Guidance on how to write a paragraph using quotations

This is a video introduction on how to approach the paragraph writing with quotations lesson. This guidance lesson will guide you step by step through each task. Start by downloading the simple worksheet and following the video.

Worksheet

Download this worksheet below and then follow the task 2 video.

Guidance Video

Watch this video to understand how to do the paragraph writing successfully.

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Task 1: Task

Always keep the task in your mind. Write a paragraph (approx. 120-180 words) on the title ‘The benefits of AI on the future of work far outweigh the negatives’. Use Harvard in-text citations and appropriate paraphrasing.

Task 2: Introduction

• Think about ‘how A.I is changing the future of work.’
• Write down the benefits and negatives in the box below (you can do some internet research): 

BENEFITS	NEGATIVES

Task 3: Quotations

Read through these six quotations and decide which ones are for and which ones are against.

1.’One of the foremost benefits of AI is its ability to automate tasks that were once time-consuming and labour-intensive. AI-powered automation is becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling businesses to streamline operations, cut costs, and allocate resources more efficiently’ (HBR, 2022).

2.’Increased automation brought about by AI has the potential to displace jobs, particularly in fields where tasks are repetitive and easily automated. It could displace roughly 15% of workers, or 400 million people, worldwide by 2030′ (The McKinsey Study, 2018).

3. ‘New jobs will be created as traditional jobs disappear. Reskilling and upskilling will become normal employment practice creating numerous opportunities working in AI such as machine learning engineers, data analysts and cyber security experts (The McKinsey Study, 2018).

4. ‘AI notoriously fails in capturing or responding to intangible human factors that go into real-life decision-making such as the ethical, moral, and other human considerations that guide the course of business, life, and society at large’ (HBR, 2022).

5. ‘Customer service has evolved significantly thanks to AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants. These systems can handle routine enquiries, troubleshoot problems, and provide real-time assistance, enhancing the overall customer experience’ (Medium, 2023).

6. ‘The concentration of AI development and ownership within a small number of large corporations and governments can exacerbate economic inequality as they accumulate wealth and power while smaller businesses struggle to compete’ (MAR, 2023).

Task 4. Paraphrasing

You are now going to write a paragraph (approx. 120-180 words) on the following: ‘The benefits of AI on the future of work far outweigh the negatives’. Start by paraphrasing these 3 quotations.

1. ‘One of the foremost benefits of AI is its ability to automate tasks that were once time-consuming and labour-intensive. AI-powered automation is becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling businesses to streamline operations, cut costs, and allocate resources more efficiently’ (HBR, 2022).

PARAPHRASE:

3. ‘New jobs will be created as traditional jobs disappear. Reskilling and upskilling will become normal employment practice creating numerous opportunities working in AI such as machine learning engineers, data analysts and cyber security experts (The McKinsey Study, 2018).

PARAPHRASE:

5. ‘Customer service has evolved significantly thanks to AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants. These systems can handle routine inquiries, troubleshoot problems, and provide real-time assistance, enhancing the overall customer experience’ (Medium, 2023).

PARAPHRASE:

Revision: Paragraph Structure

A basic paragraph should consist of four key parts. 1) Topic Sentence (sometimes called a paragraph leader). 2) Development (a detailed explanation of the topic. 3) Example (this can be data, stats, evidence, etc..). 4) Summary (summarise the ideas &/or evaluate how effective these are).

Need more information on paragraphing – go here: paragraphing

Task 5. Paragraph Writing

Write a paragraph (approx. 120-180 words) on the following: ‘The benefits of AI on the future of work far outweigh the negatives’.  The topic sentence has been given to help structure the paragraph.

The benefits of AI on the future of work far outweigh the negatives’.

The benefits of AI on the future of work far outweigh the disadvantages through two key areas: automation and job creation.

Task 6: Sample Paragraph

Check your paragraph to this sample answer.

Task 7: Sample Paragraph Questions

Answer these questions about the sample paragraph above.

1) Is there a topic sentence? What is the topic? What is/are the controlling ideas?

2) Is there a main argument?

3) Which quotes were used?

4) Is it logical and clear? How has the paragraph been organised?

5) Is there an example?

6) Is there a concluding sentence? What is concluded?

7) How are the sources incorporated?

Task 8: Sample Paragraph Answers

Check your task 7 responses to these answers.

Task 9: Paragraph Writing Tutorial

Copy and paste your paragraph into this form and submit.

Paragraph Feedback and Return

Your paragraph will be checked by academic tutors. We will look at task, grammar, vocabulary, cohesion, referencing and coherence. We will give you valuable feedback to improve your writing skills quickly. It will take approximately 1-2 days to return the paragraph back to you.

Any problems with the form – email your paragraph here: academicenglishukcourses@gmail.com

TASK 10: Ready to begin

You are now ready to begin the five main lessons. We really look forward to receiving your paragraphs.