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Most academic writing uses formal style conventions.

Academic writing is characterized by objectivity and


professionalism. Slang and colloquial expressions are not used. Likewise, most publications and business communication
employ a formal style.

In composition, formal style is a broad term for speech or writing marked by an impersonal, objective, and precise use of
language. A formal prose style is typically used in orations, scholarly books and articles, technical reports, research
papers, and legal documents.

Formal sentences are used mostly in writing (although casual speech can be used in some contexts) and in prepared
speeches or presentations. Formal speech will consist of complete sentences with proper grammar. Informal speech may
use abbreviations, emojis (in written form), contractions and slang.

To make your writing more formal:

1. Structure your writing into paragraphs with clear topic sentences.


2. Avoid contractions (e.g. didn't, it'll). Instead, use the full forms (e.g. did not, it will).
3. Choose formal vocabulary instead of informal vocabulary. ...
4. Choose language which is less intense, less emotional.

For example:

 I've made less mistakes. (formal: I've made fewer mistakes.)


 She's liking it. (formal: She likes it.)
 I feel real tired. (formal: I feel really tired.)
 You did good. (formal: You did well.)

Formal style sentence


We often choose to use certain modal verbs to be more formal and polite:
Can I suggest you try this new model? (neutral)
May I suggest you try this new model? (more formal)
Might I suggest you try this new model? (very formal)

A good summary has three basic characteristics: conciseness, accuracy, and objectivity. Conciseness: unlike
paraphrase, summary condenses information.

A summary provides given information in a shorter form. A good summary has three basic characteristics:
conciseness, accuracy, and objectivity. Conciseness: unlike paraphrase, summary condenses information.

How to write a summary

Part I: What is a summary?

A summary is a record in a reader's own words that gives the main points of a piece of writing such as a newspaper article,
the chapter of a book, or even a whole book. It is also possible to summarize something that you have heard, such as a
lecture, or something that you have seen and heard, such as a movie. A summary omits details, and does not include the
reader's interpretation of the original.

You may be used to reading English in order to answer questions set by someone else. In that case, you probably read
the questions first and then read the passage in order to find the correct answer. However, when you read in order to
write a summary, you must read in order to decide for yourself what the main points are. This involves reading to
understand the message that the writer has for the reader, rather than reading in order to get the correct answer to
someone else's questions. Since people have different backgrounds and read for different purposes, it is possible that
different readers will interpret a writer's message in different ways. Even if they agree, they will probably write their
summaries in different ways. In other words, there is unlikely to be only one "correct" summary. On the other hand, to
write a summary it is necessary to understand a passage as a whole, and therefore at a deeper level, than when one's
purpose is just to answer questions.

When are summaries used?


1. In general terms, writing summaries is a good way of improving one's ability to read because it forces the reader to
focus on understanding the whole of something rather than on just following each word or sentence.

2. In academic terms:
a) If you are reading something that is very important for your studies and/or difficult to understand, writing a summary
helps you to make sure that you have understood it. You can also refer to it later to refresh your memory, for example
when you are revising for an exam, or when you are talking about it in class. (It is also a good idea to turn lecture notes
into summaries.)
b) When writing academic papers people often need to insert summaries of something that they have read or heard. For
example, you might want to summarize the the main points of a book that is relevant to your topic. In such cases, it is
extremely important to use your own words, or quotation marks if you are actually quoting, in order to avoid plagiarism.
(We will talk more about plagiarism later in the course.)

First steps to writing a summary

1. As you read, underline all the important points and and all the important evidence. For example, you could look for all
the topic sentences. Words that are repeated several times are likely to be keywords. Transition words can help
understanding of the overall structure of a passage.

2. List or cluster the main idea of the whole piece, the main supporting ideas, and the main evidence for each idea. Use
of the same keywords or technical expressions is probably unavoidable. However, be careful to express the ideas in your
own way, using your own vocabulary and expressions as much as possible, rather than copying or just rearranging. Do
not include too much detail.

Part II: What is a good summary?

1. A good summary should give an objective outline of the whole piece of writing. It should answer basic questions about
the original text such as "Who did what, where, and when?", or "What is the main idea of the text?", "What are the main
supporting points?", "What are the major pieces of evidence?". It should not be a paraphrase of the whole text using your
own words. A reference should be made to the original piece either in the title ("A Summary of..."), in the first sentence,
or in a footnote or endnote.

2. You should not give your own ideas or criticisms as part of the summary. However, if you want to comment on a piece
of writing it is usual to begin by summarizing it as objectively as possible.

3. A good summary should not include selected examples, details, or information which are not relevant to the piece of
writing taken as a whole.

4. A good summary of an essay should probably include the main idea of each paragraph, and the main evidence
supporting that idea, unless it is not relevant to the article or essay as a whole. A summary does not need a conclusion,
but if the original ends with a message to the reader this should not be left out. (A good summary of a chapter should
probably include the main idea of each group of paragraphs or each section; a good summary of a book should probably
include the main idea of each chapter, or perhaps the main idea of each section of each chapter.)

5. A good summary may use key words from the original text but should not contain whole phrases or sentences from the
original unless quotation marks are used. Quotations should only be made if there is a reason for using the original
words, for example because the choice of words is significant, or because the original is so well expressed.

6. Rearranging the words used in the original, or keeping the same structure but just substituting different words is not
enough. You must express the sense of the original using your own words and structures.

How to write a summary of a short piece of writing:

1. As you read, underline all the important points and and all the important evidence. For example, you could look for all
the topic sentences. If there is a word or words that are repeated throughout the passage, this is likely to be related to
the topic.
Transition words and phrases should help you to understand how the piece is joined together. The main idea should be in
the first or second paragraph, probably in a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph, or in the concluding paragraph.
(You could look out for the 5Ws - What?, Which?, Who?, Where?, When?, Why? - and the 1H - How?)

2. List or cluster the main idea of the whole piece, the main supporting ideas, and the main evidence for each idea. Be
careful to use your own words rather than copying or just rearranging. In other words, try to find your own way of
expressing the writer's ideas. Of course, you can use key words or phrases. (For example, if the piece of writing is about
digital technology, it is fine to use key technical words that are in the original, such as "digital technology", "binary digit"
or "analog".) Do not include too much detail.

3. Change the order if necessary, so that the main idea comes first and is followed by the supporting ideas and evidence
in a logical sequence. Omit any repetitions.

4. If the original uses 'I' replace this with the writer's actual surname, "the writer", or "s/he". If the original uses 'you',
substitute "people" or "they".

5. You should now be ready to write the summary. Start with a sentence that a) identifies the writer and the piece of
writing, for example by giving the writer's name, the title of the piece and where/when it appeared, and b) gives the main
idea. Use transition words to join everything together.

The Three Parts of a Paragraph:

1. Topic Sentences
2. Support Sentences, &
3. Conclusions

A paragraph has three main parts .

1. The first part is the topic sentence. It is called the topic sentence because it tells the topic or main idea of
the paragraph.
2. The second main part of the paragraph is the supporting sentences.
3.

The Three Parts of a Paragraph: Topic Sentences, Support Sentences, & ConclusionsA paragraph has three main parts.

1) The first part is the topic sentence. It is called the topic sentence because it tells the topic or main idea of the
paragraph.
2) The second main part of the paragraph is the supporting sentences. The supporting sentences develop the topic. That
means they explain or prove the topic sentence. Some paragraphs also have a concluding sentence.
3) The concluding sentence summarizes the paragraph and may add a final comment or idea from the writer. An English
paragraph is like a sandwich. The topic and concluding sentences are the pieces of bread on the top and bottom, and
the supporting sentences are the meat and cheese in the middle of the sandwich. When you write a paragraph, you use
the topic sentence to tell your reader what you are going to say. Then you use the supporting sentences to say what you
want to say. Finally, you use the concluding sentence to repeat your main idea and give a short summary of what you said
in the paragraph. You may also add a final comment to the readers if you want. Every paragraph in English academic writing
uses this 3-part structure. Good academic writing in English requires this kind of structure.

Part 1: Topic Sentences. The most important sentence in a paragraph is the topic sentence. It is called the topic sentence
because it tells the reader what the topic of the paragraph is. It tells the reader what he or she is going to read. The topic
sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.A topic sentence has two parts: a topic and a controlling idea. The topic
part names the topic; it tells what the paragraph is about. The controlling idea part tells what the paragraph will say about
the topic. Usually, the topic comes first and the controlling idea comes second in the topic sentence. However, the controlling
idea may come first if the writer wants to make that type of sentence. Look at the sentences below. In the A sentences, the
topic comes first. In the B sentences, the controlling idea is first.A.Violencein American society has several causes.Topic
Controlling IdeaB.There are several causesof violencein American society.Controlling Idea TopicA.A good architectis both an
artist and a mathematician.Topic Controlling IdeaB.Artistic talent and mathematical abilityare two qualities of a good
architect.Controlling Idea TopicA good topic sentence should be a clear, simple statement that needs to be explained,
supported, or proven. The topic sentence should make the reader ask a question; for example: What, Where, When, Why,
or How?

A thesis statement is one sentence that expresses the main idea of a research paper or essay, such as an expository
essay or argumentative essay. It makes a claim, directly answering a question.
Thesis Statement: Bad vs. Good
It's worth reiterating that a strong thesis statement is specific. If you find yourself using general words like "good," then
you're not digging deep enough.
For example, saying "European travel is a good way to spend your summer," is not specific enough. Why is European
travel good? Further examine the heart of your topic and focus on very specific areas of European travel that you can
realistically cover and support with solid evidence.
"Solo European travel requires independence which, in the end, bolsters personal confidence." This is much more specific
and targeted. Now, you can hone in your research on solo travel through Europe, the need for independence, and its
positive effect on personal confidence.
Here are six more thesis statement examples for you to consider:
 Bad: Everyone should exercise.
- Why should I? What's in it for me?
Good: Americans should add exercise to their daily morning routine because it not only keeps their bodies at a
healthy weight but also reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
- Here, we've made several specifications i.e. Americans (not everyone), the morning routine (not the evening),
weight maintenance, and high blood pressure prevention. Your research actually becomes easier when you have
very specific objectives.
 Bad: High levels of alcohol consumption are bad for you.
- This is too broad. What are the specific detriments of alcohol consumption that you would like to discuss?
Good: High levels of alcohol consumption have detrimental effects on your personal health, such as weight gain,
heart disease, and liver complications.
- Notice we got very specific in our reasons why. In your thesis statement, you don't need to state every single
detriment you're going to lay out (in fact, you shouldn't as it will risk becoming a run-on sentence) but you can point
to the main areas you will explore.
 Bad: Reading can develop a child's analytical mind.
- Words like "can," aren't strong enough. This thesis statement begs the question of how? If you're about to write
several paragraphs (or pages) about a topic make sure you can confidently defend every point you make.
Good: Reading develops a child's mind by fostering comprehension skills, increasing vocabulary, and exposing them
to new worlds they might not otherwise encounter.
- Now, we've not just stated that reading is good, we've provided a sampling of all the benefits we're about to bring
to light in our paper.
 Bad: All retirees should relocate to Florida.
- Your research paper or essay will need to delve into numerous supporting claims. This broad thesis statement runs
the risk of allowing you to go off on several tangents.
Good: Retirees should relocate to Florida, where 75% of Americans choose to settle, because you will afford
yourself the opportunity to develop a wide array of friendships.
- From here, you can introduce a paragraph on the importance of friendship and then cite studies or testimonials
describing how people can discover these important new relationships.
 Bad: The internet has improved the lives of many.
- Again, while readers may agree with this and your statement may be true, how has the internet improved people's
lives? Also, you should run your thesis statement past the "What's in it for me?" test. Why should readers care?
Good: The internet serves as a means of expediently connecting people across the globe, fostering new friendships
and an exchange of ideas that wouldn't have occurred prior to its inception.
- While the internet offers a host of benefits, we're choosing to hone in on its ability to foster new friendships and
exchange ideas. We'd also have to prove how this couldn't have happened prior to the internet's inception - and that
is good. The tighter your focus, the better your paper.
 Bad: Organ donors should be financially compensated.
- Why? What happens to them that causes you to take this stance?
Good: Given the grueling surgery and lifelong changes they endure, kidney donors should be financially
compensated for their act of self-sacrifice.
- There are many forms of living organ donation. As with any good thesis, you want to get as specific as possible.
Now, our stance is clear and the reader will understand that we're about to describe the grueling process of kidney
donation as well as any forthcoming lifestyle changes.
Finding Your Point of View
A good thesis statement is developed from the point of view of the reader. Be very careful you're not developing a topic
that is of interest to you alone. This is a harsh yet necessary question to ask yourself: will my readers have any reason to
care about what I'm writing?
In the example about European travel above, readers might be interested in travel around Europe but will they be
interested in solo travel, and greater independence and confidence? Hopefully, the answer is yes. Just make sure you
examine all viewpoints before investing your valuable time in a well-written piece.
A thesis statement is powerful on two fronts. First, it allows the reader to get excited about what, specifically, is coming
their way. Second, it stands as the point of reference for your entire paper.
Think of it as a loving mother steering her children away from danger. Essay writers run the risk of getting off track and
wandering into thickly wooded forests of needless tangents. (This is also why a well-planned outline is essential.)
However, a solid thesis statement will help keep you in check. Refer back to it and ask have you wandered off topic?

Paraphrase
It is written in your own words and includes only the key points of the writing. A summary is much shorter than the
original source. A paraphrase is similar to a summary because you are rewriting the source in your own words. They key
difference is that paraphrases include both key points and sub points.

Tips for Paraphrasing

1. Read and understand the text from the original source.


2. Make sure that you understand it fully so that you won’t have a hard time in paraphrasing.
3. Close the source (internet page, book or essay) and keep it away while paraphrasing.
4. Write.
5. Edit and see if you forgot important information from the source.

Why Paraphrase and How to Paraphrase

Why

 To make sure that you fully understand what the text says
 To discuss someone’s argument or text directly
 To present an opposing point of view that you wish to refute

How

 Digest the author’s intention


 Use the thesaurus moderately
 Get to the point
 Judge for yourself

Paraphrasing exercises with answers will help students and other people out there to know how they can able to apply
paraphrasing correctly. Many exercises are available to help students to do better and to learn more. If you want to know
more information, there are exercises on the web you can search. What is the meaning of paraphrasing? You can also get
our definition and help with it if you need. Paraphrasing is the use of using own words in expressing others ideas at the
same time preserving the meaning of the original passage. Even though you are only paraphrasing, it is important that
you provide a credit to the original writer or author.

What Is the Meaning of Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is about rewording or rephrasing someone else ideas into different words. It is important that the words you
use have the same meaning to the original source so that the meaning will not be changed but retained. Aside from
knowing what is the meaning of paraphrasing or definition of it, there are also steps you should know to have the
best paraphrasing.

Tips for Paraphrasing

 Read the original details thoroughly and be sure that you fully understand what is talking about or what the
author is saying.
 Keep the original source away and start to write the main points or ideas using your own words.
 Check and compare what you have written if you able to retain the meaning of the original passage
 Change phrases or words that are same with the original source. Be sure there are no same sentences and words
to avoid plagiarism.
 Include a citation for the source you like to paraphrase

What Is Paraphrasing and Examples

Paraphrasing is not an easy task because you need to know what you are doing. It is important that you know how to
reword, what are the synonyms of the words and know lots of vocabulary so that paraphrasing would be easy for you.

Original: His life-spanned years of superbly change for men

Paraphrase: Albert lived in an era of liberating reform for men

Original: Giraffes like eating Acacia leaves and they can able to consume seventy-five pounds of food every day.

Paraphrase: A giraffe can eat 75 pounds of acacia leaves every day.

Original: A trip to Italy should visit Tuscany in trying their exquisite wines.

Paraphrase: In visiting Italy, make sure to have a Tuscan wine tasting experience.

There are many things that you can do in paraphrasing and you can able to make a great paraphrasing when you know
the meaning of it and you can able to apply the right rules.

Paraphrase Exercises Help

The good thing with paraphrase exercise is that it helps you in knowing how you can able to apply the rules in
paraphrasing and helps you to avoid plagiarism. Keep in mind that paraphrases is your own rendition and getting the
main ideas of the source. Whenever you don’t know what you need to do, here are some exercises that will help.
Fact. ... The definition of a fact is something that is true or something that has occurred or has been proven
correct. An example of a fact is that the world is round. An example of a fact is the detail about a driver
texting while driving that is told to the court and reported in a news story.

o·pin·ion
/əˈpinyən/

Learn to pronounce

noun
1. a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
"I'm writing to voice my opinion on an issue of great importance"
synonyms belief, judgment, thought(s), school of thought, thinking, way of thinking, mind, point of
: view, view, viewpoint, outlook, angle, slant, side, attitude, stance, perspective, position, standpoint;
More
o the beliefs or views of a large number or majority of people about a particular thing.
"the changing climate of opinion"
o an estimation of the quality or worth of someone or something.
o
"I had a higher opinion of myself than I deserved"
The definition of an opinion is a belief, impression, judgment or prevailing view held by a person.
An example of opinion is the San Francisco Giants are the best baseball team. Anexample of opinion is
purple is the best color. An example ofopinion is capitalism is better than socialism.
APA format

1. Organize your Reference page by the last names of the authors (or editors).
2. If a work has no author or editor, alphabetize by the first word of the title other than a, an, or the.
3. Arrange same author sources using their last names every time.
If you are using more than one reference by the same author (or the same group of authors listed in the same
order) published in the same year, organize them in thereference list alphabetically by the title of the article or
chapter. Then assign letter suffixes to the year.

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