LESSON 4:

Writing Strategies for

Academic and
Professional Texts
TODAY’S LESSON:
I. Understanding Academic Essays
II. Purposes of Writing an Academic Text
III. Three-Part Essay Structure
IV. Step-by-Step Guide to Writing
an Academic Essay
Writing an
Academic
Essay
 • Derived from the Latin verb
exigere, which means to:
1. Examine
2. Test
3. Drive out

• A piece of writing that informs or

persuades its audience by
reasoned discourse
• Discover knowledge
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Persuade the reader
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Persuade the reader
• Share information
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Persuade the reader
• Share information
• Synthesize information
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Persuade the reader
• Share information
• Synthesize information
• Analyze a topic
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Persuade the reader
• Share information
• Synthesize information
• Analyze a topic
• Document observations
• Discover knowledge
• Make a point
• Persuade the reader
• Share information
• Synthesize information
• Analyze a topic
• Document observations
• All of the above
The Three-Part Essay Structure
The Three-Part Essay Structure

1 Introduction
The Three-Part Essay Structure

1 Introduction

2 Body
The Three-Part Essay Structure

1 Introduction

2 Body

3 Conclusion
Introduction
• Provides the reader with a clear idea
of the focus and aim of the text
Introduction
Introduction
• Provides the reader with a clear idea
of the focus and aim of the text
• Presents the topic of the essay and
article
Introduction
• Provides the reader with a clear idea
of the focus and aim of the text
• Presents the topic of the essay and
article
• Often accompanied by a thesis
statement (the claim that the writer
wishes to make)
• Provides the context or
background of the argument Introduction
Context
The problem you are addressing
Broad question or issue with some context

Your position / thesis statement

Your answer to the problem

Main points
Overview of
argument

Note: Thesis statement

may come at end of the
introduction
• Provides the context or
background of the argument Introduction
Context
• Introduces the theoretical The problem you are addressing
Broad question or issue with some context

perspective, terminology, etc. Your position / thesis statement

Your answer to the problem

that will be used

Main points
Overview of
argument

Note: Thesis statement

may come at end of the
introduction
• Provides the context or
background of the argument Introduction
Context
• Introduces the theoretical The problem you are addressing
Broad question or issue with some context

perspective, terminology, etc. Your position / thesis statement

Your answer to the problem

that will be used

Main points
• Explains how the writing will Overview of
argument

be organized Note: Thesis statement

may come at end of the
introduction
Body
 Body
Where the essay’s or
article’s argument,
ideas, and results are
developed and discussed
Conclusion
Conclusion
Should not contain any new facts or
ideas, but rather function as a
brief restatement of the main
arguments and facts that have
been treated in the essay/article
Introduction
Introduction

Body
Introduction

Body

Conclusion
Think of writing as a
STEP-BY STEP
process!
 The Writing
Read and Process
Research
 The Writing
Read and Process
Brainstorm
Research Ideas
 The Writing
Read and Process
Brainstorm Develop a Working
Thesis and Outline
Research Ideas
 The Writing
Read and Process
Brainstorm Develop a Working
Thesis and Outline
Research Ideas

Write a
Rough Draft
 The Writing
Read and Process
Brainstorm Develop a Working
Thesis and Outline
Research Ideas

Review Content,
Write a
Grammar, and
Rough Draft
Mechanics
 The Writing
Read and Process
Brainstorm Develop a Working
Thesis and Outline
Research Ideas

Review Content,
Revise Write a
Grammar, and
(As needed) Rough Draft
Mechanics
Getting Ideas on What to
Write
Getting Ideas on What to
Write
• Read texts related to your topic
Getting Ideas on What to
Write
• Read texts related to your topic
• Use brainstorming techniques like:
a. Listing ideas
b. Clustering or mind mapping
c. Free writing
Getting Ideas on What to
Write
• Read texts related to your topic
• Use brainstorming techniques like:
a. Listing ideas
b. Clustering or mind mapping
c. Free writing
• Discuss the issue with others
Getting Ideas on What to
Write
• Read texts related to your topic
• Use brainstorming techniques like:
a. Listing ideas
b. Clustering or mind mapping
c. Free writing
• Discuss the issue with others
• Research the topics
Developing the Thesis Statement
Developing the Thesis
Statement
• A thesis statement comes at the end of
the introduction section your paper
Developing the Thesis
Statement
• A thesis statement comes at the end of
the introduction section your paper
• It lets the reader know exactly what
overall point you are trying to make
Developing the Thesis
Statement
• A thesis statement comes at the end of
the introduction section your paper
• It lets the reader know exactly what
overall point you are trying to make
• It should be specific, not general
Developing the Thesis
Statement
• A thesis statement comes at the end of
the introduction section your paper
• It lets the reader know exactly what
overall point you are trying to make
• It should be specific, not general
• Establishes expectations
Developing the Outline
 Developing the Outline
• An outline will:
- Help you organize your ideas
- Keep you focused
- Save time
 Developing the Outline
• An outline will:
- Help you organize your ideas
- Keep you focused
- Save time
• For every main point, you’ll need several
supporting details
Working on the Rough Draft
As you write a rough draft, keep the
following strategies in mind:
Working on the Rough Draft
As you write a rough draft, keep the
following strategies in mind:

Organize information in your body

paragraphs
Working on the Rough Draft
As you write a rough draft, keep the
following strategies in mind:

Organize information in your body

paragraphs

Hook the reader in the introduction

Working on the Rough Draft
As you write a rough draft, keep the
following strategies in mind:

Organize information in your body

paragraphs

Hook the reader in the introduction

Keep your paper coherent with

transition words and sentences
Working on the Rough Draft
As you write a rough draft, keep the
following strategies in mind:

Organize information in your body

paragraphs

Hook the reader in the introduction

Keep your paper coherent with

transition words and sentences

Wrap up your paper with a strong

closing
 Writing the
Introduction
The purpose of
paragraph is to:
the introduction
 Writing the
Introduction
The purpose of
paragraph is to:
the introduction

a. Hook the reader

 Writing the
Introduction
The purpose of
paragraph is to:
the introduction

a. Hook the reader

b. Contextualize your argument or
topic
 Writing the
Introduction
The purpose of
paragraph is to:
the introduction

a. Hook the reader

b. Contextualize your argument or
topic
c. Provide necessary background
information about the topic
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
• Ask a question
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
• Ask a question
• Tell a story
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
• Ask a question
• Tell a story
• Use a quote
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
• Ask a question
• Tell a story
• Use a quote
• Provide interesting statistic
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
• Ask a question
• Tell a story
• Use a quote
• Provide interesting statistic
• Share an anecdote
Strategies to Hook the
Readers
• Ask a question
• Tell a story
• Use a quote
• Provide interesting statistic
• Share an anecdote
• Make a provocative statement
Example of Hook Statements
Question Hook

Ask a question that relates to your

paper. Your readers should read the
essay to know the answer.
Example of Hook Statements
Question Hook

Ask a question that relates to your

paper. Your readers should read the
essay to know the answer.

What’s more important: Driving as soon

as possible or saving more lives?
Example of Hook Statements
Strong Statement Hook

Write a sentence that makes an assertive

claim about your topic. It should be
connected to the thesis statment.
Example of Hook Statements
Strong Statement Hook

Write a sentence that makes an assertive

claim about your topic. It should be
connected to the thesis statment.

Online colleges are more cheaper and more

effective than in-person college classes.
Example of Hook Statements
Statistic or Fact Hook

The essay should be started with a fact or

statistic related to your topic. For this,
use only a credible sources.
Example of Hook Statements
Statistic or Fact Hook

The essay should be started with a fact or

statistic related to your topic. For this,
use only a credible sources.

Almost two thirds of American adults at some

point in their life lived in a home with at least
one gun
Example of Hook Statements
Simile or Metaphor Hook
Your hook should contain a comparison
between your topic and something else.
Include words: “like”, “as” in your
comparison
A business blog is a magnet pulling clients to a
company

A business blog is like a magnet that pulls

clients to a company
Example of Hook Statements
Story Hook

Start your essay with an episode or a short

that relates to our topic. Keep in mind that
this type of hook is suitable not for all types
of essays.
Example of Hook Statements
Story Hook

Start your essay with an episode or a short

that relates to our topic. Keep in mind that
this type of hook is suitable not for all types
of essays.

I got off the train and pulled my luggage behind me. A cab pulled up
to the curb, and the driver got out. He lifted my luggage and said, “Miss, I’m
just going to put your stuff in the boot.” I didn’t know what he meant until I
saw him open the car’s trunk. Then I realized the boot means car trunk. I got
in the cab, wondering how many other words would be different in England.
Example of Hook Statements
Description Hook

A vivid description can draw readers’

attention to your essay. It should be tied to
the rest of your paper.
Example of Hook Statements
Description Hook

A vivid description can draw readers’

attention to your essay. It should be tied to
the rest of your paper.

The dog howled in pain and limped along the side of

the road. His leg was cut and blood streamed down
his leg.
Example of Hook Statements
Quotation Hook

A memorable quotation can be a great hook

for your essay. Make sure it is relevant to the
topic.
Example of Hook Statements
Quotation Hook

A memorable quotation can be a great hook

for your essay. Make sure it is relevant to the
topic.

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful

weapon you can use to change the world.”
 Sample 3-Sentence Introduction
Why isn’t smoking illegal? HOOK

Even though tobacco is not

considered a hard drug, it can still Transitional
Sentence
hurt you.
Smoking has a negative effect on
teens because it leads to health Thesis
Statement
problems, yellowing of the teeth, and
even body odor.
P I E
 P I E
POINT
 P I E
POINT

The main idea you want

to make
 P I E
POINT ILLUSTRATION

The main idea you want

to make
 P I E
POINT ILLUSTRATION

A quote or
The main idea you want
paraphrase from a
to make
text, an example
 P I E
POINT ILLUSTRATION EXPLANATION

A quote or
The main idea you want
paraphrase from a
to make
text, an example
 P I E
POINT ILLUSTRATION EXPLANATION

A quote or An explanation of the

The main idea you want
paraphrase from a meaning or details of
to make your illustration
text, an example
Writing the Body
Use transition words to create
COHERENCE and bridge ideas so the
readers does not get confused
Writing the Body
Use transition words to create
COHERENCE and bridge ideas so the
readers does not get confused
First, Second...
Writing the Body
Use transition words to create
COHERENCE and bridge ideas so the
readers does not get confused
First, Second...

In addition...
Writing the Body
Use transition words to create
COHERENCE and bridge ideas so the
readers does not get confused
First, Second...

In addition...

Nevertheless..., In contrast...
Writing the Body
Use transition words to create
COHERENCE and bridge ideas so the
readers does not get confused
First, Second...

In addition...

Nevertheless..., In contrast...

Furthermore...
Writing the Body
Use transition words to create
COHERENCE and bridge ideas so the
readers does not get confused
First, Second...

In addition...

Nevertheless..., In contrast...

Furthermore...

Therefore...
Body Paragraph 1
To begin with, the move from elementary to middle Transition Sentence
school required students to be more responsible with time (Reason)
management. For instance, between the changing from one
period to the next, it usually allows five minutes to use the
restroom, drink water, and speak to friend before the tardy Supporting Detail 1
bell would ring: this required real time management (Example)
because students do not want to be late to any classes
(Turman, 2011). The thought of being reprimanded because
Supporting Detail 2
because of not being on time to class would twist a
(Sensory Detail)
student’s stomach into knots. Smith (2012) recalled his first
day of middle school, sitting in his first period Geography
class as his teacher went over the rules and consequences, Supporting Detail 3
and the third rule spoke of punctuality; the consequence for (Incident)
being tardy was a DETENTION!
Clearly, students have to be responsible and manage their
Concluding
time accordingly between the bells so as not to obtain a
Sentence
detention and be a on a bad list.
Writing the Conclusion
 Writing the Conclusion
• Re-state your thesis
statement in a different way.
 Writing the Conclusion
• Re-state your thesis
statement in a different way.
• Make a strong closing
comment.
 Writing the Conclusion
• Re-state your thesis
statement in a different way.
• Make a strong closing
comment.
• Leave the reader with a
closing thought.
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
• Avoid using personal pronouns like
“I”, “We”, and “You”
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
• Avoid using personal pronouns like
“I”, “We”, and “You”
• Avoid using contractions like
“isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”, etc.
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
• Avoid using personal pronouns like
“I”, “We”, and “You”
• Avoid using contractions like
“isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”, etc.
• Avoid slang
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
• Avoid using personal pronouns like
“I”, “We”, and “You”
• Avoid using contractions like
“isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”, etc.
• Avoid slang
• Avoid a personal tone
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
• Avoid using personal pronouns like
“I”, “We”, and “You”
• Avoid using contractions like
“isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”, etc.
• Avoid slang
• Avoid a personal tone
• Avoid vague ideas
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
• Avoid using personal pronouns like
“I”, “We”, and “You”
• Avoid using contractions like
“isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”, etc.
• Avoid slang
• Avoid a personal tone
• Avoid vague ideas
• Avoid plagiarism
ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts
 ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts

• Address both sides of an argument

 ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts

• Address both sides of an argument

• Cite your sources
 ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts

• Address both sides of an argument

• Cite your sources
• Use a formal tone
 ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts

• Address both sides of an argument

• Cite your sources
• Use a formal tone
• Take a stand
 ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts

• Address both sides of an argument

• Cite your sources
• Use a formal tone
• Take a stand
• Use concrete details
 ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS: Do’s and Don’ts

• Address both sides of an argument

• Cite your sources
• Use a formal tone
• Take a stand
• Use concrete details
• Give yourself time to develop your
paper
Things To Remember!
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one.
Things To Remember!
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one.

Writing takes time.

Things To Remember!
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one.

Writing takes time.

Go through every steps of the process.

Things To Remember!
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one.

Writing takes time.

Go through every steps of the process.

Focus on your ideas first.

Things To Remember!
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one.

Writing takes time.

Go through every steps of the process.

Focus on your ideas first.

Focus on grammar and spelling last.

Things To Remember!
Every writing assignment is practice for the next one.

Writing takes time.

Go through every steps of the process.

Focus on your ideas first.

Focus on grammar and spelling last.

Get feedback from a peer, instructor, or tutor.