LPE2501 ACADEMIC WRITING

LECTURE NOTES 1 (ANSWER KEY)

EXERCISES 1 & 2
Answers may vary.

EXERCISE 3

1. Not a good thesis statement. Too general.

Revised thesis statement:

The benefits of using technology in the classroom are technology improves
classroom collaboration, incorporates different learning styles, and prepares
students for the future.

2. Acceptable thesis statement

3. Good thesis statement

4. Acceptable thesis statement

5. Not a good thesis statement. Too specific with examples.

*Refer to the thesis statement in no. 1 for sample answer.

EXERCISE 4

Topic Sentence 1:
Answer: Not an appropriate topic sentence
Reason: Does not have a transition signal, does not introduce the main idea
as written in the thesis statement, too general

Example of an appropriate topic sentence:

Exposure to violence is the first reason why children should not play video games.

Topic Sentence 2:
Answer: An appropriate topic sentence

Topic Sentence 3:
Answer: Not an appropriate topic sentence
Reason: Does not state topic

Example of an appropriate topic sentence:

Too little parental supervision is the third reason children should avoid playing video
games.

2. Topic Sentence 1:
Answer: Not an appropriate topic sentence
Reason: Does not have a transition signal

1
 Example of an appropriate topic sentence:
Firstly, social media allows people to stay connected.
Topic Sentence 2:
Answer: Not an appropriate topic sentence
Reason: Does not state topic

Example of an appropriate topic sentence:

The second advantage of social media is people are able to keep abreast with the
latest news around the world.

Topic Sentence 3:
Answer: Not an appropriate topic sentence
Reason: Fragment, missing topic, does not have a transition signal, does
not introduce the main idea as written in the thesis statement

Example of an appropriate topic sentence:

Finally, social media enables people to communicate across borders.

EXERCISE 5
1. Assistive technology is beneficial to students with disabilities.

2. Studying abroad offers many advantages for students.

3. The community through various projects can help to eradicate teen gang
violence.

EXERCISE 6
Answers may vary.

EXERCISE 7

1. … For example, animals in the Northern Territory in high visitation areas have
become accustomed to human presence, and visitors may enjoy passive interactions
with these animals through wildlife watching and photography (Gross, 2012)…

Supporting detail type: example

2. … Research indicates that although most online students successfully complete

their degree programme, about forty percent of them fail in their studies (Bates,
2010)…

Supporting detail type: statistics

3. …"Language is subject to change and is not caused by unnecessary sloppiness,

laziness or ignorance" (Aitchison, 1981, p.67)...

2
Supporting detail type: quotation

4. … Paper bags are biodegradable and make a good option to reduce the use of
plastic bags (Society for the Environment, 2013)...

Supporting detail type: fact

EXERCISE 8
1. Hence, university education has changed the role of nurses and their image in
society.

2. Therefore, if people make an effort to continuously re-evaluate their habits, they

can help stop climate change.

3. Thus, choosing a suitable college or university is a challenging task for high

school students.