English for Acad and Prof Purposes

• TEXT STRUCTURE refers to how information is organized in a text
• Commonly used patterns of organization

  • Cause and Effect
  • Chronological
  • Compare and Contrast
  • Order of Importance
  • Problem and Solution
  • Sequence Process Writing
• Cause and Effect


  The result of something is explained
• Cause and Effect example

  • The dodo bird used to roam in large flocks. Interestingly, the dodo went extinct due to hunting.
• Chronological


  Information is organized based on time
• Chronological example


  • Jack and Jill ran up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after.
• Compare and Contrast


  Two or more things are described; their similarities and differences are discussed
• Compare and Contrast example

  • Linux is free and open source, while Windows is proprietary and costs money.
• Order of Importance


  Information is expressed as a hierarchy or in priority
• Order of Importance example

  • The worst things you can do on a date include telling unfunny jokes and appearing unkempt.
• Problem and Solution


  A problem is described and a response or solution is proposed or explained
• Problem and Solution example

  • Thousands of people die each year in car accidents involving drugs or alcohol. A free public transport service could save lives.
• Sequence Process Writing


  Information is organized in steps or a process is explained in the order in which it occurs
• Sequence Process Writing example

  • Eating cereal: First, get your cereal from the shelf, then pour it in the bowl, add milk, and enjoy eating!
• Summary


  A short or abbreviated version of a longer text (about a quarter of the original length)
• Purpose of Summary


  To help understand main points, convey understanding to others, present background information quickly, refer to another writer's ideas
• Three important summarization techniques

  • Selection
  • Rejection
  • Substitution
• Selection


  Select major ideas, key words, and phrases from the original text
• Rejection


  Remove unnecessary data or specifics
• Substitution


  Replace long sentences/phrases with shorter ones, combine several sentences into one
• Paraphrase


  A restatement and restructuring of ideas for the purpose of clarifying the meaning of a statement
• Steps in Paraphrasing


  1. Read original text

  2. Take note of important details

  3. Write paraphrase based on notes

  4. Check paraphrase against original
• Thesis Statements


  A sentence or two that tells the reader your topic and what you say about it
• Thesis Statement example


  • Biological need, social environment, and psychological satisfaction are three reasons why people take risks.
• Types of Thesis Statements

  Direct (stated)<|>Indirect (implied)
• Direct Thesis Statement


  Outlines the main idea and organization of the essay for the reader
• Direct Thesis Statement example

  • The main problems facing South American countries are a lack of job opportunities.
• Indirect Thesis Statement


  Introduces the topic but does not outline the supporting ideas
• Indirect Thesis Statement example

  • The important problems facing South American countries today require immediate attention.
• Components of Thesis Statements

  • Topic
  • Controlling Idea
  • Sub-topics
• Thesis Statement components example

  • Public health departments need to target teenage smokers with aggressive promotional campaigns.
• Textual Evidence


  Evidence from a text that can be used to illustrate ideas and support arguments
• Textual Evidence requirements


  • Supports a specific point
  • Cited with a page number
  • Followed by a connection explaining the relationship to the main point
• Opinions contain descriptive words and are subjective statements
• Opinion examples


  • Men are better drivers than women.
  • The house was painted yesterday.
  • English is an easy language to learn.
• Facts are objective statements of truth
• Fact examples


  • The world is a sphere.
  • There are many variations of English.
  • Cigarettes are addictive.
• Critique Paper is a formal analysis and evaluation of a work, production, or performance
• Content of the Critique/Reaction Paper


  • Subjective statements based on beliefs
  • Accurate description of the work
  • Evaluative judgment of the work
• Accurate


  Provides an accurate description of the work being evaluated