1. Writing an Essay

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. Introduction Paragraph
Broad Statement
Introduce topic
The Point
The thesis

7. 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.

8. 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”.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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