Essay writing

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Writing an essay

Is there something you find particularly hard about writing (essays)?

Contents

Title  

Usually a maximum of six words. I like punny ones   

Introduction + thesis statement 

Thesis statement (stelling): never a question!!!  Always a very clear sentence 

“Capital punishment should be abolished” 

“English is the best language in the world” 

“Pizza is the greatest food ever invented”   

Make sure that you write with a funnel (trechter) in mind. You start with an general introduction, but narrow down your information towards the end, where you put your thesis statement  

Contents

Arguments (usually three or more) 

Make sure each argument is clearly different from the others. Write down the core of your argument in one clear topic sentence at the end of this paragraph 

Use sources to back up your arguments (more on how to do this will come later)  

Contents

Arguments (usually three or more)   

Make sure each argument is clearly different from the others. Write down the core of your argument in one clear topic sentence at the end of this paragraph   

Use sources to back up your arguments (more on how to do this will come later)     

Pizza is an Italian dish. Italy is a great country in both cultural and geological regards. Donald Trump stated in “Why I don’t like anyone ever,” his article on best countries of the world, that “America is the absolute best. The very best. But Italy is also nice. I like pizza.” (30) This means that because Italy is an impressive country, pizza also becomes impressive. Pizza is especially great because it is Italian. 

Contents

Conclusion

Only repeat information from the previous paragraphs

Repeat thesis statement and topic sentences

If you can, end with a bang!

Next:

Let's see what you remembered! (4 questions)

1. The title of an essay can be up to .... words long

1. 4
2. 5
3. 6
4. 8

2. What do we call a "stelling" in English?

1. Standing
2. Topic sentence
3. Argument
4. Thesis statement

3. What CAN'T you put in your conclusion?

1. A joke at the end
2. New information
3. Words
4. Old information

4. Where do you put a topic sentence?

1. At the end of a paragraph
2. In the title
3. In the introduction
4. In the fridge

How to write one

Prepare by already thinking of your topic sentences  and sources (you will be given a thesis statement to work with).

Create a mindmap to organize your thoughts if you have difficulty coming up with a structure

Practise your writing skills! 

Don'ts!

Never talk about yourself or your personal experiences with something (so no "I," "me," "my," etc.!)  

Never use informal language

Don't use contractions! ("can't" --> "cannot")

Never use vague language ("stuff," "things," "something," etc.)

For now:

Work in small groups (max. 4 group members)

Write down a thesis statement that has to do with the environment

Think of 3 topic sentences to support your argument

In five minutes, I will ask you what you came up with

What is your thesis statement?

And now...

Look at example essay and see if you still have questions about anything. 

If not: with your partner for your oral exams, start thinking about your topic
(relating to current issues in society, politics or to an aspect of British or American culture e.g. elections in Britain, America).   

Start looking up suitable articles.

Note: practice essays MUST be handed in by the 29th of June. Otherwise, you will not receive any useful feedback!