Essay!!! All there is to know about Essays.

What is an essay? O An essay is a composition with several paragraphs. O Expository essays are written to explain, express opinions, compare and contrast, and to persuade. O When you write an essay you follow a structure similar to that of a paragraph.

Essay Vs. Paragraph Essay O Has an introductory paragraph that will define and limit the topics discussed. O Supporting paragraphs are related to the introductory paragraph O A concluding paragraphs which signifies the ending of the discussion and wraps up the writing. Paragraphs O A topic sentence defines and limits the topic. O Supporting sentences are related to the topic sentence. O A concluding sentence shows the discussion of the topic is finished.

Introduction Narrow down to the THESIS! Be Specific Body Paragraphs should be specific and stay on topic. Conclusion its ok to be more general in order to give a quick summary and concluding statement, which sums up your essay.

The introductory Paragraph O The introductory paragraph of an essay is very important. Since an essay deals with much broader topics, it important to narrow in an focus on the specific topic you are going to discuss. O It must introduce the entire essay! O An essay without a introduction is like getting thrown in to a cold lake with no warning.

Introduction Techniques O Begin by directly speaking to the reader. O Begin by referring or repeating your title. O Begin with a strong/startling statement. O Begin by correcting a misconceptions. O Begin by asking a question. A strong introduction is only as good as its thesis statement! All introductions must have a clear thesis statement. If you could sum up your essay in one sentence what would that sentence be?

Thesis Statement O A thesis should be broad enough to include all subtopics, information, or arguments in the essay. O However it should be narrow enough for you to deal with the topic in the space available. O Too broad: “All stress research today owes its existence to the work of Hans Selye.” It would be nearly impossible to prove such a general statement. O To narrow: “ Hans Selye was the first to coin the term stress in relation to human beings.” This is an interesting fact but it doesn’t leave room for the writer to expand on it.

A good thesis statement! “ Hans Selye identified a three stage human response to stress, which he call the General Adaptation Syndrome.” This thesis sentence identifies the topic, and suggests that the paragraphs that will follow will look at each three stages of stress.

Thesis Challenge Create a strong thesis statement that could be used for an essay containing these topic sentences. O Topic sentence 1: Many video games require strong problem solving skills. O Topic sentence 2: Manipulating a controller can increase the users manual dexterity. O Topic sentence 3: Often games can be played with a partner and the numerous clubs for video gamers, offer more opportunities for social interaction.

O Topic sentence 1: The family is the first agent of socialization that most of us encounter. O Topic sentence 2: Schools have strong socializing influences as well. O Topic sentence 3: As we get older our peers become more important as agents of socialization. Thesis Challenge

Strong vs. Weak Under each topic there will be three separate thesis statements. You must decide which is strong or weak!! Stand if you think it is strong. Sit if you think it is weak.

Topic is: Looking for work The unemployment rate for students is usually higher than the national average.

Topic is: Looking for work Looking for a job is hard work.

Topic is: Looking for work Looking for a job requires both perseverance and preparation.

The significance of appearance in the hunger games. In the Hunger Games there is great importance placed on how individuals appear to others.

The significance of appearance in the hunger games. The Hunger games has the theme of beauty that runs through the story.

The significance of appearance in the hunger games. In the Hunger Games Suzanne Collins addresses the importance of appearance through character interactions, the tribute parade, and the description of the Capitol.

Body Paragraphs O Just as a single paragraph requires sentences to support it, an essay requires supporting body paragraphs. O To ensure unity these supporting paragraphs must relate to the thesis statement given by the introduction.

The trick of the Key word. O One way to help with the unity of the essay is to use the key word method. O Choose the key word in your thesis and this word should appear in the topic sentence of each body paragraph. Example: Thesis statement “In the Hunger Games Suzanne Collins demonstrates the qualities of youth heroism through the character of Katniss.”

The Importance of coherence! O An essay also needs coherence. O Paragraphs must move logically from one to the next. O Use an outline to help you. O Use transition words or phrases to help give your writing fluidity. Examples: Also As well In addition Besides Thus As a result Accordingly For this reason First Nest Later Finally

The conclusion! O Try to have the conclusion develop naturally, it should not be an after thought. O Don’t add new ideas or details. O Avoid clichés like…”to sum up” or “in closing let me state” O Don’t ramble or be wordy. O End with a strong statement.

Tips for conclusion O Summarize the central idea. O Refer to your title. O End with a quotation. O Offer a solution to a problem. O Summarize your essay in one sentence.