Basic Writing

Before students write a report for their classes or work, they need to master basic writing concepts such as paragraphs and essays. This page will explain the concepts and lead students to master writing tasks.

Paragraph Writing

Paragraph is a set of sentences that talk or discuss a single motion or idea. For academic writing purposes, there is a specific structure that must be followed to facilitate writing of a paragraph. Normally a body paragraph or point paragraph will have these components:-

Topic Sentence

The first advantage of computer is it is convenient for students.

First Supporting Detail

Firstly, students can use computer to type and store their work.

Example 1

For example, students can type their laboratory report and if the report is not yet complete,

they can store it in the computer.

Second Supporting Detail

Secondly, students can surf the Internet using computer to search for more information.

Example 2

For example, when students are asked to write a project on technology,

they can surf the Internet for more information and ideas.

Closing Sentence

Thus, the first advantage of computer is it facilitates students' daily routine.

Sometimes the supporting details can have two or three sentences to give more explanation. So, a body paragraph can have between 6 to 10 sentences. Students must bear in mind writing more than this limit can lead to more mistakes.

A good body paragraph should have a topic sentence - the idea of the paragraph - supported by two supporting ideas/details. These two details must be relevant to the sole idea. These two supporting details then must be given proper illustrations - examples.

Thesis Statement

In essay writing, it is important for students to know what the controlling idea is. Controlling idea means what students want to describe or explain in the essay. For example, if the students want to talk about technology, this topic is too general/broad. Thus, students must learn how to choose - rather narrow down the topic. There are a lot of things about computer technology that one can write - advantages/disadvantages, virus, history etc. If a student chooses to write on Advantages of Computer Technology to Students, then the thesis statement may appear to be:-

        a) General = There are two advantages of computer technology to students

        b) Specific = There are two advantages of computer technology to students - convenience and efficiency

Therefore, students' body paragraphs must reflect their thesis statement. The location of thesis statement is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

The Essay

Students are always ask to write about 250 words to 300 words in their exercise or examinations. As such, students must know how to organise their essay so that it is balanced and properly organised. The illustration below shows the outline of a good essay.

Introductory paragraph                                                                             50 words

 Thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1                                                                                  75 words

  Topic Sentence 1

 Body Paragraph 2                                                                                  75 words

  Topic Sentence 2

Concluding Paragraph                                                                                50 words

   Topic Sentence 1 +

   Topic Sentence 2

Points to Remember

• Use a general thesis statement so that flexibility is achieved

• Topic sentences must reflect thesis statement - topic sentences must be the first sentence in body paragraphs

• An ideal essay must have four paragraphs - an introductory paragraph, two body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph

• Use standard phrases so that students can save time writing. Please refer to the table below