CALL Research Journal #10

Last week, Professor Johanson revealed several valuable tricks of timed writing. I really appreciate that. When we have to write an article in a very short time, always remember to come up with a thesis statement first. A good thesis statement could help us develop our body paragraphs smoothly. If there is sufficient time to write three body paragraphs, you could include three main points in the thesis statement. If not, supply only two key points would do just fine. Then we jump to the conclusion part by copying the thesis statement and put it in the last paragraph. We could tweak the sentence pattern a little bit and add a few more sentences to form a complete ending. After having a sensible conclusion, we can go back to conceive the introduction. An opening like “everybody knows…,” a generalized position, could attract readers’ attention. Next we should present our own opinions about the topic to make the argument clear. Going from a general idea to an individualized perspective gradually paves our way to the thesis statement we have just created. Following the introduction are the body paragraphs. Ideally we should have at least two paragraphs. You should elaborate each point in your thesis statement in one paragraph. Writing a topic sentence in the beginning of each paragraph and then supplementing supporting statement. Adding a few personal examples is a good way to strengthen your arguments. Besides, transition words are essential elements in an article. They are what make the context coherent and logical. I’ve found following two web sites talking about transition words. Appropriate use of transition words could project the main ideas of the text.
http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm
http://www.cms.edu.do/Teachers%20Folders/willian%20farren/Pages/express/TWlistGL.htm