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101 Here is a paragraph which focuses on differences: Hollywood refers to the movie industry which is based in the United States, and Bollywood refers to the major movie industry in India. There are three main differences between the movies which are made by these two movie industries. One of the major differences between Hollywood and Bollywood movies is their duration. Bollywood movies are much longer than Hollywood movies. Most of the Bollywood movies are longer than two or even three hours. However, most Hollywood movies are about one and a half hours long. In addition, there are dance scenes in most Bollywood movies, but only some types of Hollywood movies such as musicals include dance scenes. There are several dance scenes throughout a Bollywood movie. It is not surprising to see a dance scene just because it rained or because the heroine smiled at the hero in a Bollywood movie. Another difference of Hollywood and Bollywood movies is the amount of visual effects which are used in them. Even though Bollywood also uses visual effects, Hollywood is much more ahead in the use of visual effects. If you ask people to name a movie with good visual effects, they name Hollywood movies such as Matrix, Avatar and Avengers. However, they cannot remember any Bollywood movies with visual effects. To conclude, Hollywood and Bollywood movies have several differences. EXERCISE 2. Answer the following questions according to the paragraph given above. 1. What is the topic sentence of the paragraph? 2. At which points are Hollywood movies and Bollywood movies different?

102 EXERCISE 3. A. Work with a partner. Discuss the similarities and differences between our life today and life a century ago. Similarities between our life today and life Differences between our life today and life a century ago a century ago

103 B. Read the paragraph below. This is an example paragraph about the differences of life now and a century ago: Life has changed dramatically in the last hundred years. Life today is totally different than a century ago. First of all, the way we live is different than the way people lived a century ago. In our time, technology is an important part of our life. We use technology in everything we do, from the way we communicate to the way we cook. However, a century ago, people did not have technological devices such as mobile phones or microwave ovens. People used to write letters to each other and cook food on fire. Secondly, the way people dress has changed in the last hundred years. A century ago, women used to wear corsets and gowns. They did not wear trousers. In contrast, women wear jeans and t-shirts today. Men’s clothes also have changed dramatically. A century ago, men used to wear three-piece suits: a jacket, trousers and a vest. However, in our time, men can wear much more casual clothes. Finally, today, relationships are very different from a century ago. Back then, when a young man was interested in marrying a young woman, he would come to her family’s home. He could see the young woman after taking permission from her family. The young couple could meet only at the young woman’s family home during hours that were specified by her parents. They could spend time alone only after the marriage. In contrast, today, couples can spend time together. Some people get married years after they start dating and some do not get married at all. To sum up, life is very different today from how it was a century ago. A compare / contrast paragraph follows this pattern: Topic Sentence Major supporting sentence 1 (Similarity 1 / Difference 1) • 1-3 Minor supporting sentences Major supporting sentence 2 (Similarity 2 / Difference 2) • 1-3 Minor supporting sentences Major supporting sentence 3 (Similarity 3 / Difference 3) • 1-3 Minor supporting sentences Concluding Sentence

104 The Topic Sentence When you write a paragraph about similarities, your topic sentence should state that the two things that are compared are similar. See the examples below: 1. Living with your friends and family are similar / alike in many ways. 2. Although there are some differences between the two sisters, they are similar / alike in many ways. 3. There are many similarities between studying at a private school and a state school. 4. Cats and Dogs have certain qualities / aspects in common. 5. Jack and Eddie resemble each other in many ways. The topic sentence for a paragraph about differences should state that the two things that are compared are different. See the examples below: 1. Travelling to Asia and Europe are different in many ways. 2. There are many differences between living in the country and in the city. 3. Even though / Although Alice and Jenny are twin sisters, they are different in many ways. 4. Skiing differs from ice skating in many ways. ! Tip: Before the topic sentence, you can write a ‘hook’ which engages the reader’s interest by personalizing the topic or showing why it is important for the reader to know about it. Look at the example below: Hook Life has changed dramatically in the last hundred years. Life today is totally different than life a century ago. Topic Sentence

105 EXERCISE 4. Write topic sentences for the following paragraphs. 1 My grandmother was born sixty years before I was born, so everyone would expect us to be different. . First of all, both my grandmother and I are good at cooking. My grandmother cooks everything well. Everyone loves her meals, and eagerly look forward to having them. In the same way, my friends and family enjoy having the meals I prepare. Another similarity between us is that we are both interested in making hand-crafts. My grandmother loves knitting and sewing. She makes clothes for herself and for other people, and she knits things like blankets and scarves. Similarly, I like making macrame bags and wall decorations, painting on wood and stones and making ceramics. Finally, both my grandmother and I like writing. My grandmother likes writing prose and poems. Likewise, I write short stories and poems. I also have a story blog which I write regularly. All in all, my grandmother and I have many things in common. 2 . The major difference between these two musical instruments is their size. The violin is much smaller than the cello. A violin’s height is twice the height of a violin. Also, the cello is much heavier than a violin. A standard violin is about 400 grams, whereas a standard cello is about 3 kilograms. Secondly, musicians hold these two instruments differently. Cellists have to sit and hold the cello between their legs to play it. In contrast, violinists do not have to sit to play the violin. They have to hold the instrument between their shoulders and chins to play it. Finally, the cello and the violin have different roles in an orchestra. The violins are like sopranos. They are the stars of the show. On the other hand, cellos do not have a frontline position, and they have a wider tone range. To conclude, the cello and the violin differ in size, playing position and their role in an orchestra.

106 Supporting Sentences After writing the topic sentence, you need to develop the similarities or differences by giving explanations or examples. Use listing signals when you are moving from one major idea to the next. Some of the patterns that you may use are the following: Comparison Signal Words (Showing Similarities) similarly Sydney is the financial capital of Australia. Similarly, / likewise Likewise, / In the same way, New York is the center of in the same way finance in the United States. similar Washington’s and San Francisco’s traffic problems are similar / the same the same. alike Washington and San Francisco have similar / the same traffic similar to problems. the same as like Washington and San Francisco are alike in many ways. Washington’s traffic is similar to / the same as San similarity (between) Francisco’s. both ... and Like Washington, San Francisco has traffic problems. neither ... nor not only ... but also There are similarities between San Francisco’s traffic and Washington’s traffic. Both New York City and Paris have outstanding international restaurants. New Yorkers and Parisians can both eat and drink in any kind of restaurant. Neither Cochin nor Mumbai has a cold climate. Neither Tokyoites nor New Yorkers can commute easily because of the overcrowded subways. Not only Italians but also French people dress fashionably. In Madrid, you can see joggers not only in El Retiro Park but also in Parque del Oeste.

107 Contrast Signal Words (Showing Differences) but Rock music is primarily the music of teenagers and young nevertheless adults, but jazz is listened mostly by elder people. however in contrast (to) Rock music is listened mostly by young people. However, / on the other hand In contrast, / On the other hand, Nevertheless, jazz is even though / although preferred more by elder people. despite / In spite of Even though / Although rock music is mostly preferred by young people, elder people may also like this type of music. Despite / In spite of the popularity of rock music among young people, elder people like and listen to it as well. while In rock music, a classic drum set without double bass pedal whereas is used, while / whereas in metal music, a drum set with a double bass pedal is used. differ (from) Present-day rock music differs from rock and roll music in (be) different (from) several ways. unlike The rock music of today is very different from the rock and roll music of 70 years ago, but they have the same roots. Unlike rock, which is a main music genre, metal music is a sub- genre of rock. difference (between) There are differences between rock music and rock and roll music.

108 EXERCISE 5. Circle the correct contrast signal word to complete the paragraph below. The Gobi desert is 1) differ / difference / different from the Sahara desert. First of all, these two deserts are located in different continents. The Gobi desert is in Asia, 2) unlike / whereas / on the contrary the Sahara desert is in Africa. Secondly, there is a 3) different / differ / difference between the sizes of these two deserts. The Gobi desert is the fifth largest desert in the world. 4) While / Although / However, the Sahara desert is the third largest desert in the world, and it is three times larger than the Gobi desert. Finally, temperatures are different at these deserts. The Gobi desert gets cold in winters. 5) Unlike / On the other hand / In contrast the Gobi desert, the Sahara desert is always hot. 6) While / Although / However, the average temperature in the Gobi desert in winter is -40 ºC, the average temperature in Sahara desert in winter is 30 ºC. 7) In spite / Despite / Even though the Gobi desert’ s cold winters, its summers are hot. The average temperature in the Gobi desert in summer is 50 ºC, 8) but / in spite of / although the average temperature in the Sahara desert in summer is 40 ºC. All in all, these two deserts 9) differ / difference / different in location, size and temperature.

109 EXERCISE 6. Combine the two sentences using the comparison and contrast words given in the brackets. 1. Newspapers and magazines need advertising to pay their costs. Radio and television need advertising to pay their costs. (in the same way) ________________________________________________________________________ (like) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. The media reach millions of people around the world. The Internet reaches people everywhere. (likewise) ________________________________________________________________________________ (both ... and) _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Fresh fruit and vegetables taste delicious. Canned ones are tasteless. (whereas) ________________________________________________________________________________ (unlike) __________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Medical care is free in Canada. People must pay for it in the United States. (different from) __________________________________________________________________________ (in contrast) _____________________________________________________________________________ 5. The driver in a car must wear a seat belt. The passenger next to the driver must wear a seat belt, too. (not only ... but also) _____________________________________________________________________ (just like) ________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Jenny is not a good surfer. Jack is not good at surfing either. (neither ... nor) ___________________________________________________________________________ (similarly) ________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Some girls enjoy playing with dolls. Some boys enjoy playing with dolls, too. (likewise) ________________________________________________________________________________ (also) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Rome has a rich history. Athens does, too. (both ...and) _____________________________________________________________________________ (alike) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 9. She has a fear of heights. She went to the top of the Eiffel tower. (despite) _________________________________________________________________________________ (even though) ____________________________________________________________________________ 10. There are plenty of shopping centers in Ankara. There are lots of shopping centers in my hometown, too. (as ... as) _________________________________________________________________________________ (similar to ... in that) _____________________________________________________________________

110 EXERCISE 7. Look at the photographs. Write three sentences about the similarities or the differences. Similarities between Paris and London 1. _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Differences between a small town and a big city 1. _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________________________________________ You can use the following transition words in your supporting sentences as you do when you write paragraphs in other paragraph formats: To List and Add Points To start with, … To Introduce Examples To begin with,… Firstly,… Secondly,… Thirdly,… In addition,… Moreover,… Furthermore,… Finally,… For example, For instance, … such as…

111 EXERCISE 8. Write three major supporting sentences for the topic sentences given below. 1. Having a dog and cat are similar in many ways. a) _______________________________________________________________________________________ b) _______________________________________________________________________________________ c) _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Even though there are similarities between learning English abroad and in your own country, they are different in many ways. a) _______________________________________________________________________________________ b) _______________________________________________________________________________________ c) _______________________________________________________________________________________ EXERCISE 9. Write two minor supporting sentences for one of the major supporting sentences you have written in EXERCISE 8. 1) _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2) _______________________________________________________________________________________ The Concluding Sentence In the conclusion of a compare / contrast paragraph, you can paraphrase the topic sentence (states the main idea in other words). You can add a personal comment or write a concluding sentence by summarizing the main points. Look at the examples below: e.g. To sum up, in spite of / despite their differences I admire these two great singers. Because of their geographic and demographic features, these two states are very different from each other. You can use the following phrases to introduce a conclusion: Use Phrase To introduce a conclusion To sum up, All in all, In conclusion, To conclude, Taking everything into account,

112 EXERCISE 10. Write concluding sentences for the topic sentences given below. 1. Although high school and university have similarities, they are different in many ways. Concluding sentence:____________________________________________________________________ 2. Facebook and Twitter are alike in many ways. Concluding sentence:____________________________________________________________________ EXERCISE 11. Look at the contrast paragraph below and underline the mistakes by using the checklist given. People often confuse leopards with jaguars. Although they look quite similar, there are many differences between these two animals. First major difference between these two animals is their size. Leopards are smaller than jaguars. A female leopard is between 20 - 60 kilograms, whereas a female jaguar is between 85 - 90 kilograms. A male leopard is between 40 - 80 kilograms, whereas a male jaguar is between 110 - 120 kilograms. Secondly, behaviours of these two animals are different. Jaguars are good swimers, and they love spending time in the water. However, leopards do not like water and try to avoid. Leopards are better in climbing and running compared to leopards. Finally, leopards and jaguars live in different continents. Leopards live in africa, asia and the middle east. On the other hand, jaguars live in central america and south america. All in all, leopards and jaguars differ in their sizes, behaviours and habitats.

113 CHECKLIST YES NO Are there any punctuation mistakes? Are there any capitalization mistakes? Are there any spelling mistakes? Are there any fragments / incomplete sentences? Are there any subject-verb agreement mistakes? EXERCISE 12. Look at the contrast paragraph below and find the problem/s in its organization by using the checklist given. Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and İstanbul is the economic, cultural and historic centre of Turkey. One of the similarities between these two cities is the water passing through them. In Lisbon, there is the Tagus River and in İstanbul, there is the Bosphorus Strait. In both of these cities, you can go from one side of the city to the other side by taking a boat or by traveling on a bridge. On the Tagus River, there is the 25 April Bridge and on the Bosphorus Strait in İstanbul, there is the famous Bosphorus Bridge. Moreover, both of these cities have a historic tram. In Lisbon, there is ‘tram 28’, which goes through the old part of the city. Similarly, in İstanbul, there is a tram passing through the İstiklal Avenue, which is a historic and popular shopping street. Furthermore, it is possible to see a lot of tile work in both cities. There are Portuguese ceramic tiles called ‘azulejos’ on the walls of houses, churches and subway stations in Lisbon. Likewise, in İstanbul, ceramic tiles called ‘çini’ are used commonly in decorating walls of buildings. In conclusion, people who visit these two cities would easily notice that they are alike. However, these two cities are not similar in every way. CHECKLIST YES NO Is there a suitable topic sentence? Are there enough details in the supporting sentences? Are the supporting sentences organized in a meaningful way? Are all the sentences relevant? Is there a suitable concluding sentence?

114 EXERCISE 13. Write a paragraph of at least 150 words answering one of the questions below. Brainstorm ideas and make an outline before you write. • Your hometown and another city • Football and basketball • Two celebrities OUTLINE Topic & main idea ⇨ ____________________________________________________________ 1st major support ⇨ ___________________________________________________________ Minor supports ⇨ ______________________________________________________________ 2nd major support ⇨ ___________________________________________________________ Minor supports ⇨ ______________________________________________________________ 3rd major support ⇨ ___________________________________________________________ Minor supports ⇨ ______________________________________________________________

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CHAPTER 11 ACADEMIC ESSAY 116 An essay is a group of paragraphs about a certain topic. It is similar to a paragraph in many ways, but it is longer and more developed. An essay usually has an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph. An essay has coherence (logical organization) and unity (a focus on a single topic), just as a paragraph does. Transition signals link the paragraphs into a cohesive whole. Here is an academic essay: Ways to Protect the Environment We cannot breath, drink water or find food without the environment. In other words, our life depends on the environment. However, unfortunately, in the last few decades, the environment has been damaged greatly. We should stop giving more damage or it will soon be too late to save the earth. There are several things we should do to protect the environment. First of all, we should use less number of products and less energy. We can achieve this by not buying things which we do not really need. When we buy less number of things, companies will produce less number of items, so companies will use less energy. We should also try to use less water. For example, we can turn off the faucet when we brush our teeth, and we can avoid turning on the water until we are ready to get in the shower. We can protect the environment by saving electricity. We can use less electricity by turning off the lights and appliances when they are not in use. Unless we do these, we cannot protect the environment. Secondly, we should recycle to protect the environment. There are many things that we can recycle such as batteries, plastic and paper. We can throw these items into recycling bins. Another way to recycle is reusing things that we have. For example, we can give the clothes we do not use any more to other people. We can also use the items that we have to make arts and crafts. Some artists even turn trash into artwork. No matter which way, recycling is a must. Finally, we should avoid using gasoline, petrol or diesel cars. We can do this by using electric cars. Statistics show that electric cars produce 17-30% less harmful carbon dioxide gases than the petrol and diesel cars. Another option is to use public transportation and go to school or work by bus or subway. By using public transportation, we cause less pollution. It is also a good idea to cycle. For instance, we can ride a bicycle when we go to the supermarket or school, and this way, we can reduce both air and noise pollution. Everyone should choose one of these ways and avoid using gasoline, petrol and diesel cars. In short, the environment has been greatly damaged, but we can save our natural resources and protect the environment by buying and using less, recycling and not using gasoline and fuel cars. Everybody should do these or there will not be a good world to live in for our kids!

117 EXERCISE 1. Look at the essay about ‘ways to protect the environment’ above and answer the questions. 1. What is the purpose of the introductory paragraph? 2. In which sentence of the introductory paragraph is the main idea of the writer? 3. Underline the topic sentence of each body paragraph. What ways to protect the environment are explained in each body paragraph? 4. Circle the transition words and phrases that introduce the body paragraphs. 5. What is purpose of the concluding paragraph? Here is the structure of an academic essay: Essay Structure Introduction General statements Thesis Statement Body Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence 1. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s 2. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s 3. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s Concluding Sentence Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence 1. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s 2. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s 3. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s Concluding Sentence Body Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence 1. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s 2. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s 3. Major Supporting Sentence Minor Supporting Sentence/s Concluding Sentence Conclusion Restatement or summary of the main points Final comment

118 The Introduction The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay. It serves two functions: to attract the reader’s interest and present the topic of the essay. Look at the introductory paragraph of the essay that you have read before: We cannot breath, drink water or find food without the environment. In other words, our life depends on the environment. However, unfortunately, in the last few decades, the environment has been damaged greatly. We should stop giving more damage or it will soon be too late to save the earth. There are several things we should do to protect the environment. Thesis Statement The introductory paragraph of an academic essay contains two parts: 1. Background information about the topic of the essay helps the reader understand and become interested in the topic. Before you begin writing, ask yourself: “What important background information does my reader need to know? or What’s the situation that I am writing about?” Do not give too many details—provide only what the reader needs. Write general statements, which will lead the reader gradually from a general idea of the topic to a specific idea. 2. The thesis statement presents the main idea of the essay. It is usually a single sentence. The thesis statement is typically the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. A thesis statement can express an opinion or state an argument to be defended or explained. A thesis statement should not only be a fact that cannot be discussed. A thesis statement also should not defend two sides of an argument equally, it should give a clear opinion. ✓EXERCISE 2. Read the thesis statements and put a check next to the sentences which are good thesis statements and write F next to the sentences which are only facts and N next to the sentences which do not have a clear opinion. ✓e.g. ______ Taking vitamin tablets regularly is not a good idea. ___F___ For centuries, men and women have not been given the same rights by the society. ___N___ There are advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power.

119 1. _____ Environmental factors may cause many diseases. 2. _____ India became an independent country in 1947. 3. _____ To be a successful student, study habits are more important than intelligence. 4. _____ There are several advantages of owning a car, but there are also many disadvantages. 5. _____ Half of the families in my country own a house. 6. _____ Using public transportation and cycling are the best ways to solve the traffic and pollution problems in cities around the world. 7. _____ While traveling, staying in a hotel offers more comfort, but sleeping in a tent is cheaper. 8. _____ Going to classical music concerts is one of the best activities one can do. 9. _____ It is better to read books in print. 10. _____ Social media is harmful for children. Here are some useful phrases to introduce a thesis statement: “In my opinion…”, “I believe (that)…”, “I think (that)…” The Body The body paragraphs of an essay develop and support the point of view that is expressed in the thesis statement. Just as a paragraph has a group of sentences that support the topic sentence, an essay usually contains three body paragraphs that provide information in support of the thesis statement. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Thesis Statement: There are several things we should do to protect the environment. Topic Sentences: 1. First of all, we should use less number of products and less energy. 2. Secondly, we should recycle to protect the environment. 3. Finally, we should avoid using gasoline, petrol or diesel cars. Here are some phrases you can use in topic sentences of the body paragraphs: First of all, First, To begin with, Second, Third, Thirdly, Finally, Lastly, Firstly, Next, Then, Also, In addition, Besides, Moreover, Furthermore

120 EXERCISE 3. Write three topic sentences (for the body paragraphs) for each thesis statement given below. 1. There are many ways to reduce poverty. A. _______________________________________________________________________________________ B. _______________________________________________________________________________________ C. _______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. University students should work part-time after class. A. _______________________________________________________________________________________ B. _______________________________________________________________________________________ C. _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Owning a business offers more advantages than working as an employee in a company. A. _______________________________________________________________________________________ B. _______________________________________________________________________________________ C. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Supporting Sentences In major supporting sentences, you develop and support your opinion by giving and explaining the reasons for your opinion. In minor supporting sentences, you provide examples, details, statistical information or facts to explain your reasons more in detail. You should write one major supporting sentence and one to three minor supporting sentences after each major supporting sentence. Look at the supporting sentences of the 3rd body paragraph of the essay that you have read above: Topic Sentence: Finally, we should avoid using gasoline, petrol or diesel cars. 1st support ⇨ We can do this by using electric cars. Statistics show that electric cars produce 17-30% less harmful carbon dioxide gases than the petrol and diesel cars. 2nd support ⇨ Another option is to use public transportation and go to school or work by bus or subway. By using public transportation, we produce less pollution. 3rd support ⇨It is also a good idea to cycle. For instance, we can ride a bicycle when we go to the supermarket or school, and this way, we can reduce both air and noise pollution. Concluding Sentence: Everyone should choose one of these ways and avoid using gasoline, petrol and diesel cars.

121 Here are some phrases you can use in the minor supporting sentences: Illustration: For example, For instance, As an illustration, To give an example Introducing quotation: According to … * In a body paragraph, you can write a concluding sentence, which ends the topic that is explained in the paragraph. It is optional. The Conclusion Just as a paragraph ends with a concluding sentence, an essay ends with a concluding paragraph that returns to the idea in the thesis statement. In the concluding paragraph, you should restate the main idea of the thesis statement by using different words and summarize the main points that are given in the body paragraphs. Then you can add a final comment on the issue. Here are some useful phrases that can be used in the conclusion: To conclude, In conclusion, To sum up, In brief, In summary, All in all, In short Look at the concluding paragraph of the essay that you have read before once again: Re-Statement of the main idea In short, the environment has been greatly damaged, but we can save our natural resources and protect the environment by buying and using less, recycling and not using gasoline and fuel cars. Everybody should do these or there will not be a good world to live in for our kids! Final Comment EXERCISE 4. Choose the best concluding paragraph for the introductory paragraph given below. Most people have kids, but they do not know how to be parents. Teenagers are taught many things at school such as Maths and Geography. However, they do not use all this knowledge when they grow up, so it would be better if they were taught important skills that they would need in life such as parenting. Teenagers should take parenting lessons to learn about important skills, gain responsibility and to make fewer mistakes when they have children in the future.

122 a. In conclusion, teenagers do not take parenting classes. They think that it is their parents’ duty to look after their siblings, and they do not think that there may be instances when they have to look after their siblings. All teenagers should realize that they need parenting classes. b. In short, teenagers should learn parenting skills from a young age. Schools should provide parenting classes to teenagers. Adults can look after their children much better if they take these lessons at school. c. All in all, people think that looking after children is easy. Many people think that they can easily do it when they have kids. What people should understand is that parenting is a difficult skill and a big responsibility. Stages of Writing STEP 1: Pre-writing First, you need to think of what to write and try to generate ideas. At this step, organization, using correct sentences and spelling are not important. You can use different strategies to generate ideas such as free- writing, listing or brainstorming. This is an example brainstorming for the thesis statement ‘Teenagers should take parenting lessons to learn about important skills, gain responsibility and to make fewer mistakes when they have children in the future.’ learn gain important responsibility skills few Teenagers should learn about mistakes take parenting kids’ needs classes be not prepared panic

123 STEP 2 Planning Next step is organizing your ideas. At this step, you should select the ideas that you will use in your essay and group the similar ideas together. While doing this, you can take some of them out because they are not about the topic, or you can add new ones. You can group or organize the ideas in any way you like, but make sure the grouping is meaningful. Making an outline before starting to write can be helpful. Here is a sample outline: Thesis: Teenagers should take parenting lessons to learn about important skills, gain responsibility and to make fewer mistakes when they have children in the future. 1st body paragraph ⇨ Taking parenting lessons is necessary to learn about important skills. Supports ⇨ the amount of sleep / the food / attention babies’ / kids’ need 2nd body paragraph ⇨ Taking parenting lessons is necessary to gain responsibility. Supports ⇨ teenagers can learn the importance of saving money, thinking of people, planning for the future 3rd body paragraph ⇨ Taking parenting lessons is necessary to make fewer mistakes. Supports ⇨ teenagers can learn what would make babies / kids sad, why they cry, what would be dangerous for their health and well-being STEP 3: Write the first draft The first time that you write an essay, you produce your first draft. Your work is not finished! Writers usually need to write more than one draft to produce good work. STEP 4: Revise and edit the draft When you revise an essay, you add new information, take out some sentences, or change the order of the ideas. Editing means checking for mistakes and making corrections.

124 EXERCISE 5. Look at the essay below and find the mistakes and problems by using the checklist given. My Favourite Holiday Destination Thailand is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Over five million people visit Phuket, the most popular holiday destination in Thailand, each year. Phuket is one of the southern provinces of the country and consists of the island Phuket and thirty two small islands. Phuket is my favourite holiday destination because of its beautiful weather, wonderful scenery and delicious food. First of all, Phuket has a very good climate. The island has warm temperatures. The average temperature on the island is 29ºC, and the temperature ranges between 27ºC and 34ºC throughout the year. Because of the warm temperature, it is possible to enjoy the scenery and the beaches in every season. The weather during the rainy season, from June to October, is plesant as well. It does not rain everyday ,and when it rains, it rarely rains all day. Therefore, it is still possible to do things outside. Apart from the beautiful weather, Phuket has an amazing scenery. There are many small islands around the Phuket Island such as the beautiful Phi Phi Islands. Maya Beach, where the movie ‘The Beach’ was shot, is in one of these islands called Koh Phi Phi Leh. Another famous island is the James Bond Island which was given its name after it was shown in a Bond movie. It consists of numerous limestone cliffs rising out of the waters. Phuket is also well-known with its beautiful beaches which I love. There are around forty beaches on the island. The beaches has soft white sand and clear blue waters. Finally, there are so many great foods to try in Phuket as Thai cuisine is known for its wonderful flavours and fresh ingredients. I especially love the seafood in Phuket. My favourite food in Phuket is shrimp curry. Phuket is also a street food destination where you can try the tasty Thai street food. ‘Go Benz’ is my favourite street food spot in Phuket just like many other tourists. However, you can find street food at many spots on the island and you can try street food such as fried noodles and roti- Thai pancakes. In conclusion, many tourists prefer the Phuket Island for a holiday every year. I am sure it will continue being a popular tourist destination with its climate, beautiful scenery and fantastic foods.

125 CHECKLIST YES NO Are there any punctuation mistakes? Are there any capitalization mistakes? Are there any spelling mistakes? Are there any fragments / incomplete sentences? Are there any subject-verb agreement mistakes? Is there a suitable introductory paragraph? Are there topic sentences in the body paragraphs? Are there enough details in the body paragraphs? Are all the sentences in the essay relevant? Is there a suitable concluding paragraph? EXERCISE 6: Choose one of the topics below and write an essay of at least 300 words. Brainstorm ideas and make an outline before you write. • Do you think movies influence people’s behaviour? • Advertisements affect people negatively. Do you agree or disagree? • Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in the classroom?

126 OUTLINE Thesis: 1st body paragraph ⇨ _______________________________________________________ Supports ⇨ ___________________________________________________________________ 2nd body paragraph ⇨ ________________________________________________________ Supports ⇨ ___________________________________________________________________ 3rd body paragraph ⇨ ________________________________________________________ Supports ⇨ __________________________________________________________________

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