ENG 131 is about more than just writing essays; it's about learning how to communicate ideas clearly, analyze texts critically, and present persuasive arguments. Through practice, revision, and feedback, you will refine your writing skills and become a more confident and effective writer
English Composition (ENG 131) focuses on developing writing skills that are critical for academic success
and professional communication. The course emphasizes clear, structured writing, effective
argumentation, and the research process, helping students express ideas logically and persuasively.
• Primary Goals:
o Develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.
o Learn the writing process (drafting, revising, editing).
o Understand how to use sources to support writing.
o Improve grammar, style, and clarity in writing.
2. The Writing Process
Writing is not a linear activity but a recursive process that includes several stages. The writing process is
iterative, meaning writers often go back and forth between stages.
1. Prewriting:
o Brainstorming, researching, and outlining ideas.
o Organizing thoughts logically before drafting.
o Developing a thesis or central argument.
2. Drafting:
o Writing a first version of the essay, focusing on getting ideas down on paper.
o Avoid worrying about grammar or style at this stage—focus on content.
3. Revising:
o Reworking content for clarity, coherence, and structure.
o Adjusting the argument, expanding points, or eliminating unnecessary information.
o Rewriting paragraphs for logical flow.
4. Editing:
o Refining sentence structure, grammar, and word choice.
o Checking for punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors.
5. Publishing/Final Draft:
o Finalizing the paper for submission or presentation.
o Ensuring all citations and references are correctly formatted.
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, 3. Essay Structure
A typical academic essay follows a basic structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a
conclusion. Each section has specific purposes and should be organized clearly.
1. Introduction:
o Hook: A compelling opening sentence to grab the reader’s attention (quote, question,
anecdote, etc.).
o Background Information: Provide context for the topic being discussed.
o Thesis Statement: A concise statement of your main argument or the central idea of
your essay. The thesis should guide the rest of the paper.
Example:
o Hook: "Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean."
o Thesis: "Reducing plastic waste requires not only government action but also individual
responsibility in waste management."
2. Body Paragraphs:
o Topic Sentence: Each paragraph begins with a sentence that introduces the main point
of the paragraph.
o Supporting Evidence: Use facts, examples, or quotes from credible sources to support
your argument.
o Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your point.
o Transition: Smoothly connect the paragraph to the next one, maintaining logical flow.
Example of body paragraph structure:
o Topic Sentence: "One of the key factors contributing to plastic pollution is the lack of
recycling programs in many countries."
o Supporting Evidence: "According to a 2020 report by the Environmental Protection
Agency, nearly 80% of plastic waste in the U.S. ends up in landfills due to insufficient
recycling infrastructure."
o Analysis: "This lack of recycling not only wastes resources but also contributes to
environmental degradation."
3. Conclusion:
o Restate the Thesis: Summarize your main argument, rephrased.
o Summarize Key Points: Briefly review the main points you discussed in the body
paragraphs.
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