Vocabulary

thesis	to expand	to be limited	precise
topic	evidence	arguable	to contain

Relevant and convincing support

ObjectivesIn this unit you will:	learn what relevant support is;
	learn what convincing support is; discover the ways of collecting convincing and supporting information; knowhow to organize support at all levels; examine the pyramid of support.

Starting up

Ex. 1. Read the following extract and answer the question: What sources can be used to collect information? Then listen to the tape.

Having a well-designed topic sentence means nothing if there is weak support. Therefore, you need to collect information for the paper. Where you find support will depend on the purpose and scope of the assignment. One or all of the following sources could be used: personal knowledge and experience, readings in your courses or the library, lecture notes, the Internet, surveys, and interviews.

Listening

Script 14

Ex. 2. Kate North gives some basic advice to her students on searching sources. Listen to the tape and note down as many as you can recognize.

Ex. 3. Listen to the tape once again and decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).

1. Internet is the only source of searching the material.

2. If you start with computer searches you will have to deal with a large number of references and to evaluate their significance.

3. Your faculty advisor can recommend you the list of literature.

4. Articles and books cited most frequently will help you to find works relevant to your topic.

5. The Web of Science database provides information about writing theses, dissertations and empirical papers.

6. Abstracts of recent and forthcoming conference papers will give you the most up-to-date information.

Introduction Relevant and Convincing Support Sources of Support

Regardless of where you find your information, you need to choose support that will be interesting if you want to convince the reader. By brainstorming and listing, you can find direction and sort out the information you have. Do not choose just any example or detail. Pick support that you know the most about and that is the most representative, logical, and convincing. Consider the audience and assignment throughout this process. You do not want to lose the focus of the task. The subtopics are the main points in the paragraph. Make sure the subtopics you select:

• follow the topic sentence logically;

• are distinctively different (do not overlap);

• belong together (are well matched, at the same level of generality);

• are parallel in form;

• are thought-provoking;

• are logical and appropriate choices that focus on major and representative ideas.

Ex. 4. Evaluating Subtopics.

The following items contain topic sentences and three subtopics. One of the subtopics in each item is weak. Study the examples and explanations.

1. Technology benefits people's lives in three areas.

a. Transportation.

b. Industry.

c. The kitchen.

Explanation: "Kitchen" is too specific. "The home" would be better.

2. Nonnative students have problems on campus.

a. Taking notes.

b. Writing compositions.

c. Getting along with roommates.

Explanation: The first two subtopics are about academic problems, so the last subtopic does not fit the list because it is about a personal problem. "Participating in class discussions" would be better. The topic sentence would be better stated to include "academic problems".

3. In choosing a school, students should carefully consider the following things.

a. Caliber of the faculty in their major.

b. Requirements.

c. Work load.

Explanation: There is overlap in the last two subtopics since both are related to the work that needs to be done to get a degree. "Cost" may be better for point c.

Ex. 5. Brainstorming for effective subtopics.

• Complete each of the following unfinished subtopic statements with a logical word or phrase that is parallel to the other items (the same grammatical structure).

• Write a suitable topic sentence on the lines provided.

Example

I dislike living in big cities because of the air pollution.

I dislike living in big cities because of the crime.

I dislike living in big cities because of the ….traffic….

Topic Sentences I dislike living in big cities because of the air pollution, crime, and traffic. Big cities can be unpleasant place to live for three reasons.

1. I look forward to the future because I plan to ……………………..

I look forward to the future because I plan to find a good job.

I look forward to the future because I plan to get married and raise a family.

Topic Sentence .

2. A good teacher is well organized.

A good teacher is

A good teacher is

Topic Sentence

3. With computers, students can compute complex mathematical problems.

With computers, students can

With computers, students can

Topic Sentence

4. In the future, people need to solve the problems caused by pollution.

In the future, people need to

In the future, people need to

Topic Sentence .