Essay Writing 101 - The one with Structure and Thesis Statements

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• Leerjaar 5

Essay writing

Essay Writing 101

At the end of this period...

- I have English writing skills at CERF B2-C1: which is an excellent command of the English language.

- I have an extensive vocabulary at my disposal.

- At the end of this period I am able to produce essays, in a clear and smooth style

- I can present my case with an effective logical structure that supports the message I want to convey.

- I know how to create a good thesis statement and essay topic sentence.

Types of Essay

Many definitions of essay.

"An essay is a literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose, written with a certain intent, in a formal English style."

• 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) 

Read page 5 together

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 effective thesis 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 statement 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.

We should pay our healthcare workers more.

Think of an expository essay topic sentence on the topic of school uniforms.

Are you now on your way to achieving this goal?:
I know how to create a good thesis statement and 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.

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

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.

Do exercise on page 8 

Do one of the assignments on page 9