Hands-on

Writing

Teacher’s Handbook

By: Ma. Teresa Walang/Dindin Bansolay

Pines English Academy

Volga Street, Riverside Subd., Anunas, Angeles City

PREFACE

For many ESL students the beginning of learning how to write well is to unlearn much

of what they've been taught. Most students arrive at language academies with a grab-bag of

rules that they try their best to hold on to. They've never really thought about these rules, or

wondered if they make sense. But students believe that following these rules will help

produce "good writing," and that "bad writing" is defined as breaking the rules.

With this problem commonly encountered, this class is designed to meet the needs of

students for a more formal, guided, and well structured writing!

For students who have taken Interactive Writing we believe they are very much

ready to take a higher form of writing that involves more hands-on activities which are

lengthy, refined, and more precise.

As for this class, we encourage students to be more critical and objective, the good

characteristics of language used in dynamic writing will evoke students’ responses in writing

activities. While essay types useful to develop and to concretely show students’ progress will

make them more creative, more entertaining, and most of all more critical in depicting

ideas.

All in all, this class leads students to formal form of English writings, and it serves as

a tool in cases some will take proficiency tests such as TOEIC and TOEFL, where in both

Business and Practical English are used.

Teaching Guidelines

The class is divided into three main parts; during the first week students are going to

learn the 3 major structures of an essay. Introduction, body, and conclusion are discusses

followed by examples and then by a writing application.

On the second week the students are going to learn the tools in maintaining unity and

coherence. Important lessons such as the use of transitions, proofreading symbols, and the like

are discussed.

On the third and fourth weeks, the students are going to focus on the content of their

work outputs, different types of essay will be the main focus of the class.

All throughout the term students are expected to finish every writing task given them, a

time limit is also set to encourage students to work well within a time pressured activity. The

rationale behind this is to instill to the students diligence in writing. At all times the use of

correct grammar, organization, coherence, clarity, and efficiency in writing is highly observed.

Therefore teachers are going to check each of the students’ work, and there after explain to the

students the mistakes formed, and thereby guide the student to make less error on the next

writing activity.

Students may find this class, exhausting and so teachers are expected to explain the

purpose of the class during the first day.

Table of Contents

UNIT CONTENT

Unit I Elements of a Good Paragraph

Unit II Introduction

Unit III Paragraphs

Unit IV Conclusion

Unit V Proofreading

Unit VI Transition Markers

Unit VII Gathering Data for a Meaningful Essay

Unit VIII Choosing the Best Topics

Unit IX Descriptive Essay

Unit X Process Essay

Unit XI Definition Essay

Unit XII Application Essay

UNIT I. Elements of a Good Paragraph

A paragraph is effective for the following reasons:

1. The paragraph shows unity. All the sentences effectively relate back to the topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph. All of the sentences have something to do with dogs not liking cats.

2. The paragraph shows coherence. There is a flow of thoughts and ideas among the sentences in this paragraph. There are good transitions employed in the paragraph. The writer also presents her sub-topics in an orderly fashion that the reader can follow easily.

3. The paragraph is developed. The writer gives herself enough space to develop the topic. He or she gives us at least two reasons to accept her argument and incorporates some examples in order to give those reasons more validity.

UNIT II. Introduction

Topic

Sentence:

Statement

of

main

idea

of

the

paragraph

Supporting

Details:

Provide

details

to

further

explain

the

topic

sentence

Minor

details:

more

details

YOUR ORIGINAL IDEAThere must be only one main idea in each paragraph.Ideas must be well-categorized accordingly

YOUR SUPPORTING DETAILS

Present details in an organized way.Do not mix up ideas in the paragraph.

ARGUMENTevidence

evidenceevidence

evidence

Get the reader's attention

The first goal in your introduction is to grab the reader's attention. Wake him or her up and generate some interest about the topic. To grab the reader's attention, you might present . . .

an interesting fact a surprising piece of information an exciting quotation an intriguing paradox an explanation of an odd term a short narrative/anecdote (not fiction) a provocative question

Do not begin so broad and general that the first several sentences could fit nearly any essay. For example:

Too General: Crime has been an issue throughout time. More Specific: The question of the severity of punishments for juveniles is an issue that

has garnered attention due to the increasing number of juvenile shootings in the last several years.

Too General: Man has always wondered about the meaning of information. More Specific: The Age of Information brought about through the digital revolution of

computers has posed significant questions about the value and worth of this information: Does having instant access to every newspaper and journal blog in the world make us more intelligent, value-based people?

Hands-on: Write an example Introduction for the topic “Why Go to University?” Write 2 or 3 sentences for the introduction.

Now sit down and write the essay. The introduction should grab the reader's attention, set up the issue, and lead in to your thesis. (Note: The title and first paragraph are probably the most important elements in your essay.. In the first paragraph you either hook the reader's interest or lose it. In the real world, readers make up their minds about whether or not to read your essay by glancing at the title.

UNIT III. Paragraphs

Each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas in the

clearest, most sensible way you can. Speak to your reader as if he or she were sitting in front of you. In other words, instead of writing the essay, try talking the essay.

I. Choose a singular focus

Each paragraph should have a clear, singular focus to it. If there is an overriding error students make in writing essays, it is shifting topics within the same paragraph, rather than

continuing to develop the same idea they began with.

II. Begin with a topic sentence

Nothing will help you keep a tighter focus on your paragraphs than topic sentences. A topic sentence is generally the first sentence of the paragraph, and it describes the claim or

point of the paragraph, thus orienting the reader to the purpose of the paragraph.

III. Develop ideas

Try to apply these techniques to develop the idea of your paragraph

illustrate your idea with examples give an authoritative quotation

anticipate and respond to counterarguments back your ideas with more evidence offer another perspective to the idea

brainstorm more insights about the idea elaborate on causes/effects, definitions, comparison/contrasts

Activity (To be given as loose sheet)

Instructions: This student paragraph should be broken into four separate paragraphs. Divide the paragraph below into four by putting a slash (/) after each paragraph.

Peter Singer was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1946. A professor of bioethics at the University Centre for Human Values, Princeton University, and Singer is the author of Practical Ethics, one of the most widely used texts in applied ethics, and Rethinking Life and Death, which received the 1995 National Book Council's Banjo Award for non-fiction. As one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century, Peter Singer in "The Singer Solution to World Poverty" tries to draw the attention of the readers to the fact that together we could solve the problem of world's poverty, or at least minimize it. He is not only writing about his solutions to this problem in his article, but puts himself as a personal example. The New York Times mentioned that he donates one-fifth of his income to the poor, and wants to convince his audience to participate in helping. Although helping the poor is one of the most humane actions in our cruel world, he goes much too far by considering extreme charity our responsibility when it in fact such extremes aren't required for morality. First of all, I don't think that we, hard-working citizens are responsible for those careless mothers and fathers whose children who are thrown on the street. I don't find it fair that we should pay one-fifth of our income for strange children while their own parents might live well and even enjoy life. We might help those children out of charity, but we are not obliged to take over the responsibility of free riders. Why should we pay for something what is not our fault? If parents cannot care for their children, they shouldn't have had them in the first place. We simply cannot be sure that the money we pay for charity goes to the needy and not in the pocket of the agency or organization. Even Singer admits that the actual amount which reaches its target is less than the amount donated. In addition, it should be the government's job to allocate money for charity since citizens pay a substantial amount of tax. The government has many possibilities of helping the poor directly and indirectly through this collective tax. Instead of spending millions of dollars on military and on projects that benefit elites, for instance, more SOS children villages could be built. In this way the poor would be provided for without each citizen emptying his pocketbook beyond the standard required tax. Finally, Singer's claims rest on a narrow view of what it means to be moral. Claire Andre and Manuel Velasquez, in "Word Hunger: A Moral Response," that "our moral duty is always to act in ways that will maximize human happiness and minimize human suffering." In other words, we are entitled to our money to maximize our human happiness. We are already paying a lot. A certain and a quite high percentage goes to the government as taxes and insurances; a big part is spent on living, and we are entitled to use the rest for relaxation and entertainment. Relaxation and entertainment--as elements of our human happiness -- is our entitlement as human beings. It's our hard earned money, and we should be free to decide how we would like to spend it. In conclusion, life doesn't only consist of work and responsibilities. Dan Roentsch says, 'Life is not all restricted consumption and delayed gratification. It offers evidence to your senses that your life is good." In other words, life is not about giving up all comforts, luxuries, and personal joys in order to maximize survival of every living being. It is of course admirable for people to give away the things they don't need any more to the needy and poor; but these same people certainly have the right to buy new things for themselves because they are working hard for the money. Singer's logic just leads to absurd conclusions. After everyone pays a part of his/her income for charity, what would be his next step? Asking us to take a strange child in our home and care for it? Or not to get our own children at all and take children from the street instead? I understand that his point of view is humanity, but in my opinion he goes much too far.Hands-on: Write an example paragraph for the given topic, “Why Go to University?”

UNIT IV. Conclusion

Gracefully exit your essay by making a quick wrap-up sentence, and then end on some memorable thought, perhaps a quotation, or an interesting twist of logic, or some call to action.

I. Recap your main idea

If your essay was long and complex, sometimes difficult to follow, in the conclusion you'll want to recap your ideas in a clear, summarizing manner.

II. Leave a memorable impression

You've got to make a graceful exit from your essay by leaving a memorable impression on the reader. To leave this memorable impression, try . . .

giving a thought-provoking quotation describing a powerful image talking about consequences or implications stating what action needs to be done ending on an interesting twist of thought

explaining why the topic is important

III. Keep it short

Keep your conclusion short, probably ten lines or less, and avoid fluff. You're just trying to make a clever exit, and presumably all the really important points have been made previously in your

essay.

______________________________________________________________________________

Example of Real Conclusions

Today, as the phonographs which follow prove, the mystique of the cat is still very much alive in the Egyptian environment. For after all, should not the cat be important in the Muslim world, as apparently God inspired man to write its name-qi, t, t in Arabic letters-in such a shape that it looks like a cat?

--Lorraine Chittock, Cairo Cats

Hands-on: Write a Conclusion about the essay above.

UNIT V. Proofreading

A. Common Proofreading Symbols

Symbol Meaning Example

insert a comma

apostrophe or singlequotation mark

insert something

use double quotation marks

use a period here

delete

transpose elements

close up this space

a space needed here

begin new paragraph

no paragraph

B. Common Proofreading Abbreviations

Ab a faulty abbreviation She had earned a Phd along with her M.D.

AgrSee also P/A and

S/V

agreement problem:subject/verb orpronoun/antecedent

The piano as well as the guitar need tuning.The student lost their book.

Awk awkward expressionor construction

The storm had the effect of causingmillions of dollars in damage.

Cap faulty capitalization We spent the Fall in Southern spain.

CS comma splice Raoul tried his best, this time thatwasn't good enough

DICT faulty diction Due to the fact that we were wonderingas to whether it would rain, we stayed home.

Dgl dangling construction Working harder than ever, this jobproved to be too much for him to handle.

- ed problem withfinal -ed

Last summer he walk all the way to Birmingham.

Frag fragment Depending on the amount of snow we get thiswinter and whether the towns buy new trucks.

| | problem in parallel form

My income is bigger than my wife.

P/A pronoun/antecedentagreement

A student in accounting would be wise to seetheir advisor this month.

Pron problem with pronoun

My aunt and my mother have wrecked her carThe committee has lost their chance to change things.You'll have to do this on one's own time.

Rep unnecessary repetition

The car was blue in color.

R-O run-on sentence Raoul tried his best this timethat wasn't good enough.

Sp spelling error This sentence is flaude with two mispellings.

- s problem with final -s He wonder what these teacher think of him.

STET Let it stand

The proofreader uses this Latin term to indicate that proofreading marks calling for a change should be ignored and the text as originally written should be "let stand."

S/V subject/verb agreement

The problem with these cities are leadership.

T verb tense problem He comes into the room, and he pulled his gun.

Wdy wordySeldom have we perused a document so verbose,so ostentatious in phrasing, so burdened with too many words.

WW wrong word What affect did the movie have on Sheila?She tried to hard to analyze its conclusion.

Activity (To be given as loose sheet)

This letter has plenty of mistakes! Find the mistakes and correct them using the proofreading symbols. Record how many mistakes you found at the end of the page.

dear students

I hope you are enjoing being in my clasroom. I am haveing a food time working with you each day.

What do you think has been the bestest part so far did you like the spelling bea or the writing labs? I like the writeing because it let’s me get to know you beter. I like it when you practice your righting because it makes me sure that you will do good on our riting test.

some of our reading prodjects have been fun to tell me which one was your favorit and we mite trie it again.

Our principle tole me that you kids were super? Now I no that he is write. The next time I see him i will say Mr. Smith, i have the best class ever

sincerely,

Mrs. Strack

How many errors did you find?

Spelling___________________ Capitalization____________Punctuation________________ Other _________________

UNIT VI. Transition Markers

Use transition markers wisely. Sometimes you'll need to announce to your reader some turn in your argument. Or you'll want to emphasize one of your points. Or you'll want to make clear some relationship in time. In all these cases you'll want to use transition markers.

Here are some examples:

To show place - above, below, here, there, etc. To show time - after, before, currently, during, earlier, later, etc. To give an example - for example, for instance, etc. To show addition - additionally, also, and, furthermore, moreover, equally important,

etc. To show similarity - also, likewise, in the same way, similarly, etc. To show an exception - but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, on the contrary,

yet, etc. To show a sequence - first, second, third, next, then, etc. To emphasize - indeed, in fact, of course, etc. To show cause and effect - accordingly, consequently, therefore, thus, etc. To conclude or repeat - finally, in conclusion, on the whole, in the end, etc.

Sample Text

During the early twentieth century, Australian society experienced a transformation of the domestic ideal. At this time families were subject to an increasing array of government and 'professional' programs and advice aiming to manage and regulate family life. Some of these programs were designed to counter social changes, others were designed to engineer them; ultimately each heralded a growing expert encroachment into the private sphere. Intervention and influence took three forms. Firstly, techniques designed to maximize efficiency were introduced into the home and scientific principles were

applied to its design. In addition, housework and parenting methods were scrutinized and subject to unprecedented standards. Secondly, all aspects of reproduction attracted increasing intervention from government and the medical profession. Thirdly, state, professional and philanthropic groups began to usurp the parental role within the family through instruction and policy. Consequently, the development of 'modern' social ideals brought regulation, intervention and ever-increasing unrealistic standards.

Practicing the Usage of TransitionsPracticing the Usage of Transitions

Application: ( To be given as loose sheet)

Insert the best alternative

1. Polls show that Tony Blair is the most popular Prime Minister this century. _______________, there are even members of his own party who are uneasy with his approach.

In particular However For instance

2. There are some slight variations in temperature, but ________________ 26 to 27ºC should be expected.

consequently otherwise as a rule

3. The two main Channel Islands, ________________ Jersey and Guernsey, are much closer to France than to England.

for example namely in particular

4. It was announced that nurses' working hours would be increased by 25%. ______________ , even fewer trainee nurses are expected to join the profession.

As a result So that Likewise

5. Sales of CDs have experienced a small but steady fall over the past 12 months. _____________ , vinyl records have seen an increase in their share of the market, up to 1.7%.

Above all Correspondingly In contrast

6. The Vice Chancellor explained that in light of the current financial climate and because of unexpected bad debts, it would be necessary to peg salary levels at their current level for all grades of staff. ______________ , no-one was getting a pay rise.

Nevertheless In other words Similarly

7. It is clear, therefore, that the situation in Brazil will improve only slowly. ______________ the economic problems being experienced in Japan, the outlook is slightly more optimistic.

Furthermore In comparison With reference to

8. In order to try to reduce car use in the inner cities, the government has announced new restrictions on company parking spaces and ______________ , a new tax on individual car use.

as well as in addition in the same way

9. Essays must be handed in by the deadline, ______________ they will not be marked.

obviously otherwise as a result

10. ______________ it has been shown that fractures can occur at even relatively low pressures, the use of the material should not be completely discounted.

Nevertheless Because Even though

Hands-on: Imagine these 2 paragraphs are part of a larger essay on Wendy’s.

1. Insert transitional words & phrases within the FIRST PARAGRAPH to make it more cohesive & less choppy. To do so, you’ll need to determine what kind of relationships exist between sentences and phrases & choose transitions that are appropriate. You may change punctuation as needed.

2. Provide a smooth transition sentence to begin the SECOND PARAGRAPH and smoothly connect it to the preceding paragraph. “Also” doesn’t cut it. Neither does the more

grammatically correct “In addition…” (Notice the good transition that opens the 1st paragraph).

In spite of such negative statistics, I will continue to frequent Wendy’s in the Student

Union building. The fries are excellent. They are rarely too greasy. They are usually fresh

and crispy. They aren’t too crispy. The burgers are sizzling hot. The warmth of the burger is

accentuated by the coolness of the mayonnaise & other condiments. A Frosty makes a good

dessert. Dinner at Wendy’s is not healthy. The food tastes great.

Also, Wendy’s has great service. I particularly appreciate the lightening-fast finger work

of the Wendy’s cashier as he punches students’ orders into the magic box. When he quickly

enters my order, I am confident that he takes his work very seriously. Likewise, the other

Wendy’s employees are professional & courteous. They too acknowledge the need to work

quickly & effectively, and their service reflects such an understanding.

UNIT VII. Gathering Data for a Meaningful Essay

Four Basic Data Gathering Procedure Options

Some students are not aware of the fact that they need to know some data gathering procedure techniques when writing their essays. Usually, they are simply concentrating on how to come up with a good thesis statement, how to develop literature review or even how to cute reference materials.

There are different ways for you to conduct data gathering procedures. Usually, these ways are related to the same processes in statistics.

1. Data mining – this procedure involves the search for published data from reputable sources. The process is simpler than other techniques but you need to make sure that the data is up to date.

2. Interviewing - this data gathering procedure involves a certain amount of time and effort investment. However, you can maximize the data that you can acquire form each respondents because you will personally acquire data from them.

3. Depending on your essay topics, you can conduct surveying. If you wish to gather quick and raw data, this is the best medium for you. Prepare a set of questionnaire and then have your respondents fill them out.

4. Lab experiments – this type of data gathering procedure is intended if you wish to have a control factor. You can then conduct lab experiments to gather raw data and then compare your results to a control measurement.

UNIT VIII. Choosing the Best Essay Topics

Writing is an activity that has a sequence of logically well constructed sentences dedicated towards representing in essence the viewpoint of an individual. There are many simple factors that are considered when choosing the appropriate topics for essay. The style and the structure of an essay depend on the specific type of essay that you are writing on but the basic construction of an essay remains the same almost everywhere. The introduction is where the writer ushers in the topic of the essay and makes a thesis statement if necessary. When choosing a topic for essay keep in mind that you consider your level of knowledge and experience on the topic.

Successful essays depend a lot on how the topic for essay was chosen. The occasion for which the essay is to be written affects the language that you can you in essays.

The classifications are very broad, some factors are environment dependent. The environment also determines what topic for essay is chosen. It is not always necessary to be outspoken and outright. It helps sometimes to be tactful and soft spoken.

Consider the audience: Always make it a point to consider your audience. If you have time to write the essay then you can brainstorm the topic, it helps to converse with peers about it and get the general opinion on the topic. Choose a catchy topic that is targeted to the interests of your audience.

Narrow your work down: Narrow down the possible topics for essay and make a list of the extremities of the topics available to you. Make sure that you do not choose a controversial topic to write an essay that has a high degree of importance unless you are familiar with the topic in question.

Research the topic: Research the topic if you have to. There are many online guides that will help you write a powerful essay. Web sites dedicated to hosting articles offer in

great detail a good variety of sound articles which offer valuable help in writing drawing from a large database of topics for essay.

Use your imagination: Imagination has a very important role to play in the process of writing. One thing to remember when choosing topics for essay is the importance of your personal creativity and viewpoint. Adding your own individual element is just as important as writing with the correct structure or the correct grammar. Blunt writing only dulls the reader's affections towards your work.

Make a summary of the possible topics for essay. Work out the variables carefully and make a final list. Before you draft your work, make sure that you have selected a topic that will highlight your opinion and the need to act upon the topic.

To illustrate:

UNIT IX. Descriptive Essay

This type of essay describes what the author observes and perceives. The main message is the author wants to share this experience with the reader.

A descriptive essay is to make the reader believe as if he/she has seen and experienced something on his own.

To begin with a descriptive essay, it's important to identify exactly what to describe. Often, a descriptive essay will focus on portraying one of the following:

Let your

imagination

guide you.

Avoid plagiaris

m - acknowl

edge your

sources.

Select from a narrow

but realiable topics.Who are

your audience?

a person a place a memory an experience an object

I. Describing People

a) The introduction is where you state general facts about the person, indicating when, where and how you first met him or her.b) The main body of your descriptive essay is where you describe their physical appearance, personal qualities and hobbies or interests. Start a new paragraph for each topic. c) The conclusion must express your personal attitude towards the person.

When writing your descriptive essay and describing someone you know well or see often (i.e. a friend, a neighbor etc), you should use a present tense. When describing someone who is no longer alive or someone you may have met or were acquainted to in the past, narrate your descriptive essay in the past tense.

Descriptions of people can be found in articles, letters, narratives etc. Your writing style depends on the situation and the intended reader. Describing people in an essay can be difficult if writing is not your strong point.

When you describe someone's physical appearance in your essay, you start with the general features (i.e. height, age, etc) and move on to the more specific ones, such as hair color, nose, eyes etc. You can even add small details like a description of the clothes the person likes to wear.

When describing someone's personal qualities, you should support your description with examples and /or justifications. You can also describe someone's personality through their manners by:

a) referring to the way they speak b) describing the gestures they use c) mentioning a particular habit they have

II. Describing Places/Buildings

A descriptive essay about a facility or a place should have the following parts:

a) The introduction is where you give the name and location of the place or building and your reason for choosing it.

b) The main body suggests describing the key aspects of the place or building in detail for example, when you describe a place you should include the details of what you can see and do there; when you describe a building you should describe its exterior and interior, as well as give historical facts about this location.c) The conclusion includes your comments/feelings and /or any recommendations.

Descriptions of place or buildings can be found in tourist magazines, travel brochures, stories, letters, etc. The style you use depends on the situation and the intended reader. You normally use present tenses to describe a place/building. You use a past tense to write about historical facts.

III. Describing Objects

Description of objects can be found in catalogues, advertisements or parts of letters, stories, reports or articles.

When you describe an object, you should give an accurate picture of it. Your description should include information about size, weight, shape, pattern or decoration, color, origin and material as well as many concerning special features.

To describe objects you should use a variety of adjectives. Always list opinion adjectives first, followed by fact adjectives. These are formally listed in the following order: size, weight, age, shape pattern, color, origin or material. Avoid using all of them one after another, as it makes your description feel unnatural to the reader.

IV. Describing People

When you write a description essay about a person should be structured in the following way:

a) The introduction is where you state general facts about the person, indicating when, where and how you first met him or her. b) The main body of your descriptive essay is where you describe their physical appearance, personal qualities and hobbies or interests. Start a new paragraph for each topic.c) The conclusion must express your personal attitude towards the person.

When writing your descriptive essay and describing someone you know well or see often (i.e. a friend, a neighbor etc), you should use a present tense. When describing someone who is no longer alive or someone you may have met or were acquainted to in the past, narrate your descriptive essay in the past tense. Descriptions of people can be found in articles, letters, narratives etc. Your writing style depends on the situation and the intended reader.

When you describe someone's physical appearance in your essay, you start with the general features (i.e. height, age, etc) and move on to the more specific ones, such as hair color, nose, eyes etc. You can even add small details like a description of the clothes the person likes to wear.

When describing someone's personal qualities, you should support your description with examples and /or justifications. You can also describe someone's personality through their manners by:

a) referring to the way they speakb) describing the gestures they use c) mentioning a particular habit they have

V. Describing Places/Buildings

A descriptive essay about a facility or a place should have the following parts:

a) The introduction is where you give the name and location of the place or building and your reason for choosing it. b) The main body suggests describing the key aspects of the place or building in detail for example, when you describe a place you should include the details of what you can see and do there; when you describe a building you should describe its exterior and interior, as well as give historical facts about this location. c) The conclusion includes your comments/feelings and /or any recommendations.

Descriptions of place or buildings can be found in tourist magazines, travel brochures, stories, letters, etc. The style you use depends on the situation and the intended reader. You normally use present tenses to describe a place/building. You use a past tense to write about historical facts.

VI. Describing Objects

Description of objects can be found in catalogues, advertisements or parts of letters, stories, reports or articles.

When you describe an object, you should give an accurate picture of it. Your description should include information about size, weight, shape, pattern or decoration, color, origin and material as well as many concerning special features.

To describe objects you should use a variety of adjectives. Always list opinion adjectives first, followed by fact adjectives. These are formally listed in the following order: size, weight, age,

shape pattern, color, origin or material. Avoid using all of them one after another, as it makes your description feel unnatural to the reader.

VII. Describing Events

A descriptive essay about an event should consist of: a) The introduction in which you give name, time, place, and reasons for celebratingb) The main body should describe the preparations and the actual event in separate paragraphs, using present tenses to describe annual festivals, or past tenses to illustrate those you attended some time ago.c) The conclusion should include people's feelings, comments or final thoughts about the event.

In writing a descriptive essay, the best way to create a vivid experience for the readers is to focus on the five senses.

sight sound smell touch taste

SAMPLE ESSAY (Describing Places/Building)

Provoby Guo Ying Gao

Read other essays by Guo Ying Gao

I have been in Provo for almost eleven months. I have seen winter,

spring, summer, and fall. Provo's winter is so beautiful. The mountains are

covered with a lot of snow. They look like many beautiful brides wearing

wedding dresses, and veils. In spring, Provo doesn't have many trees; when

the snow melts the mountains are bald as strong bald men. Summer in Provo

is very hot in the daytime. Last summer when I was walking under the sky, it

was like walking in an oven; the sun was like a fire that burned my skin. In

spring and summer the weather was always clear. I never used my umbrella.

Provo was like huge clothes dryer; it is very dry in spring and summer. In the

fall the weather in Provo is very strange. One late September morning when I

woke up, the mountaintops was covered with snow. Provo is a lovely and

strange place. I love it very much.

Activity (To be given as loose sheet)

Direction: Replace the words in italics with the correct synonyms; write the

answers in the open and close parenthesis.

My Favorite Place

By: Zeika Rodriguez

My favorite (___________) place is the forest, because there I can hear the different

(____________) sounds of the animals are living there. I enjoy (__________) that when I am

alone, because I love to draw trees, but also I like to be with someone and talk. I like to live

through nature. I love nature. There you can think about the world, life, family, and the future.

I love to be there for a long (_________) time because I can rest softly, and I have a good

(_______) time there. There are trees, animals, and different (__________) plants. I can smell

the air; I can feel the temperature of the weather. I can look up through the sky, and I see its own

colors like blue and white and how the clouds are moving slowly and expanding

(_______________).

I enjoyed those times because I love this place a lot. I would like to be there.

UNIT X. Process Essay

Writing a process essay requires a lot of work to do. First of all the author is supposed to explain the significance of the analyzed process. Then, the effect this process may have on objects or even people is revealed. It is necessary to mention all the information about the process to make the reader fully understand its essence. A good way to make a process essay logical is to choose a correct number of steps within the process and the difficulties of each step.

A process essay has a classical structure depending only on the amount of the process’ steps described:

I- IntroductionIn the introduction the author reveals the basic aim of the process leaving out specific details. Basic background information is also provided. Another factor to mention is the true meaning of this process and its everyday life application. Therefore the reader learns in which spheres he can later apply the knowledge of this process. The thesis statement is always the final sentence of the introduction.

II- BodyThe amount of body paragraphs depends on the amount of process stages. Therefore the body is a guide to how to carry out the procedure. Each step or stage should have its specific purpose the reader needs to understand. All the stages need to be presented in a logical order making one paragraph for each stage. The stages also should include all the necessary details for the procedure including equipment and the stage’s main difficulties.

III- ConclusionThe conclusion paragraph reveals the result of the process. It is also offers a thesis restatement to reinforce the significance of the procedure.

Process Essay Sample Outline I. Introduction Thesis: Ingestion, digestion, and absorption are the three major steps involved in the digestive process.

II. Food is ingested. A. Food enters the mouth. B. Food is chewed. C. Food is ready to travel to the stomach.

III. Food is digested. A. Food is mixed with acidic gastric juices in the stomach. B. The partially liquid food moves from the stomach to the small intestine. C. Enzymes are secreted.

IV. Absorption A. The digested food passes through the walls of the small intestine. B. The digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream.

V. Conclusion Paraphrased Thesis: The digestion process involves three major steps: ingestion, digestion, and absorption.

Topic Suggestions: Process Analysis

1. How to lose weight without losing your mind

2. How to choose a major 3. How to find the perfect roommate 4. How to get rid of a roommate--without

committing a crime 5. How to succeed in (or flunk out of)

college 6. How to pitch a knuckleball 7. How to plan the perfect party 8. How to survive a night of babysitting 9. How to pitch a tent in the rain 10. How to housebreak your dog 11. How to kick a bad habit 12. How to overcome insomnia

13. How to stay sober on a Saturday night 14. How to rent your first apartment 15. How to avoid a nervous breakdown

during exams 16. How to enjoy the weekend for under

$20 17. How to make the perfect brownies 18. How to keep peace with a spouse or a

roommate 19. How to bathe a cat 20. How to complain effectively 21. How to survive a recession 22. How to toilet train a baby 23. How to develop self-confidence 24. How to use Twitter

SAMPLE PROCESS ESSAY

A Process of Digestion The digestive process is important in maintaining the lives of living

organisms and in providing them with needed energy. Groups of organs, such as

the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, work together to perform this

complex task. Digestion is the process of breaking down food from large molecules

into small ones to make it easier for absorption. The three major steps involved in

the digestive process are ingestion, digestion, and absorption.

Ingestion, which occurs in the mouth, is the first step of the digestive

process. After food enters the mouth, the teeth chew it. Saliva, which is produced

by the salivary glands, plays a major role in breaking down the food into smaller

pieces. These small pieces travel to the stomach through the esophagus.

In the stomach, the second step of the digestive process begins. When the

chewed food reaches the bottom of the esophagus, a valve lets the food enter the

stomach. Contraction of the stomach wall mixes the food. Acidic gastric juices,

which are secreted by the gastric glands in the stomach, help in mixing the food

and in turning it into a partial liquid so it will have the ability to move into the small

intestine. In the small intestine, enzymes are secreted, and digestion is completed.

The last step in the digestive process is absorption. Absorption takes place in

the small intestine. The wall of the small intestine is lined with small, finger like

projections called villi. Small molecules of food are absorbed by the huge number of

villi. Some of these absorbed molecules enter the bloodstream to be distributed

throughout the whole body.

In conclusion, the digestive process involves three major steps: ingestion,

digestion, and absorption. Ingestion, which occurs in the mouth, helps to increase

the surface are of the food particles and prepares them for digestion. In the

stomach, digestion begins, and it continues until it reaches the small intestine,

where absorption takes place. The digestive process maintains organisms' lives by

providing them with energy needed for different functions.

Activity (To be given as loose sheet)Direction: Number the following steps in cooking rice. Use numbers 1-9

__Rinse the rice in water to get rid of excess starch.

__For every cup of rice, add 1 1/2 cups water.

__Bring the rice to boil, uncovered, at medium heat.

__When boiling, turn the heat down to medium low.

__When you can see holes or "craters" in the rice, put the lid on tight.

___Fluff up rice and serve.

__Simmer for another 15 minutes.

__Place the lid on the pot, keeping it tilted to allow steam to escape.

__Turn the heat to low.

UNIT XI. Definition Essay

I. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means.

A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree.

1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are in general.

2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can agree on through the use of their physical senses.

B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different meanings for different individuals since such terms play on people’s feelings more than their physical senses.

C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating how that term should be applied.

II. Setting up the definition essay

A. Select a subject carefully.

1. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on your own need to clarify the term.

a. For example, if you feel that the word marriage should be defined in a limited manner, that term would make a good subject for a definition essay.

b. Perhaps as a parent, you want to define what the term discipline means from your point of view.

2. Select a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide specific examples to illustrate your definition.

a. For example, if you aren’t familiar with the term platonic love, don’t attempt to define it in an extended essay.

b. The subject of the essay must be familiar enough to you that you can readily supply specific examples.

3. Don’t select a subject either too broad or too narrow to fit the parameters of your essay.

a. For example, the word hat may be too narrow for you to define in an extended essay.

b. On the other hand, the term love may be too broad or general since pinning it down to a single definition is very difficult.

B. Once you have selected a subject, outline your paper carefully before writing.

1. Outlining will help you determine the specific points you want to cover in the definition and point out where you need examples.

2. Here are some suggestions for how to outline a definition paper:

I. Introduction

A. Attention getter

1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to provide a basis for your personal definition.

2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your image to illustrate that definition.

B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the paper.

II. Body

A. Background information:

1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper

2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or your connection to the term.

B. Point one

1. The first part of your definition of the term.

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

C. Point two

1. The second part of the definition of the term.

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

D. Point three

1. The third part of the definition (if there is one)

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

E. Point four, etc.

III. Conclusion

A. Review your definition’s main points

B. Closing attention getter

1. Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way of unifying the entire essay.

2. You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has affected you.

Here is the outline for the sample definition paper on patriotism:

I. Introduction

A. Attention getter: Traditional definition of patriotism (as perceived in an image)

B. Thesis: Patriotism is speaking out when a person feels the country is right or wrong, voting, campaigning, and respecting others.

II. Body

A. Speaking out when country is wrong

1. Vietnam

2. Slavery

3. Women’s right to vote

B. Speaking out when country is right

1. Afghanistan

2. Health care

C. Voting

1. Making a choice based on one’s needs

2. Being involved in the voting process

D. Campaigning

1. Finding a candidate who represents country’s needs

2. Barbara Boxer from California

E. Respecting others

1. Paying taxes.

2. Respecting others’ points of view

3. Arab-American prejudice after 9/11.

III. Conclusion

A. Review of patriot as protestor, voter, and respectful citizen.

B. Closing attention getter: return to introduction's image of patriot

III. Writing the definition essay

A. Make sure that you have a good, specific thesis that tells readers just how you will define the term.

B. Follow your outline to remind yourself when you need examples and analysis of those examples.

1. Modify your outline when you think you need to.

2. Remember not to paragraph based on your outline's points.

C. Use good, specific examples to illustrate each point.

How to write an effective definition?

1. Create a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options.

a) Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works.

b) Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together. c) Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and

then illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that make the term stand out. For example, compare a Siberian husky to other dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.

Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its distinctive features, and its keen strength and stamina.

d) Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes clarify a definition and help a reader to better understand it.

2. Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select facts, examples, or anecdotes to fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, "Which examples will best help readers understand the term? What examples would most appeal to my readers? Will a brief story reveal the term's meaning?" Do not use any examples that will not support the definition.

10 Examples of popular Definition Essay topics:

Cognitive Theory in Adult Education Personal Responsibility Abstract - Love, life, silence, happiness, freedom, etc. Communication Studies Political or Social Injustice Sociology or Psychology Job Satisfaction Employee Motivational Strategies Villain or Hero Time Management

Activity: Define the following words using adjectives

School Nature Love

SAMPLE ESSAY

COURAGE

So literally it means “an action that comes from a heart”, other words it is a

noble action. It what sense is this word used by modern people? The main

interpretation of the usage of this term is – “to describe people who have a quality

of mind that allows them to face danger without fear, which is also often referred to

as bravery or boldness”. This word it mostly used when talking about man for from

its original it is considered to be more of a manly a good value. The definitions of

this word are numerous, but since the world around us changes the definitions

change, too. For instance, if we talk about the liberty of word we can define

“courage” as the “the person’s ability to say what he thinks on this matter”.

Courage is a brilliant word. For many people risking or giving one's life for

others is probably the highest example of courage. This is an action that will always

be deeply respected by other people and touches every single one of us to the core.

What about everyday courage? Can certain devoted actions made by ordinary

people in ordinary situations be considered to be courageous? Is courage measured

by physically giving someone’s life away for somebody? Is it “courage” when a

person reconciles from the death of the loved one? Or is “courage” living with a

handicapped child? We can say that “courage” is being strong even though you are

afraid, but on the other hand it is taking risks without knowing the future result.

Bravery, heroism, boldness, spirit, confidence, firmness, persistence, fearlessness,

determination – these words can all be view from a point of being synonyms to the

word courage. This word is a combination of these words and has a deeper

meaning...

UNIT XII. Application Essay

1. Being good is not enough. Be unique.

There are many good essays out there. So you should not be contented with a good essay. You have to work for an excellent essay.

Admissions officers have to evaluate mountains of applications. This means that they are busy people. And when they have to go through identical papers a sort of fatigue sets in that could inadvertently lead to rejection of the candidates who submit non-differentiated essays, even though these essay by themselves are of good quality. This means that not only will your essay have to be good; it has to be different enough to break the boredom and make the admissions officer sit up and take notice.

You can do this by incorporating the right amount of creativity on your essay. Just make sure that you do not overdo everything.

2. Your application essay should reveal your personality

You can make your essay interesting by portraying a four dimensional image of yourself through your essay. You have to talk about your character as well.

Make sure that in addition to being grammatically correct, your essay must also be an expression of your personality and character, and be persuasive enough to make a busy admissions officer to accept your application.

You have to portray yourself as honestly as possible. The admissions committee will surely see through your lies.

3. Your essay should talk about your past and future

Your essay should also incorporate the things that influence you. Talking about these things will give uniqueness to your essay since people’s experiences and influences are not exactly the same. It also pays if you talk about your goals and dreams.

Reflect on the way you view the world. Contemplate on the things that drive you, and on the people that have made a difference in your life. And finally what are your aspirations

Talking about these things will give an impression that you are a person who is strong enough to handle difficulties and who is active enough to pursue his or her dreams.

4. The essay should be natural and uses specific examples

5. Your essay, in order to be noticed, should be unique and creative. It should reveal your personality, experiences, and dreams.

19 Common Mistakes that Need to be Avoided…

Here’s some helpful advice to help improve an application essay:

1. Select the Best Topic and Subject. The Common Application, as well as many individual college applications and supplements, give students the choice of essay topics. Resist the temptation to quickly make a selection. Instead make an inventory of your key experiences and achievements, adjectives that describe you, anything significant in your background, as well as what you can potentially “offer” (e.g. athletics, music, dance) a college. Then read the options carefully and decide which topic(s) provides the best opportunity to portray your self in a desirable manner. If the application requires more than one essay, select distinct topics and subject areas so the admissions people get a broader, and more complete, picture of you. If you are an athlete, for example, try not to write more than one essay about sports.

2. Answer the Question. Read the prompt carefully and pay particular attention to two part questions. For example, if you choose to “evaluate a significant experience, achievement or risk you have taken and its impact on you”, make sure you thoughtfully and critically analyze both the situation and its impact. If you choose to “discuss an issue and its importance to you” make sure you focus on its importance to you. The admissions people are looking for a window into your character, passion and reasoning.

3. Be Personable and Specific. Colleges/Companies don’t learn much from a common essay. If you are asked to describe your reasons for your interest in a particular school/job that you are applying to, make sure your essay addresses the particular features of that school/company that appeal to you and explain why. Brainstorm with others. Don’t be afraid to think creatively. Don’t be afraid to reject ideas! Most strong essays have more “show” than “tell”.

4. Make Your Essay The Right Length. Many prompts specify a desired number of words or a range. If it’s 200 to 250 words, don’t insert your 500 word essay. In fact, many on-line applications will not even accept more than the stated limit. If there is only an upper limit, don't stress if your essay appears too short. Lincoln got his points across in brief in the Gettysburg address -- in less than 275 words. Be concise. Omit irrelevant details, clichés, and poorly developed ideas. Do not distract the reader with unnecessary words and repetition.

5. Watch Your Tone. A bit of well placed humor is fine, but don’t try to be a comedian. 6. Don’t Appear Self-Interested or Materialistic. While few applicants are genuinely

altruistic, most colleges/companies are turned off by students/applicants who appear more focused on what the school/company can do for them, rather than how they can benefit from the education/job and at the same time be a contributing member of the campus/company community. If you are applying to a business program, the average starting salary of recent graduates should not be your stated motivation for seeking admission!

7. Don’t Rely on Your Computer’s Spell Checker. Applicants who rely solely on their computer's spell check program may find themselves submitting applications with poor grammar and word choice. Just because everything is spelled properly doesn’t mean it is correct. A good way to catch mistakes is to read your essay very slowly and out loud.

8. Don’t Overlook the ordinary. Some of the best and most memorable essays are based on a simple conversation between people. The impressions and takeaways from such a conversation can be extremely engaging and provide a valuable window into the personality and values of the writer. Some essays of this type center on a moment of enlightenment or clarification when the writer views life from a new perspective and/or gains new confidence.

9. Skip the Volunteer Trip. Dedicated community service over a period of time can be a strong topic for an application essay. Volunteer day at the local park, or two weeks of school building in Africa, will probably not impress the admissions committee. They see many essays of this type. Not only is it difficult to stand out from the pack, but these experiences are often more about the experience than about you, or convey that money buys opportunity.

10. Don’t Rehash the Resume. The admissions committee relies on essays to learn additional things about you such as your initiative, curiosity about the world, personal growth, willingness to take risks, ability to be self directed, motivation and ability to make the most of a situation. They are interested in your personal qualities such as leadership, confidence, ability to work in a team, strength of character, resilience, sense of humor, ability to get along with others and what you might add to the campus/company community. In short, use your essays to showcase a side of you not visible from other parts of the application.

11. Read thoroughly the Entire Application. Many applications, especially for some of the more competitive schools, are complex and require multiple essays and short answers.

12. Don’t Fall in Love with the Thesaurus. There’s no need to use a big word in every sentence. Use caution when showing off your extensive vocabulary. You risk using language improperly and may appear insecure or overly eager to impress. Admissions people aren’t keen about picking up a dictionary to understand your essay. Worse yet, if your essay vocabulary is at a much higher level than what would be expected from your English grades it may appear that your essay is not your own work.

13. Check Your Ego at the Door. Even if you are impressed with yourself, most admissions officers don’t respond favorably to students/applicants who brag, put down others, or wax eloquent about their amazing achievements.

14. Accentuate the Positive. Few students have a perfect resume, which is apparent in the application. Drawing attention to weakness in an essay is generally not a good idea, unless you were able to overcome a weakness, and make it a strong suit.

15. Proofread Carefully. Don’t let your eagerness to submit an application cause you to overlook careless mistakes. Errors can doom your otherwise excellent application. Make sure you schedule sufficient time for a thorough review. When possible, have at least one other person proofread your essay. They may catch something important that you missed.

16. Organize Your Essay. An impressive essay generally contains a strong opening, well organized content, and a powerful closing. If your essay lacks structure and seems to ramble, chances are it won’t impress the reader. Start with an outline and design your essay paragraph by paragraph. Make sure you include enough background information about whatever topic you are writing about so that the reader can put it into context.

17. Research the College/Company Before Writing the Essay. Almost every school/company has its own identity and mission. Some universities even have a slogan. Others have niche areas of study that they like to promote. Pay attention to what is important to the particular school/company and, when appropriate, consider including it in some manner in your essay.

18. Invest in a Strong Introduction. Admissions people read a lot of essays and may not be energetic and fresh when yours reaches the top of their pile. That’s why it’s essential to attract their attention up front. It is critical that the first few sentences capture their interest. A boring opening may cause the reader to not pay close attention to the remainder of the essay. Design the introduction to draw them into your essay. A well-planned essay may omit some key details in the opening forcing the reader to pay close attention to the rest of the story.

19. Start Early and Take Your Time. Don’t wait until the last minute. Application essays almost always take longer than you anticipate. Invest the time necessary to do it right. It should be your best work. Ask others to review your drafts and offer comments and suggestions. Take comments and suggestions seriously – behind every good writer is usually at least one good editor!

Common Essay Topics for Admission Essay

Consider the books you have read in the last year or two either for school or for leisure. Please discuss the way in which one of them changed your understanding of the world, other people, or yourself.

Tell us about a situation where you have not been successful and what you have learned from the experience.

First experiences can be defining. Cite a first experience that you have had and explain its impact on you.

Recall an occasion when you took a risk that you now know was the right thing to do. Tell us what you think about a current scientific or social controversy. Most people belong to many different communities groups defined by (among other things)

shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. Limit your response to half a page, or approximately 250 words.

What can you contribute to a multi-cultural world?

SAMPLE ESSAY 1 (University)

The Greatest Influence in My Life

It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She's the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of every major project to assist Washington's impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit.

My mother's enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty ampitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into

modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself.

While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children's center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Having finally perfected the "floating paintbrush" trick, I began work as a full time volunteer with the five and six year old children last June. It is here that I met Jane Doe, an exceptionally strong girl with a vigor that is contagious. At the end of the summer, I decided to continue my work at (name deleted) as Jane’s tutor. Although the position is often difficult, the personal rewards are beyond articulation. In the seven years since I first walked through the doors of (name deleted), I have learned not only the idea of giving to others, but also of deriving from them a sense of spirit.

Everything that my mother has ever done has been overshadowed by the thought behind it. While the raw experiences I have had at home and abroad have been spectacular, I have learned to truly value them by watching my mother. She has enriched my life with her passion for learning, and changed it with her devotion to humanity. In her endless love of everything and everyone she is touched by, I have seen a hope and life that is truly exceptional. Next year, I will find a new home miles away. However, my mother will always be by my side.

SAMPLE ESSAY 2 (Application)

Intel Job Application Essay

Essay #5 (Max 300 words)

Five Work Habits

Do you plan your work in advance? Are you more interested in the overall planning of a project, or in specific details? What factors influence your priorities? How do you accommodate unforeseen circumstances in your work?

For my whole life, people have asked me how I maintain such a busy schedule. The only way that I am able to meet all of my obligations -- AP classes, college courses, science research, three varsity sports, two musical instruments and peer tutoring – is through efficient time management. My first priority is always my academic work, with sports, music and fun filling up my left-over time.

When I begin a project, I try not to plan all of the work in advance. I develop a general approach and then roll up my sleeves and get to work. I am a big believer in mental momentum, meaning that when I begin to make progress and things seem to be running smoothly, I try not to break the energy. In the same way, when I approach a task, I try to envision how the whole process will work. Once that is conceptualized in my mind, I focus on the details making sure they are correct as I go, so I won't have to go back to incomplete or inaccurate portions of the task.

I accommodate unforeseen circumstances by keeping my mind open and my attitude positive. For instance, when my initial mentor had to resign due to poor health, I did not become demoralized; I simply identified the most respected number theorist in my area of study and contacted him. This experience reflects my personal optimism in that I always believe there is an attainable solution, and it is my job to find the approach which will yield the desired result. Once I determine the best course of action, I work tirelessly and thoughtfully and am willing to put in as much time and effort as it takes to make the goal a reality.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX (Process Essay)

Suggested transition words to lead readers through your essayProcess essays are generally organized according to time: that is, they begin with the first step in the process and proceed in time until the last step in the process. It's natural, then, that transition words indicate that one step has been completed and a new one will begin. Some common transitional words used in process essays are listed below:

Onetime

TransitionAnother

time

TIME

After a few hours, Immediately following,

Afterwards, Initially,

At last In the end,

At the same time, In the future,

Before In the meantime,

Before this, In the meanwhile,

Currently, Last, Last but not least, Lastly,

During Later,

Eventually, Meanwhile,

Finally, Next, Soon after,

First, Second, Third, etc. Previously,

First of all, Simultaneously,

Formerly Subsequently,

Immediately before, Then,

APPENDIX (Descriptive Essay)Descriptive Adjectives List

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Appearance

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Personality

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Feelings

Adorable Aggressive Afraid

Attractive Ambitious Angry

Alluring Amused Anxious

Beautiful Brave Bad

Bewildered Bright Bored

Confident Cruel Calm

Cheerful Combative Confused

Cultured Co-operative Comfortable

Clumsy Cowardly Creepy

Drab Dangerous Depressed

Dull Diligent Disturbed

Dynamic Determined Dominating

Disillusioned Disagreeable Deceitful

Elegant Evil Envious

Fair Frank Faithful

Filthy Fearless Fine

Gentle Generous Good

Glamorous Gifted Grieving

Handsome Helpful Horrible

Homely Harmonious Happy

Hurt Hesitant Hungry

Ill-mannered Instinctive Ill

Jolly Jealous Jovial

Kind-hearted Knowledgeable Kind

Lovely Loner Lively

Magnificent Mysterious Mature

Nervous Naughty Nice

Pleasant Pleasing Proud

Perfect Placid Peaceful

Plucky Punctual Protective

Smiling Successful Sorrowful

Splendid Sedate Silly

Self-assured Sincere Sombre

Snobbish Selfish Sore

Thoughtful Talented Tired

Tense Thrifty Troubled

Timid Truculent Testy

Upset Unbiased Unwell

Vivacious Voracious Vengeful

Wonderful Witty Wicked

Worried Wise Weary

Wild Warm Wrong

Zaftig Zany Zestful

eg- What an adorable baby! eg- He was a brave knight. eg- She was in a jovial mood.

Following is a list of descriptive adjectives that describe shape, sound, size, time and quantity.

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Shape

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Size

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Time

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Quantity

Broad Big Ancient Abundant

Crooked Colossal Annual Bountiful

Circular Great Brief Cumbersome

Distorted Gigantic Early Empty

Flat Huge Fast Extra

Hollow Large Late Few

Narrow Miniature Modern Heavy

Round Mammoth Old Myriad

Square Petite Rapid Many

Skinny Tall Swift Multiple

Steep Thin Slow Numerous

Wide Tiny Young Substantial

eg- A skinny boy eg- A miniature train eg- An ancient manuscript eg- Myriad stars

The following descriptive adjectives list qualify nouns related to sound, taste, touch and color.

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Sound

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Taste

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Touch

List of Descriptive Adjectives Describing Color

Blaring Bitter Hard Azure

Cooing Delicious Loose Aqua

Deafening Fresh Rough Blue

Loud Hot Smooth Black

Melancholic Icy Slippery Crimson

Noisy Juicy Sticky Cyan

Soft Spicy Sharp Gold

Shrill Sweet Scattered Green

Squeaking Sour Soft Magenta

Silent Salty Tender Orange

Thundering Tasty Uneven Pink

Whispering Tasteless Wet Turquoise

eg- Blaring loudspeaker eg- Delicious pastry eg- Rough surface eg- Green diamond