Effective Writing Strategies for Ph.D. Students by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

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Learn essential writing tips and strategies for Ph.D. students in this advanced English course lecture. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed explains the structure of paragraphs, text organization, various text structuring possibilities, and the writing process. Discover how to transition smoothly between paragraphs, create engaging texts, and use connecting words effectively. Enhance your writing skills and produce high-quality academic work following the guidance provided.

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Advanced English Course for Ph.D. Students Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Lecture 2 Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

Lecture 2 Writing Tips

Writing Structure The Paragraph As to paragraphs, keep the following rules in mind: Concentrate on one main point (idea) per paragraph. Summarize this point in the first sentence (topic sentence). All sentences that follow support the main point or limit its scope (supporting sentences). The last sentence is a summary of the main point of the paragraph and is used as a transition to the next paragraph (concluding sentence). Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

The Text The typical structure of a text is as in the following: Title Introduction Main part Conclusion Make your texts interesting.: Vary the lengths of your sentences. Use a short sentence to put emphasis on an important statement. Vary the lengths of your paragraphs and avoid one-sentence paragraphs. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

There are various possibilities on how to structure your texts, e.g.: General to Specific: Start with general statement followed by details and examples Specific to General: Start with details and examples followed by a generalization Known to Unknown: Provide new information based on what readers already know Least Important to Most Important: Catch and keep readers attention Chronology (ordering by time): e.g. in biographies Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

Process of writing Successful writers follow these steps in their writing: Collecting the data (different references of different types). Organizing the data. Making an outlines. Writing the first draft. Editing. Possible reassessment of the ideas (crossing out some ideas, introducing new ideas, rearranging ideas etc). Producing the final draft. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

Useful connecting words: 1. Expressing addition To add information, you can use these expressions: in addition, as well as, moreover, not only...but also..., furthermore, besides, also, too, and ... Examples: If the project fails this will have terrible consequences not only on our department, but also on the whole organization. John s grades are terrible because he has been so lazy these days. In addition, his relationship to his parents got worse. The report is badly written. Moreover, it is inaccurate. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

2. Expressing contrast To express contrast, you can use these expressions: Although, even though, in spite of / despite, however, yet, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, whereas, on the one hand ... but on the other hand..., conversely, but... Examples: Brain drain has terrible consequences on the developing countries. Nevertheless, nothing has been done to solve the problem or at least reduce its negative effects. In spite of / despiteFred s old age, he goes jogging every morning. Althoughshe s very nice, her classmates hate her. They have got two children, a boy and girl. The boy takes after his father whereas the girl takes after the mother. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

3. Expressing cause and effect To express cause and effect, you can use these expressions: Consequently, as a consequence, as a result, therefore, because of this, for this reason, because, since, as, for, due to, owing to Examples: She remained silent, because she was so depressed to talk. We can t go to Sue s party as we ll be busy working on our project. The plane was delayed because of the foggy weather. He had spent most of his time hanging around instead of revising his lessons. Consequently, he had a lot of trouble answering the exam questions. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

4. Expressing purpose To express purpose, use the following words: in order to, in order not to, so as to, so as not to, to, not to Examples: She wakes up early in order to be on time to work. They visited him so asto offer their condolences for the death of his dad. He helped the new policewoman so as not to fail in her first mission. 5. Summarizing To summarize, you can use the following expressions: in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up, briefly, all in all Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

Useful Academic Expressions 1. Stating (clarifying) your own position on a Subject or Topic: This paper aims at... This paper will be concerned with... The aim of this work is to The view presented in this paper/essay/review is that.. 2. Presenting your own point of view: I strongly believe that... To my mind... As I see it.... There are many reasons why It is important/necessary to point out that The first thing to be considered is Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

3. Supporting your view and adding more information: The first/second reason why I liked this method is Firstly/Secondly, this experiment is ... Not only ... but also... The most important part in this protocol is In addition, Furthermore, you can also Another reason is A further point is Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

4. Stating the view of Another Person on a Subject or Topic: Mohammed (2020) argues/claims/points out that... The authors views can be stated as follows... The results of Ali (2021) is that Ali (1999) has suggested that . According to Smith (1992), 5. Agreeing with the Views of Others: As Mike (1995) says/states, Like Tony (1995), it can be agreed that . because Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

6. Indicating a Lack of Knowledge in a Particular Topic or Subject: Despite the research s results attempts to clarify the ... it lacks the accuracy... Although the research has tended to focus on ..., less attention has been paid to Most studies, such as Harris (1970) and Mike (1995) have emphasized/concentrated on/focused /insufficient attention has been paid to . on .., inadequate Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed

7. Drawing a Conclusion Using the Work of Others: To sum up, ... As a conclusion, ... As a summary, ... All in all, ... To conclude, ... Based on these authors, a connection can be made between It can be concluded from what Jones (2004) and Smith (2002) have stated that... Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed