BUEPT Writing - HackMD

# BUEPT Writing ## Definition Essay The aim in this essay is to define, explain, and exemplify something. Generally, in definition essays, we try to make the terms that we use understandable for the reader. Our understanding of a term may be different from the general concept, or we may be focusing on a specific aspect. Giving an exact definition would enable the reader to follow the ideas and arguments in your essay. ### Organization Definition of a term is generally given in the introduction. The development of the essay is dedicated to the explanation of the term. There are many ways to explain a term. It is also possible to employ more than one of these methods of development. Sample Essay: http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/fgrammarindex.htm ## Classification Essay In a classification essay, we organize things into categories and give examples of things that fit into each category. For example, if you choose to write about types of computers (PCs and servers), each of your developmental paragraphs will define the characteristics of a different computer type. ### Organization The introduction of a classification essay is quite straightforward. In the thesis statement, you mention that there are (number) types of (something) according to their (properties). In the developmental paragraphs, you need to define each type you mentioned in the thesis. You may also need to show the similarities and/or differences of these types. Giving examples would enable your readers to understand better. Sample Essay: http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/fgrammarindex.htm ## Process Essay In this kind of essay, the aim is to describe how something is done in a sequence of steps or how something operates. This is the type of essay we use when we are explaining how online registration is made in Boğaziçi University or how the ABS brake system in a car works. ### Organization Two kinds of organization are possible: 1. In the first one, we give a set of instructions in detail so that the readers can perform the same actions and do the process themselves. We introduce the process and the materials or tools required for the process. Then, we list the steps they must follow. The most important thing to bear in mind is to tell the readers everything that needs to be known. The readers who are doing the described process for the first time do not have experience so they should not be frustrated. 2. In the second kind of organization, we focus on the understanding of how something happens rather than the steps explained in detail. The aim of the writer is not to enable the reader to perform some actions but to explain the overall process. The steps should be written in chronological order, in the order that they happen. The readers should also be guided with transitions such as first, next, finally. Sample Essay: http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/fgrammarindex.htm ## Comparison/Contrast Essay In this kind of essay, the aim is to show the similarities and differences of two items, two people, two countries, or how something or someone has changed. When comparing two things, we focus more on the similarities though we may mention the differences shortly. When contrasting two things, we point out the differences between them. ### Organization Two patterns of organization are possible: 1. Point-by-Point In this pattern, the organization is as follows: ++Thesis statement:++ METU and BOUN are Turkey's two very prestigious universities with some differences in their specialties, facilities, and locations. I. Specialty A. METU B. BOUN II. Facility A. METU B. BOUN III. Location A. METU B. BOUN For each of the points of comparison, we compare and contrast the two items. 2. Block (All of One / All of the Other) In this pattern, the two items to be compared and contrasted form two separate paragraphs. In each paragraph the points of comparison are discussed in the same order, as in the following organization: ++Thesis statement:++ METU and BOUN are Turkey's two very prestigious universities with some differences in their specialties, facilities, and locations. I. BOUN A. Specialty B. Facility C. Location II. METU A. Specialty B. Facility C. Location This pattern is mostly used when the amount of information about the items is limited. Also some topics (e.g. Your life before and after the divorce of your parents) lend themselves to block type organization. ## Cause and Effect Essay In this kind of essay, the aim is to explain the causes (reasons) or the effects (results) of an event or situation. - e.g. Causes of air pollution (multiple factors leading to air pollution). - e.g. Effects of watching too much TV (many effects of a situation). There may be several causes or effects of a situation. However, in a student essay, it is advisable to keep the number of major points to 2 or 3, which form separate developmental paragraphs. ### Organization Depending on the topic, there may be three patterns of organization: 1. Multiple causes --> Effect In this pattern, the organization is as follows: ++Thesis Statement:++ Air pollution is caused by the following factors: exhaust gases from cars, uncontrolled factory releases, and burning of low-quality coal for heating. I. Exhaust gases from cars A. Government does not have enough control B. Citizens are not conscientious II. Uncontrolled factory gases A. No regular checks on gases released B. Factory are inside the borders of residential areas III. Burning of low-quality coal for heating A. No governmental control B. Other forms of energy too expensive Each developmental paragraph is devoted to one of the causes of air pollution. Each cause is supported by two minor supports. While writing, these major and minor ideas should be adequately explained and exemplified as well. 2. Cause --> Multiple effects In this pattern, the effects of a certain situtation are explained in seperate paragraphs, with the following organization. ++Thesis Statement:++ Wathing too much TV is one of the major sociological issues of this century, which has many effects on the physiology and psychology of people. I. Eating disorders A. TV meals B. Obesity II. Communication problems A. More violence B. No interpersonel talk Again, we have grouped related effect under two main points: Physiological and psycological. Then, we have supported each effect with to minor supports. While writing, we should explain these major and minor supports by giving examples and/or defining what we mean, as well. 3. Causal chain/Domino In this pattern, the events lead to one anotherü as in the following organization: ++Thesis Statement:++ Using deodorants with chlorofluorocarbon gas will bring the end of world. I. Chlorofluorocarbon gases are contained in most deodorants and released by some factories into the air. II. This gas causes the ozone layer to become thinner and finally disappear in patches. III. The unfiltered ultraviolet rays of the sun cause overheating in the poles of the earth, where the icebergs start to melt. IV. The huge amount of water released from the poles leads to a rise in the sea-level. V. The sea will cover the land and this will be the end of the world. Again, each major point should be supported with examples, statistics that show that there are some factories and deodorants that release chlorofluorocarbons, that there is a rise in the sea-level, etc. ## Argumentative Essay In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also present an argument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS (opposing ideas) of an argumentative issue. We should clearly take our stand and write as if we are trying to persuade an opposing audience to adopt new beliefs or behaviour. The primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs that many of them do not want to change. Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic should be such that - It should be narrowed down **NO** --> Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic because it is too general. In some medical cases, marijuana is prescribed by the doctors and the patients are encouraged to use it in case of suffering from too much pain) **YES** --> Selling and using marijuana in public places should be considered illegal. - It should contain an argument **NO** --> We should decide whether we want a bicycle or a car. (our stand is not clear: do we support having bicycles or cars?) **YES** --> If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy life, we should definitely get a bicycle instead of a car. **NO** --> Considering its geological position, Turkey has an important geopolitical role in the EU. (facts cannot be arguments) **YES** --> Consideringi ts geopolitical role, we can clearly say that the EU cannot be without Turkey. - It should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with statistics, outside source citations, etc.) **NO** --> I feel that writing an argumentative essay is definitely a challenging task. (feelings cannot be supported; we cannot persuade other people) ### Organization All argumentative topics have PROs and CONs. Before starting writing, it is imperative to make a list of these ideas and choose the most suitable ones among them for supporting and refuting. There are three possible organization patterns: Pattern 1. - Thesis statement - PRO idea 1 - PRO idea 2 - CON(s) + Refutation(s) - Conclusion Pattern 2. - Thesis statement - CON(s) + Refutation(s) - PRO idea 1 - PRO idea 2 - Conclusion Pattern 3. - Thesis statement - CON idea 1 ---> Refutation - CON idea 2 ---> Refutation - CON idea 3 ---> Refutation - Conclusion Sample Thesis: - This new theory argues that healing is at our fingertips: we can be healthy by doing Reiki on a regular basis. ## Words/Phrases to use ### General - In this ongoing process... - Keep an eye on the... - New adjustments are being made to... - since they do not have to get into long queues to fill in the forms - prestigious - students who would like to further their academic lives... - pioneer - This brings us to the third point we would like to compare; the campus. - express opinions - ... till we, humans, find a way to abuse its benefits and be adversely affected by it - overcome - ... which is widely observed in people who like ... - Apart from the physiological effects, TV also causes psychological effects. - Partly connected to this effect, the interpersonal communication among people decreases - cope with problems - (Argumentative) Supporters of medical treatment argue that medicine should be trusted since it is effective and scientifically proven - As for its history... - (Argumentative) Opponents of alternative healing methods also claim that serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer cannot be treated without drugs. - On a regular basis - unfavorable conditions - To begin with, it is a good point to dig up the reasons for people to come to larger cities. - Underlying reason - there are many problems that uncontrolled urbanization results in. - (argumentative-thesis) From my point of view, if there are no other alternatives, and if it is possible that this will contribute to science, animals may be used for experimental research. - carry out wide range of reforms - fulfill criteria - demonstrate firm willingness - hold the view that - gain membership - lose faith - vast majority of - implement reforms - widespread prejudice - place a burden on the budget - cost of bla bla exceeds the benefits of bla bla - the skeptics of people who oppose has not been reduced - groundless - constitute a true asset - diversify - put strain on - never-ending devate - in the long run - develop a better work-life balance - can work productively while maintaining a fulfilling home life – all without the stress of a daily commute. - Remain connected and positive, and you can work productively while maintaining a fulfilling home life - all without the stress of a daily commute. - Meanwhile, many remote employees can feel isolated. They withdraw from the team dynamic, and suffer from stress and anxiety. That's why it is vital to maintain contact with your co-workers, and to cultivate a sense of belonging. - People working from home sometimes struggle with productivity. Working away from your co-workers, with only remote online meetings, risks emotional disconnection and apathy. It can also encourage procrastination. - seemingly urgent but less critical - without people around you it can be difficult to stay motivated and valued. - ### Similarity Transitions - Similar to - Like - Both ... and ... - In addition - Moreover - Besides - Likewise - Similarly - In the same way ### Difference Transitions - Different from - In contrast to - Compared with - Unlike - But - On the other hand - Conversly - In contrast - However ### Explain Reasons and Results - As a result - As a consequence - Consequently - So - Since - As - Because - One reason why - One of the most imporant reasons why... - The main reasons why.. - From my point of view - As far as I'm concerned - Personally I feel that... - I tend to agree that... ### Argumentative Transitions #### When pointing out opposing arguments (CONs): - Opponents of this idea claim/maintain that... - Those who disagree/are against these ideas may say/assert that.. - Some people may disagree with this idea. #### When stating specifically why they think like that: - They put forward this idea because.. - They claim that ... since ... #### When refuting the opposing idea, we may use the following strategies: - Compromise but prove that their argument is not powerful enough: - They have a point thinking like that. - To a certain extent they are right. - Completely disagree - After seeing this evidence, there is no way we can agree with what they say. - Say that their argument is irrelevant to the topic. - What we are discussing here is not what they are trying to prove. - Their argument is irrelevant. ### Conclusion - Having said these, resistance to Reiki would be quite illogical.