ACADEMIC ENGLISH IIIClass 7

March 29, 2013

Today

Continue compare/contrast writing.

First – Essay Structure

Similar to paragraph structure we looked at previously.

The essay is an expanded form of this.

Essay Structure - Introduction

Consists of two parts:

1. Opening Statements.

- attract reader’s attention.

2. Thesis statement.

- state the main idea of the essay.

- names the specific topic.

- gives a general idea of essay’s contents.

Essay Structure - Body

Consists of one or more paragraphs:

- Each paragraph develops the claim set out in the thesis statement.

- Number of paragraphs in the body varies.

Essay Structure - Conclusion

Consists of two parts:

1. A summary or review of the main points discussed in the body.

2. Closing.

Essay Structure - Other elements

- Unity

- Coherence

i.e.) Transition signals: therefore, because, although, first.

- More on these later.

Thesis statement

Most important sentence in the introduction.

It is usually the last sentence in the introduction.

- It states the specific topic of the essay and also indicates the type of essay.

- The thesis statement tells the reader about the contents of the essay.

Thesis statementThe pattern of organization the essay will follow:

• When buying a used car, use these four strategies to get the best price.

• There are two key differences between a divorce lawyer and a corporate lawyer.

• My best friend and I spent an entire summer building a tree house in my grandmother’s old apple tree.

Instructional

Comparison/contrast

Chronological order

Thesis statementThe thesis statement makes a claim and indicates how this claim will be discussed.

Examples:

“Native Americans have made valuable contributions to modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, and government.”

“A college education is a good investment because it increases earning potential, provides networking opportunities, and broadens perspectives.”

Thesis Statement – Key Features

- States the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence.

- Is not written as a question.

- Comes at the end of the introduction.

- States the claim/position of the paper.

- States how the claim will be discussed/analyzed.

- Does not directly announce the main topic.

Thesis Statement Problems.

Poor:

The sport of cross-country jogging.

Not a complete sentence. No claim.

Improved:

The sport of cross-country running allows people to get in better shape and meet interesting people.

Thesis Statement Problems.

Poor:

Why do I want to be a teacher?

This is a question, not a statement.

Improved:

Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows a person to work with students and be creative.

Thesis Statement Problems.Poor:

I will compare and contrast Hansot 도시락 and Kim Pasa.

This is an announcement. It is also too general. WHAT will the two restaurants be

compared/contrasted on?

Improved:

Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s superior menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.

Essay Structure - Introduction

Funnel introduction:

- wide at the top, narrow at the bottom.

General statements

thesis statement

Essay Structure - Introduction

Source: http://home.earthlink.net/~khatzi/essay/intro.htm

Introduction

General comment

qualify

relate

thesis

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step

Essay topic: compare/contrast Hansot and Kim Pasa for a college student on a budget

1. Focus on a key word or phrase related to your topic.

- food in college

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step

Food in college

2. Write an opening sentence providing a general comment about that word/phrase.

- While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-step

Food in college

While attending college, having access to food that is both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival.

3. Write a few more (2 or 3) more specific sentences that lead you to your actual topic (thesis).

- Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-stepWhile attending college, having access to food that is both

cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford.

4. Next, write a sentence (or 2) clearly relating to the previous sentences and also introducing the specific topic.

- Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students to get their meals.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-stepWhile attending college, having access to food that is both

cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford. Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students to get their meals.

5. Finish with the thesis statement.

- Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s wider menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.

Funnel Introduction: Step-by-stepWhile attending college, having access to food that is

both cheap and convenient is important to a student’s survival. Despite the fact that college students constantly need food to fuel their academic and extracurricular activities, having the funds to purchase this food can be an issue; most students are on a limited budget. This budget forces students to seek a balance between food that they like and food they can afford. Freshmen, who are often new to being on a budget need to know how to get the best out of their food budgets. Hansot Dosirak and Kim Pasa are two popular restaurants for college students to get their meals. Despite similarities in both price and service between Hansot and Kim Pasa, Hansot’s wider menu choice and food quality make it a better choice for a student on a budget.

Compare/Contrast Writing

Compare/Contrast Writing

A key feature of comparison/contrast essays is organization.

- Careful organization is necessary for an effective essay of this kind.

- You don’t want to confuse the reader(s).

- There are several to organize a comparison/contrast essay.

Block Organization• Basic outline:

• I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).

• II. Body A. Topic A features

- Feature 1- Feature 2

• B. Topic B features- Feature 1- Feature 2

• III. Conclusion

NOTE: Make sure you discuss the same features for each topic!

Point-by-Point Organization• Basic outline: (Two topics, A & B)

• I. Introduction (opening, purpose of the essay, thesis statement).

• II. Body A. Difference/similarity 1

- Topic 1- Topic 2

• B. Difference/similarity 2

- Topic 1- Topic 2

• C. Difference/similarity 3

- Topic 1- Topic 2

• III. ConclusionNOTE: Always discuss the topics in the same order!

Compare/Contrast Writing - Analysis

- It is not enough to simply say:

“This is how A & B are different; this is how they are similar.”

- The above is just regurgitating information.

You need a basis for the comparison AND

Analysis of the comparison.

Go beyond “here is some information…the end ”

Bases of comparison/contrast

i.e.,) fresh foods and canned foods

Compared/contrasted on:

- Flavor

- Health benefits

- Cost

Bases of comparison/contrast

i.e.,) iPhone 5 and Galaxy SIII

Could compare/contrast on: ?

- Convenience

- Costs

- Capabilities

- DesignSource: www.techradar.com

Point of comparison

Job X Job Y Same or different?

Salary $30/hour $25/hour different

Benefits (vacation, pension, health insurance).

good good same

Advancement opportunities

Not good good different

Workplace environment

Friendly, supportive

Friendly, supportive

same

Compare/Contrast Writing - Analysis

After analysis, you can decide on a thesis statement.

“Job X and Job Y are similar but different.”

Next Class

Look at coherence

Peer feedback

Don’t forget your 1st draft (NOT your rough draft)