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ING 600 COURSE BOOK ACADEMIC READING & WRITING UNIT 2

FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY

This skill is aimed at trying to understand what the topic is about, the essential part of it. Do not try to understand every single word; do not focus on details; however, taking notes is a very important tool when listening. Use abbreviations or symbols when doing so. Activity 1: Listen to the lecture and then answer the following questions by underlining the most suitable response:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyi1bNnvbCY&index=2&list=PL01915CF568816175

What is the purpose of the talk? a. b. c. d.

To outline the history of human migration To examine the cause of population movement To show how North America was settled To explain why human started leaving Africa

Listen to the lecture again then choose the best response for each question. How did people survive the Ice Age in northern Europe and Asia? a. b. c. d.

They made shelter, clothes and fire. They moved south to avoid the cold. They took over unused land. They hunted migrating animals.

What does the speaker say about the invasion of occupied land by human groups? a. b. c. d.

It occurred mainly in Europe. It was practiced only when there was no free land. It is not related to human migration It is one form of human migration

What does the speaker say about human migration? a. b. c. d.

It was done mainly by early tribal societies. It has been done only at certain times in history. It seems to be a basic human instinct. It appears to no longer be common

The professor briefly explains a series of human migrations. Put the migrations in chronological order. ( ( ( (

) Humans crossed the Bering land bridge and spread throughout the Americas ) Humans spread through eastern Asia and south to Australia ) Humans have continued to migrate throughout the world ) Humans migrated from the savannahs of Africa into Europe and Asia

Source: GGothika. (2011, November 11 ). TOEFL listening practice - Lecture 1[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyi1bNnvbCY&index=2&list=PL01915CF568816175

Activity 2: Listen to the lecture and then answer the following questions by underlining the most suitable response

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8c50Z0J8ts&list=PL01915CF568816175&index=3 What is the main topic of the professor discussion? a. b. c. d.

Jack London’s family Jack London’s politics Jack London’s work Jack London’s life Listen to the lecture again then choose the best response for each question

Why did London become a writer? a. b. c. d.

To cover the costs of his kidney illness Because of his failure in becoming a political leader Because he was an avid reader To avoid working in a factory

According to the professor where did London get his ideas for publications? Choose two answers: a. b. c. d.

He created stories from his imagination. He told the stories of people he met when he was a factory worker. He used material from his own experiences. He retold stories written by other authors.

Why does the professor mention London´s novel The Call Of The Wild? a. b. c. d.

To name a work that showed London’s anti capitalist ideas To give an example of London’s diverse experiences To give an example of London’s disciplined approach to writing To name the work that brought London fame

According to the professor, in what way was London inconsistent and self-contradictory? Choose two answers: a. b. c. d.

In his support for women’s rights In his support for the prohibition of alcohol In his innovative ideas In his support for socialism

The professor describes London’s life chronologically. Summarize London´s life by putting the events in order. (.....) London´s working life as a young man was very diverse. (.....) London worked at becoming a successful writer (.....) London’s family settled down in Oakland after having moved around. (.....) London introduced practical innovation on his ranch.

Source: GGothika. (2011, November 11 ). TOEFL listening practice - Lecture 2[video file].

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8c50Z0J8ts&list=PL01915CF568816175&index=3

How much do you know about Opinion Essays? Write T (true) or F (false)

An opinion essay comprises at least 4 paragraphs. (.....) The first paragraph states the topic, your opinion and supporting details. (.....) This kind of essay contains a paragraph with an opposing viewpoint. (.....) The concluding paragraph restates your opinion using the same words. (.....) Opinion essays are formal in style (.....)

An opinion essay is formal in style. It has an odd number of paragraphs. This kind of essay includes an opposing viewpoint which is normally developed before the concluding paragraph. Opinion Essay Introductory Paragraph Hook Background Sentence Opposing Viewpoint Argument 1 (this sentence supports the thesis statement) Argument 2 (this sentence supports the thesis statement) Thesis statement (Your viewpoint) Main Body (paragraph 2) Argument 1 + details + examples Main Body (paragraph 2) Argument 2 + details + examples 8

Main Body (paragraph 2) Opposing viewpoint + details + examples Concluding Paragraph Restates the introductory paragraph except the hook The purpose of any introductory paragraph is to catch the reader’s attention and to state what the essay is about. In an opinion essay, the introductory paragraph also expresses an opposing viewpoint as well as one’s opinion on the topic.

The hook is the first sentence in an introductory paragraph. It is usually a rhetorical ques-

tion (a question that expects no answer), or a quote. Examples:

Rhetorical Questions Have you ever thought about the Pope´s religion? How much longer can injustice continue? Can marriage be redefined to include two men or two women? Can euthanasia be considered mercy?

Quotes

“Success is not a goal, it’s the way through.” “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” “if you love what you do, you won’t have to work anymore.” “Happiness is not a state to arrive at, rather, a manner of traveling.” 9

The Background sentence states what happens and/or what is happening about the topic. The opposing viewpoint states what other people think about the topic. It is something you don’t agree with. The thesis statement is your opinion on the topic. The thesis statement is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. The supporting arguments are the reasons that support your thesis statement. For instance. Thesis statement: Examinations should be banned (why?) (because) They force students to work hard (because)They show students’ knowledge As a result, They force students to work hard = supporting arguments They show students’ knowledge = supporting arguments

It´s important to notice that both supporting arguments are placed right before the thesis statement.

Hook: Are people intelligent? If so, how can they prove it? Background sentence: At present, students are obliged to take an exam to evaluate their knowledge. Opposing viewpoint: Examinations make students stress too much. Supporting Argument 1: Examinations force students to work hard. Supporting Argument 2: Examinations demonstrate students´ knowledge. Thesis statement: Examinations should not be banned.

The second and third paragraph of the essay support the thesis statement (your viewpoint). Each paragraph starts with an argument and then it is followed by the details and examples; as follows, Main Body (paragraph 2) Examinations force students to work hard + details + examples Main Body (paragraph 2) Examinations show studentsâ€™ knowledge + details + examples

The concluding paragraph is no more than the introductory paragraph restated in different words. The only sentence that is not restated is the hook. You may wish to end your conclusion with something thought provoking. Here is a brief list of things that you might use in your concluding paragraph: ask a provocative question use a quotation evoke a vivid image call for some sort of action end with a warning

For more information go to: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/endings.htm *Conclusions should not include any important new information about the topic.

Exercise: The following paragraphs are part of the outline of an essay on Examinations. First write the paragraph number in the space provided. Then write next to each sentence whether it is a supporting sentence, detail, opposing viewpoint, etc. Eventually, organize the sentences within each paragraph.

In the real world exams are needed to apply for a job or university ……………………….. Examinations measure only memory and not learning.……………………….. Exams show teachers what needs to be reinforced.……………………….. There will not exist a way of measuring real knowledge if examinations are banned.………………………..

The only way to enter college is by taking examinations.……………………….. Human resource departments always use exams to hire people.……………………….. In the real world exams are needed to apply for a job or university.……………………….. Examinations are useful for people to obtain scholarships.………………………..

Tests indicate what the specific weaknesses of each student are.……………………….. Teachers can help students to improve their academic performance analyzing the results of a test.……………………….. Examinations help the professor to know if the teaching methodology is giving favorable results.……………………….. Exams show teachers what needs to be reinforced.………………………..

Exams show teachers what needs to be reinforced.……………………….. “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. (Benjamin Franklin)……………………….. Examinations measure only memory and not learning.……………………….. SENESCYT established that students need to take exams to apply for university.……………………….. In the real world exams are needed to apply for a job or university.………………… Examinations should not be banned.………………………..

Practical activities are more useful to learn than theoretical tests.……………………….. Examinations measure only memory and not learning.……………………….. Most of the students forget what they have studied, and this does not reflect if they are learning or not.……………………….. Students memorize the subject content only for the moment of a quiz.………………………..

Exercise: Based on the outline above, write an opinion essay using the scaffolded essay given.

SCAFFOLDED ESSAY Should examinations be abolished? (the hook can be the title too) Paragraph No. 1 1. Write a topic sentence regarding the background of the topic; an opposing viewpoint; two reasons that support your view and your opinion on the topic. (this is the thesis statement) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………... Paragraph No. 2 2. Why do you think exams should/shouldn´t be abolished? Write the first reason and at least two examples/details. To start with………………………………………………………………………………………….. .………………...……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………...………………... Paragraph No. 3 3. Write the other reason why you think exams should/shouldn´t be abolished? and two clear examples/details. Furthermore, ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………...……………….........................................

Paragraphs No. 4 4. Jot down the opposing viewpoint as well as reasons for it. However, ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… Paragraph No. 5 5. State the opposing viewpoint; summarize your reasons for examinations being or not being abolished and restate the thesis statement in different words. All in all, ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… ……………..………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………..........................

Follow the prompt and instructions below in order to write a well-organized five-paragraph opinion essay. Prompt: The internet, an extraordinary or a dangerous tool? Paragraph 1 Start this paragraph with a hook (a compelling statement that grabs the reader’s attention-- it can even be the above prompt question!). Then write a topic sentence with some background info on the subject, followed by an opposing viewpoint, two reasons that support your view, and your opinion. ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………..........................

Paragraph 2 Why do you think the Internet is an extraordinary or a dangerous tool? Write the first of your two reasons, and at least three examples. You can start this paragraph by stating, First of all,…………………………………………………………………………… ……………...………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………...…………………………………………………………………… …………….…………………………………………….

Paragraph 3 Write your second reason why you think Internet is an extraordinary or a dangerous tool and three clear examples. You can start by stating, In addition, ................………………………………………………………………………..…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………...…………………………………………………… …………………………………. Paragraph 4 Write down the opposing viewpoint, as well as the evidence for it. Nevertheless, it is claimed that ………………………………………………………………… …………..……………………………………………………………………..……………………… ……………….……………………………………………………………………………………… ……….……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………….…………………………………… …………………………….………………………………...………………………………………… …..………………………………………………………………….………………………………... ………………………………………… Paragraph 5 State the opposing viewpoint once again; then summarize your supporting sentences why the Internet is an extraordinary or a dangerous tool, and restate your thesis statement in different words. All in all, Even though ………………………………..……………………………………………………… …………………………….……...………………..………………………………..………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………...……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………...

We usually do not have to think about making the verb agree with its subject. We would not write She give the biscuits to her daughter. I gives the biscuits to my daughter. There are, however, instances where it is possible to mismatch the verb and the subject without it sounding as disjointed as the above examples do. Plural subject, singular verb In this sentence, “careful planning” and “a clear mind” are the subject, and as they are plural the verb has to be plural: “are” rather than “is”. Careful planning and a clear mind is important for writing a good essay. (Incorrect) Careful planning and a clear mind are important for writing a good essay. (Correct) You need to be careful in situations where the subject is a list of things, the last of which is a singular item. In such cases, the whole list of different items forms the subject and therefore needs a plural verb

Warships, yachts, dinghies and a huge aircraft carrier is out on the harbour. (Incorrect) Warships, yachts, dinghies and a huge aircraft carrier are out on the harbour. (Correct) Singular subjects Problems are particularly likely to occur with collective nouns such as “a herd,” “a collection,” or “a group.” All these are singular and therefore need a singular verb. The subject in this sentence is “Tim’s collection,” which is singular. It therefore needs a singular verb: ‘was’ rather than ‘were’. Tim’s collection of bottles was fantastic. (Correct) Tim’s collection of bottles were fantastic. (Incorrect) In this example, the subject is “a small group of birds,” which is singular (even though there are lots of birds) and needs a singular verb. 18

A small group of birds were flying across the midnight sea. (Incorrect) A small group of birds was flying across the midnight sea. (Correct) An enormous herd of zebras was thundering towards us. (Correct) An enormous herd of zebras were thundering towards us. (Incorrect) Take care with ‘each’, which is also singular and therefore needs a singular verb. Each of these bottles are cracked. (Incorrect) Each of these bottles is cracked. (Correct) You also need to watch out when other phrases are added between the subject and its verb. In this sentence the subject is “my best friend,” which is singular and so needs a singular verb.

My best friend, along with all his family and pets, is moving to Australia. (Correct) My best friend, along with all his family and pets, are moving to Australia. (Incorrect) My best friend, all his family and pets are moving to Australia. (Correct)

Either and neither can also cause problems. They are both singular and need a singular verb. Neither of you is going to the cinema this evening. (Correct) Neither of you are going to the cinema this evening. (Incorrect) Either Spain or Portugal seems like a good place for a holiday. (Correct) Either Spain or Portugal seem like a good place for a holiday. (Incorrect) It seems that none can be treated as either singular or plural. None of my friends speak German. (Correct) None of my friends speaks German. (Correct) None of the bottles was cracked. (Correct) None of the bottles were cracked. (Correct)

Fill in the blank with the correct verb form to match the subject.

1. Good planning and motivation ____________ vital for academic success. 2. My collection of stamps ____________ worth a fortune. 3. A large flock of seagulls ____________ feeding on the other side of the estuary. 4. Neither of these colours really ____________ the new living room. 5. His single-mindedness and a desire to win ____________ responsible for his success. 6. A large consignment of biscuits ____________ been stolen. 7. A large herd of cows ____________ grazing by the river. 8. A calculator, three pencils and a large book ____________ found lying in the street. 9. Either India or Greece ____________ a good holiday destination. 10. Neither of those essays ____________ me want to continue reading. 11. Tight organisation and control ____________ needed for a good essay. 12. A large group of young people ____________ hanging around on the corner of the street. Source: Faculty of Arts. (2012). Improve Your Writing: Punctuation marks. University of Bristol. Retrieved from: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_29.htm

References Faculty of Arts. (2012). Improve Your Writing: Punctuation marks. University of Bristol. Retrieved from http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_29.htm GGothika. (2011, November 11 ). TOEFL listening practice - Lecture 1[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyi1bNnvbCY&index=2&list=PL01915CF568816175 GGothika. (2011, November 11 ). TOEFL listening practice - Lecture 2[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8c50Z0J8ts&list=PL01915CF568816175&index=3

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