Expository Writing in

Academic and
Professional Discourse
Communication Skills 2

Writing isnt just spelling; its much more than spelling. Writing
isnt jut grammar; its much more than grammar. Writing is
grasping ideas, seeing images, harnessing words giving shape
and thoughts to form. What matters most in writing is not the
rules and conventions of putting words on paper. What matters
in writing is the writers mind.
-Flesh and Lass

Writing an Outline

An OUTLINE
An outline is a general plan of what you are going to
write.

You can compare making an outline to drawing plans

to build a house. Before one begins to build a house, it
is best to draw up plans to make sure that a house is
built in the way you want. The same is true with
writing an essay and making an outline.

The Benefits of an Outline

An outline of an essay can be very helpful for two
reasons:

An outline will help make your essay more

organized. A careful plan will help your body
paragraphs stay focused on the ideas in your
thesis statement.
An outline saves time for writers. Preparing an
outline can take time, but when you are finished,
you will be able to write the rough draft of your
essay more quickly than if you didnt have an
outline.

Example
Outline

Here is an example of how a blank outline might look:

Essay Outline
I.

Introduction Thesis: _____________________

II.

Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea

III.

Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea

IV.

Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea

V.

Conclusion

The Process

Making an Outline
In a formal outline,
Roman numerals can
be used to represent
paragraphs. Capital
letters can be used to
represent supporting
details for the
paragraphs.

Essay Outline
I.

Introduction Thesis: ____________________

II.

Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea

III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea
IV.

Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________

A. supporting idea
B. supporting idea

V.

Conclusion

The Process

Thesis Statement
To begin an outline, you need to start with your thesis
statement. The thesis statement will be your guide
throughout the process of writing your essay. From the
thesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentences
for the body paragraphs in the outline.
ESSAY OUTLINE
Thesis Statement
Topic Sentence #1
Topic Sentence #2
Topic Sentence #3

The Process
Topic Sentences

The topic sentence for each body paragraph

should support the thesis statement. The topic
sentences need to agree with the main idea or
subpoints in the thesis statement; otherwise,
the essay could be confusing.

The Process
Topic Sentences

Topic Sentence Paragraph #1:

Thesis Statement
A job interview can often
make or break your chances
of getting your dream job.
There are several things that
you can do in an interview to
increase the possibility of
your success such as
dressing properly,
answering interview
questions thoroughly, and
asking good questions at the
end of the interview.

The way you dress can have a big

impact on an interview panels first
impressions of you.
Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2:
An interview is an opportunity for
potential employers to get to know you
better, so it is important that you
answer each question as completely as
possible.
Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3:
By preparing some thoughtful
questions for the end of the interview,
you can show the panel that you have
prepared for the interview and want
the job.

The Process

Supporting Details

Under the topic sentence for each paragraph,

list some of the supporting details, examples,
or ideas you want to include in each paragraph.

The Process

Supporting Details
II. Body Paragraph #1:
Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big
impact on an interview panels first impressions of you.
A. Men and women should consider
dark suits.

supporting details,
examples, and ideas

wearing

B. Conservative dress will show the interview

panel you are serious about
what you do.
C. Dont carry too many things into the
interview. A notebook, pens, and/or
laptop
computer should be carried in a
briefcase.
D. Hair and nails should be clean and

neat.

Example Outline
I.

II.

Introduction- Thesis Statement: A job

interview can often make or break your chances
of getting your dream job. There are several
things that you can do in an interview to increase
the possibility of your success such as, dressing
properly, answering interview questions
thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end
of the interview.
Body Paragraph #1:

Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a

big impact on an interview panels first
impressions of you.
A. Men and women should consider
wearing dark suits.

for potential employers to get to know you

better, so it is important that you answer each
question as completely as possible.
A. Ask interviewers to repeat questions
you dont understand.
B. Take some time to think about the
questions before you answer.
C. A notebook to write down key words in
interview questions is sometimes helpful.
IV.

Topic Sentence: By preparing some thoughtful

questions for the end of the interview, you can
show the panel that you have prepared for the
interview and want the job.

B. Conservative dress will show the

interview panel you are serious
about
what you do.

A. Research the job and/or company

before you go to the interview.
B. The interview is your opportunity to get
to know your potential employer. Ask
questions about company goals, mission,
expectations of employees, etc.

C. Dont carry too many things into the

interview. A notebook, pens, and/or
laptop computer should be carried in
a
briefcase.

C. Dont ask questions about benefits or

salary during the interview. You
should try to get this information before you
apply for the job.

D. Hair and nails should be clean and

neat.
III.

Body Paragraph #2:

Topic Sentence: An interview is an opportunity

Body Paragraph #3:

IV.

Conclusion: Dont underestimate the

importance of a good interview.

REPORT WRITING

What is a report
A means to convey some information to others.
An organized, factual, objective presentation of
information.
Organized since it follows a systematic pattern.
Objective' means it should not be influenced by our
personal feelings.
Report is a comprehensive document and covers all
aspects of the subject matter of study.

REPORTS AND ESSAYS.!!!

Similarities:
- formal style
- careful proof-reading and neat presentation
- introduction, body and conclusion
- analytical thinking

Key Differences:

A
presents information, not an argument
report:

is meant to be scanned quickly by the reader

uses numbered headings and sub-headings
uses short, concise paragraphs and dot-points where
applicable
uses graphics wherever possible (tables, graphs, illustrations)
may need an abstract (sometimes called an executive
summary)
does not always need references and bibliography
is often followed by recommendations and/or appendices

Types of reports :
1. Information only Reports
Provides basic information
Very short
Report writing about books, movies, personal
experiences.

2. Research reports
Most widely used report
Important for university level
Includes R&D subjects.
A report on some product development.

3. Case study analysis reports

Hypothetical research reports.
Includes real life examples

To write a good report you should know:

Purpose of Report
oWhy are we writing the report
oResearch and writing becomes relevant to the
topic

Scope of Report

o What needs to go into the report

o Always get clear guidelines from the study
guide.
o Extend of the report should be clear.

Features of a well written report:

o

A Good Report
o

has a Clarity of Thought

is Complete and Self-explanatory

is Comprehensive but Compact

has a Proper Date and Signature

is Presented in a Lucid Style

FORMAT OF THE REPORT:

Inductive report
Title page
Executive summary
Introduction
Conclusions
Discussion
references

Deductive report
Title page
Executive summary
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusions
references

SECTIONS OF THE
REPORT

Parts of the
report

Contents

Functions

Types of writing

Language characteristics

Title page

Name of the report, date

To inform

Discursive

Factual

Table of
contents

What you find in your report

To inform

Discursive

Factual

Summary

A summary of the report

To inform

Discursive

Factual, impersonal use of 3rd person

pronouns, passive verbs

Introduction

Background, problem, approach,

definition of special words used

To inform

Discursive

Same as the above

Methods

Methods or procedures which

lead to the findings

To inform

Discursive

Same as the above

Findings

Results of investigation, research, To inform

and calculation

Discursive

Sa as the above

Conclusion

Conclusions drawn from the

findings

To
convince

Argument

It seems that ./ The result indicates

that / It is probable that

Recommendation

Things that should be done as a

result

To
persuade
reason

Argument, persuasive

Personal use of I and We

Bibliography

Books, articles, magazines,

reports , any documents that has
used for reference

To inform

Example of report writing

Computer system- SCANNERS
Abstract
This report investigates the current state of scanner tech. and
examines the predicted future advancements of scanners.
The performance of these scanners is examined in relation to
four main criteria; resolution, bit-depth, dynamic range and
software.

INTRODUCTION
A scanner is a device that uses a light source to electronically
convert an image into binary data. This binary data can then
be used to store the scanned image on a computer.

Main body :
Types of scanners.
Technical Specifications of various scanners.
Performance charts of various scanners.
Cost wise analysis of Various scanners.
Future of such scanners.

Conclusion
This report has identified five types of scanners
currently available. Some are primarily used for
professional purposes such as the drum scanner; others
are used more broadly in the workplace and home such
as flatbed scanners and to a lesser extent sheet fed
scanners. Scanners for specialized purposes have also
been identified such as slide and handheld scanners.
Specialized scanners are currently being incorporated
into other types of technologies such as digital
cameras, printers, and photocopiers.

references
Anderson, D. The PC Guide.
[http:www.pctechguide.com/18scanners.htm].
Englander, I (2000). The Architecture of computer hardware
and systems software. John Wiley, USA, p272.
Scansoft scanner tips
[http://www.scannercentral.com/scanners/tips/tips1.asp]
2000.6/4/00

First Paper: Movie Report

Write about one of the movies that will be
shown in the Film Festival, in celebration of
the Womens Month.
Format: FS- Times New Roman Paper: Short
Font Size: 11
Margin: 1 inch
Spacing: single
Limit: 2-3 pages
Concentrate on the following aspects:

Literary Aspects of Film

Those aspects that
films share with
literature:

plot

characters

setting

themes

point of view

recurring images

symbols

Questions to ask when viewing on

a Literary Level:
Who are the characters?
What is the setting?
What is the plot?
From whose point of view is the story told?
What is the films theme?
Are there any symbols or recurring images?

Dramatic Aspects of Film

Those elements film
shares with live
drama:
actors portraying
characters through
dialogue, costumes,
and makeup
sets and/or locations
directors who leave
personal stamp on
final product

Questions to ask when viewing on

a dramatic level:
How effective is the acting? Why?
How does the set affect understanding and enjoyment of the
story?
How are the costumes and makeup effective in establishing a
character?