Academic Writing: Essay structure, thesis statements, using evidence, avoiding plagiarism

Target Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Skill Focus: Writing, Reading, Vocabulary

Lesson Outline:

===INTRO:

Welcome to today’s lesson on Academic Writing, a crucial skill for students aiming to excel in their academic pursuits. Have you ever wondered why some essays receive top marks while others don’t? Or how you can articulate your thoughts in a way that convincingly supports your argument? Today, we will delve into the structure of essays, the importance of thesis statements, how to use evidence effectively, and how to avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism. Let’s embark on this journey to enhance your academic writing skills!

Vocabulary:

1. Thesis Statement: A sentence that summarizes the main point of an essay or research paper.
   • Example: In her essay, she posited a compelling thesis statement that climate change is impacting marine biodiversity.
2. Citation: A reference to the source of an idea, data, or quotation.
   • Example: Every citation in his paper was meticulously noted, enhancing the credibility of his argument.
3. Paraphrase: Restating someone else’s ideas in your own words.
   • Example: He paraphrased the findings from the study to support his hypothesis.
4. Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work or ideas without proper acknowledgment.
   • Example: Her paper was flagged for plagiarism because several paragraphs were copied verbatim from online sources without citation.
5. Cohesion: The quality of being logically unified.
   • Example: Good cohesion in an essay means each paragraph connects smoothly with the next.

Grammar:

The Passive Voice in Academic Writing: While active voice is often preferred for its clarity and directness, the passive voice is frequently used in academic writing to focus on the action or result rather than the doer.

Form: [Subject] + [be] + [past participle]

Examples:

• Active: Researchers found new evidence.
• Passive: New evidence was found by researchers.

Practice Activity: Convert the following sentences from active to passive voice:

1. Scientists conducted an experiment.
2. The team analyzed the data.

Reading:

Read the following passage on the importance of thesis statements in academic essays:

"A strong thesis statement is the backbone of a well-organized essay. It serves not only to provide the reader with the central argument of the piece but also to guide the writer’s own exploration and presentation of this argument. Consider the difference between an essay with a clear, concise thesis and one without: the former guides the reader through a cohesive argument, supported by evidence, while the latter often reads as a disjointed collection of thoughts with no clear direction."

Comprehension Questions:

1. What role does a thesis statement play in an essay?
2. How does a thesis statement benefit both the reader and the writer?

Listening:

Listen to the following lecture excerpt on using evidence in academic writing:

"Using evidence effectively is not just about presenting facts to support your argument; it’s about integrating these facts into your narrative in a way that strengthens your thesis. For instance, when you introduce a piece of evidence, don’t just state it—explain its relevance. Ask yourself, ‘How does this evidence support my thesis?’ This critical engagement with your evidence not only bolsters your argument but also demonstrates your understanding of the material."

Listening Comprehension Questions:

1. What is crucial about the way evidence is presented in an essay?
2. How does one demonstrate understanding of the material through evidence?

Speaking/Conversation:

Discussion Prompts:

1. Discuss in pairs how you would go about constructing a strong thesis statement for an essay on "The Impact of Technology on Education."
2. Share with the group a time when you found it challenging to integrate evidence into your writing. How did you overcome this challenge?

Writing:

Task: Write a 500-word essay on "The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion." Ensure that your essay includes a clear thesis statement, at least three paragraphs of body text each with its own piece of evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes your argument.

Writing Structure:

• Introduction: Introduce your topic and present your thesis statement.
• Body Paragraph 1: Present your first piece of evidence.
• Body Paragraph 2: Present your second piece of evidence.
• Body Paragraph 3: Present your third piece of evidence.
• Conclusion: Summarize your argument and restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented.

===OUTRO:

Today, we’ve explored the key components that make up effective academic writing: a clear thesis statement, the strategic use of evidence, and the importance of originality to avoid plagiarism. Remember, writing is a skill honed over time with practice and patience. For your extension activity, consider reviewing a recent essay you’ve written. Identify one area for improvement based on today’s lesson and rewrite a portion of the essay. Happy writing!