EN101: Lec 7 (Essay and Research)

OXFORD COLLEGE

  • Institution offering programs in Arts, Business, and Technology.

EN101 College English

  • Focus: Essay and Research Writing.

Topics to Cover Today

  • Review of last week's lecture.

  • Overview of the Essay.

  • Midterm Review.

Summaries

  • Titles: Summaries share the same title as the original material.

  • Purpose: To condense the main ideas of a longer passage into a single paragraph.

  • Method: Paraphrase main ideas without copying text from the original.

  • Citations: In-text citations are necessary (e.g., (Last name, Year) or narrative citations).

  • Content: Summaries should include only information within the original selection and avoid extraneous details.

  • Transition Words: Essential for smooth flow; examples include: "In addition," "moreover," "first," "next," "then," "finally," "however," "therefore."

  • Details: Typically excluded unless needed for clarity; avoid copying sentences directly to prevent misunderstandings.

The Essay

Structure

  • Components: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.

  • Topic/Thesis: The main focus of the essay needs to be clearly defined.

  • Effective Research Strategies are central to successful essay writing.

Generating Ideas

  • Start with a focused topic; explore specific aspects that interest you even within a broader subject (e.g., "Dental Hygiene").

Thesis Statement

  • Definition: A thesis statement combines your topic and viewpoint.

  • Purpose: Summarizes the main point and directs the development of the paper.

Formulating a Thesis

Key Questions

  • What is my topic? What do I want to achieve? (Purpose: Explain, persuade, define, analyze)

  • What is my viewpoint?

  • Who is my audience aside from my instructor?

  • Why will my topic challenge my audience?

  • Which ideas from my prewriting assist me?

Thesis Construction

  • Formula: Narrowed Topic + Viewpoint = Thesis Statement.

  • Characteristics: Effective thesis should provoke curiosity and argumentation (make readers ask "Why?").

Types of Thesis Statements

Simple Thesis

  • Use for essays where arguments unfold gradually; less detail on supporting arguments.

Extended Thesis

  • Required for essays with multiple arguments; includes 2-3 supporting points, guiding readers about what to expect.

Introduction Structure

  • Standard approach: Begin with a general context for the topic, then narrow down to specific arguments and position.

Body of the Essay

  • Development: Full exploration of arguments through well-structured body paragraphs.

  • Each paragraph: Should focus on one main idea supported by examples and evidence.

  • Building blocks of argumentation with citation of scholarly sources.

Structuring Body Paragraphs

Key Components

  • Topic Sentence: Main idea introduction.

  • Explanation: Detail and clarify the topic.

  • Evidence: Supporting evidence requires proper citations.

  • Comment: Analyze how evidence supports the claim and discuss its strengths and limitations.

  • Link: Summarize the paragraph’s main idea and its support to the overall argument.

  • Suggested structure: TEECL (Topic, Explanation, Evidence, Comment, Link).

Example of an Argument (Climate Change)

  • Debate on responsibility for climate change actions lies between developed and developing countries.

  • Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR): Introduced in 1992; developed nations urged to lead in emissions reduction.

  • Ongoing contention regarding specific emissions targets for developing nations.

  • Issues of fairness and equity in reaching global agreement remain complex.

Conclusion Guidelines

Steps to Write

  • Restate your viewpoint.

  • Summarize main points.

  • Finish with significance of the topic, concluding with a resonant statement.

Research Strategies

Understanding Research Topic

  • Grasp the assignment’s requirements and relevant information sources.

  • Determine necessary information to effectively support the essay.

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Definitions

  • Primary Sources: Original materials (e.g., interviews, clinical trials, artworks).

  • Secondary Sources: Interpretations of original work (e.g., journal articles summarizing previous research, critiques).

Scholarly Sources

  • Peer-Review: Evaluation process by experts before publication.

  • Academic Sources: Work by experts aimed at generating or summarizing knowledge.

  • Grey Literature: Non-traditional materials including government documents and professional guidelines.

Finding Information

  • Choose information based on research needs.

  • Background reading helps establish context and terminology.

  • Sources include textbooks, reference works, and databases.

Evaluating Sources

  • Engage in critical thinking by assessing the credibility and relevance of online information.

Essay Assignment

  • Questions to consider for assignment clarity.