Writing in Action

Chapter 2

Organizing and Outlining

構思的方法與順序

腦力激盪法樹狀分類法 tree structure

Topic sentence

Supportingideas

conclusion

Example A

On my travels, I have eaten a lot of weird food. In China, I have eaten sheep’s lung and ducks’ tongue. In Saudi Arabia, I have tasted sheep’s eyeballs, which are a delicacy there. In Indonesia, I have eaten fried snake, which is not as tasty as chicken, but otherwise similar. In Spain, I have eaten blood sausage, and in Sri Lanka, I have eaten a very spicy pineapple curry, which is hot and sweet at the same time and very different from a normal curry. Eating these meals has not always been easy for me, but they have all contributed greatly to my travels and given me terrific stories to tell back home!

主題句

結論句

Tree Structure of Example A

Weird food around the world

ChinaSheep’s lung

Duck’s tongue

Saudi ArabiaSheep’s eyeball

IndonesiaFried snake

Spain Blood sausage

Sri LankaSpicy pineapple

curry

Contribute to travels& Terrific stories

topic

examples

conclusion

Example B As the saying goes, “Charity begins at home, but

never ends there.” We Taiwanese not only take care of the needy in our own country, but also help the poor and the sick outside Taiwan. Tzu Chi Foundation, for example, is one of the biggest charities in Taiwan. Whenever a disaster happens, it is often the first group offering medical attention. It also teaches people in Africa and South America how to improve the farming techniques. Tzu Chi Foundation really shares the kindness of the Taiwanese with others around the world.

主題句 闡釋句

結論句

Tree Structure of Example B

charity

Tzu Chi Foundation

(disaster)offer medical attention

Teach farmingtechniques

Share kindnessconclusion

topic

examples

Homework

Do you find it hard to breathe these days? If you do, don’t be surprised. It’s because of the polluted air all around us. Pollution is slowly but surely killing us. There are ways, however, to deal with this problem. Some people use a little machine called a purifier. It helps clean the air. Plants are also a great help. Some modern offices have so many plants that they look like gardens. What about the air outdoors? Many people simply try to stay indoors as much as possible. But some experts are inventing a convenient little oxygen tank. Perhaps there’s still hope for all of us. However, would you be happy paying for the air you breath?