Where to start? Thesis what? What to do first? Deadline???...Help!!!....

First Semester Exhaustion

Contents

1. Basic Academic Essay Structure + Outlining

2. The Thesis Statement

3. Types of Academic Essays (Genres)

4. References / Citations / APA

Academic Writing Questions Answers

1. It will be used in all of the majors in every formal paper you will write

2. Everyone who submits any assigned written work at university

3. Yes, it does- every university uses the same standards.

4. No, it isn’t.

1. Why do I need to write in an academic format? When will I use it?

2. Who writes in an academic way?

3. Does academic writing have the same international standards?

4. Is it the same way of writing I did in high school?

BP1

BP2

BP3

→Thesis Statement

Standard 5 Paragraph Essay

• Introduction

• Body Paragraph 1 (BP1)

• Body Paragraph 1(BP2)

• Body Paragraph 1(BP3)

• Conclusion

• (WC= 450-500)

Any questions? About what we have covered up to now? Please ask...Sample of Outlining coming up….

Sample Outlining for a Five Paragraph Descriptive Essay

• All essays have the same format (see slide 11) but some have more BPs.

• Do some research about your topic before you write the first draft,

especially for facts and figures.

• Train your brain to put ideas into separate compartments.

______________//________________

Title: no ‘ quotation marks’, underlining or any other decorative additions

Thesis Statement: end of first introduction

• It is a sentence (not a question) that has three subtopics that tells the

reader what you are going to write about.

Advantages of Outlining

1. The essay map is clear.

2. The foundation of your essay is strong.

3. Outlining helps you see if your ideas are related to the topic.

4. You can concentrate on the actual writing later.

5. Saves you a lot of time.

Title: My Favorite Holiday Destination

Thesis Statement : I love traveling in Spain because it has wonderful natural scenery, fantastic food and great summer festivals.(NB: Three distinct subtopics = three separate ideas for each paragraph & parallel structure-make sure NOT to overlap or repeat ideas)

BP1: Topic sentence : There is an abundance of natural beauty in Spain.A: the mountains of the Pyrenees in the north B: the coastal beaches in the south

BP2: Topic sentence :The food in Spain is healthy as well as delicious.A: most of its food grown in the country itself B: salads and fresh fruit are served with meals

BP3: Topic sentence: Spain attracts many tourists with its colorful summer festivals.A: bull-running in Pamplona in July B: flower festivals in Seville every June

Conclusion

Outlining Exercises

• Ask students to look at outlining sheet 1

• Ask 2 students to work together to brainstorm

• In outlining sheet 1, a title is provided.

• Allow students 8minutes to complete exercise.

• Make sure students can see sample outlining slide

• Discuss answers.

Outlining Exercises• Ask students to look at outlining sheet 2

• Read prompt 2 carefully-next slide

• Ask 2 students to work together to brainstorm

• In outlining sheet 2, no title is provided.

• Allow students 8 minutes to complete exercise.

• Make sure students can see sample outlining

• Discuss answers

Outlining Worksheet 2 Prompt

In today’s world, the number of students who drop out of university programs after just spending one year at university is rising. What are the causes of first-year students leaving university?

Remember you have to provide a title for this one!

Think Locally and Globally !!

Questions???

Tips

DO’S

• Use formal language

• Always use present tense

• Use academic vocabulary

• Use transitions

• Punctuate

DON’TS

• Contractions (isn’t/can’t)

• Slang

• Overuse transitions

• First person

Types of Essays ( Genres) Same Essay Format Used

1. Descriptive ( person/place/ item)

2. Narrative ( story – usually past tense)

3.Compare and /or Contrast

4. Causes and/or Effects

5. Argumentative

6. Expository ( investigating an idea)

References• When you start researching a project you will be expected to

find and use information that will help you.

• This information might be from such items as:

• Books

• Encyclopedias

• Newspapers

• Magazines

• the Internet

❖ Language Support Services

✓ No appointment necessary✓ Language consultations with Language Specialists and/or Peer Tutors✓ Language workshops on how to improve your English language skills (speaking,

listening and reading)✓ Revision sessions before exams✓ Language programs designed to improve listening, speaking, reading and grammar

❖ Writing Support Services

✓ Easy-to-use online appointment system( http://writinglab.qu.edu.qa )

✓Writing consultations for all majors, levels, and writing skills with Writing Specialists and/or Peer Tutors✓Writing workshops on basic yet important writing skills✓Writing programs designed to improve writing skills