Essay writing

• Geschiedenis
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

What is an essay?

Learning objectives

You can explain what an essay is. 

You can recognise a good structured essay.

You can write an essay introduction, body and conclusion.

 

You can use linking words in your essay.

Research skills

What are the elements that you need to include in your introduction?

Introduction

• Lead-in about your topic
• Background information
• Introduce the research question

Research question: 'What are the most effective things to relieve stress during the holidays in corona times?'
Write a short introduction of 5 sentences at least

Body part of the essay

Body

• Answer the research question by using three different arguments. 
• Three paragraphs 
• Each paragraph should discuss the reason supporting your claim.
• Sourcing! Read/use sources
• Examples, quotes, etc.

Task: sources

The topic of the essay you have to turn in will be about environmental issues.

1. Look up information about environmental issues of your choice.
2. Highlight the important parts/ note down the important parts
   
   

Environmental issue of your choice?

The essay 

 your topic of choice?

• You are going to write a structured discursive essay (600 words minimum) in which you argue whether your thesis statement about your topic of choice is true or false.
• A discursive essay means you must put arguments for and against the issue, event or topic.
• preparation: search the Internet for information.

What do you note down in your conclusion?

Conclusion

• Summarize your main points
• Answer the research question
• Close the essay

Examples of linking words

Arguments

1. Classical: Present the main argument, state your opinion, and do your best to convince the reader why your stance is the right one. Also called Aristotelian, this is the most popular strategy for making an argument because it’s the most simple line of thinking to follow. It’s effective when your audience doesn’t have a lot of information or a strong opinion about your topic, as it outlines the facts clearly and concisely.
   
   
2. Rogerian.Present the problem, acknowledge the opposing side of the argument, state your point of view, and explain why yours is the most beneficial to the reader. This type of argument is effective for polarizing topics, as it acknowledges both sides and presents the middle ground.
   
   
3. Toulmin: Present your claim, present grounds to back up that claim, and then justify that the grounds are linked to the claim. This type of argument is also effective for polarizing topics, but rather than present both sides, it presents one, hinging particularly on facts presented in a way that makes the claim difficult to argue with.

Questions?

The essay 

Your topic of choice

• You are going to write a structured discursive essay (600 word minimum) in which you argue whether about your topic of choice is true or false.
• A discursive essay means you must put arguments for and against the issue, event or topic.

HOW TO START? 

• Poster with enough information, read the articles and your book
• Start with the body part: for and against arguments on the essay question 
• Then write the introduction and the conclusion