Desarrollo de Tareas

Writing an essay


Prof: W. Godoy De La Rosa


Essay
An essay is a group of paragraph written
about a single topic and a central main
idea. It must have at least three
paragraph, but a five paragraph essay is
common length in academic writing.
An introductory paragraph in which you
clearly state the topic to be discussed.
A main body in which points are clearly stated
in separate paragraphs and exemplified or
justified; and
A closing paragraph summarising the main
points of the essay, in which you state/restate
your opinion, and /or give a balanced
consideration of the topic.

Discursive essays
Thesis statement
A well-developed paragraph contains a
clear topic sentence, which summarises
the content of the paragraph, as well as a
clear justification , explanation example
in support of the point presented.
A strong thesis statement
A STRONG thesis statement gives the authors
opinion or states an important idea about the
topic. It should give an idea that can be discussed
and explained with supporting ideas.
Thesis statement

You SHOULD NOT USE
Short forms except when these are part of the quotation
Colloquial/ informal language, phrasal verbs and idioms
Simplistic vocabulary ( E.g. Expert say they think is bad)
A series of short sentences.
Simple linking words ( fanboys) except for variety
Use very emotional language ( E.g. I absolutely detest people
who)

You SHOULD NOT USE
Express personal opinions too strongly ( E.g. I know) use
milder expressions ( E.g. it seems to me that)
Overgeneralisation ( E.g. All politicians are)
Use clichs ( E.g. Rome was not built in a day)
Use personal examples ( E.g. In my school)
Refer blindly to statistics. Use accurate source.

Discursive essay are written in formal style
Passive voice, impersonal constructions
(E.g: it is said that; it is a common belief that)

A range of advanced vocabulary

Formal linking words and phrases (however, nonetheless,
furthemore,etc) sequencing (Firstly, secondly, etc.)

Complex sentences with a variety of links, dependant
clauses, etc.

Discursive essay are written in formal style
Use topic sentence to introduce the topic of each paragraph
Write well developed paragraphs, giving reasons and examples
Use generalisations (E.g. In most developed countries,
educations)
Make references to other sources (E.g. Experts have
proved that)
Use quotations, either word for word or paraphrase, being
careful to identify the source (E.g. As Wiston Churchil said )
For and against paragraph


For and against paragraph






Cohesive devices


Prof: W. Godoy De La Rosa





Advantages and disadvantages
When you give a list of advantages, reasons, or other ideas in a
paragraph, you can use transitions that show addition.

Ex:
In addition, he knows each child`s pet and hobbies.
He knows, in addition, each child`s pet and hobbies.
Moreover, he knows each child`s pet and hobbies.
He knows, moreover, each child`s pet and hobbies.

Advantages paragraph
Topic sentence
First of all,
First,
The first advantage is
Second,
The second advantage is
In addition,
Moreover,
In conclusion,
Compare and contrast
Compare = look for similarities between two
things, two people, two ideas, etc.

Contrast = look for differences between two
things, two people, two ideas, etc.
Paragraph organisation when you
compare and contrast
Topic sentence
I.- Similarities:
Secondary education and tertiary
education
A: Teachers
B: Grade
II.- Differences:
Secondary education and tertiary
education
A: Teachers
B: Grade
Concluding sentence.

Topic sentence
I.- Teachers
A: Similarities
B: Differences
Secondary education and tertiary
education
II.- Grades
A: Similarities
B: Differences
Secondary education and tertiary
education
Concluding sentence.

Showing contrast
However connects an idea in the first sentence with a
contrasting idea in the second sentence.

Ex: In most countries, people drive on the right.
However, in the UK and Australia, people drive on the
left.

Punctuation
In California, children go to school until age sixteen;
however, in Oregon, they go to school until age
eighteen.

In California, children go to school until age sixteen.
However, in Oregon, they go to school until age
eighteen.


Showing similarities
Similarly and likewise connect an idea in the first sentence with a
similar idea in the second sentence.

Ex: Similarly,
A driver in a car must wear a seat belt. Likewise, the
passenger sitting next to the driver must wear a seat belt.
Solution to problems

Opinion paragraph


The qualifications for getting into university in my
country are unreasonable.

When studying a foreign language, there are several
ways to improve your use of the language.


These are strong thesis statements. They can be discussed
or explained.
A thesis statement should not be a sentence that only
gives a facts about the topic:

In nothern hemisphere, the summer months are
warmer than the winter months.

This is not a strong thesis statement. It cannot be
discussed or argued about.


A thesis statament should not state two sides of an argument
equally:

There are advantages and disadvantages to using
nuclear power.

This could be a topic sentence, but it is not a thesis statement.
It gives two sides of an argument without giving a clear
opinion of support or disagreement
It could be revised like this:

Although there are some advantages, using
nuclear power has many disadvantages and
should not be a part of our countrys energy
plan.


This is a strong thesis statement. It clearly gives the
writers opinion about nuclear power.

Paragraph outline
Topic sentence .
Supporting .
Supporting .
Supporting .
Concluding .
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
She is skinny. (negative)
She is underweight. (negative)
She is thin. (negative)
She is slim. (positive)
She is slender. (positive)

She is fat. (negative) round waist/beer
belly
She is overweight. (negative)
She is plump. (neutral)
She is stocky. (neutral)
She is bonny. (positive)
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height
hat
Hair Eyes

Complexion

Tall Blonde hair
Fair hair
Grey He is white. He has
fair skin
Short Brown hair
Brunette
Green Pale skin
Normal Red hair
Redhead/ Ginger
Blue She is black. She has
black skin
Black/ dark hair Brown (slightly) tanned skin
Grey hair Dark
Curly / Straight
Wavy / Spiky * Black eye
Long / Short hair
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Head Chin
Wear hair pushed back behind her
ears

She has pointed chin
Centre parting (Br)
Center part( Am)

He has a double chin
Side parting (Br)
Side part (Am)

He has a dimple in his chin
Forehead He is growing goatee beard
Wispy fringe Hes got five oclock shadow
Receding hairline He is clean shaven



CHARACTER
Intellectual ability Lacking intellectual
ability
Intelligent
Bright
Clever / quick witted
Smart
Shrewd rud
Able
Gifted
Talented
Brainy ( colloquial)

Stupid
Foolish
Half / slow witted
Simply
Silly
Brainless ( colloquial)
Daft ( colloquial)
Dumb ( colloquial)

Attitudes towards life
Optimistic
Extroverted
Relaxed


Pessimistic
Introverted
Tense


Sensible = down to earth / insensible ( sensato, prudente, prctico)
Sensible idea sensible sort of person

Sensitive / insensitive ( sensible )
sensitive child sensitive skin
Attitudes towards people
DESCRIBING PEOPLE
File
Who is the murderer?