Intermediate Writing 3

Class 3: Formal Essay Outlines
-Essays should be at least 5 paragraphs, using the formal style.
-Remember, each paragraph must be 4-8 sentences, including both the introduction and the conclusion.
-Firstly, you need to decide on an academic topic.
+This includes literature, history, science, economics, politics, etc.
+Do not choose a topic that is not studied in school.
-Next, you must conduct research, both online and in the library.
+Collect 6 sources total.
+3 must be from the library, 3 from the internet.
+At least 3 sources must be in English.
+Remember the source for each piece of information you find. -Record the following information about every source you use: +The title of the book, magazine, newspaper, or website (in italics)
+The title of the specific article or chapter (in quotes)
+The author or authors
*Use pinyin for Chinese authors.
+The date of publication
+The company and place of publication (for books)
*Use pinyin for Chinese companies and cities.
+The editor (for textbooks)
+The website's complete address (for websites)
*No Wikipedia
*No Google Books
-Thirdly, formulate your thesis statement. It must be one complete sentence that summarizes the overall point that your essay is making. -Finally, you need to type an outline, including a main point for each paragraph, and sub-points for each sentence.
+The subpoints must be indented, using the "Tab" key.
+At the beginning of the outline, state your topic and your thesis.
+Be sure the entire outline follows the same style.
*All main points should use one kind of bullet.
*All subpoints must use another kind of bullet.
*All indentations should be the same size (use "Tab").
+Do not start on your outline until after you do research.
Example Good Theses
-Foreign trade is beneficial to and indispensable for all nations.
-Private schools should not be encouraged in China.
-Pandas are the most important endangered species to protect.
-Nuclear energy is the cleanest and most efficient source of power. -The biggest influence on the writings of Charles Dickens was the French Revolution.
A rising GDP is not always a sign that a country is improving.
-Digital currency is a better alternative to paper money.
Example Bad Theses
-This essay will examine the causes of World War II.
-This essay will explore all the possible sources of electricity and attempt to determine which one is the best.
-My summer holiday was very fun.
Example Outline
Topic: GDP
Thesis: A rising GDP is not always a sign that a country is improving.
I. Introduction
A. Definition of GDP
B. Origin of the term
C. Thesis statement
II. Does not account for income inequality
A. Examples of high GDP and high inequality
1. First example
2. Second example
3. Third example
B. Examples of low GDP and low inequality
1. First example
2. Second example
III. Does not account for cost of living
A. Examples of high GDP and high cost of living
1. First example
2. Second example
B. Examples of low GDP and low cost of living
1. First example
2. Second example
IV. Does not account for social services
A. Socialized healthcare
1. Examples of high GDP and no socialized healthcare
a. First example
b. Second example
2. Examples of low GDP and socialized healthcare
a. First example
b. Second example
B. Welfare programs
1. Examples of high GDP and no socialized healthcare
a. First example
b. Second example
2. Examples of low GDP and socialized healthcare
a. First example
b. Second example
V. Conclusion
A. Summary of above information
B. Restate thesis in different words
C. Closing remark。