Organizing an Academic Essay Conclusion Introduction Body Paragraphs TERM 111/Eng 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Introduction What is an essay ? An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five or more paragraphs. An essay is written about one topic that has several main points. The main points are introduced in an introductory paragraph and supported in body paragraphs. The conclusion is the last paragraph. Essay Body Paragraph 1 _____________ Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 Introduction _____________ Conclusion _____________ Term 111 Ms.Fatema K.

Parts of an Essay An Introduction An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph in an essay. It contains two parts. 1. General Statements: a few sentences about your subject that catch the attention of your reader. 2. A Thesis Statement: one sentence that tells your reader the main points of your topic and states the overall “plan” of your essay. Term 111 Ms.Fatema K.

An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. You may be writing an essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task. Either way, your essay will have the same basic format. Introduction The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus. It sets the tone for the essay , letting the reader know if the paper will be light and humorous or serious or sarcastic. The introduction should invite the reader to read the essay. The introduction will include the thesis statement ; which lets the reader know what the paper will be about. Eng 101/Term 111 Ms.Fatema K.

Types of introduction : 1. Funnel : It is also called “ the inverted pyramid”. It is the easiest approach to use. The first sentence is broad and general Words are usually used in this sentence that are repeated in the thesis statement. Each sentence in the introduction narrows a little more to the last sentence , which is the thesis. Thesis Statement Eng 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Example An Introduction General Statements “Metropolitan City is full of charm and scenic beauty, so visitors from around the world come to enjoy its famous theaters,museums, countless ethnic restaurants, and scenic wonders. Although Metropolitan City seems like a paradise, it isn’t. The city has several serious problems: poor public transportation, congested streets, and expensive housing” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92). Thesis Statement ENG 101/Term 111 Ms.Fatema K.

2. Turn about : This strategy involves starting with the idea, belief or opinion that is opposite of your own claim or thesis. You first present the opposite party's opinion, the turn about with a "but or however", and present your own point of view. This strategy is especially useful in argumentation. Ms.Fatema K.

An example : "Reproduction is something that is in the nature of human beings. Giving birth to children, bringing them up and when they get older looking forward to them having children are all built in  wishes and expectations of almost everybody.  But in a limited environment, humans cannot keep expanding their population. There must be some ways to control the population." (Gamze Gumuslu, Adv 2003)

3. Dramatic Entrance ; As your writing skills improve, you should strive not only for sentence variety but also for variety in essay opening. A dramatic , humorous or otherwise interesting opening will generate interest in the reader. The type of introduction that serves this purpose is the “Dramatic Entrance”. Eng 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Parts of an Essay Body Paragraphs The body consists of one or more paragraphs following the introduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea of your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or sub- topics. Each body paragraph consists of a topic sentence and several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentence draws the paragraph together. Introduction Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 ENG 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Parts of an Essay Conclusion The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It completes the essay by summarizing or repeating the most important ideas. The conclusion can also include an opinion, a prediction, or a solution to a problem. Body Paragraph 1 Introduction Conclusion Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 ENG 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Example Body Paragraph Topic Sentence “The first and most important problem is Metropolitan City’s inadequate public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the city’s buses and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation System’s daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that should arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusual for a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because he wants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going to work late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get to their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and streetcar stops” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79). Concluding Sentence Supporting Sentences ENG 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Example Conclusion Summary of Main Ideas “In conclusion, Metropolitan City must improve its public transit system, clear up the massive traffic jams caused by slow-moving traffic in the downtown areas, and keep rentals down to affordable levels. In other words, Metropolitan City must improve its image, or it will soon become just another mediocre city due to the lack of administrative responsibility to solve these unfortunate problems” (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79). Prediction ENG 101 Ms.Fatema K.

Overview of an Essay Introduction General statements and information about the topic Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 Body Paragraphs Support the main ideas of the thesis statement Begin with topic sentences Conclusion Brief summary of main points of the essay ENG 101/TERM 111 Ms.Fatema K.