Essay Writing 101 - The one with Structure and Thesis Statements

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• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Essay writing

Essay Writing 101

Main goal: 

At the end of this period: I can write about a subject and use arguments to invite the reader to think. (B2-level)

At the end of this period: I can write about a subject and use arguments to invite the reader to think. (B2-level)

o I know what the structure of an essay is and I can apply this in my own writing.

o I can use linking words/connectives to structure my writing.

o I can write a clear and focused thesis statement/essay topic sentence*.

o I can write an English text without making too many grammar mistakes.

o I can write an English text without making too many spelling mistakes.

Types of Essay

Many definitions of essay.

“an essay evaluates an issue, with the purpose to present your personal academic opinion on a given subject.” (privatewriting.com)

• Many types. We only use two:

→ The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. (Du: beschouwing)

→ The goal of the persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or recommendation (Du: betoog) (time4writing.com)

Structure in short:

Introduction: lead your reader towards the thesis statement/essay topic sentence

Find at least 3 arguments that support the thesis/topic. You may wish to refute a counterargument. They all go into their own paragraph.

Conclusion: wrap up, summarize, one-liner.

An effectivethesis statement/essay topic sentence...

1. Clearly communicates your essay's main idea (purpose).
2.  Is more than a general subject ("Puppies"), a statement of fact ("Puppies are cute"), or an announcement of your intent ("In this essay I will explain why puppies are cute").
3. Is carefully worded (usually 1 sentence, direct and straightforward, no abstract language or unnecessary details, )
4. Suggests your essay's direction (what you will write about), emphasis (your focus) and scope (what points will be discussed).

Expository versus Argumentative

Expository essay = topic sentence
Purpose: informative - explain a topic, raise awareness 
No personal opinion

Argumentative essay = thesis statement

Purpose: Win reader over to the author's point of view
Personal opinion

Thesis statement formula (argumentative essay)

Opinion because reason 1, reason 2 and reason 3.

For example:

Wikipedia is a valuable source because it helps people gain knowledge fast, it is free of charge, and it can serve as a gateway to more reliable sources. 

!Disclaimer: this is a useful formula but your thesis question can also be correct if it doesn't fit this formula.

Example essay topic sentence (expository essay)

• There are many reasons why pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world.
• The United States spends more money on its military budget than all the industrialized nations combined.
• Gun-related homicides and suicides are increasing after years of decline.

What's wrong with this essay topic sentence (expository essay)?:
People become homeless because they are unlucky.
In your answer, try to improve the thesis statement.

What are the most common reasons for homelessness? 

What's wrong with this essay topic sentence (expository essay)?:
How are expectations of marriage and money in the U.S. and India similar or different?
In your answer, try to improve the thesis statement.

Expectations of marriage in the U.S. and India differ because ... 

How are expectations of marriage in the U.S. and India similar or different? 

- too broad

- questions are possible in expository essays

What's wrong with this thesis statement? (Argumentative essay):
In my personal opinion it is necessary that we pay our healthcare workers more because some risk their lives every day, they need very specific training to do their job, and they work to help other people.
Try to improve the statement in your answer.

Are you now on your way to achieving this goal?:
I can write a clear and focused thesis statement/essay topic sentence.

1. Goal = fulfilled
2. I need a bit more practise but am confident that I can do this eventually.
3. I need more explanation and help from my teacher to be able to achieve this goal.

At the end of this period: I can write about a subject and use arguments to invite the reader to think. (B2-level)

o I know what the structure of an essay is and I can apply this in my own writing.

o I can use linking words/connectives  to structure my writing.

o I can write a clear and focused thesis/topic statement.

o I can write an English text without making too many grammar mistakes.

o I can write an English text without making too many spelling mistakes.

Starting your essay

1. Decide on your topic (provided)
2. Preliminary essay topic/thesis statement
   
3. Brainstorm + decide which points are the strongest (body)

4. Introduction

Hook

Active phrasing - work towards the essay topic sentence/thesis statement

To the point

Ends with your thesis statement/essay topic sentence

5. Body

Paragraph topic sentences

Paragraph topic sentence?

5. Body

Paragraph topic sentences (PTS)= announces what the paragraph is about.

One subject = one paragraph

Structure: 

1. Paragraph topic sentence (PTS)

2. Support the PTS 

3. End with a strong sentence

Conclusion

Wraps up the essay

Refer back to the most important points (NO new points)

Rephrase your thesis statement 

Come full circle

Assignment

Read the example essay on "Splendid Dutch Strawberries"

Highlight or underline the essay topic sentences and paragraph topic sentences. 

Make sure you understand how the structure of the essay works.

Are you now on your way to achieving this goal?:
I know what the structure of an essay is and I can apply this in my own writing.

1. Goal = fulfilled
2. I need a bit more practise but am confident that I can do this eventually.
3. I need more explanation and help from my teacher to be able to achieve this goal.

Flex-lessons

"Docentgestuurde flexles": participate in lesson on: writing thesis statements/essay topic sentence together

"Leerlinggestuurde flexles": Ask a question or get extra help with a different subject than the one mentioned above.

"Zelfstandige flexles": Work on the assignment on your own

Assignment

Write a simple expository essay on Traffic jams. 

(assignment 1 on page 35 of your writing booklet)

Finished? Monday after the May break

Flex-lessons

"Docentgestuurde flexles": participate in lesson on: writing thesis statements/essay topic sentence together

"Leerlinggestuurde flexles": Ask a question or get extra help with a different subject than the one mentioned above.

"Zelfstandige flexles": Work on the assignment on your own

The way I want to work for now:

1. Zelfstandige flexles
2. Leerlinggestuurde flexles
3. Docentgestuurde flexles

Next week: 

Monday: Speaking/Alquin

Friday: Flexlessons on writing