Post on 22-Dec-2015
4 Modes of Writing:
Expository (Explains, Informs)
(The expository mode is especially effective with social studies
topics.)
Persuasive (Supports an Opinion)
Descriptive (Describes)Narrative (Tells a story)
In “academic writing,” the writer
speaks with authority (writer knows what she/he is talking
about);speaks coherently (flows
logically from one point to the next); and
speaks clearly (uses good grammar, usage, punctuation).
Writers INC
Academic writing is the “end product of a lot of
careful planning, writing, and revising.”
Writers INC
Problem:
I hate academic writing. I
don’t like to prewrite or
plan or whatever you call it, and I
hate to revise!
Purpose:
The purpose of academic writing is to present information that shows a clear understanding of a
subject.
Academic writing may inform, explain,
compare, identify causes and effects,
define, propose solutions, or argue for
or against.
Voice:
A semiformal voice is used in academic
writing. To use this voice, carefully choose your words for clarity
and avoid slang terms, popular expressions, and informal usage.
“Academic writing is based on analysis, the
process of breaking down ideas to increase your understanding of
them.”
Writers INC
Introductory Paragraph:
The most important element is the thesis
statement.
It is usually the last sentence in the
introductory paragraph.
Body Paragraphs:
(The Supporting Paragraphs)
Each paragraph is a different example of or support for your thesis.
Concluding Paragraph:
May do any of the following:
1. Revisit (restate) your thesis
2. Make a future prediction3. Sum up your ideas
Expository Mode(Explanatory, Informational)
Examples:1. Cause/Effect
2. Comparison/Contrast3. Problem/Solution
4. Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)
Cause/Effect Examples:
The Writing of the Declaration of
Independence: The Causes
The Long-Term Effects of the Discovery of Gold in
California
The Mormon Migration Westward: The Causes
Comparison/Contrast Examples:
The Virginia and New Jersey Proposals for Representation in the
National Congress
Northern and Southern Colonists’ Reactions to the British Closing of
Boston Harbor
The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Problem/Solution Examples:
The Barriers Encountered by Pioneers on the Oregon Trail
Indian Removal: Alternative Policies
Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)
Examples:
The Importance of the First Amendment on Civil
Liberties
The Roles Played by Women in the Social Reform
Movements Prior to the Civil War
(More Essays of Explanation…)
The Significance of the Great Awakening on Colonial
Life
The Importance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on
Westward Expansion
Cause/Effect “Type A”
Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement
Para. #2 – Cause 1, Cause 2, Cause 3
Para. #3 – Effect 1, Effect 2, Effect 3
Para. #4 - Conclusion
Cause/Effect “Type B”
Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement
Para. #2 - Cause 1, Effect 1Para. #3 – Cause 2, Effect 2Para. #4 – Cause 3, Effect 3
Para. #5 - Conclusion
Comparison/Contrast “Type A”
Para. #1 – Introduce your topic; include thesis
statement.Para. #2 - Tell all the ways
two things are alike.Para. #3 - Tell all the ways
two things are different.Para. #4 – Conclusion
Comparison/Contrast “Type B”
Para. #1 – Introduce your topic; include thesis statement.
Para. #2 – Tell how one thing is like something in one way but
different in another way. Para. #3 – Tell how another
thing is like something in one way but different in another
way. Para. #4 - Conclusion
Problem/Solution “Type A”
Para. #1 - Introduce your topic; include thesis
statement.Para. #2 – Problem 1,
Solution 1Para. #3 – Problem 2,
Solution 2Para. #4 – Problem 3,
Solution 3Para. #5 - Conclusion
Problem/Solution “Type B”
Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement (Thesis statement is the
“problem.”)Para. #2 – Possible Solution
1Para. #3 – Possible Solution
2Para. #4 - Possible Solution
3Para. #5 - Conclusion
Essay of Explanation (Significance or Impact)
Para. #1 – Introduce topic; include thesis statement
Para. #2 – Reason 1 Para. #3 – Reason 2Para. #4 – Reason 3
Para. #5 - Conclusion
Your thesis statement is the single most
important sentence in your whole essay! It is the sentence in which
you tell what your entire essay is about.
Thesis Statement Examples:
The Mormon migration westward was caused by
three major factors.
The Oregon Trail pioneers encountered and overcame three significant barriers.
(More thesis statements…)
The discovery of gold in California affected the
state’s development in three important ways.
The Articles of Confederation were strong in some ways
but weak in others.
(More thesis statements…)
Both the northern and southern colonists had strong reactions to the
British closing of Boston Harbor.
The Boston Massacre was caused by three significant
factors.