2019-10-09 Writing: transitions, picking topics

Greg Malivuk
gmalivuk@staffordhouse.com
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - Notes from all classes
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Homework: list some facts that (if true) could support these two opinions
1. It is bad to learn English.
	It can make you overqualified.
	If everyone learns English we can lose our cultural identity.
	It’s expensive.
	It takes time we could spend on other things. (opportunity cost)
	Technology will be able to translate for us so it’s a waste of time to learn.
2. Everyone should become vegetarian.
	It’s better for the animals.
		We won’t have to kill animals.
	It’s healthier for people.
		It will reduce cholesterol levels.
		It will help people lose weight.
		It’s still possible to get all the protein you need.
		Reduces uric acid.
	It’s better for the environment.
		It uses less water.
		It produces less greenhouse gases.
		More land can grow vegetables for hungry people.
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Transition Signals for Facts and Opinions
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For opinions
- In my opinion, [sentence]
- In my view, [sentence]
- For me, [sentence]
- From my perspective, [sentence]
- I think / I believe / I feel

For sources of information (usually facts, but could also be opinions from someone else)
- In my experience, [sentence] (This shows that it’s not a general scientific study.)
- According to [source], [sentence] (NOT “according to me”)
	According to the 2010 Census, there were 617,680 residents of Boston.
	According to researchers, young people have more aggressive thoughts after playing games.
- Based on research, [sentence]
- Studies show / Research shows
- In a recent study, [sentence]
	In a recent survey of 4800 high school students, 53 percent admitted to cheating.
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controversy = disagreement between groups of people
controversial = to describe something that creates controversy
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Examples of “lightly controversial” statements:
- Dogs are better than cats.
- Pineapple is great on pizza.
- Coke is better than Pepsi. / BK is better than McD’s. / other brand preferences
- It’s better to be tall than short.
- American football is better than soccer.
- Students should have to wear school uniforms.
- Cell phones should be banned in schools.
- Students shouldn’t have a free 10-minutes to be late. One minute late should be absent.
- Grades (as in scores) should be eliminated.
- If you miss any classes, you should be kicked out of Stafford House.
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Choose one statement like these to agree or disagree with. Think of 3-4 reasons to support your opinion.
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Then think of some examples or details to support the reasons and make an outline.

Thesis: In my opinion, everyone should become vegetarian for three reasons.
A.  Health
	1.  Lower cholesterol
	2.  Lose weight
B.  Animals
	1.  Don’t have to kill animals
	2.  Animal conditions on farms are sometimes bad
C.  Environment
	1.  Uses less water
	2.  Land can be used to grow food for hungry people
Conclusion: In conclusion, because it’s better for our health, for animals, and for the environment, vegetarianism is the best choice for everyone.
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Homework: use your outline to write a short essay (one paragraph for each reason) to explain your opinion and your reasons for it. Email me at gmalivuk@staffordhouse.com and I’ll print it for you.

	The first reason is that vegetarian diets are healthier. For example, research shows that people who stop eating meat reduce their cholesterol by 30% within just a few months. In addition, eating less fatty meat can help people lose weight.
	Second, vegetarianism is better for the animals. For instance...