3.

0 WRITING

3.1 Coherence and Cohesion

 Coherence means “structure” (paragraph and essay structure).

Introduction Structure

The introduction tells the reader what the essay is about and what it will do

 General statement about the topic

 Specific statement about the topic
 Thesis statement (what the essay will do)

Paragraph Structure

Each paragraph should have one central idea

 Introduce the central idea

 Explain the central idea
 Give an example to illustrate the central idea
 Conclude the central idea

Conclusion Structure

The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes what the essay did

 Restate thesis
 Summarize what the essay did
 Give an opinion/recommendation/prediction

The central idea of each body paragraph should be linked back to the thesis statement in
your introduction and should be reiterated in your conclusion.

 Cohesion means flow. This is how well your ideas follow from one to the next with
seamless and logical transition. As you develop your paragraph, your ideas must be
related to each other and they should be logically linked with referencing and linking
words.
Types of Cohesive Purposes Examples
Devices
Sequence To show hoe ideas are put in Next
order Firstly
Finally
Secondly
Addition To show how ideas are added Besides that
on Apart from that
As well as
Furthermore
Another
Moreover
In Addition
Also
Contrast To show differences in ideas Even though
But
On the other hand
However
Despite
Although
In spite of
Though
Result To show sequences Yet
Since
As
Hence
For that reason
Therefore
Thus
Conclusion To show overall ending Finally
To conclude

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 In conclusion
Therefore
As a result
Illustration To show that an example will For example
follow Specifically
To illustrate
For instance
Such as

3.2 Basic Sentence Pattern

Sentence patterns are made up of phrases and clauses.

A phrase is a group of connected words, but it is not a complete sentence because it is
missing a subject and/or a verb. Phrases are just one component that makes up a complete
sentence.
A clause contains a subject (actor) and a verb (action). There are two types of clauses:
1. An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a complete
sentence.
2. A dependent clause (a.k.a. subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a complete
sentence (even though it may contain a subject and a verb). It begins with a
subordinating conjunction (because, when, while, after… and many more).
Here are the most common and basic sentence patterns:
1. The chef cooked.
Pattern: Subject + Verb
2. The creative chef cooked.
Pattern: Adjective + Subject + Verb
3. The creative chef methodically cooked.
Pattern: Adjective + Subject + Adverb + Verb
4. The creative chef methodically cooked in the kitchen.
Pattern: Adjective + Subject + Adverb + Verb + Prepositional Phrase

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3.3 Topic Sentence and Supporting Details

 Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the
paragraph. A topic sentence also states the point the writer wishes to make about
that subject. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of the
paragraph. It is often the paragraph’s very first sentence. A paragraph’s topic
sentence must be general enough to express the paragraph’s overall subject. But it
should be specific enough that the reader can understand the paragraph’s main
subject and point.
 Tips to remember in writing topic sentences:
o The topic sentence should identify the main idea and point of the paragraph.
To choose an appropriate topic sentence, read the paragraph and think about
its main idea and point.
o The supporting details in the paragraph (the sentences other than the topic
sentence) will develop or explain the topic sentence. Read all the supporting
details in the paragraph and think about the ideas they discuss.
o The topic sentence should not be too general or too specific. When
considering the options, look for a topic sentence that is general enough to
show the paragraph’s main idea instead of just one of its details. The answer
should be specific enough that the reader understands the main idea of the
paragraph.

SUPPORTING DETAILS
 A paragraph contains facts, statements, examples-specifics which guide us to a
full understanding of the main idea. They clarify, illuminate, explain, describe,
expand and illustrate the main idea and are supporting details.
 Determining Supporting Details
1. Decide which details help to further the story line.
2. Decide which details help you to understand the main idea.
 3. Answer question raised by the main idea (who, what when, why or how).

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Supporting details can be in the form of:

 Definitions
 Distinctions
 Examples
 Quotations
 Statistics
 Anecdotes
 Experience

Firstly, the growing trend of electronic communications is making it possible for a borderless
communication which is vital these days….(Topic Sentence)… Why is it vital? A lot of things
require borderless communication; in education field, businesses and even daily activities,
especially when foreigners involved…(Elaboration)… For example, when trading with foreigners,
in order to communicate with each other, they need Facetime or Whatsapp as mediums to interact
and be able to do the trade at a faster rate as compared to by using ‘snail mails’ or regular letters.
Skype is the perfect example of an electronic communication which will cut the boundary that has
separated each country and make communication between two different countries from around
the world possible. In conclusion, it is crucial to have these electronic communications in today’s
age of globalization as they make it easier for people around the world to connect with each
other…(Examples)…

3.4 Writing Introduction and Conclusion

Report Writing

 Understanding non-linear stimuli (graphs) and synthesizing it into linear form

(composition).

 Written for a clear purpose and information has to be specific with evidence.

 Must follow a structured format to ensure the inputs are easy to locate and

follow.

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Extended Writing

 The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to

investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth
an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can
be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the
analysis of cause and effect, etc
 The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following.

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first
paragraph of the essay.

It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the

guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion
of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

 Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and

conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together.
Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s
argument, and the structure will collapse.

 Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will
allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such
conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to
note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical
connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

 Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no
preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of
statistical or factual evidence.

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION
“The most important factor which contributes towards a person’s success is
himself.DO you agree with this statement?” Justify your stand, by giving relevant
examples where appropriate. You should write at least 350 words.

1. Facts/Data/ Statistics
According to an article in Time magazine, on World’s 100 Top Successful people, 90% of
people become successful based on their exceptional individual characters rather than
talent alone. This means that people who have the same great talent-take acting for
example are both capable of becoming successful but the one who has characteristics
like friendly, well-groomed with high self-esteem are more likely to achieve superstardom
compared to an introverted actor who has low self –confidence and personality ……
(Stand)…. (Thesis Statement)…..

2. Rhetorical questions
Is talent enough to achieve success? How is it possible for a set of identical twins who are
both equally good in painting, yet only one becomes a successful painter while the other
one does not? Can a person’s character determine his or her ability to achieve success in
life?
3. Anecdote
There was once a businessman who had triplets. He could not decide which son should
inherit his business empire. He gave each of his three sons the same amount of money
and told them to achieve success in business. The first son used the money as a dowry
to marry a rich land owner daughter. The second son used the money to bet on numbers
but he lost it all. The third son bought cows and goats with the intent of breeding them,
milking them and making butter and cheese of which he would sell at the market. Finally
the businessman chose the third son because he was the only son who was capable of
growing his investment. The point of all; if there is equal opportunity, success and failure
is driven by the decisions each individual makes.

4. Examples
Robert Kwok is well-known for his smart business skills as testified by his well-established
business empire. His entrepreneurship skills have been commonly mimicked but rarely
replicated as many aspire to become like him but seldom achieve the level of his success.
The secret of his success is his unique character which is determined by his desire to rise
above all, including himself.

……………………………………………………

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THESIS STATEMENT

A thesis statement is one sentence that establishes the focus of your essay. In an essay, your
thesis should always appear at the end of your introduction and it should be restated in your
conclusion
Use this template to help you:

In this essay, I would like to discuss advantages/disadvantages/reasons/causes/strategies

which are __________, __________ and ___________.

or

In this essay, I would like to focus on the *________________, ______________ and

______________.
*can be replaced with:
a. causes, effects and solutions
b. pros, cons, solutions
c. advantages, disadvantages, suggestions
d. benefits, drawbacks, ways to overcome

For a better essay, omit the 'I' and replace with more formal structures.

In light of this, there are many reasons/causes/effects/advantages/disadvantages to this issue

namely ______________, _______________ and ______________.

or

There are many sides to this issue but let us focus on the ____________, ___________ and
_________ of ______________________(issue).

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 CONCLUSION

 Remind readers of the important ideas mentioned (thesis statement and body)
 Summarize points in different words
 State point of view

Make a recommendation

In short there are many ways to prevent oneself from becoming a snatch theft victim.
Being aware of one’s surroundings, walking in groups, avoiding all lonely roads and dark
alleys and not wearing expensive or flashy jewelry can indeed prevent innocent people
from becoming victims of these unscrupulous criminals. The basic recommendation is
that if one is careful and cautious of one’s actions and one’s surroundings, it is possible
to reduce the risk of becoming a snatch victim.

Talk about implications and consequences.

It is important to realize that the threat posed by snatch thieves is only going to get more
serious if something is not done to arrest the problem. The government is already doing
its best to raise public awareness and increase security in crime prone areas. However,
it is vital that each and every one of us be proactive and take the necessary steps
mentioned to protect ourselves from becoming victims. Only then we will be able to go
out safely.

Ask a question

So are you taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from becoming the next snatch
theft victim? Remember, being aware of your surroundings, not walking anywhere alone,
always walking along brightly lit crowded streets and not wearing expensive jewelry can
indeed prevent you from becoming a victim. The number of snatch thefts in our country
will be reduced drastically if more and more people take the right measures to protect
themselves from these criminals.

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End with a quotation

In conclusion, there are four crucial steps everyone can take to prevent himself or herself
from becoming a snatch theft victim. Remember, being aware of your surroundings, not
walking anywhere alone always walking along brightly lit crowded streets and not wearing
expensive jewelry can indeed prevent you from becoming a victim of these unscrupulous
criminals. Remember, it is indeed better to be safe than sorry.

………………………………………………………………

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ANALYSIS

 An Analysis must have Key Feature + Trend + Data

 Leaving any one out would result in an incomplete analysis

Example:
In 2014, Men has the highest number of heart attack cases (600)

Data Trend Key Feature

List of trend that could be used (Depends on suitability)

 Rise  Fall  Stable  Inconsistent

 Gain  Drop  Constant  Fluctuating
 Increase  Decrease  Consistent  Unstable
 Improve  Depreciate  Erratic
 Incline  Decline
 High/higher/highest  Low/Lower/Lowest
 More than  Less than
 Most  Least

Describing Graphs Using Prepositions

In [month/year/morning, afternoon]

At [9 o’clock, 10.30 am]

From …… [a point in time..… to [ another point]

Between …..[a point in time]….. and [another point]

During [a period of time]

By [a point of time arrived at]

Until [a point of time reached]

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 Tense choices

Tense Usage Example

Simple present To introduce The line graph shows the sales of Persona
information cars between the years 2009 and 2011.

Simple Past To explain data in the The sales increased gradually during the
past two years.

Present To describe trend Since 209, the sales have grown

perfect over a period of time tremendously.

Past perfect To show action Prior to 2009, sales had shown a modest.
completed in the past

Language choices

Noun Adjective Verb Adverb

The rise fast To go up

The increase quick To rise

sudden To increase fast

significant To soar quickly

dramatic suddenly

large significantly

dramatically

The drop slow To go down

The decrease small To drop

slight To decrease

significant

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4.1.5 SYNTHESIS

 Explain the reason for an analysis/ justify why it happened

 Analysis + Analysis

 Analysis + Description

Linkers = as, so, because, when, due to,

resulted in…

Example:

In 2011, the number of heart attack cases for men was the lowest (320) because they
performed the least number of activities (2 out 5)

Linkers

4.1.6 Conclusion

 What is the relation between figure 1 and figure 2

 It is the same as overview so you may either repeat your overview or come
up with another overview.
 Don’t forget to include “In conclusion” at the start of your conclusion.

Example:

In conclusion, the number of activities performed by men and women influences the
number of heart attack cases among them (2011-2015)

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