Organizing an Academic Essay

Organizing an Academic Essay

Introduction

Conclusion

Body Paragraphs

TERM 111/Eng 101

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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

Introduction

_____________

Body Paragraph 1

_____________

Body Paragraph 2

_____________

Body Paragraph 3

_____________

Conclusion

_____________

Term 111

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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

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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

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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

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Ms.Fatema K.

Example

An Introduction

General Statements

Thesis Statement

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 isnt. The city has

several serious problems: poor public transportation, congested

streets, and expensive housing

(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92).

ENG 101/Term 111

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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.

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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 forwardto 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)

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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

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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.

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Introduction

ENG 101

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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

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Ms.Fatema K.

Example

Body Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Supporting Sentences

Concluding Sentence

The first and most important problem is Metropolitan Citys inadequate

public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the citys buses

and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation

Systems 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).

ENG 101

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Ms.Fatema K.

Example

Conclusion

Summary of Main Ideas

Prediction

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).

ENG 101

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Ms.Fatema K.

Overview of an Essay

Body Paragraphs

Support the main ideas of the thesis statement

Begin with topic sentences

Introduction

General statements and information about the topic

Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay

Conclusion

Brief summary of main points of the essay

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

ENG 101/TERM 111

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Ms.Fatema K.