Writing

Seminar
Presentation Slides
 Body paragraphs
●In a standard academic paper, you will 3
body paragraphs that serve as evidence /
support to your thesis
○They often come in the form of themes, and
they are illustrated through the use of
concrete examples
 Structure of body paragraphs
●Topic sentence: (point)
○Introduce the main point of your current
paragraph
■Be clear and concise
■Avoid (long) descriptions
■May consider opening with a “question” →
where the answer will come later in the
paragraph
 Structure of body paragraphs
●Supporting body: (information)
○The chunk of the body → the actual
evidence you are using to support your
claim / theme
○Describe what the evidence is…
■empirical data / statistics
■logical deduction
■anecdotal evidence
■deliberate persuasion
 Structure of body paragraphs
●Summary: (explanation)
○Discusses the significance of the piece of
evidence
■How does it contribute as a support to
your main thesis?
■Why is it important? (critical thinking!!!)
 Example:
Sample thesis statement:
●Reading offers numerous benefits, including
the enhancement of critical thinking and
empathy, the expansion of vocabulary and
knowledge, and the promotion of mental
well-being, making it an essential practice for
personal and intellectual growth.
Reading also promotes mental well-being by providing an escape from
everyday stress and fostering relaxation. For instance, Sarah, a high
school student overwhelmed by exams, extracurricular activities, and
social pressures, struggled to find a way to decompress. One day, she
picked up a fantasy novel her friend recommended and was
immediately drawn into its magical world. Each evening, she set aside
time to read, losing herself in the adventures of characters navigating
challenges far removed from her own. This nightly routine allowed her
to temporarily disconnect from her worries, giving her mind the break
it desperately needed. Over time, Sarah noticed that she felt calmer
and more focused, even during stressful periods. Research supports
experiences like Sarah’s, with studies indicating that reading for as
little as six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%,
outperforming other relaxation techniques like listening to music or
taking a walk. By engaging the mind in a focused yet enjoyable way,
reading helps individuals manage anxiety, improve their mood, and
maintain emotional balance. In a fast-paced world filled with constant
demands, reading provides a valuable opportunity to recharge and
foster mental resilience.
Structure of body paragraphs
 Conclusion
●Final part of your paper
○Reiterate the thesis
○Synthesis the main points
○Providing final thoughts on the significance
of the topic
 Structure of the conclusion
●Restate the thesis:
○The thesis should be restated in a new way
■DO NOT COPY AND PASTE!
 Structure of the conclusion
●Summary
○brief overview of the essay
○What were the main points?
●Synthesis
○how do the main points interconnect to
support the thesis?
 Structure of the conclusion
●Why does your topic matter?
○To individuals, to society and etc…
■What’s the impact / why should we care?
○May propose course of action
○May point out broader implications
●DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW IDEAS at the
conclusion!
 Example
Engaging in reading provides a wealth of advantages, such as sharpening
critical thinking and empathy, broadening vocabulary and understanding,
and supporting mental health, making it a fundamental practice for
personal and intellectual growth. These benefits are interconnected as the
cognitive skills developed through reading improve our ability to analyze
complex issues, while its emotional impact fosters understanding and
resilience. To maximize these advantages, individuals should set aside at
least 20 minutes daily for reading, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or
articles that challenge their thinking. On a broader level, communities can
encourage this habit by supporting literacy initiatives, book exchanges,
and reading programs. A society that embraces reading as a cornerstone
of growth will cultivate more empathetic, informed, and adaptable
citizens prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
 Strategies to write a good conclusion
• “So what”?
• If you’re stuck and feel like your conclusion isn’t
saying anything new or interesting, ask a friend to
read it with you. Whenever you make a statement
from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, “So
what?” or “Why should anybody care?”
• Then ponder that question and answer it.
 Example
• You: Basically, I’m just saying that reading is important.

Friend: So what?

You: Well, it’s important because it helps people gain knowledge and

understand different perspectives.

Friend: Why should anybody care?

You: That’s important because reading develops critical thinking,

improves communication skills, and empowers individuals to make

informed decisions. It’s a fundamental tool for personal growth and

participating fully in society.

 Strategies to write a good conclusion
• Return to the theme or themes in the introduction.
– This strategy brings the reader full circle. For example, if you begin by
describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that
your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. You may also refer
to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts
and images that you also used in the introduction.
 Example
• Introduction Example:
Imagine a student sitting in a quiet library, absorbed in a novel. At first, it may
seem like they’re simply enjoying a story, but what’s really happening is much
deeper. Through reading, they’re expanding their vocabulary, improving their
empathy by seeing the world through different characters’ eyes, and developing
critical thinking skills.
• Conclusion Example:
So, the next time you see someone lost in the pages of a book, remember:
they’re not just reading for entertainment. Like the student in the library, they’re
gaining tools that will help them navigate the complexities of life. Reading
doesn’t just open books; it opens minds, making it one of the most powerful skills
we can cultivate.
• By returning to the image of the student in the library, the conclusion
reinforces the essay’s central argument about the transformative power
of reading.
 Strategies to write a good conclusion
• Synthesize, don’t summarize.
– Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, but don’t simply
repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the
points you made and the support and examples you used fit together.
Pull it all together.
 Example
Reading is more than a simple hobby; it’s a powerful tool for personal
development. Throughout this essay, we’ve seen how reading sharpens critical
thinking and empathy, broadens vocabulary and understanding, and supports
mental health. But these benefits are deeply interconnected, each enhancing the
others.

By engaging with complex texts and diverse perspectives, we improve our ability
to analyze and empathize. At the same time, the expanded vocabulary and deeper
understanding we gain allow us to communicate more effectively and navigate the
world with confidence. Moreover, the mental escape and emotional support that
reading provides contribute to our overall well-being. In the end, reading is a
multifaceted practice that enriches both mind and soul, proving its enduring value
in our lives.
 Strategies to avoid
• Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as “in conclusion,”
“in summary,” or “in closing.” Although these phrases can work in
speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing.

• Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion.

• Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.

• Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive

changes.

• Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with

the rest of an analytical paper.

• Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the

body of the paper