1. Writing a Composition
A presentation by the Purdue University Writing Lab
(Adapted by Jochen Lüders)

2. What is a Composition about?
In a composition you are mostly supposed to give your opinion about an issue and support it with the help of logical arguments and examples.

3. The Structure of a Composition
Title
Introduction
Main Part
Conclusion

4. The Function of the Title
Arouse the reader’s interest
Introduce or hint at the topic

5. Creating a Title
You may try to attract attention e.g. with the help of:
an allusion
a pun
an alliteration
a quotation
a question

6. High Noon on the Highway
Evaluating Titles
Imagine you want to write a composition about the problem of road rage. Which do you consider the best title?
Road Rage
Mobile Madness
High Noon on the Highway

7. The Function of the Introduction
Introduce the topic and purpose of the composition
Arouse the reader’s interest in the topic
Lead to the main part
It often gives the writer’s opinion about a controversial issue.

8. Introduction personal anecdote real or hypothetical example question
quotation
surprising/shocking statistics
striking image

9. Main Part Normally your main part should consist of three paragraphs.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
Indent the first line of each new paragraph.
In a “Discuss” composition there are four paragraphs.

10. Arranging Paragraphs
Paragraphs should be arranged in climactic order i.e. from the weakest to the most convincing argument.

11. “Discuss” Topics
When the topic demands “Discuss”, you should give two pros and two cons.
Begin with the weaker arguments and finish with the more convincing ones.

12. Conclusion Don’t just repeat yourself. Don’t present new arguments.
It is often elegant to refer back to the introduction or the title.