3V Essay Basics

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Essay 101:
The basics of writing an essay

To do this lesson:

•  Pay attention
• Ask for clarification if needed
• Take notes 

Disclaimer

I'm an essay noob. This is only the basics; follow the steps and look up online examples. Also, write your own essays on the topics at the end. This will help you undestand the process better.

Paragraphs

• An essay consists of multiple paragraphs.​
• A paragraph can be seen as a mini-essay (elaborates on 1 idea/point).​
• Writing a cohesive paragraph can be difficult.​
• PEAL can give a paragraph structure.

Why do you have to learn this?

Throughout your academic career, you will often be asked to write theses, essays or papers. You may have to work on an assigned essay for class, write a thesis for your graduation or write essays for college admissions.

PEAL

• A structure in a paragraph that contains 4 elements:​
• Point​
• Evidence​
• Analysis​
• Link​
• PEAL paragraphs should always contain these four elements. The point is introduced in the first sentence, followed by the evidence and analysis and concluded with the link.​

1. Point

• The point or claim being made in the whole paragraph.​
• The point/claim being made is never a question, but a statement.​
• What is this paragraph about (topic)?​ If you can answer this question, then that is your Point.​
• Also known as: topic sentence.​

2. Evidence

• Specific information, data, experiences, or other factual material used to support the point.​
• Use quotes from the documentary to underline your point made.​

3. Analysis

• The analysis is the elaboration, evaluation of the evidence given.​
• Link the evidence to the point; how does the evidence link to the point made? ​​

4. Link

• Mini conclusion to body of paragraph.​
• Links all your analyses to the thesis statement.​

Scaffold

In reality it should look a bit like this:​

​

Firstly, [… Point ...]. The following example supports this idea [... Evidence ...]. This quote/example (etc) clearly shows that [...Analysis...]. So, [... Link ...].​

​

Important general rules

• No contractions (can’t →cannot / don’t → do not).​
• Never start a sentence with: but/and/or.​
• When quoting use quotation marks “…quote…” 
• Point (=topic sentence) is never a question and never starts with ‘yes/no’.​
• Use lots of linking words and phrases

Always start with an outline

Outline contains: 

• Statement (officially called a thesis statement)
• Topic sentences for each paragraph (introduction-body-conclusion)
• Other ideas (linking words/evidence/quotes)

Write a practice essay

 Choose one of the following prompts, decide which standpoint you will take and start writing an outline.

• The legal drinking age should (not) be lowered.
• Social media has(n't got) a negative influence on teenagers.
• Schools should(n't) have dress codes