English: Lesson 6-7

• Writing


  A medium of human communication that involves the representation of a language with written symbols
• Paragraph


  A group of interrelated sentences organized around a topic sentence, containing an introductory sentence, using sentences to explain major points, and may use a concluding sentence
• Essay


  A group of paragraphs organized around a thesis, containing an introductory paragraph, using paragraphs to explain major points, and always uses a concluding paragraph
• Parts of a Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence
  • Body (Supporting Sentences)
  • Cohesive devices
  • Closing sentences
• Parts of an Essay

  • Introduction (Lead or Attention-getter, Transitional Statement, Thesis Statement)
  • Body (Major Point 1, Major Point 2, Major Point 3)
  • Conclusion (Reiteration of the thesis statement, Transitional Statement, Closing Statement)
• Redundancy


  Something that is repeated unnecessarily or something that is not useful because there is already another or more advanced version
• Cliché


  A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
• Hifalutin


  Expressed in or marked by the use of language that is elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means
• Unity


  • Achieved when a composition contains one focused idea and all the supporting ideas are relevant to the main thought
• Coherence


  • Achieved when ideas are logically, clearly, and smoothly linked to one another
• Cohesion


  • Connection of ideas at the sentence level, seen through a smooth flow of the sentences and the connection of the ideas
• Techniques for Cohesion


  • Use of pronouns to refrain from using a specific word repeatedly
  • Use of transitional devices to connect sentences with linked ideas
  • Repetition of keywords to tie up the paragraphs
• Organization


  • Achieved when ideas are logically and accurately arranged
• Language Use


  • Enables the writer to effectively communicate ideas without confusing the reader
• Principles of Language Use

  • Use clear and concise sentences
  • Avoid redundancies, wordiness, clichés, and hifalutin language
  • Avoid excessive use of "there" and "it" structures
  • Use precise vocabulary
  • Be consistent with your pronoun's point of view
  • Avoid sexist language
  • Use an appropriate level of formality
• Mechanics


  • Technical aspect of writing, characterized as a set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate, punctuate, and capitalize a composition
• Mechanics Conventions

  • Always use standard English
  • Avoid contractions
  • Avoid exclamation marks unless they are part of a direct quotation
  • Mention the full name of an institution or organization with the abbreviation in parenthesis during the first mention
  • Spell out numbers from zero to ten and write in figures those that are higher than ten
  • Use proper citations when writing texts
• The Writing Process


  A complex process which involves preparation, planning, researching, writing, revising, and editing
• Stages of the Writing Process

  • Preparation
  • Modeling
  • Generating Ideas
  • Focusing on a Topic
  • Outlining
  • Drafting
  • Feedback
  • Revising
  • Editing
  • Publishing
• Plagiarism


  Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement
• Ways to Avoid Plagiarism


  • Present original insights in your work
  • Cite your sources
  • Use an online plagiarism checker