Writing 3 practice nguyễn phương lan, bùi thị ngọc oanh

NHA TRANG UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
------***------

WRITING 3
(PRACTICE)

Compiled by Nguyễn Phương Lan M.A.
Bùi Thị Ngọc Oanh M.A.

NHA TRANG 08/ 2016

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Subject details
Subject name

WRITING 2

Units of credit

2

Study length

15 weeks

Prerequisite / Co
requisite

Suggested study
Commitment
Term

Writing 2

Subject Coordinators/
Lecturers
Contact details

Nguyễn Phương Lan M.A.
Bùi Thị Ngọc Oanh M.A.

Approximately 2 class hours per week
Third

The subject outline contains important information. Please ensure that you read
it carefully. It is also strongly recommended that you keep this copy of your
subject outline for future reference.
Course objectives: After the second term the students get the intermediate level of
English and Teachers help the students to learn how to write a good essay.
Subject objectives
The specific objectives of this subject are to help students to:
Write essays of comparison and contrast, cause and effect and argument.
Subject structure
The structure of this subject for on-campus students comprises:
 One 2 period lecture per week
Subject materials
Lecture notes (mainly from the text books) and essential readings which are
recommended in each topic are key materials for this subject. Additionally, further

readings, discussion questions, exercises and problems solving will help students
understand thoroughly the fundamental issues of writing paragraphs.
Prescribed textbooks:
1. SUBJECT HANDOUTS
2. Writing Academic English by Alice Oshima and Aron Houge
3. Blueprints by Keith S. Folse, M. Kathleen Mahnke, ElenaVestri Solomon &
Lorraine William
4. Academic Writing From paragraph to essay by Cambridge University Press
5. CAE Practice Tests by Nick Kenny & Jacky Newbrook
6. Practice Tests by Mark Harron

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Proposed schedule
Time
Week 1.
2 periods

Content
Introduction the subject
Tutorial 1:
- Guiding about learning the subject
- Group formation, assignment requirements, presentation,
feedback and homework.

Week 2
2 periods
Week 3
2 periods

Week 4
2 periods
Week 5
2 periods
Week 6
2 periods
Week 7
2 periods
Week 8
2 periods
Week 9
2 periods
Week 10
2 periods
Week 11
2 periods
Week 12
2 periods
Week 13
2 periods
Week 13+ 14

Unit 1: Lecture
Unit 1: Practice
Unit 1: Practice
Unit 2: Lecture
Unit 2: Practice
Unit 3: Lecture
Unit 3: Practice
Unit 4: Lecture

Unit 4: Practice
Unit 4: Practice
Unit 4: Practice
Revision
Test 1
Fieldtrip + test 2

Assessment
Assessment for the subject will be on the basis of:
Contribution
5%
5%
10 %
30 %
50%

Assessment points
Attendance
Homework
fieldtrip
Mid term tests (2 tests)
Final exam: Writing

Home work for ALL groups
1. Do all the practices for each unit and then send the feedback to the teacher.
Deadline: a week before each unit
2. Make an outline and writing a paragraph of each kind
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TABLE OF CONTENT
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO ESSAY WRITING
WHAT IS AN ESSAY?
PART 1:
ESSAY ORGANIZATION
Overview of essay organization
The Introductory Paragraph
Concluding Paragraph
Transition Signals between Paragraphs
PART 2:
OUTLINING
Simple Paragraph Outlining
The "Parallel Form"Rule
The "Equivalent Value"Rule
Essay Outlining
PART 3: THE WRITING PROCESS: THE SEVEN STEPS
PART 4: TECHNIQUES OF SUPPORT
Support in the paragraphs
Facts Physical Description
Example
Personal Experience
Using Multiple Supporling Techniques
UNIT 2 ESSAY WRITING - COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
WHAT IS A COMPARISON ESSAY?
PATTERNS OF ORGANIZATION.
Block Method
Point-by-Point Method
CHOOSING A METHOD OF ORGANIZATION
IDENTIFYING GOOD SUBJECTS
COMPARISON STRUCTURE WORDS AND PHRASES

CONTRAST STRUCTURE WORDS AND PHRASES
UNIT 3: ESSAY WRITING - CAUSE AND EFFECT
TRANSITION PARAGRAPHS
Block Organization
Chain Organization
DEVELOPING CAUSE-EFFECT ESSAYS
Pre-writing to get ideas
Outlining Practice
CAUSE AND EFFECT STRUCTURE WORDS
THE WRITING PROCESS
TOPICS FOR WRITING
UNIT 4: ARGUMENT ESSAYS
- Opinion and balanced-argument essays
- Discussion essays
- Enumerative essays
SKILLS FOR ARGUMENT ESSAY WRITING
EXAMPLES OF ARGUMENT ESSAY S
LANGUAGE FOCUS
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

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UNIT 1:

INTRODUCTION TO ESSAY WRITING

What is an Essay?
An essay is a piece of writing several paragraphs long instead of just one or two
paragraphs. It is written about one topic, just as a paragraph is. However, the topic of an essay

is too long and too complex to discuss in one paragraph. Therefore, you must divide the topic
into several paragraphs, one for each major point. Then you must tie all of the separate
paragraphs together by adding an introduction and a conclusion.
Part 1: Essay Organization
Writing an essay is no more difficult than writing a paragraph except that an essay is
longer. The principles of organization are the same for both, so if you can write a good
paragraph, you can write a good essay.
An essay has three main parts:
1. An introductory paragraph
2. A body (at least one, but usually two or more paragraphs)
3. A concluding paragraph
The introductory paragraph consists of two parts: a few general statements about
your subject to attract your reader's attention and a thesis statement to state the specific
subdivisions of your topic and/or the "plan" of your paper. A thesis statement for an essay is
just like a topic sentence for a paragraph: it names the specific topic and the controlling ideas
or major subdivisions of the topic.
The body consists of two or three paragraphs; each paragraph develops a
subdivision of your topic, so the number of paragraphs in the body will vary with the
number of subdivisions. The paragraphs of the body are like the main supporting points of a
paragraph. Furthermore, j ust as you can organize the ideas in a paragraph by chronological
order or by order of importance, you can organize the paragraphs in an essay in the same ways.
The conclusion in an essay, like the including sentence in a paragraph is a summary or
review of the main points discussed in the body.
The only additional clement in an essay is the linking expressions between the
paragraphs of the body. These are just like transitions within a paragraph. You use transitions
within a paragraph to connect the ideas between two sentences. Similarly, you use transitions
between paragraphs to connect the ideas between them.
Overview of Essay Organization
You can see that writing an essay is essentially the same as writing a paragraph; an essay is
just longer. The chart below shows you how the parts of a paragraph correspond to the parts of

an essay. ?

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PRACTICE 1: Recognizing the Parts of an Introduction
STEP I Read the following introductory paragraphs, each of which is in scrambled order.
STEP 2 Rewrite each paragraph, beginning with the most general statement first becomes
more specific. Write the thesis statement last.
Paragraph 1
(1) The heavy traffic problem can be solved by building rapid transit systems from the
suburbs to the cities, by improving public transportation systems within the cities, and by
forming car pools. (2) Traffic congestion is caused by thousands of cars that come into the
cities from the suburban areas as well as from thousands of cars within the city limits. (3) One
of the most serious problems facing most big cities is traffic congestion. (4) This mammoth
problem must be resolved before it gets worse.
Paragraph2
(1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the norm, with only the parents and' young
children sharing the same house.(2) People in different cultures all over the world have
different systems for family life. (3) In most cultures, people live in extended family, in which
several generations share the same house. (4) If this new system becomes widespread, it could
have enormous effects on American society. (5) On the positive side, living together might
reduce the divorce rate in the United State; on the negative side, it might lead to the eventual
disintegration of the family altogether. (6) In the United states,some people are experimenting
with still another system of family life: living together without marriage.
Paragraphs 3
Although scientists have experimented with different methods of prediction, from observing
animal behaviors to measuring radio signals from quasars, they have not proven successful.
(2) Earthquakes are the most destructive natural disaster known to human, in tenns of million
of deaths and billions of dollars in property loss that they cause. (3) Despite these heavy

losses,
scientists are still unable to predict earthquakes. (4) This paper will review the history of the
science of earthquake prediction, then discuss each of the methods in more detail, and finally
present data indicating the success-failure ratios of each method.
PRACTICE 2: Thesis Statements I
A. Study these thesis statements from two different essays on the topic of the status of women
in Xanadu, an imaginary country. Which method of organization (chronological order or
comparison and contrast) does each one indicate?
1. Beginning of World War II and continuing through the period of economic boom, the status
of women in Xanadu has changed remarkably.
Method of organization:____________________
2. Although the status of women in Xanadu has improved remarkably in recent years, it is
still very low when compares to the status of women in the countries of the Western world
Method of organization:____________________
B.in the following two thesis statements, both the method of organization and the major
subdivisions of the topic arc indicated. Each subdivision will be the topic of a paragraph in the
body. How many paragraphs will the body of each essay probably contain? Underline the
topics of each paragraph.
1. The status of women in Xanadu has changed remarkably in the recent years due to
increased educational opportunities and changes in the country's laws:
Probable number of paragraphs: ______________________
2. The status of women in Xanadu has changed remarkably in the recent years in the areas
of economic independence, political rights, educational opportunities'and social status.
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Probable number of paragraphs: ______________________
C. Analyze the ibllowing thesis, statements
STEP 1 Locate the main topic and the subtopics in each of the following thesis statements.
STEP 2 Underline the subtopic

STEP 3 Draw a circle around the words or punctuation marks that are used to introduce the
subtopics
Example:
Capital punishment should be abolished (not only) because it deprives another person of life
(but also) because it does not stop crime.
1.Women generally live longer than men for two main reasons: they tend to take better care of
their health, and they lead less stressful lives.
2. Drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers can be traced to the following causes: lack of
parental supervision, lax enforcement of drug laws, and the social and psychological problems
of teenagers themselves.
3.In choosing a major, a student has to consider various factors, such as, personal interests,
job opportunities, and the availability of training institutions.
4. An architect should be both an artist and an engineer.
PRACTICE 3: Thesis Statements II
STEP 1 Complete the following thesis statements by adding topics to them.
STEP 2 Circle your topics. If you use correlative conjunctions (both .... and, not only ... but
also, etc.), be sure your structures are parallel:
THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
PRACTICE 4: Concluding Paragraphs
A. Write concluding paragraphs for the following introductions.
STEP 1 Summarize the main points or paraphrase the thesis statement. Be sure to begin with
a conclusion signal.
STEP 2 Add your own. comments as a final message to the reader.
Paragraph 1
The busy schedules that most adults almost face from day to day have created a rising health
problem in the modern world. Stress affects almost everyone, from the highly pressured
executive to the busy homemaker or student. It can cause "a variety of physical disorders,
ranging from headaches to stomach ulcers and even alcoholism. Stress, like a common cold, is
a problem that can't be cured; however, it can be controlled. A person can learn to control
stress by setting realistic goals, enjoying a hobby and/or physical exercise, and by

maintaining a good, warm relationship with family and friends.

Paragraph 2
Television is the most popular form of entertainment in many households. People of
all ages use the medium to entertain themselves for an average of four hours a day. Thus,
television has had a tremendous influence on its viewers, 'especially children. Scientists
now say that children can be adversely affected by constantly watching television. This is due
to the fact that they participate less in physical activities, spend less time reading and
studying, and see a world of violence that can affect their own feelings of security.
B.Write concluding paragraphs for introductory paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 that you
reorganized in Practice 1.
TRANSITION SIGNALS BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS
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Transition signals are important not only within paragraphs but also between
paragraphs. If you write two or more paragraphs, you need to show the relationship between
your first and second paragraph, between your second and third paragraph, and so on.
Think of transitions between paragraphs as the links of a chain. The links of a chain
connect the chain; they hold it together. Similarly, a transition signal between two paragraphs
links your ideas together,
Two paragraphs are linked by adding a transition signal to the topic sentence of the
second paragraph. This transition signal may be a single word, a phrase, or a dependent clause
that repeats or summarizes the main idea in the first paragraph.
Study the following mode!, and notice how the paragraphs are linked by a single word,
a phrase, or a clause.
MODEL Paragraph Transitions
Flextime
Introduction One of the most important changes that management has made in industry in
recent years is the scheduling of flexible work hours for their

employees.Workers are given the option of choosing when they will work.
This allows them more leisure time for family and fun. Flextime has obvious
advantages for both workers and management although it may not be practical
in all types of businesses.
Transition
Word
The first advantage is increased production per work hour. . (+supporting
sentences)
Transition
Word
A second advantage is that factory workers are happier. (+supporting
sentences)
Transition
Phrase
In addition to increased output and worker satisfaction, factory managers
report that absenteeism has" declined.(+suppqrting sentences)
Transition
Clause
Although.flextime has produced these three positive results in some industries,
it is not as advantageous in all types of businesses. (+supporting sentences)
Conclusion
To summarize, flextime has resulted in increased production and
happier workers who are less likely to miss work, and it works well in
manufacturing and retail industries. It works less well in service industries
such as the restaurant and health care industries.

PART 2: Outlining
Simple Paragraph Outlining
PRACTICE 1: Making Outlines Parallel______________________
Rewrite each of these outlines to make the support part parallel in form.

1. San Francisco is famous for its tourist attractions.
A. Golden Gate Park is very famous.
B. Chinatown
C. Fisherman's Wharf attracts hundreds of tourists.
D. Riding the cable cars.
For these four attractions alone, San Francisco is well worth a visit.
2. Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics.
A. It is beautiful.
B. Useful to science industry.
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In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.
3. Some of the world's most successful men had trouble in school.
A. Albert Einstein failed his university entrance exams on his first attempt
B. William Faulkner's F's in English.
C. Special tutoring necessary for Winston Churchill.
These few examples show that failure in school does not always predict failure in life.
THE "EQUIVALENT VALUE" RULE

PA C T I C E 2 : Outlining (Equivalent Value)
A. Organized the items in the lists below into a logical outline. Remember to give the items
with equal importance the same kind of letter or number.
volleyball
cycling
basketball
bowling
team sports
football
soccer

horse-racing
golf
martial arts
tennis
individual sports

Essay Outlining
MODEL: Essay Outline
Study the following model outline for an essay on the advantages and the disadvantages of
living in the twentieth century. Only the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph has
been given; only the paragraphs of the body of the essay have been outlined.
The Advantages and the Disadvantages of Living in the Twentieth century
I.
Living in the twentieth century offers certain advantages, such as higher standard of
living, but it also has some disadvantages, such as polluted environment, the
depersonalizalion of human relationships, and the weakening of spiritual values.
II. The biggest advantage of living in the twentieth century is the high standard of living we
enjoy.
A. More money lor less hard work
1.More office workers than manual laborers
2.Higher salaries
.
3.Increased government services
a. Social security
b.Unemployment benefits .
c. Disability insurance
B.Longer life expectancy
1.Better medical care
a.More hospitals, doctors, nurses
b. Advances in medical technology

2. Improved nutrition
3. More leisure time
C. Modern conveniences
1. Communication
a.Telephones
b.Radio and television
2. Labor-saving machines in the home
a.Dishwashers
b.Washing machines/dryers
c.Vacuum cleaners
3.Faster transportation
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III. One of the main disadvantages of living in the twentieth century is that we are living in an
increasingly polluted environment.
A. Air pollution .
1.Smog
2.Nuclear fallout
B.Water pollution
1.Chemical wastes from factories
a. Dead fish
b. Contaminated drinking water supplies
2.Raw sewage from cities
3.Oil spills from ships
IV. A second disadvantage of living in the twentieth century is the
personalizalion of human relationships.
A. People and machines
1. Automated vending machines, banks, etc,'
2.Tape recorded telephone answering

3. Computerized dating services
B.People and numbers
1.Social security numbers
2.Credit card numbers
V. The final disadvantage of living in the twentieth century is the weakening of spiritual
values.
A. Materialistic culture
B. Faith in science instead of in religion
VI. In conclusion, although the twentieth century has indeed given us a lot of advantages by
making us richer, healthier, and freer to enjoy our lives, it has, in my opinion, not made us
wiser. The twentieth century has also made our earth dirtier, our people less humane, and our
spiritual lives poorer. We should continue to enjoy the benefits of technological advancements
-because they free us to pursue our interests and goals.- However, we must make a concerted
effort to preserve our natural environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take
the time now to make our lives more meaningful in an increasingly impersonal, computerized
world.
Writing Technique Questions
1. How many paragraphs will this essay contain?
2. How many paragraphs are there in the body of the essay?
3. Look at the contents of paragraph II. How many main points are given? Do you think
there are too many ideas for one paragraph? Would you recommend dividing it into several
paragraphs? How many? What would your new topic sentences be?
PART 3: THE WRITING PROCESS; THE SEVEN STEPS
This section can be read at any time during the course. You will want to refer to these seven
steps many limes as you write your essays.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Imagine that you have been given the following assignment: Write an essay in which you
discuss the benefits or problems of vegetarianism. What should you do first? What should you
do second, and so on? There are many ways to write, but most good writers follow certain
general steps in the writing process. These steps are guidelines that are not always followed in

order. Look at this list of steps. Which ones do you do? Which ones have you never done?
1. Choosing a topic
2. Frewriting to get ideas/ Brainstorming
3. Making an outline and writng a rough draft
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4. Editing the rough draft/Cleaning up the rough draft
5.Peer editing
6.Revising the draft
:
7.Proofreading the final draft
Next you will see how one student, Scan, went through steps to do the assignment. First,
read the final essay that Scan gave his teacher.
FINAL ESSAY BETTER LIVING AS A VEGETARIAN
1. The hamburger is an American cultural icon that is known all over the world. Eating meat,
especially beef, is an integral part of daily life for a majority of people in the.United States.
The consumption of large quantities of meat is a major contributing factor toward a great
many deaths in this country, including the unnecessarily high number of deaths from heartrelated problems. Though it has caught on slowly in this culture, vegetarianism is a way of life
that can help improve not only the quality of people's lives but also their longevity.
2. Surprisingly as it may sound, vegetarianism can have beneficial effects on the a
environment. Because demand for meat animal is so high, cattle are being raised in areas
where rain forests once stood. As rain forest land is cleared in order to make roorn for cattle
ranches, the environmental balance is upset. This could have serious consequences for
humans. Studies show that much of the current global wanning is due- to disturbing the rain
forests.
3. More important at an individual level is the question of how eating meat affects a person's
health. Meat, unlike vegetables, can contain very large amounts of fat. Eating this fat has been
connected in research cases with certain kinds of cancer. If people cut down on the amounts of
meat they ate, they would automatically be lowering their risks of disease. Furthermore,

eating animal fat can lead to obesity, and obesity can cause numerous health problems. For
example, obesity can cause people to slow down and their heart to have to work harder. This
results in high blood pressure. Meat is also high in cholesterol, and this only adds to health
problems. With so much fat consumption in this country, it is no wonder that heart disease is a
leading killer of Americans.
4. If people followed vegetarian diets, their health would improve, In fact, it could even save
someone's life. Eating certain kinds of vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and
cauliflower, has been shown to reduce the chance of contracting colon cancer later in life.
Vegetables do not contain the "bad" fats that meat does. Vegetables do not contain cholesterol,
either. Furthermore, native inhabitants of areas of the world where people eat more vegetables
than meat, notably certain areas of the former Soviet Asian republics, routinely live to be over
one hundred.
5. Some people argue that, human nature being what it is, it would be unhealthy for humans to
not eat meat. They say that humans are naturally carnivores and cannot help wanting to
consume a juicy piece of red meat. However, anthropologists have shown that early humans
ate meat only when other foods were not abundant. Man is inherently an herbivore, not a
carnivore.
6. Numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of vegetarianism for people in general,
and I know firsthand how my life has improved since I decided to give .up meat entirely.
Though it was difficult at first, I have never regretted my decision to become a vegetarian. I
feel better, and my friends tell me that I look better than ever before. More and more people
are becoming aware of the risks associated with meat consumption. If you become vegetarian,
your life will improve, too.

STEPS IN THE WRITING PROCESS
For this assignment, the topic was given: the benefits or problems of vegetarianism. As
you consider the assignment, you have to decide what kind of essay to write. Will you
compare or contrast the benefits of vegetarianism with another type of diets? Will you talk
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about the causes and effects of vegetarianism? Will you argue thai vegetarianism is or is not
belter than eating animal products?
Scan chose lo write an argumentative essay about vegetarianism to try to convince
readers of its benefits.
STEP 2 PREWRITING TO GET IDEAS
The next step for Sean was to brainstorm
In this step, you write every idea that pops into your head about your topic. Some of these
ideas will be good, and some will be bad; write them all. The main purpose of brainslorming
is to wrile as many ideas as you can think of. If one idea looks especially good, you might
circle that idea or put a check next to it. If you write an idea and you know right away that
you are not going to use it, you can cross it out.
Brainslorming methods include making lists, clustering, and diagramming. Use whatever
methods you like best. Look at Scan's brainstorming diagram on the topic of vegetarianism

2. Benefits for me

Examples of
benefits of certain
vegetables
(broccoli as anticancer?)

My own
experience as

Environmental
benefits

1. Longer life
2. danger of too

much fat
a), higii blood
pressure
b). obesity 3*

1. animal raising costs
more
2. anting down
rainforests for cattle
farms . (global warming)

disease
4. Longer life

in
tliat eat
Little

meat

Scan's brainstorming diagram
.

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As you can see from the brainstorming diagram/ Scan considered many benefits of
being a vegetarian. Notice a few items in the diagram. As he organized his brainstorming,
Sean wrote "examples of benefits of certain vegetables" as a spoke on the wheel. Then he
realized that this point would be a good number 3 in the list of benefits, so he drew an arrow

to show that he should move it there. For number 4, Sean wrote "animal carry some parasites'
disease". Then he decided that this is not related to the topic of the benefits of becoming a
vegetarian, so he crossed it.
Getting the Information
How would you get the information for this brainstorming exercise?
 You might read a book or an article about vegetarianism.
 You could spend time in a library looking for articles on the subject.
 You could also interview an expert on the topic, such as a vegetarian
nutritionist. This method is not only useful but also. fun. You can ask the
person specific questions about parts of the topic that are not clear to you.
WRITER'S NOTE: Do Research
To get information and develop your thoughts about your essay topic, you may need to do
some research.
STEP 3: MAKING AN OUTLINE AND WRITING A ROUGH DRAFT
This step has two parts: an outline and a rough draft.
Outline Next, create an outline for the essay. Here is Scan's rough outline that he wrote
from his brainstorming notes.
I. Introduction
a.Define vegetarianism
b.List different types
c.Thesis statement: ………………………………………………………………..
II. Environment benefits
a. Rain forests
b. Global ill.
III. Health issues
.
a. Too much fat from meat —obesity
diseases
cancer
b.High blood pressure and heart disease

c.Cancer-fighting properties of broccoli and cauliflower, etc.
IV. Counterargument
a. Man is carnivore?
b. Not true
V. Conclusion
Opinion: Life will improve
After you have chosen the main points for your essay, you will need to develop some
supporting details. You should include examples, reasons, explanations, definitions, or
personal experiences. One of the most common techniques in generating these supporting
details is asking specific questions about the topic, for example:
What is it?
What happened?
.
How did this happen?
What is it like or not like? Why?

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Rough Draft
Next, Sean wrote a rough draft. In this step you take information from your brainstorming
and write the essay. This first draft may contain many errors, such as misspellings, incomplete
ideas, and comma errors. At this point, don't worry about correcting the errors. The main thing is
to put your ideas into sentences.
You may feel that you do not know what you think about the topic yet. In this case, it may
be difficult for you to write, but it is important to just write, no matter what comes out.
Sometimes writing helps you think, and as soon as you form a new thought, you can write it.
Making changes
As you write the rough draft, you may want to add information or take some out. In some
cases, your rough draft may not follow your outline exactly. That is okay. Writers do not always

stick with their original plan or follow the steps in writing process in order. Sometimes they go
back and forth between steps. The writing process is much more like a cycle than a line.
Rough draft tips
Here are things to remember about the rough draft copy:
- The rough draft is not the final copy. Even native speakers who are writers do not write an
essay only one time. They rewrite as many times as necessary until the essay is the best that it can
be.
- It is okay for you to make notes on your drafts, circle words, draw connecting lines, cross
out words, write new information. Make notes to yourself about what to change, what to add, or
what to reconsider.
- If you can't think of a word or an idea as you write, leave a blank space or circle. Then go back
and fill in the space later. If you write a word that you know isn't the right one, circle or
underline it so you can fill in the right word later. Don't stop writing. When people read your
draft, they can see these areas you are having trouble with and offer comments that may help.
- Don't be afraid to throw some sentences away if they do not sound right, Just as a good
housekeeper throws away unnecessary things from the house, so a good writer throws out
unnecessary or wrong words or sentences.

STEP 4: EDITING THE DROUGH DRAFT
The handwriting in the first draft is usually not neat. Sometimes it is so messy that only
the writer can read it! Use a word processor, if possible, to make writing and revising easier.
After you make notes on your rough drall, put it away for several hours or a few days.
You may find it helpful to come back to the paper later when you are fresh and are more likely to
see problems. At that time, copy the draft again in a neater hand or type it on a computer, if you
have one. If you notice any words or sentences that do not belong, throw them out, At mis'time
you may also want to add ideas that make the paper better
STEP 5: PEER EDITING
Sean used Peer Editing Sheet ( Editing Checklist) to get feedback on his essay draft. Peer
editing is important in the writing process. You do not always see your own mistakes or places
where information is missing because you are too close to the essay that you created. Ask

someone to read your draft and give you feedback about your writing. Choose someone that you
trust and feel comfortable with. Some, people feel uneasy about peer editing, but the result is
almost always a better essay. Remember to be polite when you edit another student's paper.
STEP 6: REVISING THE DRAFT
This step consist of three parts:
1. Reacting to the comments on the peer editing sheet (Editing Checklist),
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2. Rereading the essay and making changes.
3. Rewriting the essay one more time.
STEP 7: PROOF READING THE FINAL DRAFT
Most of the hard work is over now. In this step, the writer pretends to be a brand-new
reader, who has never seen the essay before. Proofread your essay-for grammar, punctuation, and
spelling errors and to see if the sentences flow smoothly.
Read Scan's final paper again on pages 20-21.
Of course, the very last step is to turn the paper in to your teacher and hope that you get a good
grade
WRITER'S NOTE: Proofread
One good way to proofread your essay is to first set it aside for several hours or a day or. two.
The next time you read your essay, your head will be clearer and you will be more likely to see
any problems.
STUDENT SAMPLE ESSAY
The following argumentative essay was written by Ho Tu Lanh in response to this topic:
Students and their families should not have to pay for university education. The
government should cover the tuition fee.
Now read Ho Tu Lanh's final draft that she gave her teacher after she went through steps 6
and 7. Essay (the final draft)
Education plays an important part in the development of each country. The government
gives priority to invest in education. However, there is a controversial issue about university's

tuition fee. Should government cover tuition fee or do students have to pay for their university
education? The second choice is better for three reasons.
First, the national budget is limited while the government must support many sectors, not
only education but also other important fields such as health care, science, environment, national
security and so on. Morever, educational cost is very high. In fact, it accounts for 15% - 17%
total national budget per year, So students' tution fee is very essential to help share financial
burden with the government.
Second, the amount of money which students pay is helpful and useful for themselves.
That money is used to improve learning facilities, pay salary for teaching staff, offer scholarships
for good students. When more modern classrooms, computer centres, libraries are built, students,
of course, will study belter. They are also encouraged to work harder because of scholarship.
Students will get the best things from the money they pay.
Third, if the government covers tuition fee, students might be less responsible for their
studying. People are often more responsible when they have to give out something. Statistics
showed that more students attend class and get as good results when tuition fee is paid by
themselves.
The opponents may insist that when the government covers tuition fee, there are more
chances for talents who are poor to study further. They, intelligent students, after graduating will
serve back much to their country. That is partially true. Howver, how many talents are there in
15


millions of students? If they are intelligent, they are not fear of giving up studying because of
scholarship. There are always chances for good students.
In conclusion, students and their families should pay for university education
because it brings many benefits for themselves and their country. Education is always very
important. If the government makes appropriate educational policy, it can help country develop
better.
PART 4: TECHNIQUES OF SUPPORT
Support in the Paragraphs

The sentences that support a topic sentence may do so in a variety of ways. The techniques you
use will depend on the topic sentence and on your audience. However, whichever technique of
support you use, the information you select must be specific. Study the techniques below. "Then
ask yourself, as you write a paragraph
1. Which technique would best support my topic sentence?
.
2. Which technique would best convince my audience that my topic sentence is valid?
A. Facts
B. Physical Description
The five senses - sight, hearing, smeii, taste, and touch - offer writers a source of detail about
the world around them.
1. Sight: Shape - round, square, flat.
Color - red, blue, green Light - bright, dark
2. Sound: Quality - clear or muffled, loud or soft
3. Smell: Quality - sharp, sweet, clean, fresh
Effect - suffocating, intoxicating
4. Taste: Quality - bitter, flat, sweet, sour
5. Touch: Texture - smooth, rough, sharp, dull
Temperature - hot, cold, lukewarm Weight - heavy, light
C. Personal Experience
Sometimes the most effective way to develop aparragraph.is an illustrative story. By telling the
reader a brief story of an actual incident that supports the general statement, you strengthen and
support the topic sentence. In the paragraphs below, the writers use personal experiences to
support their topic sentences.
D. Using Multiple Supporting Techniques
Often a topic sentence will be supported by more than one technique of support. For example, a
personal experience will contain physical description, or '"an example will contain some facts.
Multiple forms of support are often more interesting for the audience and provide stronger
evidence for the controlling

UNIT 2 ESSAY WRITING - COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
WHAT IS A COMPARISON ESSAY?
Activity 2: Outlining Practice
Below is a specific outline (or "Not As Different As You Think." (for a review of specific outlines) Some of the information IS missing. Reread the essay beginning and complete the outline.
Title: _______________________________________________________
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I. Introduction (paragraph 1)
A. Hook: All countries in the wodd are unique
B. Connecting information: Different location, size, culture
C. Thesis statement: _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
II. Body
A. Paragraph 2 (similarity 1) topic sentence: ___________________________________
1. Brazil’s characteristics
a. Size: _____________________________________________________
b. Travel: few Brazilians have traveled extensively in their country
c. Climate: ___________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
a. __________________________________________________________
b. Travel: ____________________________________________________
c. Climate: the weather can be extremely different from the north to the
south.
B. Paragraph 3 (similarity 2) topic sentence: Another similarity is the diversity of ethnic
groups
1. Brazil
a. __________________________________________________________
b. Other ethnic groups
c. __________________________________________________________

2. U.S
a. Europe
b. Africa
c. the Mediterranean
d. __________________________________________________________
e. __________________________________________________________
C. Paragraph 4 (similarity 3) topic sentence: ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________
1. Brazilians'belief in freedom:_________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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III. Conclusion (paragrnph 5)
A. Restated thesis: ______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
B. Opinion: Nevertheless, it is important to remember that people as a whole have more
in common than they generally think they do.

LANGUAGE FOCUS
COMPARISON-CONTRAST STRUCTURE WORDS AND PHRASES
AS you read the following modal essay, look for words and phrases that show similarities and
differences.
Model Essay
Gender' Differences
The "battle of the sexes" started with Adam and Eve, and it will probably continue
forever. The opinion that men are superior to women has long been accepted in many cultures,
but the feminist movement is trying to change this view. Feminises claim that boys and girls are

exactly equal at birth but become unequal because of the way they are treated by society.
However, recent research contradicts the view that males and females are innately alike.
Without a doubt, societal influences both inside and outside the family cause many
differences to develop. Inside the family, boys learn to be men by watching and copying their
fathers, and girls learn to be women by watching and copying their mothers. Outside the family,
boys who play with dolls after a certain age receive disapproval, as do girls who continue to play
with Ninja Turdes (although the pressure may not be quite as strong on girls).
However, not all differences are caused by societal influences. Some are due to
differences in the physiology of the brain. For example, more men than women are left-handed,
which means that the right side of men's brains are dominant because the right side of the brain
controls the left side of the body. Right-brain people generally have better reasoning abilities,
whereas left-brain people generally have better verbal skills.
In fact, girls are better at language than boys. For both men and women, the language
center is on the left side of the brain. However, girls not only begin speaking earlier than boys,
but they also speak more clearly and develop larger vocabularies. In contrast, more boys than
girls stutter and have trouble learning to read. Boys' difficulty with language may be the result of
their right-brain dominance.
In addition, men and women have different spatial abilities. For example, men are better at
turning three-dimensicnal objects in their heads. That's why they can read maps more easily I
than women.Women often have to turn a map around in order to know which direction to go
whereas men can do it in their heads. On the other hand, women excel at other spatial tasks such
as remembering the location of objects in a random pattern.That's why women are better than
men at finding misplaced car keys and eyeglasses.
While it is clear that some differences are rooted in the physiology of the brain, it is
equally clear that other differences are not. For examnple, boys and girls are equal in math ability
until nbout seventh grade.Then girls start to fall behind, perhaps because math teachers encourage
boys more. Furthermore, there are many exceptions to these general patterns. Just as some
women are good at abstract algebra, some men become skilled poets and public speakers.
Although continuing research will yield further informadon about gender
differences, it will never resolve the battle between the sexes. However, it should help the next

time he gets lost in the family car while following her map-reading directions, and the next time
18


she has to look for his misplaced car keys.
QUEST10NS ON THE MODEL
1. What is the thesis statement? Double underline it.
2. Does this essay discuss mostly similarities, mostly differences, or both similarities and
differences?
3 . What is the topic of each body paragraph?

PRACTICE 1: Comparison words-Circle all of the words that show similarities in the model

Comparison
Structure
Words and
Phrases

When you wane to compare something within a sentence or
between two sentences, comparison structure words and phrases are
useful. These words and phrases connect the two parts of a
companion, of two items, places, persons, and so on. The following
table gives a partial list of the most common words and phrases that
are used to show similarities.

essay
PRACTICE 2: Paired Conjunctions- Complete the following sentences. Be sure to follow the
rule of parallelism
1.Both in Tokyo and in New York city museums display many famous masterpieces.
2. Both overcrowded subways and _________________ are problems in Tokyo and New York

City.
3. You can buy designer clothes not only in boutiques but also_______________.
4. New Yorkers and Tokyoites not only can see a movie but also ______________
at any time.
5. In the summer, the weather in Tokyo and in New York is both hot and ____________________
6. The Ginza and Fifth Avenue shopping districts have both fine jewelers and ________________
PRACTICE 3: Comparison Structure Words and Phrases
Write a new sentence comparing the two sentences in each of the following pairs, using the given
comparison structure words. Punctuate correctly.
1. Advertising brings the public information about a product or a service. It is used to sell an idea
or an event.(similarly)
Advertising brings the public information about a product; similarly, It is used to sell an
idea or an event.
2. Advertisements influence a person's choice of food and other daily necessities. They
influence a person's choice of vacation spots and restaurants, (not only ... but also)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Advertising influences people's spending habits. It raises their standard of living, (both . . . and)
________________________________________________________________________
4. Advertising creates a desire for better clothing. Advertising creates a desire for a more
attractive personal appearance, (not only .. . but also)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Newspapers and magazines are largely supported by advertising. Radio and television are
largely supported by advertising, (just as)
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________

Contrast
Structure
Words and
Phrases

Now that you have learned to use comparison structure words and
phrases to show how two things are the same, in this section you
will learn to use contrast structure words and phrases to show how
two things are different. These words and phrases connect the two
parts of a contrast between two items, places, persons, and so on.
The following table gives a partial list of the most common words
and phrases that are used to show differences.

PRACTICE : A. Complete the following sentences. Punctuate correctly
1. I love to go camping but my sister doesn't.
2. Betty has gained ten pounds yet__________________________________________________
3. She should exercise although ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Living on an island is different from______________________________________________
5. Climbing mountains is great exercise. On the other hand
_____________________________________________________________________________
B. Work with a partner. Take turns saying and writing sentences showing differences
between men and women. Use the contrast structure words in parentheses.
1. (on the other hand) ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. (while) ____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. (whereas) ___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

4. (different from) ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. Although) __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

UNIT 3: ESSAY WRITING - CAUSE AND EFFECT
Practice : Make an outline for the model essay " Women's Liberation"
I.

Introduction (paragraph 1) Thesis statement:

_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
II.

Body
A. Paragraph 2 (cause 1) ___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
B. Paragraph 3 (cause 2). ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
C. Paragraph 4 (cause 3) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

D. Paragraph 5 (………………………………………………………………………… )
E. Paragraph 6 (effect 1) ___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
F. Paragraph 7 (effect 2) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
G. Paragraph 8 (effect 3) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
III.Conclusion (paragraph 9) ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Read and study the following essay. Work with a partner to answer the questions before and after
the essay. These questions will help you understand the content and the organization of the essay.

Pre-writing to get ideas
The following questions can all be developed into cause-effect essays. Try to give at least three
answers to each questions
1. Why do people feel culture sock? (focus on cause)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. What happens to people who experience culture sock? ( focus on effect)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Why do people gain too much weight?
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_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Why do women live longer than men?
_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Outlining Practice
The two outlines that follow show causes and effects of teen drug abuse. The first one
outlines the causes (focus on cause) and the second one outlines the effects (focus on effect) of
teen drug abuse . Complete the outlines with a partner. Use your information, knowledge of the
topic, and understanding of essay organization. Be sure to notice the thesis statements and use
them to help you complete the outlines.
TOPIC: The causes of teenage drug abuse
1. Introduction (paragraph 1)
Thesis statement: Teen drug abuse can occur, for many reasons, some of which are
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
II. Body
A. Paragraph 2 (cause 1) topic sentence: Teens often begin Using drugs because of low selfesteem.
1. Teens arc sensitive during adolescence.
2. Drugs make teens feel powerful
3. __________________________________________________________________
B. Paragraph 3 (cause 2) topic sentence: _________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
1. In many families, both parents work outside the home.
2. Parents often don't have time to pay attention to their children's needs.
3. Parents may not be aware of the warning signs that their children show.
C. Paragraph 4 (cause 3) topic sentence: many teenagers use drugs because of peer pressure.
1. They want to fit into a group.
2. They want "instant" friends.
3____________________________________________________________________
III. Conclusion (paragraph 5) (restated thesis): _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

The best way to stop teens from using and abusing drugs is to address all these causes. Only then
will there be a decrease in the number of teenagers who use drugs.

TOPIC: The effects of teenage drug abuse
I. Introduction (paragraph 1)
Thesis statement: When teenagers use drugs, the negative effects can be seen in
22


family relationships, academic performance, and even criminal behavior.
II. Body
A. Paragraph 2 (effect 1) topic sentence: Drug use often leads to a breakdown in family
relationships.
1.Teens on drugs often stop communicating with parents.
2.Teens may lie or begin acting strangely at home to protect their drug use.
3. ___________________________________________________________________
B. Paragraph 3 (effect 2) topic sentence: __________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
1. Students stop caring about schoolwork.
2. They may start bothering other kids at school.
3. They often skip school to be with their friends who do drugs.
C. Paragraph 4 (effect 3) topic sentence: If teens become addicted to drugs, they will do almost
anything, sometimes even commit crimes, to get drugs.
1. Drugs arc expensive, so teens usually run out of money to buy them.
2. They might begin stealing from their parents.
3________________________________________________________________
III. Conclusion (paragraph 5) (restated thesis): _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
When teens become drug abusers, there are negative consequences not only for the teens
themselves but also for their families, friends, and social groups. In the short term, these effects

are destructive enough, but they also have long term effects. Because we look to the young to
shape the future of society, we must insure that this future is in good hands. If it is not, societal
problems can only get worse.
THE WRITING PROCESS
You should follow the seven steps in the writing process
Stepl: Choosing a Topic
You may use topics, in 'Topics for Writing’.
Step 2: Pre-writing to get Ideas
This is the step you completed in 'Developing Cause-Effect Essay’.
Step 3: Making an Outline and Writing a Rough Draft
You should look at the example outlines.
Step 4: Edit the Rough Draft
Step 5: Peer Editing
You should ask your friend to read and comment on your essay
Step 6: Revising the Draft
- Reacting on the comments of your friend
- Rereading the essay and making changes
- Rewriting the essay one more time
Step 7: Proofreading the Final Draft
Proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, and see if the sentences flow
smoothly. Of course, the last step is to hand the paper in to your teacher and hope that you get a
good grade!
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UNIT 4: ARGUMENT ESSAYS
Basically, argument essays can be divided into three major types: opinion and balanced-argument
essays, discussion essays, and enumerative essays.
A. OPINION ESSAYS
An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing. It requires your opinion on a topic, which must be

stated clearly, giving various viewpoints on the topic supported by reasons and/or examples. You
should also include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph.
I. PLANNING & ORGANISATION
II. TYPE OF OPINION ESSAYS:
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION Writing Pro and Con Statements
Read the following list of topics for argumentative-persuasive essays. For each topic, write a pro
(for) thesis statement and a con (against) statement related to the topic. 7hen compare your
statements with vour classmates' statements.
Example:
 Topic: Women in the military
Pro thesis statement: In a society where women are chief executive officers of
companies, leaders of nations, and family breadwinners, there is no reason why they
should not play an active role in the military.
Con thesis statement: Women should not be allowed to fight in the military because they
do not have the strength or endurance required in combat.
1. TOPIC: Entrance examination to university in Vietnam
Pro thesis statement: __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. TOPIC: Home Edncation
Pro thesis statement: __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Con ihcsis statement: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. TOPIC: Smoking in public places
Pro thesis statement: __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. TOPIC: Using animals in disease research
Pro thesis statement: __________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. TOPIC: Are women are better parents than men?
Pro thesis statement: __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Example 1
Some people say part-time jobs are useful for full-time students because they not only
learn money but also gain career experience. Do you agree or disagree?

Below are some suggestions for you to cope with this essay title:
1. Read the task instructions, underline and interpret the key terms and concepts. Part-time jobs work a student does outside his study
Full-time students - those students who need to devote themselves sufficiently to study
Not only... but also - both... and
Money and career experience - two advantages (money and work experience)
2. Think of how to answer the question.
There are two ways you can apply: either giving your personal stand and supporting it with
arguments and justifications or investigating the issue on both sides with evidence, and finally
establishing your viewpoint in a concise manner.
3. Work out a possible outline.
Thesis: Taking a part-time job has both advantages and disadvantages.
(Paraphrasing the essay question and stating your stand.)

Body paragraph1: The first obvious advantage is that work can bring in money.
(Agreeing: earning money. Pointing out the first advantage of part-time jobs with practical
examples.)
e.g. independent
poor families
financial position
Body paragraph 2: Moreover, a part-time job can help prepare a person for the real world of
work, a step out of the ivory tower.
(Agreeing: gaining career experience. Pointing out the second advantage of part-time Jobs with
practical examples.)
e.g. employer's complaint
my own example
Body paragraph 3: However, it should be borne in mind that the primary purpose of university
study is to concentrate on academic work, and a student who also works may be unable to devote
themselves sufficiently to their study.
(Disagreeing: causing negative effects on study, Providing counter-argument with justifications.)
eg. insufficient time for study
failing to meet the requirements of universities
terrible consequences for their futures
Conclusion: Therefore, in my opinion, the decision of whether or not to take up a part-time job
25