chap 4 essay structure and writing convention
TRANSCRIPT
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Essay Structure and
Writing Convention
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Definition of essay
Essay- a piece of writing from combination of
several paragraphs
Discuss only one topic but more complex than
paragraph
So several paragraphs are needed to form the
body of essays
The body paragraphs are complemented by
introduction and conclusion paragraphs
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Diagram of an essay
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Introduction paragraph
The first paragraph of essay
the place in which the writer introduces the
reader to the topic
Contains general overview of the topic andthesis statement
General overview- discuss briefly about the
topic without giving too much details Try to capture readers interest by providing
anecdotes or statistics
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How to introduce an introduction
Funnel introduction- started with
something general and focus to something
more specific
Interesting anecdotes- dramatic,
interesting or funny story/experience
Surprising statistics/data
Historical background
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Thesis statement
It is also used to announce the essay topic
It briefly underlines the framework/sub topics
of the essay
It shows the direction/pattern of your writing
Sometimes it is used forthe purpose of
declaring the opinion
Almost similar to topic sentence but it operates
at essay level
must contain the topic and controlling ideas
e.g. there are many factors that cause pollution
such as human, industrial activities and nature.
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Sample of an introduction
paragraph
The Benefits of Television
We hear a lot about the negative effects of
television of the viewer. Obviously, television
can be harmful if it is watched constantly tothe exclusion of other activities. It would be
just as harmful to listen to CDs all the time or
to eat constantly. However, when television is
watched in moderation, it is extremely
valuable, as it provides relaxation,
entertainment, and education
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Exercise Try to make introduction on following topics- Patriotism is lacking among young peoples?
- Illegal racers@mat rempits issue
- Football progress in Malaysia
- Food poisoning at school
- Batik making process
- Maid abuse
- Should we teach entrepreneurship at primary
school?
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Thesis statement exercise 1
Malaysia is definitely one unique tourism
destination in Asia
To make a moist chocolate cake, you have
to follow several steps There are three causes of obesity, namely
overeating, lack of exercise and genetic.
Although smoking seems to be stylish, Idisagree that it is good for the teenagers.
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Thesis statement exercise 2
1. announcing the topic- topic: academicperformance, controlling idea: girls are better
2. subtopic- topic: benefits of fast food
controlling ideas: quick, good taste, easily
made
3. pattern- topic: vacation in local and
overseas controlling idea: differences
4. opinion- topic: dating among teenagers
controlling idea: not allowed
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Body paragraphs Normally, essay body contains two to four
paragraphs - depending on discussed points
each paragraph contains topic sentence andsupporting sentences
Topic sentence is main point of the paragraphand supporting sentences develop it
It relates the readers to the relevancy and
relationship of each of the subtopics to thethesis statement.
Consequently, the readers will understand thetopic better
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How to develop body paragraphs
1. examples- give examples
2. facts- facts that relevant and credible
3. statistics- numbers, figures, graphs etc
4. quotations- quoted words of a person
Do not forget to link the body paragraphs
with transition signals
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Sample of a body paragraph
First of all, watching TV has the value of sheer
relaxation. Watching television can be soothing
and restful after an eight hour day of pressure,
challenges, or concentration. After working
hard all day, people look forward to a new
episode of a favorite show or yet another
showing
of Casablanca or Sleepless in Seattle. This period
of relaxation leaves the viewers refreshed and
ready to take on the world again
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Concluding Paragraph
Final paragraph of the essay Provide the definite end point to the readers
There are many ways to write it
- Restatement of the thesis statemente.g. Again, I believe students should not be
allowed to bring hand phone to campus
- Summary of main points
e.g. Overall, there are many reasons such as
- Comment/suggestion
e.g. Government should solve this problem
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Sample of a concluding paragraph
Perhaps because television is such a powerful
force, we like to criticize it and search for its
flaws. However, the benefits of television should
not be ignored. We can use television to relax, to
have fun, and to make ourselves smarter. This
electronic wonder, then, is a servant, not a
master
Master.
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Writing convention and mechanics
Referring to smaller but important details of
writing
Aspects such as capitalization, spelling,
punctuation, documentation technique, handwriting ( mechanics)
Grammar and sentence structure ( writing
convention) Many students ignore these aspects-lose marks
Students should be more careful in writing.
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Please provide conclusion based
on these topic sentences
Firstly, students are stressed due to peer
pressure
Next, financial problem also makes themstressed.
Finally, academic achievement is another
factor of stress among students.