English for Academic Purposes

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

By Prasanna Yapa Bandara Rathnayake

Compose a paragraph of an academic text with a main idea and evidences to support it.

1)  Identify the structure (main idea & supporting details) of a paragraph.

2)  Synthesize a cohesive topic sentence to espouse the main idea of a paragraph. 

Upon successfully completing the learning tasks in this session you will be able to:

Some text here about the topic of discussion

MAIN IDEA: Chief point an author is making about a topic.  It sums up the author’s primary message.

 

Topic Sentence; Statement of the main idea.  It is the statement under which all other material in the paragraph – examples, reasons, facts, details, and other evidence – can fit.  

The topic is the subject that the selection is about.  The main idea can usually be located if you can determine what the topic is.  To find the topic of a selection, ask the simple question, “Who or what is the selection about?”

TOPIC & TOPIC SENTENCE

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

Consumers concerned about the hazards or noise can reduce noise pollution in many ways.  They can purchase noisy products such as garbage disposals and lawn mowers with reduced noise levels. They can also use sound-absorbing materials in their home.  Carpeting can be installed instead of hard flooring, and cork and fabric can be used in rooms that tend to be noisy.  Also, people can become less noisy themselves.  They can learn to avoid shouting, close doors without slamming them and play radios, TV sets, and stereos at moderate levels.

WHAT IS THIS PASSAGE ABOUT?

1. Topic sentences are usually in the first sentence of the paragraph, but not always. 

2. They may also be located within the paragraph or at the end of the paragraph. 

3. They may even appear twice – at the beginning and at the end.

Location of the Topic Sentence

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

The physical complaints of neurotics – people who are overly anxious, pessimistic, hostile, or tense – were once largely ignored by a physician. Many doctors believed that the frequent complaint of neurotic were exaggerations. However, new research shows that neurotics are, in fact, more likely to have physical problems. Specifically, researchers found neurotics stand a greater chance of having five particular ailments: arthritis, asthma, ulcers, headaches, and heart disease. In addition, there is evidence that people who are pessimistic in their teens and twenties are more likely to become ill or die in their forties.

PICK THE TOPIC SENTENCE AND TYPE IT BELOW.

Open Ended

A study at one prison show that owning a pet can change a hardened prison inmate into a more caring person. Another study discovered that senior citizens, both those living alone and those in nursing homes, became more interested in life when they were given pets to care for. Even emotionally disturbed children have been observed to smile and react with interest if there is a cuddly kitten or puppy to hold. Animals, then, can be a means of therapy for many kinds of individuals.

PICK THE TOPIC SENTENCE AND TYPE IT BELOW.

Open Ended

We are on our way to becoming a cashless, checkless society, a trend that began with the credit card. Now some banks are offering “debit cards” instead of credit cards. The costs of purchases made with these cards are deducted from the holder’s bank account instead of being added to the monthly bill. And checking accounts, which are mainly used for paying bills, are going electronic. Now some people can make computer transactions over their pushbutton phones to pay bills by transferring money from their account to the account of whomever they owe. Soon we may be able to conduct most of our business without signing a check or seeing the money we earn and spend.

PICK THE TOPIC SENTENCE/S AND TYPE IT BELOW.

Open Ended

In ancient times, irrational behavior was considered the result of demons and evil spirits taking possession of a person. Later, Greeks looked upon irrational behavior as a physical problem – caused by an imbalance of body fluids called “humor” – or by displacement of an organ. In the highly superstitious Middle Ages, the theory of possession by demons was revived. It reached a high point again in the witch-hunts of eighteenth-century Europe and America. Only in the last one hundred years did true medical explanations gain wide acceptance and categories of illnesses changed.

PICK THE TOPIC SENTENCE/S AND TYPE IT BELOW.

Poll

A PARAGRAPH CONSISTS OF;

• Statement of the main idea.

• Elaboration of the main idea and supporting details.

• Restatement of the main idea-summary of main ideas or conclusions.

Poll

How do you feel about your new understanding about a paragrah?

• No Idea.

• Feel confident.

• Very clear.

• Needs more explanation.