Most long passages on highly competitive university entrance exams are expository essays (texts that argue for an opinion or claim). Instead of translating one sentence at a time, identifying the function each paragraph serves in the entire text (introduction, claim, evidence, counterargument, specific example, or conclusion) is the key to reading quickly and accurately.
Basic Rules
Typical structure of an expository essay:
① Introduction paragraph: Presents the topic. It often first presents “what is generally believed (the conventional view)” and then shows the writer's doubts or objections to it.
② Claim (thesis): The writer's central claim. It is often placed at the end of the introduction or at the beginning of the second paragraph. Patterns in which the claim follows immediately after However / But / Yet are especially important.
③ Paragraphs of evidence and specific examples: Research findings, data, and episodes that support the claim. The first sentence of each paragraph (the topic sentence) often gives the main point of that paragraph.
④ Response to a counterargument: Presents an expected opposing opinion and argues against it. A common pattern is “Some argue that 〜. However, 〜”.
⑤ Conclusion paragraph: Restates the claim and often adds implications or prospects for the future.
Simply considering “What is this paragraph's role (claim/evidence/counterargument/specific example)?” before reading each paragraph enables you to read while distinguishing the importance of different kinds of information.
Many people assume that multitasking allows us to accomplish more in less time. However, a growing body of research suggests that switching between tasks actually reduces overall productivity.
(Many people assume that multitasking enables them to accomplish more in less time. However, a growing body of research suggests that switching between tasks actually reduces overall productivity.)
Analysis: Sentence 1 = conventional view (against), However = signal of a shift, Sentence 2 = the writer's claim (thesis). This two-sentence structure is extremely common at the beginning of expository essays.
Points to Note
① The “conventional view → However → claim” two-sentence pattern is most common at the beginning. Make a habit of marking the sentence immediately after However as soon as you see it so that you do not miss the claim.
② In many cases, the overall structure (outline) of the passage can be seen simply by skimming the first sentence (topic sentence) of each paragraph. When time is limited in the actual exam, it is effective to first grasp the overall picture through this skimming and then work on the questions.
③ Paragraphs of specific examples and data are “proof of the claim,” not the claim itself. When asked “What is the writer's claim?” many students incorrectly answer with the content of a specific example.
④ A response-to-counterargument paragraph (Some argue / Critics claim / It might be objected that) is always followed by the writer's rebuttal. This is important information that strengthens the writer's claim and must not be skipped.
- Read while considering the “function” of each paragraph (introduction/claim/evidence/counterargument/conclusion)
- The “conventional view → However → claim” two-sentence pattern is especially common at the beginning
- Skim the topic sentence of each paragraph to grasp the overall picture first
- Specific examples and data prove the claim; they are not the claim itself
- The rebuttal following a response to a counterargument is important information that strengthens the claim
Practice
- Create one example of the “conventional view → However → claim” pattern.
- What is a topic sentence? Explain its role.
- Explain why incorrect answers that confuse a paragraph of specific examples with a paragraph stating the claim are likely to occur.