Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
KOCAELI UNIVERSITY
SHOOL of FOREIGN LANGUAGES
DEPARTMENT of BASIC ENGLISH
WRITING PACK
for
PREP CLASSES
PARAGRAPH WRITING
ESSAY WRITING
PARAGRAPH WRITING
A paragraph is a group of sentences that develop one topic or idea. It has three main parts. The first part is
the topic sentence. It is called the topic sentence because it states the topic or the subject of the paragraph.
The second main part is the supporting sentences. The supporting sentences develop the topic. This means
that they explain the topic sentence in detail. The last part is the concluding sentence. The concluding
sentence summarises the paragraph and/or adds a final comment. A clear academic paragraph requires all of
these parts.
Read and examine the sample paragraphs below and discuss their structure with your teacher.
Sample Paragraph 1:
Problems in Big Cities
(1) All around the world living in big cities creates serious
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
problems for people. (2a) The first problem is air pollution. For
example, in Istanbul, many people have cars and cars are one reason
why the air is polluted. (2b) Secondly, traffic is an important problem for
the people living in big cities. Nowadays there are more and more cars on
roads, and this causes traffic jams in many parts of the cities. For this
reason, many inhabitants waste their time in traffic, and they are
negatively affected by this situation. (3) To sum up, air pollution and
traffic jams are two important problems that people living in big cities
have.
Sample Paragraph 2:
Bicycles are popular today in many countries for three reasons. First, most of the people use bicycles to exercise.
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentence 1
To illustrate, in Holland, people think riding a bicycle is a better way of keeping fit and staying healthy than other
sports. The second reason is money. Generally bikes are not expensive to buy, and they are quite cheap to fix.
Supporting Sentence 2
Finally, they are suitable for city life. In cities, many people prefer bikes to cars because unlike cars, with a bicycle,
Supporting Sentence 3
they never have to wait in traffic. In brief, having a bicycle is beneficial for people for different reasons.
Bicycles are popular today in many countries for three reasons. First, most of the people use bicycles to exercise. To
illustrate, in Holland, people think riding a bicycle is a better way of keeping fit and staying healthy than other
sports. The second reason is money. Generally bikes are not expensive to buy, and they are quite cheap to fix.
Finally, they are suitable for city life. In cities, many people prefer bikes to cars because unlike cars, with a bicycle,
they never have to wait in traffic. In brief, having a bicycle is beneficial for people for different reasons.
A. PARTS OF A PARAGRAPH
I. THE TOPIC
A topic is the general idea of a paragraph. It is what gives the answer to the question What is the paragraph
about? For example, Biochemistry, Physiology and Anatomy are all examples of the topic Medical subjects.
Exercise 1: Circle the topic of the words below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mercury
German
wheel
apple
fan
Venus
Italian
tire
banana
basketball
Planets
English
car
grape
coach
Saturn
Languages
door
strawberry
scoreboard
Mars
Spanish
seat
fruit
player
tigers
keyboard
blues
windy
square
carrot
Konya
balcony
letter
suit
zebras
monitor
rock
rainy
oval
cabbage
Aydn
kitchen
e-mail
dress
lions
mouse
classical
stormy
cube
cauliflower
Van
bathroom
mobile phone
tie
The topic is
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
Controlling Idea
Topic Sentence
In this example the topic is caffeine. A specific comment is then made about the topic: it has several
harmful effects on health. From this topic sentence, the reader immediately knows that the supporting
sentences will explain or prove how harmful caffeine can be.
e.g. Students who are studying abroad may face many difficulties.
Topic
Controlling Idea
Topic
Topic
at the beginning and at the end of the topic sentence, separated by the topic
The two main advantages of working at home are its flexible hours and its comfort.
Controlling Idea
Topic
Controlling Idea
Controlling Idea
Exercise 3: Underline the topic and the controlling idea of each topic sentence below.
1. When people divorce, children often have problems.
2. Walking is good for your heart.
3. Watching TV is a good way to learn spoken English.
4. Technology spoils the traditional way of life.
5. Nuclear power is our greatest hope for solving the energy crisis.
6. Nuclear power is the greatest threat to life on the planet.
Exercise 4: Which alternative can be the topic sentence of the paragraph below?
a. Skiing is expensive.
b. Skiing is a popular sport despite its disadvantages.
c. Skiing has many disadvantages.
______. Many people enjoy it although it is expensive and dangerous. Also, the severe cold doesnt keep
skiers away from the slopes. It is clear that a lot of people spend every winter weekend skiing, and many
families go on winter ski holidays regardless of these drawbacks.
_____________
_____________
_____________
Monetary Units
: _____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
Public Holidays
: _____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
Mass Media
: _____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
Exercise 7: Read the topic sentences below and think of suitable supporting sentences to complete each
paragraph.
1. Wearing a school uniform has certain drawbacks.
a. _________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________
2. You can improve your English in several ways.
a. _________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________
e.g.:
Topic sentence: There are many good reasons for why people live in the country but not in cities.
Conclusion
: In conclusion, living in the country is much better than living in the city.
Topic Sentence: Forests are important for life on earth.
Conclusion
: To sum up, if there were no forests, there would be no life on this planet.
Topic Sentence: There are some important qualities of a good boss.
Conclusion
: All in all, a qualified boss should be fair, should be a good leader and should act with
consistency.
TOPIC SENTENCE
SUPPORTING DETAIL 1 (+ Minor Detail 1)
SUPPORTING DETAIL 2 (+ Minor Detail 2)
SUPPORTING DETAIL 3 (+ Minor Detail 3)
THE CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Wilma likes travelling by bus better than travelling by boat for many reasons (TS). Firstly, it costs less (SD1).
For example, she can ride by bus from New York to Miami for $85, but the boat trip between the two cities is
$200 (MD1). In addition, travelling by bus gives her a closer look at the cities and countryside than she could
get from a boat. (SD2) Finally, she thinks that the passengers on the bus are often closer to her own age, so
they are easy to talk with. (SD3) In conclusion, she believes travelling by bus is an ideal form of transport for
her (CS).
Exercise 8:
a. These are mixed sentences of a paragraph. Put each sentence below in the correct place in the
chart to form the paragraph. The topic sentence is h.
a) Thirdly, because of financial problems, some students fail university classes.
b) For example, students who have to take jobs dont have as much time to study, so they may fail classes.
c) The first reason is that they fail because their academic background is weak.
d) Finally, there are students who fail because their energies are not directed toward their classes.
e) For example, one student might not have had enough mathematics course at high school, so he fails his university
math class.
f) The second reason is that most of the students dont understand the importance of regular attendance.
g) Others may worry because they have too little money, and they may not be able to concentrate on their studies.
h) There are some reasons why a lot of students fail in college.
i) Because some students dont attend classes regularly, they may not be able to pass the test in class because they
dont know the answers.
j) In conclusion, due to all these problems, numerous students fail in college every year.
k) For example, some of these students are not interested in college and they spend their day doing other things.
PARAGRAPH 1
Topic sentence
Supporting idea 1
Minor detail 1
Supporting idea 2
Minor detail 2
Supporting idea 3
Minor detail 3
Minor detail 3
Supporting idea 4
Minor detail 4
Conclusion
b. These are mixed sentences of two separate paragraphs. Put each sentence below in the correct
place in the chart to form the paragraphs. The topic sentences are b and j.
a) In addition, boat trips are often cheaper than other forms of travel.
b) The boat is a rather old fashioned way of travelling, but it has certain advantages.
c) In conclusion, travelling by boat isnt a very enjoyable experience.
d) Finally, boats are a safe alternative to cars and planes.
e) Secondly, boat trips can be very unpleasant when the weather is bad or the sea is rough.
f) Firstly, it takes much longer than other forms of travel.
g) For example, there are fewer accidents at sea than in the air or on the roads.
h) First of all, boats are usually more comfortable than planes or cars.
i) Instead of sitting in your seat for the whole journey, you can go for a walk on the deck, even go for shopping.
j) Travelling by boat has its disadvantages.
k) For example, a boat ticket usually costs less than a plane ticket.
l) Thirdly, boat trips may be very tiring especially for old people.
PARAGRAPH 1
Advantages
Topic sentence
Supporting idea 1
PARAGRAPH 2
Disadvantages
Topic sentence
Supporting idea 1
Minor detail 1
Supporting idea 2
Supporting idea 2
Supporting idea 3
Minor detail 2
Conclusion
Supporting idea 3
Minor Detail 3
c. Put each sentence below in the correct place to form two different paragraphs.
a) Firstly, it is always sunny and warm all around the year.
b) All in all, I do my worst not to do my homework.
c) So, you can sunbathe on the beach in summer or enjoy a walk in the warmth of winter breeze.
d) To sum up, Hawaii is an ideal place for a good holiday.
e) For instance, whenever the phone rings or there is someone at the door, I rush to answer before anybody else in
the house.
f) Secondly, the beaches are gorgeous with soft white sand and beautiful blue water promising everyone different
water sports.
g) I also stop studying to investigate any noise I hear while studying.
h) There in the kitchen I make myself an omelette or a cheese sandwich and eat it very slowly.
i) I usually have several reasons to stop doing my homework.
j) In addition, nearly all of the hotels offer cheap accommodation and various Hawaiian food, along with terrific
entertainment.
k) There are several reasons why I usually go to Hawaii on holiday.
l) First of all, as soon as I begin to do my homework, I always start to feel hungry and go into the kitchen to eat
something.
m) While Im studying, I try to listen to music on my walkman or watch television too.
n) For instance, you can not help windsurfing or sailing. You would also enjoy swimming or building sand castles like
children.
PARAGRAPH 1
PARAGRAPH 2
Topic sentence
Topic sentence
Supporting idea 1
Supporting idea 1
Minor detail 1
Minor detail 1
Supporting idea 2
Supporting idea 2
Minor detail 2
Minor detail 2
Supporting idea 3
Supporting idea 3
Conclusion
Conclusion
TO SIGNAL ...
USE
An Addition
An Example
A summary
In conclusion, in summary, in short, in brief, to sum up, to conclude, all in all, on the whole
Result
Contrast
In contrast (to), but, however, on the other hand, yet, whereas, on the contrary, nevertheless,
although, even though (despite, in spite of),
Explanation
That is, namely, in other words, that is to say, to put it in a different way
Emphasis
Purpose
for example,
Conclusion
in conclusion,
Exercise 10: Read the texts below and circle the correct linking word.
In recent years, the Internet has become a great part of our lives. More and more people have access to it
and have discovered many benefits from using it.
To begin with, the Internet offers us unlimited information and knowledge on just about every topic and
access to the Net is easy and fast. 1In spite of this / Therefore, schoolchildren regularly use the web to
research school projects or to browse just for fun.
communicate with people all over the world with a system called e-mail. Finally, they can view products from
different countries and use their credit card to do their shopping from the comfort of your own home.
3
Even though / However, surfing the Internet is not the best way of spending all your free time. Too many
hours in front of the screen can damage your eyes. Studies have
people who prefer to spend their evenings in front of their PCs tend to become antisocial.
result, there are some concerns about security on the Internet
Besides / As a
Although it is difficult to ride a bike if you live close to the city centre, there are many good reasons for
using it. To begin with, it is environmentally friendly. Pollution is one of the biggest problems in the world and
using a bike can definitely help to reduce it. 1________, using a bike everyday helps us to save money. Just
think about how much money we spend on petrol every month! Riding a bike can also help us keep fit. It is
great exercise for the legs as well as the heart. Thats why, a lot of people find bike riding the ideal pastime.
2________,
3________,
it may not always be so easy to ride a bike in a city 4________ drivers do not always respect
riders. 5________, it would be a good idea for the government to educate everyone about the importance of
bike riding and make them change their attitude towards it. In conclusion, riding a bike is cheap, healthy and
fun. So, get on your bikes!
1. a) For this reason
b) Besides
d) For example
2. a) Whats more
b) Although
c) In spite of this
d) Unlike
3. a) Despite
b) Even though
c) As a result
d) However
4. a) so
b) but
c) because
d) also
5. a) Therefore
b) In addition
c) In contrast
d) Similarly
Some people think living in a city has many advantages. First of all, it is often easier to find work, and
theres usually a choice of public transport. 6________, you dont need to own a car. 7________, there are a
lot of interesting things to do and places to see. 8________, you can eat in good restaurants, visit museums,
and go to the theatre and to concerts. City life is full of bustle and variety and you never feel bored.
9________,
other people say that city life has some disadvantages. For one thing, you might have a job, but if
it isnt well-paid, you will not be able to afford many of the things that there are to do,
city is often expensive.
11________,
10________
living in a
hour. Last of all, even though it is crowded, it is still possible to feel very lonely in a city.
I think that city life can be particularly appalling to young people, who like the excitement of the city and dont
mind living with the noise and pollution.
6. a) Therefore
b) In addition
c) In contrast
d) Similarly
7. a) Although
b) In spite of this
c) Whats more
d) Unlike
8. a) Despite this
b) In conclusion
d) For example
9. a) Even though
b) However
c) As a result
10. a) so
b) but
c) because
d) also
11. a) Consequently
b) Besides
c) As a result of
d) Despite
PRACTICE
Exercise 11: Study the analysis and write a paragraph about the general subject.
General Subject: Needs of learners of English
Specific (Supporting Details)
Most specific
Comedies
Soap operas
News programmes
The Daily Mirror
The Sun
Story books
Readers Digest
Womens/Mens magazines
Conclusion
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2. ____________
physics
biology
swimming
chemistry
3. ____________
February
April
June
Wednesday
4. ____________
book
desk
chair
table
11
(I) Africa is a very interesting and natural continent. (II) My favourite animal is the cheetah. (III) It is truly
an amazing creature and it can run at a top speed of 60 mph! (IV) I have always wanted to go to Africa to see
the cheetah in action. (V) I think it will be a wonderful experience looking at those cheetahs when they are
running.
(I) Picasso was a very talented painter. (II) He was born in Malaga in 1881 as the son of a painter. (III) The
name of his opera is still unknown. (IV) When he was thirteen years old, his teachers said that he was very
good at drawing. (V) At the age of thirty, he was a great artist but not a modern painter yet.
(I) I think speaking languages is important nowadays. (II) There are more than two thousand languages in
the world. (III) When you speak more languages, it is better, especially for your career. (IV) If you know a
foreign language, it puts you in touch with other life styles and cultures. (V) So, it could change your life in
some positive ways.
(I) Volleyball is a game in which a large ball is struck by hand across a net without being allowed to touch
the ground. (II) The game is played between two teams, each of them consisting of six players. (III) So,
compared to golf and tennis, volleyball is a much cheaper sport since its equipment doesnt include those
expensive materials. (IV) A team has to take three periods of five periods in order to beat the other team. (V)
A volleyball match is usually played in five periods, but sometimes it can be played in three periods.
REVISE AT HOME!
a. Read the paragraphs below and cross out the irrelevant sentence in each one.
Boston High School is Americas oldest and one of its finest public schools. Boston is a city with a large
black population. Sarah Wessmann, who is 14, wants to go there. She applied last autumn and was rejected.
The students in my class come from many different parts of the world. Some are from European countries,
such as France, Spain and Italy. Others are from Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel. Still
others were born in Asian countries, including Japan and Korea. Korean people are very friendly. The largest
number of students is from Latin American countries like Mexico, Venezuela and Peru. In brief, the class is an
interesting mix of people from many different countries.
There are many examples to show that failure in school does not always predict failure in life. Albert
Einstein, one of the worlds geniuses, failed his university entrance examinations on his first attempt. Sir
Winston Churchill, who is considered one of the masters of the English language, had to have special tutoring
in English during elementary school. Dorothy Parker, who is a remarkable poet, used her famous sense of
humour to write some very good short stories and poems when she was a student. William Faulkner, one of
Americas noted writers, never finished college because he could not pass his English courses.
A curriculum vitae, or C.V., is a necessary document for anyone in search of employment. It includes
essential information such as the persons qualifications, work experience and other relevant details. For many
jobs, employers wish to see that candidates have at least one leisure time activity which can be incorporated
into their work. As it is so important, it is best to make sure that it is properly laid-out and presented.
Youth hostels are dormitory-like shelters that provide inexpensive overnight accommodations for travelling
young people. Many serve meals as well, or they have kitchens in which guests can prepare their own meals.
Eating out poses few problems for traveller who speaks the language of the country, but menus in another
language can be confusing and frustrating. The primary advantage of hostels is, of course, expense.
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In my opinion, travelling by plane cannot be compared with any other type of transportation. To start with, there
is no faster way to travel. You can go from one country to another in a few hours. Also, you always feel well looked
after on a plane. You are served drinks and meals and offered newspapers and blankets, which will make the journey
more comfortable. However, air travel can be expensive and there are often long delays in airports, which can be
tiring. Whats more, many people are afraid of flying and turbulence, so they think travelling by plane is unsafe.
_________________.
a) To sum up, although it has some negative points, air travel will always remain popular because of its speed and
comfort.
b) In conclusion, air travel has always been a second or third choice for people because of its many disadvantages.
c) All things considered, different types of transportation have both good and bad points.
d) In conclusion, few people will continue to prefer air travel because of its cost and turbulence.
New York City is a great place because there is a lot to do there. It is the cultural centre of the USA, so it attracts
many foreign and local tourists. In fact, there are many museums and buildings to visit in New York. One of them is
Metropolitan Museum, and people can find the works of many famous artists there. In New York visitors can spend a
wonderful time at the restaurants and bars. They offer different food from all over the world. __________________.
a) In short, New York is a cultural and historical city.
b) In short, New York is famous for its museums and parks.
c) In short, New York is a great city with a variety of activities.
d) In short, New York is a great place if you like trying different kinds of food.
d. Read the texts below and circle the correct linking word.
The purpose of this report is to learn about the facilities and the services provided at the Bridge Hotel for our travel
agency. First of all, the hotel offers a variety of facilities. Theres a cosy caf, a dinner hall, a large pool, a tennis
court, and a luxurious spa. There is 1_______ a shop on the hotel premises where you can buy souvenirs and small
gifts. 2_______, the hotel offers a variety of activities, especially during winter months. But, the basic problem is
that both the spa and the tennis court are closed to the public 3_______ there isnt enough equipment and staff. As
far as the staff is concerned, they are very friendly and ready to help guests with any problems that might occur.
4
_______, they dont always know exactly what they should do because they dont have enough experience.
5
_______, sometimes the meals are served late or the rooms are cleaned up at inconvenient times. 6_______ it has
some problems, Im sure that with a few training seminars, these minor problems will be overcome. The hotel will be
a good place in a short time and it will be successful.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
a) unlike
a) Consequently
a) because
a) Even though
a) In contrast
a) Likewise
b)
b)
b)
b)
b)
b)
also
Despite this
but
For this reason
In conclusion
Although
c)
c)
c)
c)
c)
c)
whats more
As a result of
so
As a result
Therefore
Similarly
d)
d)
d)
d)
d)
d)
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II. COHERENCE
In order to have coherence in writing, the movement from one sentence to another must be logical and smooth.
There must be no sudden jumps. That is, the reader should understand when a supporting sentence starts and
which sentences are the details that support it; or which sentence concludes the paragraph. Generally, there are
two basic ways to achieve coherence: To make a simple outline and to use transitions to show how one idea is
related to the next.
In addition to transition signals, we can achieve coherence by combined use of key words (those nouns and
phrases that represent the topic of the paragraph) and reference words (pronouns/determiners, such as this
or synonyms). Key words are very important, for they represent the topic; however, the overuse of the key
words in the paragraph makes it boring, impairing the flow of ideas, and therefore, making the paragraph less
coherent. In order to avoid this problem, you should sometimes replace the key words with determiners,
pronouns or synonyms.
Exercise 15: The paragraph below lacks coherence simply because its key word has been used too many
times, leading to repetition. Try to make the paragraph more coherent by replacing the key word with a pronoun
/ determiner / synonym when necessary.
Monticello- a famous site
One of the most famous houses in the United States is Monticello. Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson,
the third president of the United States. Located on a hill in Virginia, Monticello has a beautiful view of the
surrounding countryside.
Monticello is also a fine example of early nineteenth-century American architecture. Jefferson designed
Monticello himself in a style he had liked in Italy. Perhaps, these two reasons make Monticello a very much
appreciated house.
Exercise 16: The following paragraph also lacks coherence because it overuses the pronouns so much that it
may cause some difficulties in comprehension. Try to replace pronouns that refer to the key word with the key
word wherever you feel it is necessary.
The Benefits of Running
Running has many positive effects on the body. First of all, it increases the efficiency of the heart and lungs.
For example, it helps lower blood pressure and prevents heart attacks. As another example, thanks to it, lungs
deliver more oxygen to the cells and breathing is easier. Secondly, it helps people lose fat and become fit. To
illustrate, it allows a person to burn 100 calories each mile he or she runs. Finally, it helps the body
become more mechanically efficient. For example, it helps to develop and tone muscles in the arms,
legs, back, neck and shoulders. In summary, it results in people being healthy.
The use of pronouns can lead to another coherence-related problem if not used properly. That is, when you
use pronouns instead of key nouns, make sure that you use the same person and number throughout your
paragraph. Dont change from you to he or she (change of person), or from he to they (change of
number).
Exercise 17: In the following paragraph, the pronouns are not consistent. Correct them being careful with
subject-verb agreement.
Many students feel that learning to write is a useless, time-consuming task that has little to do with
real life- that is, with their future occupations. These may be true if he/she plans to become car
mechanics or waiters or waitresses, but it is certainly not true if you plan to have a white-collar job.
No matter what profession you choose- business, engineering, government- you will have to write.
14
Exercise 18: Study the analysis and write a paragraph about the general subject.
General Subject: Major Social Problems of Big Cities in Turkey
Specific
Most specific
1 Accommodation
2 Unemployment
3 Lack of proper
health care
Conclusion
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WRITING ESSAYS
What is an essay?
A paragraph develops only one idea. Similarly, an essay, which is a piece of writing with several paragraphs, is
also about one topic. Often, topics are too complex and too broad to be developed in a single paragraph. In
this case, you have to divide the topic into several paragraphs, one for each major point. Writing an essay
isn't more difficult than writing a paragraph except that an essay is longer. The chart below shows you how
the parts of a paragraph correspond, to the parts of an essay.
PARAGRAPH
ESSAY
TOPIC SENTENCE
INTRODUCTION
SUPPORTING DETAIL 1
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
SUPPORTING DETAIL 2
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
SUPPORTING DETAIL 3
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
BODY PARAGRAPH 3
CONCLUSION
Restatement of the main points; final comment
16
A.PARTS OF AN ESSAY
I. THE THESIS STATEMENT
The essay is controlled by one main idea which is called the thesis statement. The thesis statement is similar
to the topic sentence in paragraph, but it is broader and gives a general idea about the subject of the whole
essay. it is usually the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. Each of the topic sentences in the body
paragraph should relate to the thesis statement.
Always remember that a thesis statement
a. must be a complete sentence:
The benefits of the computer. (not a thesis statement)
The computer can help students do research in many ways. (thesis statement)
b. cannot be a question:
What are the advantages of credit cards? (not a thesis statement)
Credit cards are convenient to use for two main reasons. (thesis statement)
c. should be an opinion rather than a fact, because facts cannot be argued.
Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen. (not a thesis statement)
The water in our homes may contain harmful chemicals. (thesis statement)
d. should not be a detail or an example.
In Hong Kong, number eight is lucky. (not a thesis statement)
There are many superstitious beliefs about numbers around the world. (thesis statement)
e. may state or list how it will support an opinion.
Television has a bad influence on children for three reasons. (thesis statement)
The choice of food we eat during our New Year's festival in India is influenced by tradition and religion. (thesis
statement)
f. contains a single topic / one main subject.
Radioactive waste from nuclear power has several destructive effects on people, on plants and on our
environment in general. (thesis statement)
Radioactive waste from nuclear power and burning of fossil fuel have several destructive effects on people, on
plants and on our environment in general. (not a thesis statement because it has two subjects and you cannot
develop both of them successfully in one essay.)
g. is neither too general nor too narrow to be covered in an essay:
The Civil War had a tremendous effect on the American culture. (this is too general, it should be the topic of a
report or a research paper)
Meat is the most important source of protein. (this is too narrow for an essay. You can write one paragraph
about this, so it could be a topic sentence.)
h. is precise and clear. Vague words like fun, important, wonderful, terrible should not be used
because they do not give clear information.
A hobby is fun. (how?)
Money is important. (in what ways?)
Smoking is unhealthy. (why?) (these are not thesis statements)
A hobby can be an extra source of income.
Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause several different diseases. (these are thesis statements)
i. often includes specific aspects of what you will discuss.
Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause several different diseases.
Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause narrowing of the arteries, heart problems and lung cancer. (this is
better because the writer gives more specific information about the causes that lead to being unhealthy.)
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The burning of fossil fuel has several destructive effects on people, on plants and on our environment in general.
Topic
specific points
Exercise 1: Divide the following thesis statements into their parts. Can you tell how many body paragraphs
there will be in the essays?
1. The main causes of traffic accidents in Turkey are the attitude of Turkish drivers, the poor state of the
roads, and the poor condition of vehicles.
2. Several things make me adore Izmir: its friendly atmosphere and people, the cheap prices and its
convenient location.
3. There are four major reasons for absenteeism among students in the prep classes including over sleeping,
traffic problems, being ill, and boredom.
4. Teenage smoking is caused by personal insecurity, a desire to be like adults, and peer pressure.
5. The status of women in Turkey has improved remarkably in recent years in the areas of economic
independence, political rights, educational opportunities and social status.
Exercise 2: Write the thesis statements for the topic sentences given.
1. Thesis: ________________________________________________________________________
a. First of all, watching TV has the value of relaxation.
b. In addition to being relaxing, television is entertaining.
c. Most importantly, television is educational.
2. Thesis: ________________________________________________________________________
a. One reason is people cannot find employment in their hometowns.
b. Another reason is they want better education opportunities.
c. Most importantly, they feel safer in a city where there are modern health facilities.
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General Statement
More specific
More specific
More specific
Thesis Statement
Exercise 3: Use the thesis statement below and write a general statement for the introductory paragraph.
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Watching television is valuable educationally as it provides cultural, social and political knowledge.
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Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that states the point to be detailed in that paragraph.
The controlling idea in the body paragraphs should echo the central idea in the thesis statement.
e.g.: Thesis statement: "There are many advantages of living in the school dorm."
The topic sentence of each paragraph should be about one advantage of living in the school dorm.
e.g.: Topic sentence: "The first advantage of living in the school dorm is ... "
The body paragraphs should have coherence and unity. The order of your paragraphs should be the same
as the order in the thesis statement.
As your sentences need to flow smoothly, your paragraphs need to flow smoothly too. This can be
achieved through the use of transitions.
e.g.: Thesis statement: "I love Istanbul because it has historical and natural beauty."
1st body paragraph, topic sentence: "The first reason why I like Istanbul is its historical beauty."
2nd body paragraph, topic sentence: "The other reason of my love for Istanbul is its natural beauty."
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b.
Thesis Statement:
In order to make a good impression at a job interview, you should prepare well for the interview.
Topic Sentences of Body Paragraphs:
1st :The first thing you should do is plan your answers to the possible questions that the interviewer might
ask.
2nd: Then you should carefully plan and prepare what you are going to wear.
3rd:Finally, you should make sure that you arrive on time.
Conclusion:
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Exercise 8: Read the texts below and circle the correct linking word.
Within the last few years mobile phones have become an important part of our society. They have
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Using a mobile phone has many advantages. First of all, it is convenient because you can carry it with
you wherever you go. 1As a result / Besides, it can be very useful in emergencies, for example, if your car
breaks down. 2Whats more / For this reason, they are not just phones, you can use them as alarm clocks,
calculators and much more.
3However
/ Even though, there are also a number of disadvantages. Firstly, doctors always warn
so / because using mobile phones too much can lead to health problems such as
brain disease. They are 5on the other hand / also very annoying in cinemas or at the theatre when people
forget to switch them off. Another problem is that they are always being updated. 6Therefore / Despite this,
it is necessary to buy a new one every couple of years. Finally, it is quite expensive to use the service.
In conclusion, I believe that 7although / despite they have some disadvantages, mobile phones can
be very useful. But we mustnt forget that there are also some problems involved.
Ever since the lottery was invented in 1520, people all around the world have dreamed about
What is more / For this reason, in many lotteries, some of the profit is given to
Therefore / In spite of this, even if you dont win, you are helping someone indirectly.
Even though / However, others argue that the lottery is a bad thing and can have a negative
effect on people
5Despite
so / because it encourages them to waste money on a dream that wont come true.
this / Besides, people might become addicted to gambling and obsessed with special lucky
numbers. 6As a result/On the other hand, they may get into debt so that they can buy their tickets. And
winning a million pounds doesnt guarantee happiness. For example, a few winners complain that they have
lost their friends or are bored because they no longer work. In my opinion these people have only themselves
to blame.
To sum up, I believe that 7although / despite it provides entertainment, helps to fund charities, and
makes a few lucky people millionaires, the lottery may have a negative impact on people especially when they
become addicted to gambling. But we need to remember that it is only a game people are able to choose
whether they play it or not.
Exercise 9: Read the texts below and choose the correct option.
The purpose of this report is to learn about the facilities and the services provided at the Bridge Hotel for
our travel agency. First of all, the hotel offers a variety of facilities. Theres a cosy caf, a dinner hall, a large
pool, a tennis court, and a luxurious spa. There is 1_______ a shop on the hotel premises where you can buy
souvenirs and small gifts. 2_______, the hotel offers a variety of activities, especially during winter months.
But, the basic problem is that both the spa and the tennis court are closed to the public 3_______ there isnt
enough equipment and staff. As far as the staff is concerned, they are very friendly and ready to help guests
with any problems that might occur. 4_______, they dont always know exactly what they should do because
they dont have enough experience. 5_______, sometimes the meals are served late or the rooms are cleaned
up at inconvenient times. 6_______ it has some problems, Im sure that with a few training seminars, these
minor problems will be overcome. The hotel will be a good place in a short time and it will be successful.
1. a) unlike
b) also
c) whats more
2. a) Consequently
b) Despite this
c) As a result of
d) Besides
3. a) because
b) but
c) so
d) for example
4. a) Even though
c) As a result
d) However
5. a) In contrast
b) In conclusion
c) Therefore
d) In spite of this
6. a) Likewise
b) Although
c) Similarly
d) Despite
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Exercise 10: Read the text and fill in each blank with the correct linking word.
unless, although, because, therefore, whether, unlike, however, whereas, in spite of
There are a number of arguments against a ban on mobile phones in places where they might irritate
other people. To begin with, its really difficult to stop people bringing their mobile phones into public places,
and 1______________________, it would be nearly impossible to enforce any ban. Some people would see
this as a violation (limitation) of their rights, 2______________________ other people would say they need
them in case of emergency. And 3______________________ they are asked to turn their mobile phones off,
some people insist on leaving them on, or simply forget to silence them. Perhaps the most important point is
that, 4______________________ all the disadvantages, many people these days simply feel that they cant
live without their mobile.
It seems to me that a ban on mobile phones would be pointless
5______________________
people
would always find a way round any ban. Despite this, people should be discouraged from using them in places
like restaurants 6______________________ it is absolutely necessary. People should be made aware that its
very bad manners to use them at certain times. 7______________________, there will always be someone who
thinks their call is much more important than other peoples peace and quiet!
Exercise 11: Choose one of the topics below and write a for & against essay.
*advantages and disadvantages of camping holidays / globalization / living in a flat /
being famous /...
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