Writing an Essay

What is an Essay? An essay is a written collection of prose, organized and divided neatly into paragraphs It is about one topic, just as a paragraph is. However, because the topic of an essay is too complex to discuss in one paragraph, you need to divide it into several paragraphs, one for each major point. Then you need to tie the paragraphs together by adding an introduction and a conclusion. Always remember that an essay is a written form of communication and therefore, must be clear, organized and easily understandable to those reading

Three parts of the essay The first paragraph is an introduction (an introductory paragraph) The middle paragraph(s) (usually two or more) are the body paragraphs The last paragraph is the concluding paragraph

Essay and Paragraph Structure Introduction Paragraph Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph # 2 Body Paragraph # 3 Concluding Paragraph

Introductory Paragraph An essay introduction consists of two parts: a few general statements to attract your reader's attention a thesis statement to state the main content of the essay. The thesis statement is the most important part of your essay. A thesis statement for an essay is like a topic sentence for a paragraph. It names the specific topic and gives the reader a general idea of the contents of the essay. Your thesis statement should only be one sentence long Your thesis statement is always the last sentence of your introductory paragraph

Introduction Paragraph Broad Statement Introduce topic The Point The thesis

Introductory Paragraph Sample Introductory Paragraph Topic: Globalisation Broad statement: Globalization is a commonly used term in the twenty first century. Introduce the topic: Globalization means that the world has become integrated through the advances of technology... Thesis: Globalization has both positive and negative effects.

The Body Paragraphs The Body Paragraphs The body of an essay contains several (2-3) paragraphs. Each paragraph deals with one of the main reasons/proofs which may be included in from your introductory paragraph. Remember, you must always keep your reasons/proofs in the same order. Therefore, write about them in the same order as you did in the introductory paragraph. At the beginning of each body paragraph, use a transition word to remind the reader which paragraph they’re reading. At the beginning if the first paragraph, use the word “First” or “Firstly” At the beginning of the second paragraph, use the word “Second” or “Secondly” At the beginning of the third paragraph, use the word “Third”, “Thirdly”, or “Finally”.

Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph should follow the structure bellow: Sentence #1 Topic sentence stating the Reason/Proof dealt with in the paragraph Sentence #2 Offer a piece of evidence to support your reason/proof Middle Sentences In your own words, explain how your evidence supports or proves the reason/proof Last sentence Concluding sentences summarizing the paragraph’s reason/proof and connecting it back to the thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs Each of the body paragraphs deals with one of the reasons/proofs Always remember to present them in the same order: A,B,C Reason/Proof A should always be your weakest argument Reason/Proof C should always be your strongest argument

Evidence (PROOF) and Explanation Paragraph Format Topic Sentence (POINT) A strong topic sentence clearly stating the reason/proof upon which the paragraph will focus Evidence (PROOF) and Explanation Evidence and Explanation that demonstrates how the reason/ proof supports the point Concluding sentence A Concluding sentence that states what you’ve proven in this paragraph and links the reason/proof back to your thesis

Transition words between paragraphs Body Paragraph # 1 Body Paragraph # 2 Body Paragraph # 3 Topic Sentence (point) Proof Explanation (Conclusion Topic Sentence (Point) (Conclusion) Topic Sentence (Point) Firstly, Secondly, in addition, also, additionally Thirdly, lastly

Concluding Paragraph 1. It signals the end of the essay. To do so, begin your conclusion with a transition signal.. 2. It reminds your reader of your main points, which you can do in one of two ways: You can • summarize your subtopics. • paraphrase your thesis. 3. It leaves your reader with your final thoughts on the topic. This is your opportunity to convey a strong, effective message that your reader will remember.

Concluding Paragraph Restate thesis Summarise main points Finish with a broad concluding sentence about the topic

Concluding Paragraph First Sentence The first sentence in your concluding paragraph should restate the thesis statement. DO NOT repeat the thesis exactly the same way you stated it in the introductory paragraph. Never begin your concluding paragraph with, “In this essay, I have proven that…” Middle Sentences Rephrase (but DO NOT copy) the three reasons/proofs. If the reasons/proofs are short and brief, this can be accomplished in one sentence. Otherwise, restate each in its own sentence, each beginning with an appropriate transition word/statements.

Concluding Paragraph Last sentence Finish your essay with a profound general statement that leaves your audience thinking about the point of your essay. This may take more than one sentence. Never, never, never, even in your wildest dreams, in spite of peer pressure, introduce new information in the concluding paragraph

Tips for Writing Formal Essays Do not use personal pronouns (I, we, you) These suggest your essay is an opinion instead of factual Write in Present tense Do not use rhetorical devises or creative writing skills Do not use contractions (Can’t, won’t, couldn’t) Do not use slang or informal language

Tips for Writing Formal Essays Avoid using vague language (be specific) In your body paragraph, be as detailed and specific as possible when explaining and supporting your evidence and quotations Use transition words to move smoothly from one idea to the next (in addition, lastly, for example, therefore) NEVER bring up new information in your closing paragraph

Making an outline What is an outline? An outline is a list of the information you will put in your essay. An outline begins with the essay’s thesis statement shows the organization of the essay tells what ideas you will discuss and shows what ideas will come first, second and so on ends with the essay’s conclusion

How to write an outline I. Introduction II. First main idea 1. First supporting point a. First detail b. Second detail 2. Second supporting point II. Second main idea b. Second detail … III. Conclusion