Academic Writing for Graduate Students I

ENGL 501 DL

Academic Writing for Graduate Students I

ENGL 501 DL

The Academic Paragraph and the Paragraph Outline

Week/Workshop 4W4 4.3.1

The Academic Paragraph

• The academic paragraph is a well structured paragraph that consists of:

Topic Sentence

A topic sentence has the following characteristics:

• States the main idea• Usually states an opinion• Usually found at the beginning of a paragraph• Contains a specific topic and a controlling idea• Example:

– People can avoid burglaries by taking certain precautions.

Topic sentence

1. There are several advantages to being an only child. Topic : Being an only child Controlling idea: The advantages of this

2. Most US universities require a 2.0 average for a number of reasons.

Topic: A 2.0 average university requirement Controlling idea: Reasons for

Topic Sentence

3. Air pollution in Mexico City is the worst in the world for a number of reasons. 

Topic: Air pollution in Mexico City Controlling idea: Number of reasons for 4. Fixing a flat tire is easy if you follow these steps. 

Topic: Fixing a flat tireControlling Idea: Steps to follow

5. There are several enjoyable ways to travel between the US and Europe. 

Travel between US and EuropeControlling Idea: Ways to enjoy

Supporting Sentences

Sentences that develop the topic sentence by giving specific details about the topic.

Supporting SentencesExample:

There are three reasons why Canada is one

of the best countries in the world to live.

Conclusion

• A concluding sentence is needed to show that the writer has completed what he/ she wanted to say.

• It summarizes or restates the main idea.

• Example: (Topic Sentence)

A grandmother is a person that has all of the characteristics of a mother and none of the faults. (Concluding Sentence) A grandmother is not just a mother; she is a friend.

Conclusion• Carmen Suarez has had both an exciting and stressful

year. In May, she got married to her high school sweetheart. In June, she graduated from college, and in July she started a new job. All of these changes have made Carmen happy, but tired. She and her new husband live in a small apartment in the center of the city. At first it was difficult for her to go to work, do all of the cleaning, and cook the meals. Carmen said, "I'm not a great cook. At first, we ate out a lot." Now her life is a bit easier. Her mother gave her some cooking lessons, and her husband started helping with the housework. Hopefully the months to come will be as exciting and less stressful.,

Academic Paragraph Outline Form

I. Topic Sentence: ___________________A. Supporting point: _____________________

Supporting details: _____________________B. Supporting point: ______________________

Supporting details______________________C. Supporting point: ______________________

Supporting details______________________

II. Concluding Sentences: ________________

I. Topic Sentence: ___________________A. Supporting point: _____________________

Supporting details: _____________________B. Supporting point: ______________________

Supporting details______________________C. Supporting point: ______________________

Supporting details______________________

II. Concluding Sentences: ________________

Example

• Staff at the Learning Center is available to help students with topic selection, organization, and mechanics. Prior to beginning research, students come to the Learning Center to receive help in deciding what topic they will write about. As one student said after a short brainstorming session, “It was great! Now I know what to do!” Students may also come in seeking assistance with the organization of their papers. An objective person can often give a better perspective on the structure or outline of a paper. Most of the students who come to the Learning Center ask for help with grammar and mechanics. Although grammar and punctuation are not the most vital issues, they may be the most visible. The Learning Center helps students with all stages of the writing process, including topic selection, organization, and a review of proper grammar and punctuation.

The End

Congratulations!

You have completed Workshop Four!!