UPM-CALC/SEM1/2019-2020/CEL2103/MATERIAL 3

CEL 2103
WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS
SEMESTER 1, 2019/2020

LECTURE NOTES 3

Identify Components of Introductory Paragraph

Generally, there are four components in introductory paragraph of an argumentative

essay:

a. topic
b. importance of the issue
c. difference of opinion regarding the issue (opposing view)
d. writer’s stand (thesis statement)

a. Introduction of the topic

 Providing readers with background on the topic allows them to
better understand the issue being presented. This information
provides that can be crucial to explaining and arguing the points.

b. The importance of the issue

 Emphasizing on the importance of the issue will enable the readers
to comprehend the arguments better. It will also clarify why this
topic is relevant to the target population.

c. The difference of opinion regarding the issue

 It is important to remind the readers that there is a different of
opinion regarding this issue. The writer’s also need to acknowledge
the opposing side’s perspective in presenting the arguments. This
stage will help the readers to make proper judgment of the
arguments presented from both sides.

d. The writer’s stand

 The stage allows the readers to recognise the writer’s stand of
the issue. As the arguments will be developed further in the body
paragraph, the readers will acknowledge the writer’s stand while
understanding the issue.
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Example 1

The issue of whether marine parks should be allowed to stay open has been widely
debated in our community recently (Introduces the topic). It is an important issue
because it concerns the fundamental moral and economic questions about the way
the society use the native wildlife (The importance of the issue). A variety of different
arguments have been put forward regarding this issue (Difference of opinions
regarding the issue). Despite the different views provided, it is important to
acknowledge the reasons for the introduction of laws which prohibit these
unnecessary and cruel institutions (The writer’s stand).

Example 2

Television has remained the predominant medium used by companies for their
advertising and marketing strategies despite the availability of new marketing and
advertising media such as the Internet. (Introduces the topic) This is because almost
every home has at least one television. As a result, a majority of adolescents are
exposed to TV commercials not just at home but also in schools. (The importance
of the issue) Most people think that advertising on the television are harmless and do
not play a significant impact. (The difference of opinion regarding the issue)
However, the extreme exposure of adolescents to television, specifically to
commercials shown in television has become a growing concern to many experts
since evidence shows that advertising has a negative effect on adolescents in
reference to their self-perception, eating habits and relationships with their parents.
(The writer’s stand)
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Activity 1: Read the introductory paragraphs below. Highlight or underline the

components and label them accordingly.

Introductory Paragraph 1

For many years, children growing up in a single parent family have been
viewed as different. Being raised by only one parent seems impossible to many yet
over the decades it has become more prevalent. In today’s society many children
have grown up to become emotionally stable and successful whether they had one
or two parents to show them the rocky path that life bestows upon all human beings.
The problem lies in the difference of children raised by single parents versus children
raised by both a mother and a father. Does a child need both parents? Does a young
boy need a father figure around? Does the government provide help for single
parents? What role do step-parents and step-siblings play? With much speculation,
this topic has become a very intriguing argument. What people must understand is
that properly raising a child does not rely on the structure of a family but should be
more focused on the process or values that are taught to these children as they learn
to mature. Children of single parents can be just as progressive with emotional,
social and behavioral skills as those with two parents

Introductory Paragraph 2

The period for the middle school students aged between 12 to 14 years old
are known to be the “tough years”. These are the years when the different rates of
girls’ and boys’ physical, emotional, and cognitive' development are most noticeable.
Girls develop ahead of boys in every area, and both suffer. Educators debate
whether the separation of boys and girls into single-sex classes might improve
students’ academic performance. Single sex classes were against the law in public
schools until several years ago, but now they have become more common (Bonner
& Hollingsworth, 2012). Although some parents, educators, and civil liberties groups
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continue to oppose single-sex classes, there is some evidence that separating boys
and girls in middle school produces positive results.

Activity 2: Study the introductory paragraph below and identify the missing element.
Write the missing element in the space provided.

Many cultures believe in arranged marriages. Arranged marriages encompass a

wide variety of procedures, cultural customs, length of courtship, as well as the
practical and spiritual reasons for the matching of the partners. This practice has
been widely spread in United States, and many American raised youths are forced
into marriages with people whom they do not love. However, regardless of the
justifications provided, arranged marriages should not be a practice in the United
States due to several reasons.

Missing element 1: __________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Missing element 2: __________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
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Activity 3: Based on your knowledge on the four elements of the introductory

paragraph, rearrange the sentences below into the correct order.

No. Sentence Order

1. As a result, the issue is a very controversial one and has attracted a

lot of debate from various perspectives.

2. However, regardless of the arguments, there is a number of reasons

why Australia should change to a republican form of government.

3. The question of whether the society maintain the monarchy is not

merely a legal detail but is intrinsically linked to the way they perceive
themselves as a distinct nation of people with its own identity and
culture.

4. Since the time of federation, Australia has been a constitutional

monarchy with the Queen of the United Kingdom as its head of state.

5. Today many Australians are questioning whether this form of

government is still relevant or appropriate and suggesting that the
Australians move towards the establishment of a republic.
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Constructing Effective Thesis Statement for Argumentative Essays

A good essay must contain a thesis statement i.e. the sentence that states the
main idea of the whole essay. A thesis statement is the last sentence in the
introductory paragraph.

Similar to all other essay types, an argumentative essay also contains a thesis
statement. However, an effective thesis statement for argumentative essays should
be an argument that takes a stand in which the readers might disagree with If
the thesis statement takes a stand that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact,
then there is no reason for developing argumentative essays.

Let’s take another look at the sample introductory paragraphs given earlier.

Example 1

Television has remained the predominant medium used by companies for their
advertising and marketing strategies despite the availability of new marketing and
advertising media such as the Internet. This is because almost every home has at
least one television. As a result, a majority of adolescents are exposed to TV
commercials not just at home but also in schools. Most people think that advertising
on the television are harmless and do not play a significant impact. However, the
extreme exposure of adolescents to television, specifically to commercials shown in
television has become a growing concern to many experts since evidence shows
that advertising has a negative effect on adolescents in reference to their self-
perception, eating habits and relationships with their parents. (The writer’s
stand/Thesis Statement)

Example 2
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The period for the middle school students aged between 12 to 14 years old
are known to be the “tough years”. These are the years when the different rates of
girls’ and boys’ physical, emotional, and cognitive' development are most noticeable.
Girls develop ahead of boys in every area, and both suffer. Educators debate
whether the separation of boys and girls into single-sex classes might improve
students’ academic performance. Single sex classes were against the law in public
schools until several years ago, but now they have become more common (Bonner
& Hollingsworth, 2012). Although some parents, educators, and civil liberties groups
continue to oppose single-sex classes, there is some evidence that separating boys
and girls in middle school produces positive results. (The writer’s stand/Thesis
Statement)

Characteristics of a Good Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay

1. It is focused and not too broad.

2. It is centered on a debatable topic.
3. It is clear and concise.
4. It picks a side.

Let’s analyse the following thesis statements.

i. Several characteristics of a corporate manager need to be considered in

improving the work performance of employees.

This is NOT a good thesis statement as it makes no claim. This is a non-

debatable topic.

ii. The transition from teaching to research and publishing in higher education is a
challenging stage for the personnel in the academic world.

This is NOT a good thesis statement as the statement is obviously true or is a

statement of fact. We cannot argue about something that has already
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iii. It is considered unethical to judge the illiterate society because it is the inside
that counts.

This is NOT a good thesis statement as the thesis statement restates

conventional wisdom. Besides, everyone will agree with this statement.

iv. Violent revolutions have both positive and negative results for teenagers who
are still developing their cognitive domains.

Again, this is NOT a good thesis statement too as it does not take a side.

Let’s improve these thesis statements.

i. Leadership of a corporate manager is the most important factor in improving the

work performance of employees.

This is better. It is a debatable topic as some may agree with this statement
while other would say that there are other factors that are more important.

ii. The transition from teaching to research and publishing in higher education is
the most challenging stage for the personnel in the academic world.

This is a debatable topic as some may agree that this is the MOST challenging
stage while others may disagree.

iii. The illiterates lack mannerism.

This is debatable. Some may agree while others may say that even the
literates, with very high education, are also rude!
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v. Violent revolutions cause more negative results for teenagers who are still
developing their cognitive domains.

This is a good thesis statement. It has taken a side.

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Transition Signals of Contrast in Thesis Statement for Argumentative Essays

The thesis statement in an argumentative essay states clearly which sides the writer
stands for. However, an opposing argument can be connected to the writer’s own
point of view by using transition signal of contrast. Look at these examples.

Thesis Statement 1

Some people feel that the United States should have a national health care plan like
Canada’s; however, others feel that government should stay out of the health care
business.

Opposing argument:
Some people feel that the United States should have a national health care plan like
Canada’s

Transition signal of contrast

however

Writer’s own argument

others feel that government should stay out of the health care business.

Thesis Statement 2

Although many think that genetically engineered crops are a grave danger to the
environment, such crops can alleviate world hunger and malnutrition.

Opposing argument:
many think that genetically engineered crops are a grave danger to the environment

Transition signal of contrast

Although

Writer’s own argument

such crops can alleviate world hunger and malnutrition
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Thesis Statement 3

Supporters say that smokers should have a right to smoke despite the fact that
smoking will most likely kill those who do it.

Opposing argument:
Supporters say that smokers should have a right to smoke

Transition signal of contrast

despite

Writer’s own argument

the fact that smoking will most likely kill those who do it.

Activity 4: Rewrite the thesis statements below so that they contain all the three
elements as shown above.

Example:

Doctors or family members should never be allowed to “pull the plug”.

Although some people believe that doctors and family members should never be
allowed to “pull the plug,” there are those who believe that it is sometimes more
humane to do so due to several reasons.

i. The sale of music containing lyrics that degrade women should be prohibited.

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

ii. Television is the worst invention of modern times.

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

iii. School uniforms should be abolished.

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________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Constructing Funnel Introductory Paragraphs for Argumentative Essays

Funnel introductory paragraph is an effective type of introduction where the writer

identifies the general subject area in the opening sentence and making some
generalisation aimed at arousing interest. The writer narrows the subject down step
by step towards the specific viewpoint of the general. In other words, the funnel
introduction begins with a very broad general idea and continues with ideas
that are more and more specific, until it arrives at the thesis.

The funnel introductory paragraph contains several parts:

1. Hook (Ideas that attract the attention of the audience)

2. Background Information
3. Thesis statement (writer’s stand)

Example:

Science experiments are one of the most authentic ways of obtaining

knowledge about the world around (Hook). For instance, pharmaceutical companies
are widely using animals as an experiment material, because it is believed that
medication tested on animals can help to cure human. On one hand, there is an
opinion that the use of animals is cruel and wrong from a moral standpoint. On the
other hand, the opposite opinion is that science requires the small sacrifices for the
great discoveries (Background information). However, it is important for people to
protect animals from the coming extinction due to several arguments on the issue
(Thesis).

Thinking Ahead
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What is a topic sentence?

Answer Key

Activity 1

Introductory Paragraph 1

For many years, children growing up in a single parent family have been viewed as different.
Being raised by only one parent seems impossible to many yet over the decades it has
become more prevalent. (a. Introduction of the topic) In today’s society many children have
grown up to become emotionally stable and successful whether they had one or two parents
to show them the rocky path that life bestows upon all human beings. (b. The importance of
the issue) The problem lies in the difference of children raised by single parents versus
children raised by both a mother and a father. Does a child need both parents? Does a
young boy need a father figure around? Does the government provide help for single
parents? What role do step-parents and step-siblings play? With much speculation, this topic
has become a very intriguing argument. (c. The difference of opinion regarding the issue)
What people must understand is that properly raising a child does not rely on the structure of
a family but should be more focused on the process or values that are taught to these
children as they learn to mature. Children of single parents can be just as progressive with
emotional, social and behavioral skills as those with two parents. (d. The writer’s stand)

Introductory Paragraph 2

The period for the middle school students aged between 12 to 14 years old are known to be
the “tough years”. These are the years when the different rates of girls’ and boys’ physical,
emotional, and cognitive' development are most noticeable. (a. Introduction of the topic)
Girls develop ahead of boys in every area, and both suffer. (b. The importance of the issue)
Educators debate whether the separation of boys and girls into single-sex classes might
improve students’ academic performance. Single sex classes were against the law in public
schools until several years ago, but now they have become more common (Bonner &
Hollingsworth, 2012).(c. The difference of opinion regarding the issue) Although some
parents, educators, and civil liberties groups continue to oppose single-sex classes, there is
some evidence that separating boys and girls in middle school produces positive results. (d.
The writer’s stand)

Activity 2
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Many cultures believe in arranged marriages. Arranged marriages encompass a wide

variety of procedures, cultural customs, length of courtship, as well as the practical and
spiritual reasons for the matching of the partners. This practice has been widely spread in
United States, and many American raised youths are forced into marriages with people
whom they do not love. As a result, the liberty to choose their spouse has been neglected
and it also concerns the fundamental of human’s right. There have been different views
regarding this issue and the arguments presented have its own justification. However,
regardless of the justifications provided, arrange marriages should not be a practice in the
United States due to several reasons.

Missing element 1: The importance of the issue

As a result, the liberty to choose their spouse has been neglected and it also
concerns the fundamental of human’s right. (Answer may vary)

Missing element 2: The difference of opinion regarding the issue

There have been different views regarding this issue and the arguments
presented have its own justification. (Answer may vary)

Activity 3

4, 5, 3, 1 & 2

Activity 4

*Answers may vary

i. While the sale of music containing lyrics that degrade women should be prohibited,
some artists believe that the art of composing lyrics regarding women inferiority is a
subjective matter.

ii. There are numerous educational benefits gained from the invention of television
regardless of a notion claims that television is the worst invention of modern times.

iii. A high percentage of parents argues that school uniforms should be abolished
although there some believe school uniforms have its own advantages in disciplining
students’ behavior.