“Academic Writing but make it readable”
“I think this idea is good”
This idea is effective / convincing / well-supported.
What is a thesis statement?
The central argument or claim of an essay that guides its structure.
Correct: “She went to class every day”
goes
Sitcom set in Central Perk café
Friends
Theme of 1984
Surveillance, totalitarianism, loss of individual freedom.
What is wrong with “This shows us a lot of things about society”?
It is too vague; it lacks specificity and precise academic vocabulary.
Why is repetition bad in essays?
It reduces clarity, weakens argumentation, and suggests limited lexical range.
Fix “He don’t know”
He doesn’t know
Mockumentary office humour series
The Office
Why is Shakespeare still relevant today?
Because his works explore universal themes (power, love, identity), and his language and narratives continue to influence modern literature and culture.
Improve cohesion: “I like linguistics. It is interesting. I study it.”
I find linguistics interesting, which is why I study it.
Fix: “This essay is about many things”
This essay analyses several aspects of X, including… (requires specificity)
Explain “I am boring” vs “I am bored”
“I am boring” = I cause boredom; “I am bored” = I feel bored.
Why is pop music useful for English learners?”
exposure to natural rhythm and vocabulary
Who is the author of “The Raven”?
Edgar Allan Poe
Rewrite academically: “Everyone knows Shakespeare is great”
It is widely accepted that William Shakespeare is a central figure in English literary history.
What makes an argument coherent?
Logical structure, clear progression of ideas, and cohesive linking devices.
Why is “very unique” controversial?
Because “unique” is an absolute adjective and theoretically cannot be graded.
Name a language from a famous fantasy TV series with dragons.
Dothraki, High Valyrian, The Old Tongue, Asshai'i
What is Beowulf?
An Old English epic poem about a hero who fights monsters.
What is hedging and why is it used?
Hedging is the use of cautious language (e.g. might, could, suggests) to avoid absolute claims and make academic writing more precise and less categorical.
How do you build academic voice?
By using formal register, hedging, precise vocabulary, and objective argumentation.
Descriptivism vs prescriptivism
Descriptivism studies how language is actually used; prescriptivism imposes rules about how it should be used.
Name at least 5 different languages Rosalía has used across her latest album
What are the typical “filler expressions” frequently used by your teacher during lessons?
Shut up, you bloody liar!