Academic writing

1. University of Toronto
Writing Courses:
Self instruction resources for
learning academic writings

2. Academic Essay
Three main parts for an essay:
1 Thesis
2 Argument
3 Proof
4 Final product:
Essay

3. Basic Structure

4. Expectations of Academic
Writings: Essay Structure
 There is no only one structure in writing
The structure is according to the ideas to be
developed
There are not predetermined numbers of
points
In each paragraph, there should be a Topic
Sentence to guide readers.

5. What is a Topic Sentence?
A topic sentece sums up the main point of the
paragraph and states the information which
will be developed. It also helps to provide a
sketch of the argument of the essay.
A topic sentence is usually written at the
beginning of the paragraph and then
transitional (supportive) sentences. However,
the order can be altered.

6. Good Topic sentences
Be sure about what you will write in the
paragraph.
The topic sentence should be related to the
point that will be developed and how it
contributes to the paragraph should be clear.
The topic sentence contains the focus of the
paragraph as the paragraph also contributes
to the essay.

7. Introduction and conclusion
• A good introduction should identify your
topic, provide essential context and indicate
your particular focus in the essay.
• A conclusion provides a sense of closure to the
essay and adds a stimulus to further thought.
• In both cases, the paragraph stand for specific
and concrete terms, and not simply to
summarize what it will be written in the paper.

8. Understanding essay topics
Steps to follow:
Think about the topic, write down words
connected to it.
Think of possible connections, similarities or
comparisons.
Find evidence which supports those
connections.
Analize the information and determine the
structure of the essay (for-or-against,
comparison, expository text).
Organize the ideas and make a darft.

9. Planning and organizing an essay
Organizing the essay
Thesis statements
Instroductions and Conclusions
Paragraphs
Topic sentences

10. Organizing the essay
• Pre-writing stage Writing Revising
Pre-writing stage is the correct moment to estart
organizing the essay, devide the information into
pieces and stablish connections.
• Having collected the information, pay attention to
the type of essay which will be developed.
• he structure of an essay should not be
determined by the structure of its source
material

11. Using Thesis Statement
What is a Thesis statement?
A thesis statement sums up the main topic of
the essay and the position taken by the writer.
The thesis statement should be clear and
simple. It is usually made of argumentative
points that support the information in the paper.

12. A thesis statement can be an opening sentence,
it can be at the end of the paragraph, or in the
middle of it.
It indicates theoretical basis and substancial
support, which will be explained throughout the
paper.
A clear thesis statement is important; use 2 or 3
clauses if it is needed.
Every paper requires one

13. Introductions and Conclusions
A good introduction
Provide essencial contect
Indicate the particular focus in the paper
Specify the main topic
A good conclusion
Add a stimulus for further reading
Allow readers to think about the topic afer
reading iit
Provide the sense of clousure

14. An effective introduction
Capture readers’ attention.
Illustrate seriousness.
Quote an expert (preferably someone who
knows about the topic).
Mention 3 aspect which will be covered in the
paper.
Give specific concepts and explain them.

15. An effective conclusion
It is not merely a summary of the key points
covered in the body of the essay, it goes
beyond that: It stablishes consequences
related to the topic.
It might include a specific course of action.
It might include a relevant narrative or
anecdote.
Mention possible future research about the
topic.

16. Paragraph
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a serie of sentences related to
the central idea. It contains , at least, one
sentences expressing one particular topic or
theme.
When the paragraph is unified, it helps the
readers as a guidance to comprehend the essay.

17. An unified paragraph
A paragraph is unified when every sentence
develops the point made in the topic sentence.
very sentence must contribute to the paragraph
by explaining, exemplifying, or expanding the
topic sentence.
It is important that you understand what a topic
sentence is in order to write a unified and
coherent paragraph.

18. Ending an essay
There are 3 aspects to be covered before ending
an essay:
• Revising
• Editing
• Punctuation

19. Revising
This is the chance to see to the essay, which you
have already written, and change reasoning if you
need to.
At this stage, you are able to add or delete
paragraphs in order to make the text coherent and
cohesive.
And finally, revising the writing whether it says
what you have wanted to express, or it expresses
the intention of your assigment.
See to to deal with or take responsability for someone or something

20. Editing
As regards to editing, it means checking details
in the paper, such as: word choice, sentence
structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

21. Punctuation
Punctuation is one of the main problems at the
moment of writing, learning how to punctuate
involves learning rules and how to use them.
Commas: It is used to recognize the clauses in
long sentences, to list 3 or more elements of the
same category and to join2 independent clauses.
Semicolons: It is used to combine 2 closely
related independent sentences into one and it
also guides readers to recogniza the beginning or
the end of the clauses.

22. Bibliography
• Dictionary, wordreference.com
http://wordreference.com
• Website, writing.utoronto.ca
http://writing.utoronto.ca/