1. Writing
WRI 100

2. What is an essay
Essays allow students to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a topic based on research and reading.
The skill of good essay writing is to be able to critically discuss and evaluate ideas within a set word limit.
The focus of an essay is usually on developing an argument or analyzing ideas rather than on description.
The essay is written in paragraphs and has a structure that includes: introduction, body and conclusion.

3. What do instructors want to see in your writing?
that you have understood the question and responded to it properly
that you have structured the work clearly and logically
that you show evidence of relevant reading

4. Analyzing the question or topic
Analyzing the question is crucial.
It is easy to plan and write an essay and then realize you have only answered part of the question, or failed to understand a key word.
Take your time and go through the following steps:
Do you understand all the words in the title?
What are the key ‘task’ words? are you being asked to ‘discuss’ or ‘describe’ or ‘critically evaluate’…and what is the difference?

5. Analyzing the question or topic
What is the main content required?
What topics, or issues are you asked to look at?
Underline or circle key words so that you don’t forget about them.
Try and rewrite the essay title in your own words to check you understand it.
Discuss the title with other students to help you work out what is wanted
If you are still not sure, speak to your lecturer

6. Essay key words Describe(provide a picture of something)
Explain(give data or information)
Analyze (examine material presented to you)
Compare/contrast (Note similarities and differences between two or more things

7. Sample
Topic
In the last 20 years, rates of divorce have risen significantly in Nigeria. Critically analyze some of the different explanations given for this phenomenon.
Which words or phrases do you think are particularly important in working out what the topic is about?

8. Reading and researching
Look through the points you want to address in the rough plan, and think about what sort of reading you need to support these.
Use reading lists and references from lectures and tutorials as a basis for your research.
Your reading might include books, research articles, and online material. Some of your reading may be more general, to help you get more of an idea of a topic before you decide what you think.
Some of your reading will involve more skimming and scanning – searching for ideas and evidence to support points you want to make in the essay.

9. Format
Below are guidelines for the formatting of essays based on recommendations from the MLA (the Modern Language Association).
Fonts: Your essay should be word processed in 12-point Times New Roman fonts.
Double space: Your entire essay should be double spaced, with no single spacing anywhere and no extra spacing anywhere. There should not be extra spaces between paragraphs.
Heading: In the upper left corner of the first page of your essay, you should type your name, the instructor's name, your class, and the date, as follows: Your Name Mr. Rambo ENG August 2013

10. Margins: According to the MLA, your essay should have a one- inch margin on the top, bottom, left, and right. 
Page Numbers: Your last name and the page number should appear in the upper right corner of each page of your essay, including the first page, as in Jones 3. Insert your name and the page number as a "header." Do not type this information where the text of your essay should be.
Title: Your essay should include a title. The title should be centered and should appear under the heading information on the first page and above the first line of your essay. The title should be in the same fonts as the rest of your essay, with no quotation marks, no underlining, no italics, and no bold.

11. Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented
Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented. According to the MLA, this indentation should be 1/2 inch or five spaces, but pressing [Tab] once should give you the correct indentation. 
Align Left: The text of your essay should be lined up evenly at the left margin but not at the right margin. In your word processor, choose "Align Left." Do not choose "Justify." 

13. What is a paragraph
A paragraph is a group of sentences that fleshes out a single idea. In order for a paragraph to be effective, it must begin with a topic sentence, have sentences that support the main idea of that paragraph, and maintain a consistent flow.
There are four essential elements that an effective paragraph should consistently contain: unity, coherence, a topic sentence, and sufficient development.

14. An effective paragraph
presents a single idea
begins with a topic sentence that makes this single idea evident
contains support in form of sentences that convey this single idea
is strategically organized to maintain flow
maintains your essay’s objective
informs and entertains your reader about your paper’s overall idea

15. Topic sentence
The topic sentence is the most important part of your paragraph; it tells the reader the general idea of your paragraphs and should essentially “hook” them into wanting to read more! The topic sentence helps to provide a “general summary” for your paragraph. A reader should encounter the topic sentence and have a general idea of what the paragraph will continue to discuss.

16. Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the sentence that states the main idea of a writing assignment.
It helps control the ideas within the paper. It is not merely a topic.

17. Paragraphs Essay question / topic
For most individuals, sporting activities are not associated with any material rewards. Discuss the possible motives which individuals might have for playing sport? Include in your discussion examples of your own or other people’s participation in sport.

18. Sample thesis statement
Topic: Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college
High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.

19. Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence (idea / argument) One of the strongest motivations to play sport is the desire to be physically fit.
Evidence / elaboration People are becoming more aware of the importance of being fit and healthy.
Large numbers of people join gyms, go swimming or running every week or even day (reference?). In my own experience, I play basketball each week as a way to keep healthy.

20. Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence (idea / argument) Another motive for people to play sport is related to the social benefits they gain from participating in an activity with others.
Evidence / elaboration Many sporting activities and clubs exist (examples ??? references ???). Reasons people gave for why they participate in sport in a survey conducted by Victoria University Sporting Association (2010) included: meeting new people, getting out of the house and socializing, feeling more connected, etc.

21. Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence (idea / argument) Achieving a personal challenge is another factor that motivates many people to play sport.
Evidence / elaboration Evidence of this is in the responses given in focus interviews with two groups of first year university students who said ….. (reference?) My cousin is an amateur cyclist and enjoys participating in that sport because she can…

22. Conclusion
People’s motivations for participation in sporting activities are not solely related to material gains. This essay has provided other possible motivations and in addition to drawing on evidence from the literature, has used examples from my own and other people’s experiences to illustrate this.

23. Activity
Many people believe that television violence has a negative effect on society because it promotes violence.
Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.