay. It is very important to use different kinds of sentences. Do all of these and your essay will be good.

A good thesis idea is essential for your essay. You should think hard about what the main idea will be for your topic. You should make sure the topic and idea are not to wide or too narrow. You need to make sure you brainstorm as many ideas as you can. A good essay has all the elements of good ideas or thesis.

The structure of your essay is extremely important. There must be a topic or thesis paragraph. The next three paragraphs should support your thesis. Finally a good concluding sentence will finish you thesis. Miss any of the above and you essay will not have good structure.

To make you essay interesting you should use different kinds of sentences. Some sentences can be simple. You should also use compound sentences, so as to improve the quality of reading. Complex sentences should also be added. Mix your sentences types for better essays.

Great essays are a mix of different qualities. Good ideas, good structure and interesting reading will make a successful essay. Don’t forget all the above point when you write essays and even paragraph and you will do just fine.