Page 287 - English - Teaching Academic Esl Writing

SUBORDINATE CLAUSES 273
Step 1. Please read the article, identify the author's thesis and main points/thesis supports [see appendix to chap. 11], and underline them. Then build a para- phrase of the author's main points, point bypoint. Be sure not to copy the author's wording.
For example, Skeleton Summary:
The author's main point is that ...
The article also states/notes/observes that ... In addition, the author believes/thinks that ... The conclusion of the article is that ...
A variety of sentence stems for summary making is presented in ap- pendix to this chapter.
Step 2. Please decide which of the author's points are valid and which are not. Then express your support or disagreement with each of the author's points. Please do not neglect to make your arguments balanced by acknowledging that even though you may disagree with a particular point. Expand on your Skeleton Summary and give it some argumentation muscle.
For example, Muscular Summary and Solid Argumentation:
The author's main point is that.... Although I can see her point, xxx is not the only issue inyyy.
The article also states/notes/observesthat.... I also think/believethat zzz.
In addition, the author believes/thinks that She supports her posi- tion based on xxx, but she may remember that zzz.
The conclusion of the article is that.... Other authors/reports/articles state that.... In my opinion, the author may need to consider that....
Step 3—Optional. Students can exchange articles and do it all again, Round 2, based on an article chosen by their classmate. Then when both Muscular Summaries and Argumentations are completed, students can compare (a) how they identified the article author's main point(s), and (b) what points in the article they chose to support or argue against.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. In English, complex sentences with subordinate clauses represent highly advanced constructions that are difficult for L2writers to use correctly. If you have a few students in your class who continue to
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