Today we discussed grammar and organization of an essay in English, here are the notes from the class today.
Structure of a Paper
Introduction
- Present your paper
- State the question
- Propose ideas (outline the paper)
! In this paragraph do not use "I", here you must present the information as fact.
Body Paragraphs
- Explain each idea in detail
- Give supporting examples
- State opinions
Examples of phrasing:
- In my opinion
- On the one hand...on the other hand
- I think that
- I believe that
- Moreover
- It is said that
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly
Conclusion
- Briefly summarize ideas
- Address the original question
- Finish with the overall idea
Examples of phrasing
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- To sum up
- Overall we can see
- It is clear that
! Here once again the information is stated as fact, this needs to be convincing as it is the last impression the reader will have.
Tips for Writing
- Make an outline to organize ideas
- Work with your thesis statement to develop your thought proces
- Write the intro and the conclusion last to ensure that they are coherent and reflect the body paragraphs.
- Be concise, you don't need to write a long paper to have a good paper.
For, Since, When/During
For: use for a duration of time that is complete.
ex. I have studied English for 4 years.
Words such as "forever", "ages", and "a long time" are also considered as complete durations.
Since: use for the start of a period of time that is not finished. This is a continuous duration.
ex. I have been in France since last May.
This word is used with dates, seasons, months, stages of life, ages, etc.
During/While: describes when something happens and refers to a simultaneous actions.
During + noun + verb While + 2 verbs
ex. During WWII, many people died.
While I was eating I watched TV.
The Present Perfect Tense: Have
subj + have + past participle
In English we often use the present perfect tense to talk about actions in the past that are still important int the future. We use this tense during these cases:
Experiences:
I have been to France
I have never been to France
I have seen that movie
Accomplishments
I have climbed Mount Everest
I have learned a lot from working in Africa.
Change Over Time
You have grown since the last time I saw you.
My English has really improved since I last was in America
An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting
He has not finished his homework yet.
He has still not arrived at the airport.
Multiple Actions at Different Times
The army has attacked that city 5 times.
I have had 3 tests this semester.
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