Composition

I. Introduction

The introduction is intended to draw the reader into the body of material to follow. It should begin with a general statement or question, sometimes called the "thesis statement" or "thesis question," followed by a quick narrowing down to the main theme to be developed in the body. Set the stage quickly, give appropriate background, then move right into a transition sentence that will set up the reader for the body.

II. Body (Argument)

The body of a written piece is where you elaborate, defend, and expand the thesis introduced in the introduction. The body should support your main contention with supporting evidence and possible objections. A good body presents both sides of a case, pro and con. As you make your case, save your best argument for last. When presenting contrary views, be sure to set forth the strongest arguments so you can avoid being charged with erecting a "straw man." The body includes three components:

Elaboration:

Spell out the details by defining, or by clarifying and adding relevant, pertinent information.


Illustration:

Paint a verbal picture that helps make or clarify your point(s). Well illustrated pieces are easier to read and follow than abstract ones.

Argumentation:

Give the reasons, justifications, and rationales for the position or view you have taken in the introduction. Draw inferences for the reader and explain the significance or assertions or claims being made.

When moving from one sub-point or argument to another, use connecting or transitional words and phrases that enable your reader to easily follow the flow of your thinking. The following is a partial list of logical connectors that you can use:

• exceptions - but, alas, however, etc.


• illustrations - for instance, for example, etc.


• conclusions - thus, so, therefore, consequently, etc.


• comparisons - similarly, by contrast, etc.


• qualifications - yet, still, etc.


• additions - moreover, furthermore, etc.

III. Conclusion

Make your final appeal to the reader, a finishing, all-encompassing statement that wraps up your presentation in a powerful or even dramatic fashion. Normally a single paragraph, brief and concise, will suffice. The purpose of the conclusion is to leave the reader with an idea or thought that captures the essence of the body while provoking further reflection and consideration.

Business Letter: Claim Adjustment Letters

The following letters adjust claims against unsatisfactory work.

Useful Key Phrases

• I was very disappointed to read your letter of ... dealing with ...


• As someone who values your business, I have already ...


• Also, we will deduct another X percent of the bill for the misunderstanding.


• Thank you for your patience.

Example Letter

Document Makers2398 Red StreetSalem, MA 34588

March 10, 2001

Thomas R. Smith
Drivers Co.3489
Greene Ave.Olympia, WA 98502

Dear Mr. Smith:

I was very disappointed to read your letter of August 17 dealing with the issue of incorrectly produced publicity leaflets. As someone who values your business, I have already begun to find a solution to resolve this problem.

My top photographer will call you to arrange an appointment at your earliest possible convience to re-take photos in full color. Also, we will deduct another 15 percent of the bill for the misunderstanding. Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

(signature here)

Richard BrownPresident

RB/sp

Adding Emphasis - Special Forms

There are a number of ways to add emphasis to your sentences in English. Use these forms to emphasize your statements when you are expressing your opinions, disagreeing, making strong suggestions, expressing annoyance, etc.

Use of the Passive

The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an action. Generally, more emphasis is given to the beginning of a sentence. By using a passive sentence, we emphasize by showing what happens to something rather than who or what does something.

Example:

Reports are expected by the end of the week.

In this example, attention is called to what is expected of students (reports).

Inversion

Invert the word order by placing a prepositional phrase or other expression (at no time, suddenly into, little, seldom, never, etc.) at the beginning of the sentence followed by inverted word order.

Examples:

At no time did I say you couldn't come. Hardly had I arrived when he started complaining.Little did I understand what was happening.Seldom have I felt so alone.

Note that the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject which is followed by the main verb.

Expressing Annoyance

Use the continuous form modified by 'always', 'forever', etc

Resume

Writing a Resume - curriculum vitae or CV - in English can be quite different than in your native tongue.

Here's how:

1. First, take notes on your work experience - both paid and unpaid, full time and part time. Write down your responsibilities, job title and company information. Include everything!


2. Take notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives.


3. Take notes on other accomplishments. Include membership in organizations, military service and any other special accomplishments.


4. From the notes, choose which skills are transferable (skills that are similar) to the job you are applying for - these are the most important points for your resume.


5. Begin resume by writing your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.


6. Write an objective. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.


7. Begin work experience with your most recent job. Include the company specifics and your responsibilities - focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.


8. Continue to list all of your work experience job by job progressing backwards in time. Remember to focus on skills that are transferable.


9. Summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for.


10. Include other relevant information such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills


11. Finish with the phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request.

Your entire resume should ideally not be any longer than one page. If you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.
Spacing: ADDRESS (center of page in bold) OBJECTIVE double space EXPERIENCE double space EDUCATION double space ADDITIONAL SKILLS double space REFERENCES. Left align everything except name/address.

Tips:

• Use dynamic action verbs such as: accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.


• Do NOT use the subject "I", use tenses in the past. Except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on site equipment.

Essay

A simple essay follows the same basic structure for most essay writing.

Here's How:

1. Select the topic of your essay.
2. Choose the central idea, or thesis, of your essay. For example: Information technology has revolutionized the way we work.
3. Outline your essay into introductory, body and summary paragraphs.
4. The introductory paragraph begins with an interesting sentence. For example: Home workers have grown from 150,000 to over 12 million in the past 5 years thanks to the wonders of the computer.
5. After this first sentence, add your thesis statement from above.
6. Use one sentence to introduce every body paragraph to follow. For example: The Internet has made this possible by extending the office into the home.
7. Finish the introductory paragraph with a short summary or goal statement. For example: Technological innovation has thus made the traditional workplace obsolete.
8. In each of the body paragraphs (usually two or three) the ideas first presented in the introductory paragraph are developed.
9. Develop your body paragraphs by giving detailed information and examples. For example: When the Internet was first introduced it was used primarily by scientists, now it is common in every classroom.
10. Body paragraphs should develop the central idea and finish with a summary of that idea. There should be at least two examples or facts in each body paragraph to support the central idea.
11. The summary paragraph summarizes your essay and is often a reverse of the introductory paragrah.
12. Begin the summary paragrah by quickly restating the principal ideas of your body paragraphs. For example: The Internet in the home, benefits and ease of use of modern computer systems...
13. The penultimate sentence should restate your basic thesis of the essay. For example: We have now passed from the industrial revolution to the information revolution.
14. Your final statement can be a future prediction based on what you have shown in the essay. For example: The next step: The complete disappearance of the workplace.

Tips:

• Use strong verbs and avoid modals to state your opinion. It is better to write: The workplace has evolved than THe workplace seems to have evolved.
• Do not apologize for what you are saying. An essay is about your opinion.
• Do not translate from your mother tongue, it will quickly get you into trouble!