EAP11_12_Unit 1_Lesson 1_Structure of Academic Texts

Unit Overview

• Subject: English for Academic and Professional Purposes

• Level: Senior High School

• Focus: The Nature of Academic Texts, Structure and Composition

Lesson 1: Structure of Academic Texts

• Understanding the key elements and structures that make up academic writing.

  • Components in Writing: What do building blocks signify in writing?

Learning Objectives

• Upon completion, students should be able to:

  • Identify the structures of paragraphs, essays, and research papers.

  • Construct short paragraphs and essays.

Academic Texts and Their Parts

• Essential Parts of Academic Texts: Why it is vital for a reader to understand these components.

• Understanding Paragraph Structures:

  • Paragraphs are collections of sentences focused on a single topic or idea.

Parts of a Paragraph

• Components:

  • Topic Sentence: Presents the main point.

  • Supporting Sentences: Provide evidence and reasoning to support the topic.

  • Concluding/Transitional Sentences: Wrap up the paragraph or transition to the next one.

Patterns of Development

• Techniques for organizing paragraphs:

  • Illustration: Use examples to clarify concepts.

  • Definition: Explain terms or ideas.

  • Classification: Group ideas or topics into categories.

  • Comparison and Contrast: Explore similarities and differences.

  • Process: Describe steps in a procedure.

Constructing Essays

• Three-Part Essay Structure:

  • Introduction: Sets the stage, provides context, and presents a thesis statement.

  • Body: Contains evidence supporting the thesis, analyzed and discussed in depth.

  • Conclusion: Summarizes findings and restates the thesis in a new way without introducing new material.

Components of the Introduction

• Functions of the introductory paragraph:

  • Provide context and background information.

  • Outline the aim and contents of the essay.

  • Engage the reader’s interest.

Body of the Essay

• Role of the body:

  • Present evidence and data.

  • Analyze and discuss findings relating back to the thesis.

Conclusion of the Essay

• Importance of the conclusion:

  • Restate thesis and main points in reworded form.

  • Do not introduce new material; finalize the discussion.

Structuring the IMRaD Format

• IMRaD Sections:

  • Introduction: Context and aims of the research.

  • Methods: Explanation of research design, data collection, and analysis.

  • Results: Objective presentation of data using visuals.

  • Discussion: Interpretation of results with recommendations.

Importance of Cohesion in Writing

• Cohesion ensures that readers can follow the writer’s argument and main ideas seamlessly.

Application of Knowledge

• Students will engage in exercises to compose paragraphs and short essays while implementing the techniques outlined throughout the lesson.

• Exploration of research relevance and rationalization on selected topics for further inquiry.

Wrap Up

• Key Takeaway: Understanding the structure of academic essays—three-part and IMRaD format—enhances both writing and reading comprehension skills.

Bibliography

• Resource references utilized for content:**

  • “The IMRaD Format.” Search Write, December 19, 2017.

  • “The Structure of Academic Texts.” Lnu.se.

  • “Traditional Academic Essays in Three Parts.” Penn State Abington.