A Writing

Essay Workshop Workshop for

a.englishonline
You will use the information in this course to make your writing great. To students.
pass this course, you will need to pass all the tasks and pass the two writing
assignments. It´s time to break a leg in writing the three types of academic
essays we are to teach you: cause/effect essays, compare/contrast essays,
and argumentative essays.

Transcription: Teacher Erick Flores

Edition & Design:
Teacher Armando Barrios
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1 PUNCTUATION
Marks in English
They are the period, question mark, exclamation point, comma,
semicolon, colon, dash, hyphen, parentheses, brackets, braces,
apostrophe, quotation marks, ellipsis, asterisk, and underscore.

Symbol British-American Examples

. Full Stop or Period Dr. Jackson.

She is pretty.
Exclamation Mark, Gee! Holy cow! Gosh! Hey!
! She makes me furious!
Exclamation Point
Round brackets or He gave me a nice bonus ($500).
() Parentheses
When he got home (it was already dark outside), he fixed
dinner.
square brackets, He [Mr. Smith] was the last person seen at the house.
[]
brackets
Quotation marks "Don't go outside," she said.
" "
, Comma Frank ate the cookies, the pastry, and the pancakes.

; Semicolon John was hurt; he knew she only said it to upset him.

: Colon He was planning to study four subjects: politics, philosophy,

sociology, and economics.
 1880-1945; Princeton-New York trains
(–) (-) Dash and hyphen  part-time, back-to-back, well-known
/ Slash
{} Braces 2{1+[23-3]}=x.

(') apostrophe I've seen that movie. 7's

Sara's dog bit the neighbor.
(. . .) Ellipsis She began to count, "One, two, three, four…" until she got to
10, then went to find him.
_ underscore [email protected]

@ At sign

Exercise 1 Handwrite the table with punctuation marks on your notebook.

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2 PUNCTUATION
RULES
Period
 Use a period after a statement or a command.
o Lock the door behind you.
 Use a period after most abbreviations, initials and Titles:
o Washington, D.C. 5 p.m. Mr. Ms.
o J. R. Tolkien Dr. etc. U.S.A
 Periods are not used with acronyms, names formed by taking
the first initial of each word.
o The UN (United Nations) is located in New York.
o The FBI and CIA conducted the recovery mission.
o The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association ) will sponsor the
event.
o I am getting MCB (molecular cell biology) masters. (initial word)
He studies ESL (English as a Second Language).

Exercise 2 Use periods to punctuate the sentences

1. Jack is tired He's going home
2. Dr Mc Cain is out today
3. Robert Downey Jr is starring in the movie
4. Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, cress, etc) have flowers
shaped like a cross
5. The Broncos vs (versus) the Cowboys will take place at the Dallas
Sports Arena

Question Mark
1. Use a question mark after (not before) questions.

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2. In a direct quotation, the question mark goes

before the quotation mark: he asked: “What’s
your name?”
3. Don`t do this: Did you hear that the chicken crossed the
road and found a million dollars on the other side??? Are you saying the
chicken is a millionaire?! Can you believe it‽

Exercise 3 Use periods to punctuate the sentences

1. Do you want to join us

2. You speak English, don't you
3. The dog is brown, right
4. You paid the bill, didn't you
5. Lisa is not here, is she
6. Do you want to eat pizza chicken hamburgers
7. Isn't it a beautiful day

Exclamation point
1. excitement - “I can’t wait to go to Disneyland!”
2. surprise - “Oh! You already bought a new car!”
3. astonishment - “Wow! The Captain is even bigger than I thought!”
4. emphasizing a point - “No! We don’t want to go to the party!”
5. another strong emotion - “That news story made me so angry!”

Exercise 4 Rewrite the sentences to practice tone.

Exclamation points can affect the tone of a sentence in ways that
a period can’t. Here are some more example sentences that use
exclamation marks.
 Yes, I will marry you!
 Oh! That is a gorgeous dress!
 Wow! I can't believe I ran into you here.
 Jessica told me that you’re having a baby!
 “You are in a lot of trouble!” shouted Will’s dad.

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 Help! I locked myself out of my house!

 No! I forgot my homework again.
 My favorite movie is playing. Let’s go!
 You’re supposed to use two coats of paint, not one!
 Stop! Don't throw me in the pool!
 How dare you copy my answers!
 “Get out of my way!” snapped the old lady.

Comma
1. Use commas before a conjunction (and, or, so, but) that
separates two independent clauses. Remember the
FANBOYS technique.

 She wanted to go to work, so she decided to take an English course.

 He wasn’t happy in that apartment, but he didn’t have the money to
move.
 She went to work, but she did not want to go.

2. Don’t use a comma before a conjunction that separates two

phrases that aren’t complete sentences.
Example:
 She worked in a library and studied at night.

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 Do you want to go to the movies or stay

home?

3. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase

(generally if it is five or more words long).

Example:
 After a beautiful wedding ceremony, they had a reception in her
mother’s home.
 If you want to write well, you should practice writing almost
every night.

4. Use a comma to separate interrupting expressions from the rest

of a sentence;
Example:
 Do you know, by the way, what time dinner is?
 Many of the students, I found out, stayed on campus
during the summer.

5. Use a coma after transitional expressions.

Example:
 In addition, he stole all her jewelry;
 However, he left the TV.

Common Transitional Expressions:

Therefore Moreover However

Constantly Furthermore Nevertheless

For this reason Besides On the other hand

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Also In fact For example

In addition Similarly For instance

6. Use a comma to separate names of people in direct address

from the rest of a sentence.
Example:
 Jane, have you seen Paul?
 We aren’t sure, Mrs. Shapiro, where he is.

7. Use a comma after yes and no answers.

Example:
 Yes, he was here a minute ago.
 No, I haven’t

8. Use a comma to separate items in a series.

Example:
 We have coffee, tea, and milk.
 He looked in the refrigerator, on the shelves, and in the
cupboard.

9. Use a comma to separate an appositive from the rest of a

sentence.
Example:
 Mrs. Sampson, his English teacher, gave him a good
recommendation.
 Would you like to try a taco, a delicious Mexican food?

10. If a date has two or more parts, use a comma after each part.
Example:

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 I was born on June 5, 1968.

 The house at 230 Seventh Street, Miami,
Florida, is for sale.

11. Use a comma to separate contrasting information from the rest

of the sentence.
Example:
 It wasn’t Maria, but Malvin, who was absent.
 Bring your writing book, not your reading book.

12. Use a comma to separate quotations from the rest of a

sentence.
Example:
 He asked, “What are we going to do?”
 “I’m working downtown”, he said.

13. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that each

modify the noun alone.
Example:
 She was an intelligent, beautiful actress. (intelligent and
beautiful actress)
 Eat those delicious green beans. (delicious modifies green
beans)

14. Use a comma to separate nonrestrictive clauses from the rest

of a sentence. A nonrestrictive clause gives more information
about the noun it describes, but it isn’t needed to identify the
noun. Clauses after proper names are nonrestrictive and
require commas.

Example:
 The Polar Express, which is often on television at
Christmas, is my favorite movie.
 James Stewart, who plays a man thinking of killing himself,
is the star of It’s a Wonderful Life.

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Quotation Marks
1. Use quotation marks at the beginning and end of
exact quotations, other punctuation marks go before
the end of the quotation marks.
Example:
 He said, “I’m going to Montreal”
 “How are you?” he asked.

2. Use quotation marks before and after titles of stories, articles,

songs, and television programs. Periods and commas go before
the final quotation marks, while question marks and exclamation
points normally go after them.
Example:
 Do you like to watch “Dallas” on television?
 My favorite song is “let it be.”
 Do you like the story “Gift of the Magi”?

Exercise 5 Put Quotation Marks wherever necessary

1. Mary is trying hard in school this semester, her father said.
2. No, the taxi driver said curtly, I cannot get you to the airport in fifteen minutes.
3. I believe, Jack remarked, that the best time of year to visit Europe is in the spring.
At least that's what I read in a book entitled Guide to Europe.
4. My French professor told me that my accent is abominable.
5. She asked, Is Time a magazine you read regularly?
6. Flannery O'Connor probably got the title of one of her stories from the words of
the old popular song, A Good Man Is Hard to Find.
7. When did Roosevelt say, We have nothing to fear but fear itself?
8. Yesterday, John said, This afternoon I'll bring back your book Conflict in the Middle
East; however, he did not return it.

Quotation Mark Exercise Answers

1. "Mary is trying hard in school this semester," her father said.
2. "No," the taxi driver said curtly, "I cannot get you to the airport in fifteen minutes."
3. "I believe," Jack remarked, "that the best time of year to visit Europe is in the
spring. At least that's what I read in a book entitled Guide to Europe."
4. My French professor told me that my accent is abominable.
5. She asked, "Is Time a magazine you read regularly?"

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6. Flannery O'Connor probably got the title of one of her stories

from the words of the old popular song, "A Good Man Is Hard
to Find."
7. When did Roosevelt say, "We have nothing to fear but fear
itself"?
8. Yesterday, John said, "This afternoon I'll bring back your
book Conflict in the Middle East"; however, he did not return it.
9. "Can you believe," Dot asked me, "that it has been almost five years since we've
seen each other?"
10. "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" is, I believe, J. D. Salinger's best short story.
11. "Certainly," Mr. Martin said, "I shall explain the whole situation to him. I know that
he will understand."

Semicolon
1. Using semicolons is not so difficult if you remember that a
semicolon (;) is more like a period rather than a comma. It is very
strong punctuation mark. Semicolons are used in three places:

 Between two sentences that are closely connected in idea.

Example: Computer use is increasing; computer crime is,
too.

 Before conjunctive adverbs and some transitional phrases.

Example: Skiing is dangerous; nevertheless, millions of
people ski.
 Between items in a series if the items themselves contain
commas. Example: I cannot decide which car I like the
best: The Ferrari, with its quick acceleration and sporty
look; the midsize Ford Taurus; with its comfortable sits and
ease of handling; or the compact Geo, with its economical
fuel consumption.
Exercise 6 Put semicolons wherever necessary
1. The score was tied the game went into overtime.
2. Professor Brown has left the laboratory, however, you may still be able to reach
her through email.
3. We didn't attend the play, besides, we had heard that all the good seats were
taken.
4. We stayed in Baltimore, Maryland, Omaha, Nebraska, and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.

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5. The keys to the lower door were not, however, in their usual
place.
6. The three performers included Jasper, a trained squirrel, Belzar,
a tightrope walker, and Petunia, a magician.
7. Ingrid, a shortstop, made the team, but Joe, her cousin, did not
make the cut.
8. The World Series had begun, however, we were still stuck in traffic.

Semicolon Exercise Answers

1. The score was tied; the game went into overtime.
2. Professor Brown has left the laboratory; however, you may still be able to reach
her through email.
3. We didn't attend the play; besides, we had heard that all the good seats were
taken.
4. We stayed in Baltimore, Maryland; Omaha, Nebraska; and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
5. The keys to the lower door were not, however, in their usual place.
6. The three performers included Jasper, a trained squirrel; Belzar, a tightrope
walker; and Petunia, a magician.
7. Ingrid, a shortstop, made the team; but Joe, her cousin, did not make the cut.
8. The World Series had begun; however, we were still stuck in traffic.

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2 RECOGNIZING
COMMA SPLICES AND
FUSED SENTENCES
a) A comma splice contains two main clauses illegally joined by
a comma. The problem looks like this:
Main clause + , + Main clause.
b) A fused sentence, on the other hand, contains two main
clauses illegally run together with no punctuation whatsoever.
The problem looks like this:
Main clause + Ø + Main clause.

As a writer, you must keep in mind that comma splices and fused
sentences make you look like an amateur. They tell your reader that
you cannot control the construction of a sentence, the most basic
building block of a piece of writing. Learning to identify comma splices
and fused sentences is the first step to fixing the problem.

Example 1

Directions: Read the sentence below. Then answer the questions that
follow.

“My cat Cleo loves to nap on warm appliances when he

sleeps on top of the television, his tail swipes the screen
like a windshield wiper.”

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Is this sentence a comma splice, or is the sentence

a fused sentence?

Take a look at the sentence again:

“My cat Buster loves to nap on warm appliances when he

sleeps on top of the television, his tail swipes the screen like a
windshield wiper.”

The problem occurs between appliances and when. My cat

Cleo loves to nap on warm appliances is a main clause, so it can
stand alone as a complete sentence. When he sleeps on top of the
television, his tail swipes the screen ... begins the next complete
sentence. Because these two parts have only blank space between
them, they make a fused sentence, a major sentence error. To fix the
problem, you could put a period after appliances and then capitalize
the W for when.

Example 2

Directions: Read the sentence below. Then answer the questions that
follow.

“Julie is a real hypochondriac when her stomach hurts, she is

certain that she has a bleeding ulcer, and if she has a backache,
she believes that she has cancer of the spine.”

Is this sentence a comma splice, or is the sentence a fused

sentence?

Take a look at the sentence again:

“Julie is a real hypochondriac when her stomach hurts, she is

certain that she has a bleeding ulcer, and if she has a backache,
she believes that she has cancer of the spine.”

The problem occurs between hypochondriac and when. Julie is a

real hypochondriac is a main clause, so it can stand alone as
a complete sentence. When her stomach hurts, she is certain
... begins the next complete sentence. Because these two parts have

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only blank space between them, they make a fused

sentence, a major sentence error. To fix the problem,
you could put a period after hypochondriac and then
capitalize the W in when.
Exercise 7 Determine whether the items below are comma splices or fused
sentences.

1. Julie is a real hypochondriac when her stomach hurts, she is certain

that she has a bleeding ulcer, and if she has a backache, she believes
that she has cancer of the spine.
A. comma splice B. fused sentence

2. My cat Buster loves to nap on warm appliances when he sleeps on

top of the television, his tail swipes the screen like a windshield wiper.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

3. During English class, Anthony kept flirting with RaShaunda because

his behavior was keeping Shenicka from understanding the lecture,
Shenicka whacked him over the head with her heavy dictionary.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

4. In preparation for the quiz, La'Mia studied comma splices and fused
sentences until she thought her brain would burst, finally, she put away
her notes, convinced that she would remember the rules even on her
death bed.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

5. At the back of the classroom, Nina sat with her arms crossed,
glaring at her teacher, Mr. Turner, her body language indicated that
English was her least favorite subject.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

6. When Matt shaved his head, his mother worried that he had joined a
cult the real reason for the bald head, however, was that Matt could get

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more attention and sympathy from girls who thought

he was sick with a dread disease.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

7. Mike loves to play computer games, especially Tomb Raider, he

imagines that all of the villains are his problems, and he gets great
satisfaction blasting them to bits.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

8. Cindy's mumbling often gets her in trouble just the other day, in fact,
her stylist misunderstood Cindy's instructions and dyed her hair blue
after Cindy asked him to trim the ends.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

9. Clyde knew that he should be saving money for next semester's

tuition he spent every paycheck, however, on gold jewelry and
expensive dinners for his greedy girlfriend Gloria.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

10. At the campus coffee cart, Gini makes the best drinks her sweet
cream latte, a blend of vanilla ice cream and espresso, will put on the
pounds, but its cool, smooth taste is worth a trip to the gym.

A. comma splice B. fused sentence

Exercise 8 Directions: Each sentence below contains three underlined

parts, one of which is a comma splice or fused sentence. You must
find and fix the problem.

1. Hoping to relax after a busy week at work and school, Cheryl

smoothed on some sunscreen, settled onto her pool raft, and
opened her new Stephen King novel, then her neighbor cranked
up the lawnmower, ruining the quiet.

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2. Derek wanted a ferocious pit bull terrier to scare

off burglars, but his apartment complex did not
allow dogs as a result, Derek had to settle for
naming his goldfish Mr. Jaws and installing
additional door locks.

3. Sylvia carefully ironed her one good suit to wear to the bank
interview the next day all the while, Buster, her hairy white cat,
waited for her to lay the dark gray skirt on the bed so that he
would have a warm spot to nap.

4. Chet decided to get a huge Chinese dragon tattooed across his

shoulder blades once the stabbing needle pierced his skin,
however, Chet quickly changed his mind, opting to pierce an
ear instead.

5. Struggling to capture the nude model on paper, Sima whined

that she didn't have the right pencil at the same time, she
realized that this complaint was the same as saying that she
couldn't sink a basketball because she didn't have expensive
athletic shoes.

6. Hunched over the keyboard for hours, Charlie used two fingers
to hunt and peck out the 2,000-word research paper when
lightning caused his computer to crash, Charlie wept more tears
than the thunderclouds spilled rain.

7. After listening for weeks to her boyfriend Steve bragging about

his mother's chili, Amy anticipated the first delicious spoonful,
the hair floating among the beef and beans, however, killed her
appetite.

8. When Javier was supposed to be in trigonometry, he was

instead flirting with pretty girls in the cafeteria needless to say,
he was inadequately prepared to make the 98 that he needed on
the final exam to pass the course.

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9. Juliana knew that she would never again agree

to go out to dinner with James, he expected her
to buy her own meal, tip the waitress, and chip in
for gas.

10. At a garage sale, Clarence bought four gallons of exterior

latex for only ten dollars then, when his neighbors saw the
nuclear pink, they collected 120 dollars to buy four gallons of
primer and four gallons of forest green paint.

Exercise 9 For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct
comma placement.
1.
a) I took Angie, the one with the freckles to the movies last night.
b) I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movies last night.
c) I took Angie the one with the freckles, to the movies last night.
d) I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movies, last night.
2.
a) Jeremy, and I, have had our share of arguments.
b) Jeremy and I, have had our share of arguments.
c) Jeremy and I have had our share of arguments.
d) Jeremy and I have had our share of arguments.
3.
a) You are I am sure, telling the truth.
b) You are, I am sure, telling the truth.
c) You are, I am sure telling the truth.
4.
a) She left Albany, New York, in January 18th of that year.
b) She left Albany, New York in January, 18th of that year.
c) She left Albany New, York in January 18th of that year.
d) She left, Albany New York in January, 18th of that year.
5.
a) I need, butter, sugar, and eggs from the grocery store.
b) I need butter, sugar, and eggs, from the grocery store.
c) I need: butter, sugar, and eggs from the grocery store.
d) I need butter, sugar, and eggs from the grocery store.

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Exercise 10 Using commas to separate a long introductory

phrase from the main clause punctuate the following
sentences.

1. Having been told of the test John wondered when he would study.
2. Wading into the cool lake we found relief from the heat.
3. In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner stopped.
4. After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.
5. Seeing the oncoming car weaving I slowed down.
6. By the old bridge at the north of town we are meeting for a picnic.
7. At the last meeting of the cheerleaders Janie was elected captain.
8. Noticing the dark clouds we thought it would rain.
9. In the middle of our math class Tim became ill.
10. Being smaller than the other boys Jim did not make the team.

Exercise 11 Using commas to separate an introductory clause

from the main clause punctuate the following sentences.

1. When she noticed the time Marie realized she would be late.
2. As I entered the room I realized that I was late again.
3. While I worked at the restaurant I learned about food.
4. If she wishes Gloria can come with us.
5. Before you leave give us your address and telephone number.
6. Because the game was so one-sided we left early.
7. After he painted the office blue he dyed his hair green.
8. Since I left you my whole life has changed.
9. Although she loved her job it did not play very much.
10. Whenever I go to the beach I become sunburned.

Exercise 12 Using commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or

clauses in a series. Punctuate the following sentences.

1. He drove through Illinois Indiana and Kentucky.

2. He ran up the stairs through the door and down the hall.
3. He ends each day telling himself that the day was miserable that he should have
stayed in bed that tomorrow will be better.
4. I ate breakfast read the paper and went to work.
5. I have seen his picture in magazines on television and in movies.
6. We went swimming boating and fishing.
7. Use care courtesy and common sense in your driving.
8. The boys stopped looked and then darted for cover.
9. He read Hamlet Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

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10. Running in place doing sit-ups and lifting weights are healthy
activities.

Exercise 13 Using commas to separate two independent

clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction punctuate the
following sentences.

1. Your handwriting is sloppy but your punctuation is perfect.

2. The story was very interesting and she read it on one evening.
3. Alice wanted to stay home that evening yet she did not feel that she could refuse
the invitation.
4. You can spend the money now or you can put it in the bank.
5. The day was overcast yet we went to the beach.
6. She threw the switch but the lights did not work.
7. Jean does not each much lately and she is losing weight.
8. The rain continued for an hour so the game was called off.
9. He would not let them fight nor would he allow them to give up.
10. They would have to agree or they would not get anything.

Exercise 14 Using commas to punctuate the following sentences.

1. Jim are you sure that the building is safe?

2. Mrs. Winston your class has helped me.
3. Steve said “What do you want me to do?”
4. “Anything that you can do will be helpful” John replied.
5. Oh you will think of something to say.
6. John I worried that you had forgotten to feed the dog.
7. Unfortunately I have to stay up all night.
8. No you could go to bed early.
9. Yes he assigned another essay.
10. Mom please buy me some new shoes.

Exercise 15 Using commas to separate coordinate adjectives try to

punctuate the following sentences.

1. The instructor gave an unfair difficult examination.

2. The instructor gave a difficult final examination.
3. It was a happy productive prosperous season.
4. The foolish rude remark embarrassed him.
5. A heavy soiled ball sailed over the fence.
6. A tall dark and handsome man walked into the room.

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7. Although it was a hot sticky miserable day, Mrs. Marston

looked cool.
8. His long clean hair hung down to his worn faded jacket.
9. The short round brown bottle contains sulfuric acid.
10. Dangerous smelly fumes leaked from the bottle.

Exercise 15 Using commas to enclose a single word that interrupts the

flow of the sentence punctuate the following sentences.

1. It is however very difficult to hit a silverfish from then feet away.

2. He realized nevertheless that Martha would not let him keep a dog.
3. The umpire unfortunately called off the game.
4. Martha indeed hated homework.
5. The story nevertheless is interesting.

Exercise 16 Using commas to enclose phrases that interrupt the flow of

the sentence punctuate the following sentences.

1. That song in my opinion is unimaginative.

2. Mike would be much improved on the contrary if he stayed in bed.
3. Mr. Barnes my dance instructor was a professional entertainer.
4. A Mazda the car with the rotary engine is expensive.
5. One of the car’s safety features for example is the braking system.

Exercise 17 Using commas to enclose clauses that interrupt the

flow of the sentence. Punctuate the following sentences.
1. I was very embarrassed when my husband who was only slightly drunk crashed down the
stairs.
2. Gene Fowler who happens to be a poet is my best friend.
3. My car which I received as a gift sits idle in the driveway.
4. My friend who was hurt in the accident is in the hospital.
5. Dr. Rodriguez who was present as the scene called for an ambulance

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4 THE
PARAGRAPH
A paragraph is a basic unit of organization in writing in which a
group of related sentences develops one main idea. A paragraph can
be as short as one sentences or as long as ten sentences. The number
of sentences is unimportant; however, the paragraph should be long
enough to develop the main idea clearly.

4.1 Paragraph Structure

A paragraph has three main parts:

1) a topic sentence,
2) supporting sentences, and
3) a concluding sentence.

The following model contains all the elements of a good

paragraph. Read it carefully two or three times, and try to analyze its
structure.
Gold, 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, an ornamental purposes. Gold never needs to be
polished and will remain beautiful forever. For example, a Macedonian coin
remains as untarnished today as the day it was minted twenty-three centuries
ago. Another important characteristic of gold is its 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 astronauts’ 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.

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The topic sentence states the main idea

of the paragraph. It not only names the topic of the
paragraph, but it also limits the topic to one or two areas
that can be discussed completely in the space of a single
paragraph. The specific area is called the controlling idea. Notice
how the topic sentence of the model states both the topic and the

Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics.

controlling idea:

4.2 CONTROLLING THE TOPIC IDEA

Supporting sentences develop the topic sentence. That is, they

explain the topic sentence by giving reasons, examples, facts,
statistics, and quotations. Some of the supporting sentences that
explain the topic of gold are:
a) First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to
corrosion.
b) For example, a Macedonian coin remains as untarnished today
as the day it was minted twenty-three centuries ago.
c) Another important characteristic of gold is its usefulness to
industry and science.
d) The most recent use of gold is in astronauts’ suits.

The concluding sentence signal the end of the paragraph and leaves
the reader with important points to remember:

In conclusion, gold is treasured not only for its beauty but also for its
utility.

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Exercise 18
STEP 1 Decide which of the following sentences is the
topic sentence of the paragraph.
STEP 2 Write TS on the line next to the sentence.
STEP 3 Decide the order of the supporting sentences
and number them SS1, SS2, SS3, and so on.

Paragraph 1
____ a. It enables customers to do several banking transactions twenty-
four hours a day.
____ b. In addition, a costumer can transfer funds between accounts or
get a cash advance on a credit card.
____ c. An automated teller machine (ATM) is a convenient miniature
bank.
____ d. For example, a customer can use an ATM to deposit money and
withdraw a limited amount of cash.

Paragraph 2
____ a. After an attack by a great white, 462 stitches were required to
sew up an Australian scuba diver.
____ b. With their razor-sharp teeth and strong jaws, great white sharks
are very dangerous.
____ c. Nevertheless, one did just that near a public beach in Australia in
1985.
____ d. Even when they attack humans, however, great whites do not
usually eat them.
____ e. It bit in half and totally devoured a young female swimmer.
____ f. Great whites do not usually attack humans, but when they do,
they always cause serious injury and even death.

Paragraph 3
____ a. Another important change was that people had the freedom to
live and work wherever they wanted.

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____ b. The earliest significant change was for farming

families, who were no longer isolated.
____ c. The final major change brought by the
automobile was the building of superhighways,
suburbs, huge shopping centers, and many theme parks such
as Disney World in Florida.
____ d. The automobile revolutionized the American way of life.
____ e. The automobile enabled them to drive to towns and cities
comfortably and conveniently.
____ f. In fact, people could work in a busy metropolitan city and drive
home to the quiet suburbs.

Paragraph 4
____ a. In time, this melted part rises as a magma.
____ b. The formation of a volcanic eruption is a dramatic series of
events.
____ c. As the plate sinks friction and the earth’s heat cause part of it to
melt.
____ d. The magma produces heat, steam, and pressure.
____ e. First of all, most volcanoes are formed where two plates collide.
____ f. Then one of the plates is forced under the other and sinks.
____ g. When the heat, steam, and pressure form the magma finally
reach the surface of the Earth, a volcano eruption occurs.
Exercise 19
STEP 1 Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph.
STEP 2 Determine the main idea of each paragraph.
STEP 3 Add a good concluding sentence to each. You may either
paraphrase the topic sentence or summarize the main points.
STEP 4 Begin each concluding sentence with an end-of-paragraph
signal.

Paragraph 1
You can be good conversationalist by being a good listener.
When you are conversing with someone, pay close attention to the

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speaker’s words while looking at his or her face. Show

your interest by smiling and/or nodding. Furthermore,
don’t interrupt while someone is speaking; it is possible
to do so. If you have a good story, wait until the speaker
is finished. Also, watch your body language; it can affect your
communication weather you are the speaker or the listener. For
instance, don’t sit slumped in a chair or make nervous hand and foot
movement. Be relaxed and bend your body slightly forward to show
interest in the person and the conversation.
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.

Paragraph 2
Modern communication technology is driving workers in the
corporate world crazy. They feel buried under the large number of
messages they receive daily. In addition to telephone calls, office
workers receive dozens of e-mails and voice mail messages daily. In
one company, in fact, managers receive an average of 100 messages
a day. Because they don’t have enough time to respond to these
messages during office hours, it is common for them to do so in the
evenings or on weekends at home. __________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________.

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5 THE ESSAY
ESSAY ORGANIZATION
Writing an essay is no more difficult than writing a paragraph
except than an essay is longer. The principals of organization are the
same for both, so if you can write a good paragraph you can write a
good essay.
An essay has three main parts:
1. An introductory paragraph
2. A body (at least one, but usually two or more paragraphs)
3. A concluding paragraph

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5.1 THE
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
The introductory paragraph consists in two parts: a few
general statements about your subject to attract your reader’s attention
and a thesis statement to state the specific subdivisions of your topic
and/or the “plan” of your paper. A thesis statement for an essay is just
like a topic sentence for a paragraph. It names the specific topic and
the controlling ideas or major subdivisions of the topic.

Any person who has lived in the twentieth century has seen a
lot of changes take place in almost all areas of human
existence. Some people are excited about the challenges that
these changes offer; others want to return to the simpler life-
General style of the past. The twentieth has certain advantages such
statements as a higher standard of living for many, but it also has some
disadvantages such as polluted environment, the
depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening
of spiritual values.

5.2 General statements

The first sentence in an introductory paragraph should be a very
general comment about the subject. Its purpose is to attract the
reader’s attention and to give background information on the topic.
Each subsequent sentence should become more specific than the
previous one and finally lead into the thesis statement.

5.3 Thesis statement

The thesis statement is the most important sentence in the
introduction. It states the specific topic and often lists the major
subtopics that will be discussed in the body of the essay. Furthermore,

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it may indicate the method of organization such as

chronological order or order of importance.
Here are three examples of thesis statements with no
subtopics mentioned:
 Being the oldest son has more disadvantages than advantages.
 Young people in my culture have less freedom than young
people in the United States.
 The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has
major effects on cities.

In the following thesis statement, the subtopics are named:

 The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has
major effects on a city’s ability to provide housing, employment,
and adequate sanitation services.
Exercise 20
STEP 1 Read the following introductory paragraph, each of which is
in scrambled order.
STEP 2 Rewrite each paragraph. Begin with the most general
statement first. Then add each sentence in the correct order until the
introduction becomes more specific. Write the thesis statement last.
Paragraph 1
(1) If done properly, a handshake gives the impression of
strength and honesty, and if done improperly, it conveys weakness and
dishonesty. (2) In some cultures, people bow, and in others, they
shake hands. (3) In English speaking countries, shaking hands is the
custom. (4) A proper handshake has four ingredients: pressure,
pumps, eye contact, and verbal message. (5) The way people greet
each other when they meet for the first time varies from culture to
culture. (6) How one shakes hands sends an important message about
one’s character.

Paragraph 2

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(1) However, in others, the nuclear family is the

norm, with only the parents and young children
sharing the main house. (2) People in different cultures
all over the world have different systems for family life. (3)
In most cultures, people live in extended families, in which several
generations share the same house. (4) If this new system becomes
widespread, it could have enormous effects on American society. (5)
On the positive side, living together might reduce the divorce rate in the
United States; on the negative side, it might lead to the eventual
disintegration of the traditional family unit altogether. (6) In the United
States, some couples are experimenting with still another system of
family life: living together without marriage.

Paragraph 3
(1) Although scientist have experimented with different methods
of prediction, from observing animal behavior to measuring radio
signals from quasars (star like objects in space), no method has
proven successful. (2) Earthquakes are the most destructive natural
disasters known to humans, in terms of millions of deaths and billions
of dollars in property loss that they cause. (3) Despite these heave
losses, scientists are still unable to predict earthquakes. (4) This paper
will review the history of the science of earthquake prediction, then
discuss each of the prediction methods in more detail, and finally
present data indicating the success-failure ratios of each method.

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6 THE BODY
OF THE ESSAY
The body consists of one or more paragraphs. Each paragraph
develops a subdivision of your topic, so the number of paragraphs in
the body will vary with the number of subdivisions or subtopics you
indicated in your introduction. The body is the largest part of the essay
and can contain as many paragraphs as necessary to support the
controlling ideas of your thesis statement. You can organize the
paragraphs in an essay just as you organize the ideas in a paragraph,
by chronological order, logical division of ideas, comparison and
contrast, etc.

Example of a body paragraph.

Workaholics lead unbalanced lives. They spend all their

energy on work. They rarely take time to relax and let their minds
rest. I know because my father was a workaholic, and he worked
every day of the week. We hardly ever saw him. Even when he was
not at work, we knew he was thinking about work. He seemed never
to think of anything else. In summary, not knowing how to escape
from work makes it difficult for a workaholic to find balance in his or
her life.

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7 THE
CONCLUDING
PARAGRAPH
The final paragraph in an essay is the conclusion, which tells
the reader that you have completed the essay. First, you write a
summary of the main points discussed in the body of your essay or
rewrite the thesis statement in different words. Then you add your final
thoughts or comments on the subject. Take this opportunity to make a
strong, effective message that the reader will remember. Finally, be
sure to introduce the concluding paragraph with a conclusion
transitional signal.
Exercise 21
Read the following introductory paragraph again. Then study the
following concluding paragraph for the same essay.

Answer these questions:

1) Is the concluding paragraph a summary of the main points of the
essay, or is it a paraphrase of the thesis statement?
2) Is there a final message for the reader?

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Introduction
Any person who has lived in the twentieth century has seen a lot of changes take
place in almost all areas of human existence. Some people are excited about the
challenges that these changes offer; others want to return to the simpler life-
style of the past. The twentieth has certain advantages such as a higher standard
of living for many, but it also has some disadvantages such as polluted
environment, the depersonalization of human relationships, and the weakening
of spiritual values.
Conclusion
In short, although the twentieth century has indeed given some of us a lot
of advantages by making us richer, wealthier, and free to enjoy our lives, it
has, in my opinion, not made us wiser. The twentieth century has also
made our earth dirtier, our people less humane, and our spiritual lives
poorer. We wish to continue to enjoy the benefits of technological
advancement because they free us to pursue our other interests and
goals. However, we must make a concerted effort to preserve our natural
environment for future generations. Moreover, we should take the time
now to make our lives more meaningful in our increasingly impersonal,
mechanized world.

Exercise 22
Write concluding paragraphs for the following introductions.

STEP 1 Summarize the main points or paraphrase the thesis

statement. Be sure to begin with an expression signaling conclusion.
STEP 2 Add your own comments as a final message to the reader.

Introductory Paragraph 1

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The busy schedules that most adults face from day to day have
created a grown health problem in the modern world. Stress affects
almost everyone, from the highly pressure executive to the busy
homemakers or students. It can cause a variety of physical disorders,
ranging from headaches to stomach ulcers and even alcoholism.
Stress, like a common cold, is a problem that cannot be cured;

Write your concluding paragraph 1.

however, it can be controlled. A person can learn to control stress by

setting realistic goals, by enjoying a hobby and/or physical exercise,
and by maintaining good, warm relationships with family and friends.

Introductory Paragraph 2
New technology creates new opportunities for good and for ill.
Anyone with a computer, access to internet, and an e-mail address has
probably received unsolicited, unwanted e-mail at least. There seems
to be no way to avoid “spam,” as junk e-mail is now called. Worse, the
anonymity of cyber space has created opportunities for e-mail to send
rude, even abusive messages without having to take responsibility for
their words. In my opinion, there is a need to develop some rules of
etiquette especially for this new mean of communication.

Write your concluding paragraph 2.

Example of a conclusion

It is clear that personal computers have made our lives easier, but
have done so at a cost. As with every new invention, the rave been
unforeseen consequences. It is up to us to find the solutions to the
problems as well as to enjoy the conveniences of this new tool.

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The Computer Revolution (Essay Sample)

Technology brings problems as well as benefits to humankind. Since Henry Ford
began mass-producing automobiles in 1998, they have provided us with a cheap and
convenient mean of transportation. A technological development that is changing our lives
as much as the automobile is the personal computer. Since the 1980s, personal computers
have become common in homes, schools and businesses, and just as automobiles have
brought unexpected problems, so have personal computers.
To begin with, communication by computer has caused some problems. Although
we can easily send a message to hundreds of people in an instant, we can also receive
hundreds of messages, both wanted and unwanted, in just a few minutes. A newspaper
reporter for the Chicago Herald-Tribune recently received more than twelve hundred e-mail
messages in one day! It took her several hours to read them. Only a few were important;
most of them were “junk mail.” She complained, “This isn’t the first time this has
happened, it’s a terrible waste of my time and energy, yet I have to read through all of
them because I don’t want to miss anything important for a story I’m working on.” The lack
in censorship in cyberspace is another problem that no one has solved yet. Our expanded
ability to communicate means that anyone with a computer can communicate anything to
anyone on any subject at any time. Therefore, a computer-literate child can receive
pornographic photos and listen to chat-room conversations about sex. These examples
show that computer revolution has created problems as well as benefits in the area of
communication.
In addition to the problems in communication, computers have also caused
problems in businesses. They have created excellent opportunities for computerized crime.
Computer hackers use their skills to obtain secret business information and to still money.
For example, Kevin Mitnick, a computer hacker from California, obtained twenty thousand
usable credit card numbers by breaking into the computer files of a credit card company.
He also erased the accounting records of another big company before he was caught and
arrested. In addition, banks worry that hackers will learn how to transfer money out of
customers’ accounts into their own. “So far, we have been able to stay one step ahead of
the hackers in this particular game,” said Charles Buckley, a bank spokesperson, “but
security is never one hundred percent in any business.
Moreover, the use of computer has depersonalized business. People are no longer
customers; they are account numbers. Companies do not seem to care what your name is;
they only want to know your number. Face-to-face business transactions are no longer
necessary; you can buy almost anything you need by computer, phone, or fax. Also, as
telecommuting becomes more common workers in the same company interact with each
other less and less.
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4 Present
Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense links the past with the
present.

Use it when the action began in the past and is still continuing in the
present. Use it when the action still affects the present or when it is
important in some way to the present in the mind of the speaker.
 The computer age has improved our lives in numerous ways.
(this action began in the past and is still happening)
 I have never used a computer (… but I might still use one)

The present perfect is also frequently used for repeated actions

in the past
 There have been several cases of credit card theft via computer
(repeated action in the past)
Also, use the present perfect in any clause when yet is a time word. Do
not confuse the time word yet with the coordinating conjunction yet.

The lack of censorship in cyberspace is another

problem that no one has solved yet.

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Time word
I haven´t finished my breakfast yet?
Are you ready? > Not yet.
Coordinating Conjunction: to show contrast (but, nevertheless)
Computers are useful tools, yet they can cause many problems.

Present Perfect tense VS Simple Past tense

The simple past tense is the verb form used for an action that
began in the past and was completed in the past. The preset perfect is
used for an action that began in the past but is still happening or is still
influencing the present.
Simple past Present Perfect
I have lived in Hawaii for three years.
I lived in Hawaii for three years.
>I moved there three years ago, and I am
>I don’t live there now.
still living there.
She lived a happy life. She has lived a happy life.
>she is now dead. >She is still alive.
They got married in 1995. They have been married since 1995.
>Their wedding was in 1995. >They are still married.
They were married for a year. They have been married for a year.
>They aren’t married now. >They are still married.

Exercise 23
In the following sentences, choose either simple past or the present perfect of the verb in
parenthesis, and write in the blanks.

1. Van Ng and his family (leave) ________ Vietnam in 1988.

2. They (wait) _________ in a refugee camp in Thailand for six months until they
(receive) _________ permission to enter in the United States.
3. Now Van and his family are living in Texas. They (live) ____________ there since
1995.
4. Before that, they (live) ________ in Minnesota but it (be) _______ too cold there, so
they (move) _________.
5. Van’s father (not find) _____________ a job in Texas yet.
6. When they were in Minnesota, he (work) __________ on a dairy farm.

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7. Van and his brothers (study) _________ English at a special

school for refugees in Minnesota.
8. Since las year, however, they (attend) __________ the local school
with American children.
9. Van’s older brother is the only one who doesn’t go to school because he (graduate)
____________ two years ago.
10. A big problem for the Ng family when they first (come) ___________ to America (be)
_________ the food; they (not like) ______________ it.
11. At first, Mrs. Ng (kook) ___________ only Vietnamese food for her family.
12. When they (move) __________ to Texas, however, she (become) ________ friends
with a Mexican neighbor.
13. Her new friend (teach) ___________ her how to prepare spicy Mexican food, and chili
con carne (be) _________ a family favorite ever since then.
14. However, they (not learn) __________ to enjoy American hamburgers yet.
15. Although the Ng (live) ___________ in the United States for more than six years, they
(not give up) _______________________ hope of returning to their country.

TRANSITION SIGNALS BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS

Transition signals are important not only within paragraphs but also between
paragraphs. If you write two or more paragraphs, you need to show the relationship
between your first and second paragraph, between your second and third paragraph, and
so on.
Think of transitions between paragraphs as the link of a chain. The links of a chain
connect the chain; they hold it together. Similarly, a transition signal between two
paragraphs links your ideas together. This transition signal may be a single word, a
phrase, or a dependent clause that repeats or summarizes the main idea of the first
paragraph.

CHARTS OF TRANSITION SIGNALS

Others (adjectives,
Meaning/Function Sentence Clause Connectors
verbs, and
connectors
Coordinators Subordinators prepositions)
Also And Another
To introduce a
Besides Nor (“and not”) An additional
similar additional
Furthermore

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idea In addition
Moreover
too
Also And As As… as
Likewise Both… and Just as Like/alike
To compare Similarly Not only…. But Just like
things Too also Similar to
Neither… nor Be alike
Be similar
However But Although Despite
To introduce an In contrast Yet Even though In spite of
opposite idea, and Instead Though Compared to/with
to contrast things In/by comparison Whereas Be different (from)
Nevertheless While Be dissimilar
On the other hand Be unlike
On the contrary Differ (from)
Still
To introduce an For example Such as
example For instance Like
An example of

To emphasize In fact
To explain and Indeed
restate That is

To introduce an Otherwise Or If / Unless

alternative

First, second, etc. After The first, the second

First of all As The next, the last, the
Then, next As soon as final
To signal Now, then, soon Before Before lunch
chronological Last, finally Since After the war
order Meanwhile Until Since 19__
Gradually When In the year 20__
After that While
Since then (any time expression)
Above all A more important
To indicate order First and foremost The most important
of importance More/most The second most
importantly/ significant
significantly The primary

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Primarily

For Because Result from

Since Be the result of
As Due to
To introduce a Because of
cause or reason The effect of
The consequence of
As a result of
As a consequence of
Accordingly So Result in
As a result Cause
To introduce an As a consequence Have an effect on
effect or result Consequently Affect
Hence, thus The cause of
Therefore The reason for
All in all It is clear that…
In brief We can see that…
To conclude In conclusion The evidence suggests
In short that…
In summary These examples show
Indeed that…

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Essays
Topic 1: Write about two members of your family. Talk about their lives, how
they look like and what they are like. Why you have chosen to talk about
them. Support your essay with details and examples.

Topic 2: Which is the best place to live: Los Teques, San Antonio or Carrizal?
Compare these three places. Give specific reasons and examples to support
your opinion.

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