The Researched Essay Unit Goals Critical Thinking Focus understanding assignments words used to signal rhetorical modes Research Focus collecting information from primary and secondary sources guidelines for researching a topic Rhetorical Focus structure of the researched essay selecting and narrowing a topic unity and coherence Language and Grammar Focus main and dependent clauses run-on sentences sentence fragments verb tense consistencyExercise 1 TI 2 Unit 1 king about the topic Discuss the pictures with a partner, + What types of writing are the people in the pictures practicing? + What types of writing do you do in your leisure time? + What types of writing do people do in professional settings? + What are some of the challenges you face when you write? Ena eee The Researched Essay ‘You may have written short essays, but as you progress in your academic studies, your teachers will expect longer essays that have been well researched, These essays have greater elaboration, which may include examples, statistics, questions, definitions, quotations, and anecdotes. Researched essays are more analytical in nature, Like other essays, the researched essay has three basic parts: an introduction, body, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph contains a topic sentence that supports the thesis statement. Facts found in research, quotations from experts, and statistics all support the body paragraphs to strengthen the essay’s message. | The Researched EssayExercise 2 Reading an essay A. Read the essay below about becoming an academic writer. Notice how the essay organized. Becoming an Academic Writer Learning how to write an academic essay is essential for students. —__ who are planning to attend college. Most professors require critiques of books and films, research papers, and formal reports related to the content of their courses. When I first started college, I was excited about facing these challenges and pursuing my major, media and communications. I was determined to improve my writing. To achieve this goal, I focused on three points: the content of my essays, correct grammar, and advanced- level vocabulary. As soon as I started to write for college, I discovered that the content of —_[~ body the writing required for my college courses was different from the content Thad used in high school. In the past, most of my writing dealt with my personal experiences. I wrote mainly about my family, childhood, and friends. In contrast, college writing focused on a variety of issues that I was unfamiliar with, such as reacting to a piece of literature or writing about science or polit assignment and research the topic before attempting my first draft. I started . Therefore, the most important thing for me was to understand the by reading encyclopedia articles to build a foundation. I researched the topic so that I could include examples, statistics, and irect quotations whenever possible to support my ideas. By giving specific examples, I made my ideas more detailed, easier to read, and much more impressive. However, grammatical problems in my writing were still an issue I realized that I had to improve my understanding of grammar h2. to write for college. Before I came to college, grammar was not my strong point. I often created run-on sentences or sentence fragments. In several instances my professors would not accept my writ ng. Instead, they required that I revise my work before I turned it in for a grade Consequently, I made grammar my second priority. I reviewed the basic grammatical structures such as subjects and verbs, and I checked all Writing Process Part 1 3my work for verb-tense consistency and correct punctuation, Soon my sentences became more complex because I included transitions, gerunds, and embedded clauses. The more I wrote, the more my writing improved, and as my grammar improved, my ideas became more convincing since they appeared to be from a more educated person. Because I was accustomed to writing informally, usually wrote the body way I spoke. It was quite common for me to include slang and abbreviated [Paragraph 3) terms, which were appropriate in social contexts but were not acceptable in formal essays. I soon realized that much of my academic writing required sophisticated vocabulary. Not surprisingly, improving my vocabulary became iy third and final goal. I bought a new dictionary and thesaurus to help expand my word knowledge. I became more aware of how often I repeated the same words and phrases throughout my essay. [often searched for synionyms to replace words that I thought were too simple for a college essay. also focused more on the rules of spelling, and I corrected any errors I found before submitting my assignment to the instructor. Academic writing requires critical thinking skills, an understanding — conclusion of the topic, research, high-level vocabulary, and correct grammar. Having these skills is empowering since it has made me a better communicator and student. I have come a long way since I started college, and I am now proud of the writing that I produce. B. Answer the questions and respond to the statements below. 1. Underline the thesis statement in the introduction. What three points does the writer suggest that he or she will make in the essay? 2. How does body paragraph 1 relate to the thesis statement? 3. How does body paragraph 2 relate to the thesis statement? 4 Unit 1 | The Researched Essay4, How does body paragraph 3 relate to the thesis statement? 5. What does the conclusion tell readers about the importance of this topic to the | Rhetorical Focus () eit The Introduction ‘An academic essay’ introduction must have a hook, background information, and a thesis statement. Hook ‘Anhook isa statement that begins the introduction. It includes one or two interesting sentences that engage the readers'attention and stimulate their curiosity. The sentences below provide the hook for an essay about an economic criss. Henry Paulson's expression turned to horror as he looked down at the numbers. He suddenly realized that the market was on the verge of collapse Background Information ‘The background information contains a general statement or statements that give a broad picture of the subject matter to be discussed. They provide extra information to help the reader understand the content of the essay. The sentences below provide the context (situation) for an essay on the economic crisis of 2008. In September 2008 the banking system in the United States nearly collapsed, leading to what many considered to be the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, Thesis Statement A thesis statement usually comes atthe end of the introduction. It summarizes ‘what the entire essay is about. It contains the topic and the controlling idea for the whole essay. The topic isthe subject matter of the essay. The controlling idea defines the purpose of the essay and sets its direction. [tonic] [controing idea] The economic crisis could have been avoided with banking regulations, Writing Process Part 1 5Exercise 3 Examining an introduction Read this introduction toan essay. Then answer the following questions. The Risks of Social Media Today there are more social networking accounts than there are people on the planet. Social networking allows people to share ideas with friends and family everywhere. it connects people in ways that were never possible in the past. Still, users of these sites should be cautious. Social media can be dangerous. 1. Circle and label the hook. How does it engage readers? 2. Underline the background information, What information does it provide to help readers understand what will follow? 3. Underline the thesis statement. Based on the thesis statement, what do you think the essay will be about? 4. What is the topie of the thesis statement? 5. What is the controlling idea of the thesis statement? Kno Focus (4 Body Paragraphs - ‘The body paragraphs contain the supporting details ofthe essay. ‘The topic sentence clearly states the content ofeach paragraph. It supports and ‘expands on an aspect of the topic and controlling idea ofthe essays thesis statement. The topic sentence is often the first sentence of a body paragraph. ‘Bach body paragraph must develop a point presented in the topic statement. All the ‘supporting details in a body paragraph must clearly relate to each other. They can be descriptions, definitions, examples, anecdotes, statistics, or quotations. Quotations may come from a published work or from a personal interview. ‘The concluding sentence may either bring the idea ofthe paragraph to a close or suggest the content ofthe next paragraph, 6 Unit 1 | The Researched EssayExercise Examining body paragraphs Examine the body paragraphs of the essay, “Becoming an Academic Writer,” on pages 34. Then respond to the questions and statements below. Compare your answers with a partner. Body Paragraph 1 1. Circle the topic sentence. 2. What supporting details does the writer give? How do these details support the topic sentence? 3, The concluding sentence —__ a. brings the idea ofthe paragraph toa close. b. suggests the content ofthe next paragraph, Body Paragraph 2 1 Je the topic sentence. 2. What supporting details does the writer provide? How do these details support the topic sentence? __ 3, The concluding sentence a, brings the idea of the paragraph toa close ». suggests the content ofthe next paragraph. Body Paragraph 3 1. Cirle the topic sentence 2. What supporting details does the writer provide? How do these details support the topic sentence? _ 3. The concluding sentence a. brings the idea of the paragraph to a close. '. suggests the content ofthe next paragraph. Writing Process Part 1. 7Enno be The Conclusion ‘Academic essays end with a conclusion that brings the essay to a close. ‘The conclusion is usually two to four sentences in length. ‘Tt restates the essay’ thesis in diferent words. Tis restatement connects the conclusion tothe introduction, ‘st may give advice or a warning, ‘*It may make a prediction or ask a question. ‘*Itcan provide new insights and discoveries that the writer has gained. Exercise 5 Examining a conclusion Reread the conclusion of “Becoming an Academic Writer” from page 4. Then respond to the questions and statements below. Academic writing requires critical thinking skills, an understanding of the topic, research, high-level vocabulary, and correct grammar. Having these skills is empowering since it has made me a better communicator and student, I ave come a long way since I started college, and I am now proud of the writing that I produce, 1, How many sentences appear in the conclusion? 2. Underline the sentence in the conclusion that restates the thesis inthe introduction, 3. The conclusion ends with a. some advice. ©. awarning b. a prediction 4. an insight hi eRe aks «+ learn how to analyze an assignment. + learn how to select and narrow a topic. + learn how to research a topic. + learn to collect information from both primary and secondary sources, 8 Unit 1 | The Researched EssayUnderstanding Assignments Weft es DEUS Elma eR 1a) bei ust ee Understanding Assignments When you get a writing assignment, read it carefully to gain a full understanding of your task before you get started. Look for the following information: Topic What will your writing be about? Purpose What is your goal? Will you inform, entertain, explain, or persuade? Audience Who will read your essay? What will they expect? What relationship do you have with these readers? How formal should your writing be? Rhetorical Mode Are you being asked to compare and contrast ideas, provide causes or effects, argue an opinion, classify, or react to something? Style or Format Will you write in a specific style? What font size will you use? Length How long will your essay be? Due Date When do you need to hand in the finished essay? It might help to annotate these directly into the assignment. Circle or underline and write pointers to each important element in the assignment. In this way, you will see the information quickly when you refer back to the assignment. ‘pi ‘Many large cities worldwide are restricting the use- cof automobiles. In fact, some countries like Germany have closed off streets to cars completely, and others have limited vehicular traffic to specific times of the uence —— day -Weite-an-erticle-for-an environmental magazine ce in which you exPlai is Policy societ fe some reasons for implementing this Rhetorical Mode se of action? To meet the deadline, the article must_— oa be received by A\ Format a = Due Date Refer back to your assignment frequently as you research and write each draft of your essay. You will want to be sure that you have met all of your instructor's expectations. Writing Process Part 2. 9Exercise 1 Understanding your assignment Read the writing task. Then respond to the questions and statements below. ‘Many books are adapted as films. Sometime: the directors have to make choices about which parts of the story will transfer best to the screen, Write a movie review for a newspaper. a book that you have read with its movie version, In what ways similar? How are they different? Writ 1. What is the topic? 2. Who is the audience? __ 3. Underline the style and format PCC c rT Tet p ir he. Words Used to Signal Rhetorical Modes Clues about the essays rhetorical mode are often written into the assignment as signal words. Take a look at the signal words in the chart below. ‘SIGNAL WORDS RHETORICAL MODES similarities, ditferences, contrast, lke, unlike, same, different CComparison-Contrast Essay consequences, results, outcomes, reasons, factors CCause-and-Effect Essay against, agree, argue, disagree, defend, position, convince, prove Argumentative Essay categorize, classify, types, rank Classification Essay analyze, critique, interpret, evaluate Reaction Essay Each unit of this book focuses on one rhetorical mode. ‘*1n Unit 2, you will learn to write comparison-contrast essays. ‘*In Unit 3, you will learn to write cause-and-effect essays. ‘In Unit 4, you will learn to write argumentative essays, ‘In Unit 5, you will learn to write classification essays. ‘¢1n Unit 6, you will learn to write reaction essays 10 Unit 1 | The Researched EssayExercise 2 Identifying the rhetorical mode Reread the assignment in Exercise 1 on page 10. Then answer the following questions. 1. What is the rhetorical mode? Sse ede eee eee ae 2. How do you know? Exercise 3 Identifying signal words and rheto! Read the assignment. Then respond to the question and statement below. Some universities are deciding whether or not to eliminate their physical education requirement for graduation. Faculty members are asking students for their input. Write an essay for the school faculty arguing in favor of against this requirement Defend your position with strong evidence including statistics, examples, and research from reliable sources. Some of your readers may not agree with your point of view. Counter their objections with strong evidence that will them of your position, 1. Circle any words that signal the rhetorical mode. 2. What is the rhetorical mode? LX Butea Selecting and Narrowing a Topic When selecting a topic for research, it is important to limit your subject area. Once you have decided on your subject (or are given a subject), for example the Middle Ages, make a list of what you already know. Look the subject up in an encyclopedia to get an overview of the subject. Then list aspects that interest you most. Review different media sources (books, journals, and websites) to narrow your subject to one specific topic, such as music in the Middle Ages. The more specific your topic is, the easier it will be to focus on the relevant information. Narrow the topic even further, such as Italian music in the Middle Ages or Italian music in the late Middle Ages. Writing Process Part 2.11Exercise 4 Selecting and narrowing a topic Respond to the prompts below. 1. Make a list of what you know on the subject of space exploration, 2. Look up space exploration in an encyclopedia to get an overview of the subject. ‘Then list aspects that interest you. 3. Narrow the subject by choosing one aspect of space exploration. Write the topic below. Collecting Information from Primary and Secondary Sources Libraries, government offices, museums, and the Internet provide a wealth of reliable sources. You may also want to interview people or send emails to experts on your topic. As you conduct research, use both primary and secondary sources. Primary Sources Primary sources are original materials such as legal documents, artifacts, letters, interviews, or speeches. These sources give first-hand accounts of history and historical records. Secondary Sources Secondary sources have been analyzed and/or explained by a third party. They include textbooks, third-person magazine articles, and scholarly journals. Whether you use primary or secondary sources, you must determine just how objective each source is to be sure the writers do not have a bias that will negatively affect your credibility. 12 Unit 1 | The Researched EssayExercise 5 Identifying primary and secondary sources Classify the following sources as primary or secondary sources. If the source can fall into both categories, write it in both places. autobiographies diaries email encyclopedia articles museum exhibits oral histories scientific magazine articles __ textbooks PRIMARY SOURCES autobiographies | Rhetorical Focus () Pra em Guidelines for Researching a Topic ‘Once you have a topic, such as Italian music in the Middle Ages, and are ready to begin your research, follow these steps: Scan websites and articles to become familiar with Italian music during the Middle Ages. * Develop research questions based on your findings. Who were the most famous Italian composers during the Middle Ages? What types of instruments did they play? * Use only reliable sources such as historical records, scholarly journals, highly respected national newspapers, university publications, and websites from respected institutions. * Avoid unreliable sources found in popular magazines, anonymous Internet articles, blogs, tabloid publications, or advertising, ‘Take notes by reading through articles, and highlight important points that relate to ‘your thesis. Your notes should include information about the source such as the title, author, publication, date, page numbers, and URL. This information will help ‘you remember where you got your information in case you want to refer back to it. ‘Also, you will need some of this information when you cite your sources in your essays. wi 9 Process Part 2. 13,Exercise 6 Conduc' ig research Think about a topic you would like to write about. Then answer the following questions with that topic in mind. 1. Where will you go first to begin your research? 2. How can you tell the difference between reliable and unreliable sources? 3. What are some reliable sources you will look for when you do research? 4, How will you organize your notes so that you can refer back to them as you write? ne Ee) * learn about unity within paragraphs and essays. * learn about coherence. * learn strategies for achieving coherence in your writing. 14 Unit 1 | The Researched EssayWriting Process Part 3 Unity and Coherence Ea ane Focus | Unity Effective writing must have unity. Unity occurs when all the ideas in a paragraph or an essay support each other. Unity within a Paragraph A paragraph has unity when all the sentences support the topic sentence, the main idea of the paragraph. Without unity, the paragraph loses focus. The topic sentence of the paragraph should focus on one topic and controlling idea. The supporting details of the paragraph must support the topic sentence. If they do not, they will be irrelevant and confuse readers. The paragraph below contains sentences that do not support the topic and controlling idea expressed in the topic sentence. These irrelevant sentences have been crossed out to preserve unity. Septimus Harding was my favorite character in the novel Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. Fhisneveli-partof the series-called-the Chronicles of Barsetshire: Some of the qualities I valued most in him were his devotion to his daughter and his generosity of spit. Even though he believed that his daughter was going to marty a man that Harding didn’t admire, Harding respected his daughters choice. Heaner Bold-was-e veny strong wited- women: Also, he gave up a coveted position to another job candidate because the man had twelve children and needed the money. Barchester Towers publshed in 4857, is about the-prominent citizens in-a-smalt-cityin-England: Unfortunately, many other characters in the novel felt they could take advantage of Harding's gentle nature. Exercise 1 Editing for unity Read the two paragraphs below. Draw a line through the sentences that are irrelevant. The first one is done for you. There are six more. Having my friends and family together at my wedding was an amazing experience. I had not seen some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins for many years. My-cousin- Tom tives in- London, where he works as an engineer: My mother was born in Spain, and my father was born in Indonesia, so my relatives are scattered all over the world, I really like traveling, and I have been to Europe and Asia to visit relatives. Although my family tries to get together for important occasions, this was the first time everyone Writing Process Part 315