REFERENCING

WHAT IS REFERENCING? Referencing or citation refers to: “words taken from a passage, a book, an author, etc; to quote something or somebody” (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 1999: 201); “a line taken from a book, speech, etc.” ( Longman, 2003: 266) the inclusion of detailed information about the source of quotes, ideas, or illustrations you insert in your term paper (www.yukoncollege.yk.ca). In academic writing, it is necessary for a writer to refer to other people’s work (i.e. which appears in books, an article in journals, magazines...

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ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

DEFINITIONAn argumentative essay tries to change the reader’s mind by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view. CHARACTERISTICSAn argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually assumes that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the reader is no less intelligent than the writer. Hence an argumentative essay should be written objectively, logically and respectfully. When planning an argumentative essay, be aware that the essay should contain the following characteristics:...

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OPINION

DEFINITIONOpinion essay is written to impart the author’s viewpoint on a particular topic verified by reasons and examples. Sometimes, the opposing viewpoint is also suggested. It requires the author’s unbiased opinion on a particular problem and his/her capability to back his points up so that the readers can easily be convinced with his/her position. Topic of opinion essay usually revolves around debatable issues. It cannot be facts but opinions. For exampl...

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PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

DEFINITION What is a Problem-Solution Essay?To answer this question, read the following essay and answer the questions below. (a) Which part of the text outlines the problem?(b) Which part proposes solutions?(c) Which part justifies the solutions and actions?(d) Underline all the linking words/phrases in the text. Problem:Drugs abuse in Malaysia has reached an alarming rate. According to PEMADAM, the number of drug addicts has increased to 50,000. Solution: Drug education, rehabilitation and drug policy Definition: A serious problem which needs...

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CAUSE AND EFFECT

DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS What Is a Cause and Effect Essay?Cause and effect essay is a common technique of arranging and discussing ideas. In this pattern of essay, a writer normally discusses the reason (cause) or reasons (causes) for something to happen, and later discusses the result (effect) or results (effects) of it. For example:Title: Traffic accidents in MalaysiaIn determining the cause, we need to ask, “Why did the accident happen?”. In determining the effect, we need to ask, “What happened because of this accident?...

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COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

SAMPLE ESSAY OF POINT-TO-POINT APPROACH IN COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAYTitle: Compare and contrast Malaysia and Singapore Malaysia and Singapore are two neighboring countries which belong to the same geographical grouping, that is, ASEAN. ASEAN is the abbreviation for Association of South East Nations. Although these two countries share several similarities, they are also different in many aspects. A comparison between the two countries based on language, geography and political system make these similarities and differences evident.            ...

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CLASSIFICATION AND DIVISION

DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICSPeople spend a great deal of time reshuffling equipments, tool, necessities, food and other things related to their life by sorting them in one way or another. For example, to decide on one’s favourite music, music is separated into classical and modern. Classical music is then further classified into those of the European music and non-European music. Even foods are classified into a few categories. Some people divide food into its geographical settings such as Western food, Middle- Eastern food and Southern food....

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PATTERNS OF EXPOSITORY ESSAY - EXEMPLIFICATION

DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF EXEMPLICATIONAn exemplification essay makes use of clear examples to show or explain a point. An exemplification essay puts forward an idea clearly by giving relevant, clear and specific examples. The examples should be sufficient to explain the main ideas that you are discussing. The key to writing a successful exemplification essay lies in the examples that you give. Pay particular attention to the examples as they are the most important supporting details to exemplify your thesis statement and topic sentences. MODEL...

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DEVELOPING THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY

WHAT IS THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY?The traditional five-paragraph essay consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. Below is an overall structure of the five-paragraph essay.The IntroductionThe first paragraph of an essay is the introduction. The introduction can be further broken down into three parts. 1. The Lead InThe introduction usually begins with a general perspective of the topic. This first part of the introduction is called the “lead in.” For example:My father passed away when I was a little girl....

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DEVELOPING A PARAGRAPH

PARAGRAPH ORGANISATIONWhat is a paragraph? It is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single idea or topic. Usually, it is best not to have more than one idea in a paragraph. If you begin to transition (discuss) into a new idea or topic, you might confuse the reader with these new sets of information and discussions. It would also make it difficult to write the conclusion for the paragraph. You should have only one idea or topic with elaborations and examples of support in one paragraph, and always only ONE idea or topic.A complete...

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ELEMENTS OF PROCESS WRITING

INTRODUCTION TO PROCESS WRITINGIt has always been a challenge to produce a good piece of writing that serves the intended purpose. More often, the writer is more concerned with putting his or her ideas on paper with little concern on the reader’s reaction towards the written piece. It is important to remember that at the end of the day, what matter is how the reader will react to the writing and not what the writer has submitted. Without a good plan or map to direct your writing task, there is a danger that you might wander off topic. Thus, it...

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