BBI2424 ACADEMIC WRITING

SEMESTER 1, 2016/2017

LECTURE NOTES 1 (WEEK 1 - WEEK 2)

Topics included are:

1. Components of academic texts

2. Paragraph structure

1
COMPONENTS OF ACADEMIC TEXTS
Features & Organisation of Academic Texts

ESSAY

I. Introductory paragraph
General statements

Thesis statement

II. Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1
A. Topic sentence
1. Supporting sentence
2. Supporting sentence
3. Supporting sentence
(Concluding sentence)

Paragraph 2
B. Topic sentence
1. Supporting sentence
2. Supporting sentence
3. Supporting sentence
(Concluding sentence)
PARAGRAPH
Topic sentence
A. Supporting sentence
B. Supporting sentence
C. Supporting sentence

Paragraph 3 Concluding sentence

C. Topic sentence
1. Supporting sentence
2. Supporting sentence
3. Supporting sentence
(Concluding sentence)

III. Concluding paragraph

Restatement or summary of the
main points; final comment

2
Paragraph Components of an Academic Text

TOPIC SENTENCE
- tells what topic the paragraph is going
to discuss

PARAGRAPH SUPPORTING SENTENCES

- has three parts - give details about the topic

CONCLUDING SENTENCE
- summarises the main points or restates
the topic sentence in different words

3
Sample of an Academic Text

Read the following academic text on The Benefits of Regular Exercise. As you read
it, notice the different parts of an academic text.

The Benefits of Regular Exercise

In recent years, many people have become increasingly aware of the need
for physical fitness. Almost everywhere people turn, whether it is to a newsstand,
television or billboard, advice for guarding and improving health bombards them.
Although much of this advice is commercially motivated by those eager to sell
vitamins and natural foods, some of it, especially the ones that advocate a regular
exercise programme, merits serious attention. Such a programme, if it consists of
at least thirty minutes, three times a week and if a person's physician approves it,
provides numerous benefits. Regular exercise releases tension, improves
appearance and increases stamina.

The first benefit of regular exercise is the immediate release of tension.

Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of adrenaline
produced by stress, anxiety or fear. Doctors agree that performing calisthenics or
participating in an active sport such as tennis or volleyball for thirty minutes
releases tension. If a person swims, jogs or rides a bicycle for half of that time, he
or she should sleep better at night and have a better temperament the next day. In
addition, after the release of tension, petty irritations and frustrations should be
less troubling. For example, Watanabe (2008) explains that an employee upset by
the day's work and by traffic congestion may rush home, argue with the family and
eat excessively. Taking about thirty minutes to release frustrations through
physical exercise could help him or her avoid this behaviour. Therefore, planned
physical exercise can eliminate or at least control tension.

The second benefit of regular exercise is that a person can have an improved
appearance. Exercise takes perhaps a month or longer to show its results in a
trimmer and firmer figure. For instance, research shows that a person who is ten
pounds overweight, may be able during this time to burn away most excess fat and
to tighten muscles, thereby reshaping the physique (Centre of Public Health,
2013). Having improved muscle tone and even posture, he or she will wear clothes
more attractively and comfortably. Combined with a sensible diet, an exercise
programme will also improve a person's skin tone. This improved appearance will
provide confidence and favourably impress others.

4
 In addition to the self-confidence engendered by an improved appearance,
increased physical strength produces stamina. A stronger and healthier body is
obviously more capable of working harder and withstand normal fatigue than a
tense and weak one. Paisley (2002) states that a worker who exercises should be
able to complete a forty-hour week and still retain enough energy for mowing the
grass, painting the garage or cleaning the windows (p. 87). Similarly, a student
who goes to school, plays sport and perhaps works part time should accomplish
tasks efficiently. Equally important, this stamina helps to ward off illnesses such as
cold and influenza. Altogether, improved endurance is one of the most important
benefits of a regular exercise programme.

In conclusion, people can benefit immensely by exercising regularly. Although

easy solutions to the goals of losing weight and achieving an attractive and
energetic body saturate the media, acquiring these benefits is not easy. The
rewards, however, are fully worth the effort of an established exercise programme
that makes a person feel relaxed, look healthy and have adequate strength for
strenuous as well as routine activities.

References

Centre of Public Health. (2013). How exercise can benefit you. Washington, DC:
Capital Books.

Paisley, P. R. (2002). Exercise and wellness. New York, NY: Cambridge

University Press.

Watanabe, A. (2008). The depressing news about workplace stress. London:

Newsweek, 177(8), 23-27.

5
 Introductory Paragraph

These paragraphs are part of the sample academic text on The Benefits of Regular Exercise. The introduction consists of a
few general statements to provide an overview of the academic text and a thesis statement to state the main ideas of the text.

In recent years, many people have become increasingly aware of the

need for physical fitness. Almost everywhere people turn, whether it is to a
newsstand, television or billboard, advice for guarding and improving health

GENERAL bombards them. Although much of this advice is commercially motivated by

STATEMENTS those eager to sell vitamins and natural foods, some of it, especially the ones
that advocate a regular exercise programme, merits serious attention. Such a
programme, if it consists of at least thirty minutes, three times a week and if a
person's physician approves it, provides numerous benefits. Regular exercise
releases tension, improves appearance and increases stamina.
THESIS
STATEMENT

6
 Body Paragraph

In the body paragraphs, there is a clear topic sentence that is related to the thesis statement. This topic sentence will be
followed by several supporting sentences that will provide support for the topic sentence in the form of examples, explanations,
statistics or quotations. A paragraph may or may not have a concluding sentence, especially when the ideas in consecutive
paragraphs are closely related.

TOPIC
Transition signals
(cohesive device) to SENTENCE
The first benefit of regular exercise is the immediate release of
show the connection tension. Tension builds in the body because of an over-accumulation of
between ideas adrenaline produced by stress, anxiety or fear. Doctors agree that performing
calisthenics or participating in an active sport such as tennis or volleyball for
thirty minutes releases tension. If a person swims, jogs or rides a bicycle for
half of that time, he or she should sleep better at night and have a better SUPPORTING
In-text citation:
temperament the next day. In addition, after the release of tension, petty SENTENCES
Authors surname irritations and frustrations should be less troubling. For example, Watanabe
and year of (2008) explains that an employee upset by the day's work and by traffic
publication congestion may rush home, argue with the family and eat excessively. Taking
about thirty minutes to release frustrations through physical exercise could
help him or her to avoid this behaviour. Therefore, planned physical exercise
can eliminate or at least control tension.
Paraphrase/
summary
Reporting verb used (supporting detail):
to introduce
borrowed Ideas from a
information credible source
7 CONCLUDING expressed in your
SENTENCE own words
PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
Writing Topic Sentences with reference to Thesis Statement

Thesis statement:

Sets the writers point of view

Focuses on a specific aspect of the topic
Sets the pattern for the paragraphs to follow by indicating the main points that will
be developed in the body of an academic text
Often appears as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph

Each paragraph will expand on one of the supporting points from the thesis
statement and begin with a topic sentence that refers to a separate supporting point
in the thesis statement.

Topic sentence:
Must be a complete sentence; not fragment

Example:
Is a reason for child abuse. (fragment)
The first reason for child abuse is poverty. (complete)
sentence)

Has a clear topic and controlling idea

Uses keywords or phrases from the thesis statement to indicate the part of the
thesis that will be discussed
Tells the reader the main idea that will be discussed and provides an
introduction to the paragraph
Signals readers where the paragraph has been and where it is headed using
transition signals (cohesive devices) such as first, second, finally

8
Example:

Thesis Statement:

Emphasis on individualism, changes in family structure and overscheduled lifestyles

are three reasons for the generation gap between younger and older people.

Explanation:

This thesis statement tells us that the topic of the essay is the gap between younger
and older people and the focus is the causes of this gap.

We also know that the first paragraph of the essay will discuss how individualism can
create a difference between generations.

The second paragraph will discuss the changes in family structure and how it affects
family relationships while the third paragraph will discuss overscheduled lifestyles.

To establish this connection between the thesis statement and the paragraphs of the
academic text, the following topic sentences are used.

Topic Sentence 1:
Emphasis on individualism is one reason why younger and older people become
isolated from each other.

Topic Sentence 2:
Another reason for the generation gap between younger and older people is the
change in family structure from extended families to nuclear families.

Topic Sentence 3:
A third cause of the generation gap is due to overscheduled lifestyles.

9
EXERCISE 1
For each thesis statement below, decide whether the topic sentences are
appropriate according to the qualities of a good topic sentence.

1. Thesis Statement:
Social media in todays society allows people to stay connected, to keep
abreast with the latest news and to communicate across borders.

Topic Sentence 1:
Social media allows people to stay connected.

Is the topic sentence appropriate. If not, what is the problem?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Topic Sentence 2:
A second advantage is that people are able to keep abreast with the latest
news around the world.

Is the topic sentence appropriate. If not, what is the problem?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Topic Sentence 3:
Is a communication tool.

Is the topic sentence appropriate. If not, what is the problem?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

10
2. Thesis Statement:
Exposure to violence, an inadequate rating system and too little parental
supervision are three reasons why children should not play video games.

Topic Sentence 1:
Children in the United States love to play video games.

Is the topic sentence appropriate. If not, what is the problem?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Topic Sentence 2:
Inadequate rating system for evaluating video games is another reason why
children should avoid video games.

Is the topic sentence appropriate. If not, what is the problem?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Topic Sentence 3:
Next, there is too little parental supervision.

Is the topic sentence appropriate. If not, what is the problem?

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

11
EXERCISE 2
The following is an incomplete academic text on How college students can improve
their study habits. Complete the text by providing the thesis statement and topic
sentences based on the main points provided.

Main points:
1. Study in a quiet environment
2. Pay attention in class
3. Manage their time well

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Students face many challenges in their college years, and one of those challenges is
studying adequately for their classes. Students who struggle finding time and energy
to study may feel like there is no solution to their problem.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

PARAGRAPH 1
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
For example, studying in a quiet place like a library allows students to get away from
distracting noises. Also, students are able to think better when they can hear their
own thoughts. Students will do better in their classes if they find a silent place to do
their homework.

PARAGRAPH 2
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
When students are alert in the classroom, they will remember the class lectures
better than those who did not listen attentively. Also, students who take good notes
in class will not have missing information when they are studying for tests and
exams. Successful students find that good studying starts in the classroom.

PARAGRAPH 3
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Students who set a time aside each day for study will give them enough time to get
their homework done. Students who choose to party every night rather than work on
assignments will not have a chance to meet deadlines. Furthermore, students who
use a planner to schedule their homework time will have a better idea of what they
need to do to succeed.

12
Developing Supporting Points/Sentences and Supporting Details

Supporting Sentences
Supporting sentences explain and develop the idea expressed in the topic sentence.
These sentences must represent the writers point of view and voice.

Supporting Details
Supporting details develop the idea established by the supporting sentences through
specific details such as examples, facts, statistics and quotations from other sources
that support the writers opinion.
Supporting details add to the validity of the main idea expressed in the topic
sentence.

EXERCISE 3
Read the topic sentences. Write three supporting sentences that could be included in
the paragraph.

1. Topic Sentence:
One of the most important ways to become a successful university student is by
practising proper time management.

Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Supporting Sentence 3:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

13
2. Topic Sentence:
Another way to improve English language writing skills is by using online resources.

Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Supporting Sentence 3:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. Topic sentence:
Lack of communication skills is another reason why there is an increase of
unemployability among fresh graduates.

Supporting Sentence 1:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Supporting Sentence 2:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Supporting Sentence 3:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

14
Writing Concluding Sentences

A concluding sentence is the last sentence of a paragraph. It either restates the main
idea of the paragraph by repeating the topic sentence in different words or
summarises the main points of the paragraph.

EXERCISE 4
Write a suitable concluding sentence for each of the following paragraphs.

1. Studying abroad has many advantages. People who study abroad stand a
chance to get better jobs when they return to their home country. This is because
their qualifications and experiences may allow them to get jobs that are higher paid,
and they have a better chance in getting a promotion quickly. Another advantage of
studying abroad is the independence students gain being in a foreign country. For
example, students have to cope with the challenges of living alone and meeting new
people from different cultures. This will enable them to become more confident in
their lives and relationships with others. ___________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. If we are going to bring an end to climate change, we need to continuously

adjust our habits so that we use less energy and create less waste. Simple changes,
like recycling and turning off the lights when we leave a room are a good place to
start, but we cannot stop there. For example, when we are out shopping, we should
carefully evaluate our purchases and buy fewer items. When we buy things we do
not need, they quickly end up in the landfill, which is a waste of resources. It is also
important to look for ways to further reduce our consumption at home. For example,
paper towels could easily be replaced with cloth rags. We can also look for ways to
minimise our use of other valuable resources by shifting our daily habits towards
more sustainable practices such as taking shorter showers, eating less meat and
walking to nearby locations rather than driving. ______________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

15
3. Choosing a college or university can be difficult for high school students. The
most difficult part is finding a university that prepares them well for their future
career. In order to get a good job, the curriculum that is taught must be thorough and
up-to-date. In addition, the educators must be highly qualified and respected in their
fields. Another difficulty in choosing a university or college is affordability. Students
need to be able to pay not only the tuition fees but also the living expenses.
Fortunately, some institutions might be able to offer scholarships if students cannot
afford the fees. Of course, a good location is also very important when choosing a
college or university. The environment should be safe and quiet to facilitate studying.
Moreover, there should be opportunities near the college or university for part time
jobs or internships to provide some work experience for students.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

4. The changes in roles of nurses through a university education have affected

their practice and their image among the community. Previously they were seen as
the doctors helper. A good nurse was disciplined, sober, humble, obedient and
never complained about her work(Stevens, 1992, p.202). Currently, the roles of
nurses as part of a team of health professionals have also expanded as a result of
university education. For example, nurses are required to explore different facets of
health and develop more specialised knowledge, giving them the ability to
collaborate effectively (Duffy et al., 1989). They also have had a more influential role
in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. This is due to the stronger theory base that is
taught through universities. _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

5. The problem of teen gang violence can be eliminated with the combined effort
of the community via numerous programmes. After-school programmes such as
sports teams and games, art and music activities, internships in local area
businesses and professional organisations as well as interesting volunteer activities
in the community would help engage teens in worthwhile pursuits outside of school
hours. More job opportunities for teens, especially those funded by state and local
programmes, would offer income for teens as well as productive work for the
community. Outreach to families through schools, community organisations and
places of worship would help promote inter-generational activities that could improve
family ties, helping teens to work on their problems at the family level instead of
taking them to the streets. ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

16