The Causes of an Ageing Population in China
Essay by Alexandra Wan • November 26, 2017 • Term Paper • 4,715 Words (19 Pages) • 1,216 Views
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for LGT2106 Principles of Operations Management
on Writing Case Study Reports
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Table of Contents
- Writing a Problem-Solution Essay ………………………………………………p. 3
- Writing a Discursive Essay ……………………………………………………… p. 7
- Coherence in Academic Writing …………………………………………..……p. 10
- Use of References in Academic Writing ……………………………………..…p. 14
- Referring to Sources in Academic Writing ………………………………....… p. 16
- A quick referencing guide in academic writing (APA 6th edition) ….…………p. 19
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on Writing a Problem-Solution Essay
A problem-solution essay describes an issue, situation or problem, which
- should analyse the topic in depth
- should provide suggestions and recommendations
I. INTRODUCTION
Purpose
To introduce (and briefly discusses) the topic/issue of the essay
Structure
- Explain:
- What the issue is about – what is to be discussed (usually 1-2 sentences and present the issue objectively)
- Why the issue is important – explains the question and identifies the main issues that are raised by the question (also includes background information on the topic)
- How you are going to discuss the issue – an overview or outline of the essay
- May need to give the definition of a term (sometimes)
Example 1
Below is the introduction of an essay about the ageing population in China.
The increase in life expectancy is causing problems in many countries. This problem is particularly serious in China because of the government’s inconsistent population policies and the changing attitudes of young couples towards having children. Combatting this problem requires immediate measures by the government as well as the co-operation of the public. |
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II. BODY
Purpose
To present all the arguments
Structure
- Elaborate each argument with evidence
- Elaborate each of these ideas with evidence or examples
Structure of each paragraph
- One paragraph, one major point of argument
- Begin with a topic sentence, to achieve one or more of the following:
- substantiate or support the what part of the introduction
- unify the content of the paragraph and direct the order of the sentences
- advise the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it
- Support your idea with evidence
- Finish with one sentence, summarising the idea discussed
Example 2
Below is a paragraph showing one of the causes of an ageing population in China.
The major cause of this problem is the government’s inconsistency in its population policies since 1949. Responding to the call to have children, women in the 1950s gave birth to large numbers of children (Moody, Ramson, & Roberts, 2010). These children are now becoming a major sector of the senior population. This situation could trigger a surge in the demand for services by the elderly, such as homes and health centres for the aged. In the mid 1970s, however, the government began to realise the serious impact the policy was having on society and in 1979 decided to adopt a completely different policy: the family planning policy (Moody et al., 2010). This policy, which continues to this day, requires that each married couple have only one child. While the implementation of the regulation has dramatically reduced the birthrate, this policy could cause a significant labour shortage in the near future. |
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Remarks about solutions (Also for suggestions/recommendations)
- Must clearly connect with the issues/problems discussed
- Have to be clearly described
- State the probable effects
- Analyse their feasibility (e.g. are the solutions practical and cost effective?)
Example 3
Below is the beginning of a paragraph that offers possible solutions to deal with the problem of labour shortage.
To address the issue of labour shortage, the government should consider both short and long-term strategies. ... |
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Note:
- Can use conditional sentences to discuss and introduce solutions and their feasibility
Types of conditional sentences
Meaning | Example |
A fixed future action + a definite result | When the Chinese government relaxes the one-child policy for parents with sufficient means and motivation to have larger families, the labour force will increase significantly. |
A possible action + a definite result (i.e. a promise or strong suggestion) | If the Chinese government relaxes the one-child policy for parents with sufficient means and motivation to have larger families, the labour force will increase significantly. |
An unlikely action + a probable result (i.e. a tentative suggestion) | If the Chinese government relaxed the one- child policy for parents with sufficient means and motivation to have larger families, the labour force would increase significantly. |
The only possible action (i.e. a warning) | Unless the Chinese government relaxes the one-child policy for parents who have sufficient means and motivation, the labour force will shrink dangerously. |
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