TOEFL iBT Writing

Lesson 2

Independent task (Cont.)

Lesson flow

• Homework discussion

• How to develop body paragraphs

HomeworkWriting an introduction

Question:

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

Parents are the best teachers.Use specific examples and reasons to explain your answer.

Sample introduction

(General statement) In life , one of the important sources that contributes to a person’s learning is parents. (Restate the statement in your own words)

Some people argue that parents cannot make good teachers because of their limited knowledge and professional experience. Others believe that parents are the most important teachers in one’s life. (Your point of view) It is my belief, however, that parents are the best and the most important teachers for a number of reasons.

Essay Organizational StructureRevision

Essay question:

The twentieth century saw great changes. In your opinion, what is the change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Thesis: Medical advances are the most important change

Paragraph 1

Main idea: vaccines and antibiotics

Supporting details:

(1) polio vaccine

(2) penicillin and other antibiotics

Paragraph 2

Main idea: Increased access to health care

Supporting details:

(1)more hospitals, clinics, and health centers

(2) easier to get treatment

Paragraph 3

Main idea: Improved surgical techniques

Supporting details:

Microscopic and laser surgery easier to perform patients recover faster

Body ParagraphsBody Paragraphs

support the main idea in thesis statement by breaking it down into smaller ideas or subtopics.

ideas in body paragraphs should relate back to the thesis statement.

Essay

Introduction &

Thesis Statement

Body Paragraph 1

_____________

Body Paragraph 2

_____________

Body Paragraph 3

_____________

Body Paragraph 4

_____________

Body Paragraph 5

_____________

Basic paragraph structure

Topic Sentence EssentialsTopic Sentence Essentials

A topic sentence contains the topic of theparagraph and a controlling idea. Thecontrolling idea limits the topic to somethingvery specific.

Topic Sentence Companies should develop more efficient forms of energy such as solar heating panels.

ExampleExampleThis sentence does not contain a controlling idea. This is not a good topic sentence, because it does not limit the topic to make it more specific.

Controlling Idea: limits the ideas in the paragraph and makes the sentence more specific.

Topic Sentence Companies need to develop more efficient forms of energy.

Topic: names the main idea

Topic Sentence The advent of the Internet has benefited society through improved communication.

ExampleExampleThere are too many controlling ideas to be covered in one paragraph. A good topic sentence should be limited to one controlling idea.

Most topic sentences contain only one controlling idea.

Topic Sentence The advent of the Internet has benefited society through improved communication, access to information, and streamlined commerce.

Supporting SentencesSupporting SentencesTopic Sentence

An important factor in learning a foreign language has to do with the

concept of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation.

When we do something for the “fun of it” or because we enjoy it, that is called intrinsic motivation.

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when we do something for the purpose of receiving some kind of external reward such as money, time off from work, etc.

Many education experts believe that intrinsic motivation is more

powerful when it comes to helping students retain what they’ve learned.

Supporting Sentences

Body Paragraph

An important factor in learning a foreign language has to do with the

concept of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. When we do something

for the “fun of it” or because we enjoy it, that is called intrinsic

motivation. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when we do

something for the purpose of receiving some kind of external reward

such as money, time off from work, etc. Many education experts believe

that intrinsic motivation is more powerful when it comes to helping

students retain what they’ve learned. The question and challenge for

teachers today is, “How can we help our students become intrinsically

motivated in what we are teaching?”

Concluding SentenceConcluding Sentence

This concluding sentence tries to leave a final thought with the reader by asking a question.

Body Paragraph Format

• Sentence 1  TS Topic sentence• Sentence 2  CD  First sentence of concrete detail• Sentence 3  CM Commentary on sentence two• Sentence 4   CM More commentary• Sentence 5     CD Second sentence of concrete detail

• Sentence 6     CM Commentary on sentence five• Sentence 7    CM More commentary• Sentence 8     CS Concluding sentence

16

The 8-sentence Paragraph Structure

A topic

sentence may

be developed

by telling

an

incident

A topic

sentence may

be developed

by telling

an

incident

Developing a Paragraph

A topic sentencemay be developedby giving

examples.

A topic sentencemay be developedby giving

examples.

• A topic sentence

may be

developed by

giving details.

• A topic sentence

may be

developed by

giving details.

How to find these details?

Some different sources for details include:

• Your own experience and observation

• What you learn in the classroom

• What you view on the television or hear on the radio

• Library materials (books or articles)

Body Paragraphs (3)Body Paragraphs (3)• Adequate & Relevant detail:

It’s not enough to have specific details in your body paragraph; these details must clearly relate to the topic at hand.

E.g.:Topic sentence: “Dr. Johnson always shows concern for his

students,” Supporting sentences: “He is the most knowledgeable

person I have ever met and has published several important articles in Newsweek”

distract your reader because that example doesn’t illustrate how Dr. Johnson shows his concern for students.

Coherence of body paragraphs

Coherence = all the ideas flow from one paragraph to the next and all the paragraphs connect together into a logical whole.

The following four strategies will help you to maintain coherence in your essays:

• Use transitional words and phrases. • Repeat words or ideas.

By repeating key words and phrases throughout your essay, the ideas will flow better and your essay will achieve coherence.

Paragraph with coherence

GOLDGold, a precious metal, is prized for two important

characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore, it is suitable for jewelry, coins, and ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a Macedonian coins remains as untarnished to day as the day it was minted twenty-three centuries ago. Another important characteristic of gold is usefulness to industry and science. For many years, it has been used in hundreds of industrial applications. The most recent use of gold is in astronaut's suits. Astronauts wear gold-plated heat shields for protection outside spaceships. In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its utility.

Coherence of body paragraphs

• Use synonyms.

This will keep your essay from being too repetitive.

• Use sentences that look backward and forward.

You can connect your paragraphs by using topic sentences that address the topic you just covered in your previous paragraph as well state the subject of your current paragraph.

Writing steps

• Reading the question given & identifying the task

• Planning = Brainstorming making a mind map or an outline.

• Writing (introduction topic sentence supporting sentences conclusion)

• Checking and editing

Question:In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic a successful student must have? Describe the characteristic and give reasons for your opinion.

Topic: the most important characteristic for student success

Task: describe characteristic and give reasons for its importance

A mind map

An outlineThesis:

Paragraph 1Main idea:

Supporting details:(1) (2)

Paragraph 2Main idea:

Supporting details:(1)(2)

Paragraph 3Main idea:

Supporting details:(1) (2)

Brainstorming (1)

Qualities needed to be successful?

Intelligence? Patience?

Diligence? most important characteristic

Practice 1

Write the introduction for this question

Sample introduction (1)

(Introductory statement) In order to be successful, a student must have certain characteristics. (Narrowing the topic) To my way of thinking, the most important characteristic is diligence. (Thesis

statement)Being diligent is essential for many reasons.

Sample introduction (2)(Introductory statement) In order to be successful, a student must have certain characteristics. (Narrowing the topic) These characteristics include such qualities as patience and intelligence. However, it appears that the most important characteristic of all is diligence. A person who is diligent works hard in a very careful and steady way. (Thesis statement)Being diligent is an essential characteristic for many reasons.

Brainstorming (2)

reasons why diligence is important

Lots of homework assignments Lots of tests

Practice 2

Write topic sentences for paragraph 1 & 2

Sample topic sentences

Para 1: One reason a student must work hard is the number of homework assignments that must be completed.

Para 2: Another reason for a student to be diligent is that there are many tests to prepare for.

Brainstorming (3)

why diligence needed?

Lots of homework assignments Lots of tests

Reading lots of books

Writing papers

Doing lab experiments

finals quizzes

midterms

PracticeParagraph 1

Paragraph 1 - SampleOne reason a student must work hard is the number of homework assignments that must be completed. First, most of the homework will be reading assignments. Besides the reading assignments in the textbook, a student may have to get journals or articles from the library or online to supplement the readings in the book. Because this kind of reading is academic, a lot of critical thinking is involved, and the student must work hard to understand it. In addition, there may be papers to write. These might include summaries of the readings or reports on research done in the library or online. Furthermore, there might be lab assignments. A language lab might require the student to listen as well as to read and write. A science lab might require the student to do experiments that will require writing a lab report.

Homework

• Add detail to complete paragraph 2

Topic sentence:

Another reason for a student to be diligent is that there are many tests to prepare for.