Essay

ACADEMIC WRITING: MAKE UP EXAM 2020.

Final Essay Retake Guide.

This jigsaw represents your finished essay. It is a whole thing, all joined together. Can you remember what you should do first?

Plan Plan

Plan Plan

The 4 corners are the first thing you ‘find’, and are the basis of the jigsaw (essay).

So, first you should make a plan using the pre-writing techniques.

Planning:

• Read and understand each question/topic

[I will explain exactly what you should write about in this ppt].

• Choose your topic.

• Think about what you will write by asking yourself questions, answering the topic/question and writing down as many ideas or information about the topic (on paper first if you like, and then in the worksheet ‘Planning’ space).

• Choose the best 3 ideas/points, and make a ‘scratch’ outline (write them in the space on the worksheet).

Worksheet: Section 1

Plan Plan

Plan Plan

The thesis statement is the edge, it holds everything together. So, next write your thesis statement from your planning.

.

Thesis

T h

e sisT

h e

si s

Thesis

This includes: • the main topic of the

essay • your opinion about it • your reasons you have

that opinion, or how you will explain that opinion (supporting

topics).

Thesis Statement (Main Idea/Central Idea)

• Write a Thesis Statement - this is the topic of the essay at first followed by the 3 supporting points you just chose to write about, in a sentence (write it on the worksheet and this will be written in your finished essay at the end of the introduction).

For example if you choose to write about ‘My Future Plans’:

‘Scratch’ Outline: 1. Party 2. Travel to India 3. Move to Shanghai.

Thesis statement: There are many opportunities for me after I graduate, but I plan to party, travel to India and eventually move to Shanghai.*

*This is just an example, I am fairly sure none of you have these plans, please do not copy these.

Plan Plan

Plan Plan

Then write the topic sentences, the first sentence of each body/supporting paragraph.

Thesis: Point/reason/

supporting topic 1 T

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sis: P

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t/re a

so n

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p p

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2

T h

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M a

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Thesis: Point/reason/

supporting topic 3

Topic Sentence 1

T op

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ten ce 2

Topic Sentence 3

Topic Sentences:

Each point from your thesis statement (and outline) should then be written in your worksheet and then as a sentence at the start of each Body paragraph in the essay.

For example if you choose to write about ‘My Future Plans’:

‘Scratch’ Outline: 1. Party 2. Travel to India 3. Move to Shanghai.

Thesis statement: There are many opportunities for me after I graduate, but I plan to party, travel to India and eventually move to Shanghai.*

Topic sentence 1: Firstly, I really want to party like there is no tomorrow.

Topic sentence 2: After I have partied enough, I want to travel around India.

Topic sentence 3: Lastly after travelling and having fun, I plan to move to Shanghai.

*This is just an example, I am fairly sure none of you have these plans, please do not copy this.

Worksheet: Section 2

Plan Plan

Plan Plan

Now complete your body paragraphs with details about the topic only about that topic.

Thesis: Point/reason/

supporting topic 1 T

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sis: P

o in

t/re a

so n

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p p

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g to

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2

T h

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M a

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a n

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Thesis: Point/reason/

supporting topic 3

Topic Sentence 1

T op

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Topic Sentence 3

Paragraph 1

P a

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Paragraph 3

Once you have done all these things on the worksheet you can then start to write your essay.

Copy or write your Thesis Statement at the top of the page.

Then copy or write Topic Sentence 1.

Then add details to Body paragraph 1.

*Stick to the ‘topic’ of that paragraph, and write about 100 words.

*Give details why you think this, or what you know about this, or exactly why you are planning this or how you can do this.

Then copy or write Topic Sentence 2. Then add details to Body paragraph 2.

Then copy or write Topic Sentence 3. Then add details to Body paragraph 3.

Body Paragraphs:

Plan Plan

Plan Plan

Finally write your Introduction (background information) and Conclusion (rephrase thesis + summary of what you have written +

final relevant thought).

Thesis: Point/reason/

supporting topic 1 T

h e

sis: P

o in

t/re a

so n

/ su

p p

o rtin

g to

p ic

2

T h

e si

s:

M a

in T

o p

ic ,

a n

d o

p in

io n

Thesis: Point/reason/

supporting topic 3

Topic Sentence 1

T op

ic S en

ten ce 2

Topic Sentence 3

Paragraph 1

P a

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p h

2

Paragraph 3

Introduction

Conclusion

You should write your Introduction after you have written the body, this way you know what the essay is about and can include new and general information about the topic.

• The Introduction should also be about 100 words long, INCLUDING your Thesis Statement at the end.

Finally you should write the Conclusion, this is at the end of the whole essay, should also be about 100 words, and should include:

• A summary of what you have written. • The thesis statement again, BUT using different words or phrases. • A final thought on the topic.

For example: In conclusion, my years ahead after I graduate I hope will be very exciting and full of fun, both here and abroad. However I know I also have a serious plan. I think enjoying myself at first followed by some travel to another country will give me some insight before I settle down in a new city. The future is unknown, and I still have my internship to go through. I know I will need a break from study and work, even for a little, but with these plans I know it will be fine. [95 words].

Introduction/Conclusion

HOW I WILL ‘SCORE’ YOUR ESSAYS Introduction (20)

Background Information (10) + Thesis Statement (10)

Body (45)

Paragraph 1: Topic Sentence (5) + Support (10) Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence (5) + Support (10) Paragraph 3: Topic Sentence (5) + Support (10)

Conclusion (15) Summary /5. Restate Thesis /5. Final thought /5.

+ Words (5) + Grammar (5) + Worksheet (10)

1. “The Reasons I Did not Pass the Academic Writing Final Exam.

Introduction: [Background information]: About you, about your general attitude to exams and or the writing course, or English writing. [Thesis]: I think the reasons I did not pass the academic writing final exam were as follows, (Reason 1), (Reason 2), (Reason 3).

Body: Paragraph 1: [Topic Sentence] (Reason 1) in a sentence. [Support] Only explain and discuss this reason and why you think you failed the exam because of it. Paragraph 2: [Topic Sentence] (Reason 2) in a sentence. [Support] Only explain and discuss this reason and why you think you failed the exam because of it. Paragraph 3: [Topic Sentence] (Reason 3) in a sentence. [Support] Only explain and discuss this reason and why you think you failed the exam because of it.

Conclusion: [Summary] A summary of what you just wrote, nothing new here. [Restate your thesis] Write it again, with (Reason 1), (Reason 2), (Reason 3) but using other words or phrases with the same meaning. [Final thought] Add anything here which ‘enforces’ your point or adds to what you have already said, or about how you realise what you did wrong.

2. “My University Years”.

Introduction: [Background information]: About you, why did you choose to study here? About your general study and academic life so far. About your major and the different classes you have had. [Thesis]: In my time at Keuke college I have learned, (subject/course 1), (subject/course 2), (subject/course 3). OR: As this is my final year I have time to think back over my three years here.

Body: Paragraph 1: [Topic Sentence] (subject 1) OR (first year) in a sentence. [Support] Only explain and discuss this topic OR year. What did you learn? What was your schedule? Was it hard or enjoyable or useful? Why? Paragraph 2: [Topic Sentence] (subject 2) OR (second year) in a sentence. [Support] Only explain and discuss this topic OR year. What did you learn? What was your schedule. Was it hard or enjoyable or useful? Why? Paragraph 3: [Topic Sentence] (subject 3) OR (third year) in a sentence. [Support] Only explain and discuss this topic OR year. What did you learn? What was your schedule? Was it hard or enjoyable or useful? Why?

Conclusion: [Summary] A summary of what you just wrote, nothing new here. 1 or 2 sentences. [Restate your thesis] Write it again, with (subject/year 1), (subject/year 2), (subject/ year 3) but using other words with the same meaning. [Final thought] Add anything here which ‘enforces’ your point or adds to what you have already said. Something about your future as a result of studying these things and experiences.

3. Plagiarism: What does this mean?.

Introduction: [Background information]: Find a dictionary definition of plagiarism (include a reference). Talk about your understanding of plagiarism at university and any experience you have of it. [Thesis example]: I would like to discuss ways to avoid plagiarism, the punishments for plagiarising and why I will never do it again.

Body Paragraph 1: [Topic Sentence] Ways to avoid plagiarism in a sentence. [Support] Explain how to avoid plagiarism. (include any references to information you read) Paragraph 2: [Topic Sentence] Punishments for plagiarising in a sentence. [Support] Explain any punishments from universities (Chinese or foreign) if you are caught plagiarising (include any references to information you read). Paragraph 3: [Topic Sentence] Why I will never do it again in a sentence. [Support] Explain why you chose to plagiarise before, and why you will not do it again.

Conclusion: [Summary] Sum-up the whole essay, this is a summary of what you just wrote Use other words with the same meaning. [Restate your thesis] Write it again, with (topic 1), (topic 2), (topic 3) but also using other words with the same meaning. [Final thought] Add anything here which ‘enforces’ your point or adds to what you have already said.

4. My Future Plans. Introduction:

[Background information]: About you and your time at university, your internship and how you feel about graduating. [Thesis example ]: There are many opportunities in my future but I want to [plan/goal 1], the [plan/goal 2] and [plan/goal 3] *Remember, these should be actual plans, and how you will do them. NOT dreams.

Body Paragraph 1: [Topic Sentence] [Plan/goal 1] in a sentence. [Support] Explain why you want to do this, and how and when you think you will achieve it. Include any information which supports this, but reference it. Paragraph 2: [Topic Sentence] [Plan/goal 2] in a sentence. [Support] Explain why you want to do this, and how and when you think you will achieve it. Include any information which supports this, but reference it. Paragraph 3: [Topic Sentence] [Plan/goal 3] in a sentence. [Support] Explain why you want to do this, and how and when you think you will achieve it. Include any information which supports this, but reference it.

Conclusion: [Summary] Sum-up the whole essay, this is a summary of what you just wrote Use other words with the same meaning. [Restate your thesis] Write it again, with (topic 1), (topic 2), (topic 3) but using other words with the same meaning. [Final thought] Add anything here which ‘enforces’ your point or adds to what you have already said.

Most of these essays should not need references, BUT some will [numbers 3 and 4].

If you copy words from online, you should say where the information is from AND the copied words need to be in “__” AND you should include a link to the words either at the end of the quote, or at the end of the essay, but with a number to show this is the link to those words.

For example:

Merriam Webster dictionary defines plagiarizing as “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source” [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarizing]

Merriam Webster dictionary defines plagiarizing as “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source” [1]

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarizing

If you are your future plans and find details of job information, or travel costs or the postgraduate exam, or overseas study, you will need to reference it. Even if you do not quote directly.

You can only use 50 words in total in “__”, any other information you need to put into your own words BUT still reference where you got this information from as above.

Referencing

Format/Presentation

[Title]

Name: Student Number: Word Count:

集⼤ Student Number

Title Page Essay

+ WORKSHEET

Due Date and Time:

Sunday October 18th 2020, 5pm.

Any late submissions will receive a penalty of -10.

Send me: An email with the finished essay and worksheet (in one document please) to :

[email protected]

You can send it before the due time. I will try my best to check them and give any feedback if it has any problems.

Here are some helpful websites to search for information:

cn.bing.com - Bing is a search engine, it gives results in English and Chinese.

yahoo.com - Yahoo is another search engine, results in English.

dictionary.com - A good dictionary, in English, explains the word with examples.

thesaurus.com - Helps find ‘synonyms’, different words with the same meaning. Can be useful when summarising, and rephrasing your thesis statement (in the conclusion of your essays).

There are also many websites which offer a free grammar and plagiarism check, some of them you have to sign up for, some of them you can just use.

search bing for “free plagiarism and grammar check”.

Search Engines and Dictionaries.

Do not begin a sentence with ‘and’ or ‘but’ or ‘because’ (or any ‘conjunctions’) These words are used to join sentences together.

Do not use ‘abbreviations’ such as:

don’t - do not can’t - can not won’t - will not shouldn’t - should not These informal and are fine for speaking, NOT for writing in a formal essay.

Do NOT say “and so on” when listing or giving examples.

Do NOT conclude with “In a word…” unless you only write a/1 word.

Do NOT begin with the sentences: “With the advance of science and technology…” or “With the advances of society…”

Important!! Please Note!!!

Any questions?

Do you understand what you have to do and how to do it?

Please ask me now.

Any problems you find later, ask me in the We Chat group or e-mail me.