Essay structure
1-3-1
.jpg)
Unity and Coherence
·
An
essay has unity and coherence
·
Transition
signals link the paragraphs into a cohesive whole.
1.
Unity
o Discusses only one main idea from
beginning to end.
o Every supporting sentence must directly
explain or prove the main idea.
2.
Coherence
o Cohere = latin à hold together.
o The paragraphs must hold together, meaning
that the movement from one sentence to the next must be logical and smooth.
(transitional signals to link paragraphs or ideas)
o Arrange your ideas in logical order
Essay Outline
- Introduction
– Thesis statement
- Body
A. Topic Sentence
1. Main Supporting Point
a. Supporting Detail
b.
Supporting Detail
2. Main Supporting Point
a. Supporting Detail
b.
Supporting Detail
3. Main Supporting Point
a. Supporting Detail
b.
Supporting Detail
B. Topic Sentence
1. Main Supporting Point
a. Supporting Detail
b.
Supporting Detail
2. Main Supporting Point
a. Supporting Detail
b.
Supporting Detail
3. Main Supporting Point
a. Supporting Detail
b.
Supporting Detail
- Conclusion
Beginning — Introductory Paragraph
• •
Topic
Sentence – interesting / attracts readers
•
Thesis statement
o
Is
usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph (usually the last
sentence) that presents your argument to the reader.
o
Is a road map for the paper – in other words it
tells the readers what to expect from the rest of the paper
•
How
to write an introduction:
Good persuasive sentence:
Styles of Popular Music
Music is truly that one universal
language. Although all cultures have music, each culture develops its own
musical forms an styles. In particular, popular music varies from cultures to
culture and from generation to generation. In the past 100 years or so, there
has been an explosion of popular music styles in the West. Three of the more
successful styles are reggae, punk, and rap.
Thesis Statement
•
How
do I get thesis statement?
Brainstorm
You can doodle, make a mind
map, or even talking with your friend :)
• A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking
process.
Steps:
1. Collect and organize evidence, look for
possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or
similarities),
2. Think about the significance of these
relationships.
3. Once you do this thinking, you will
probably have a “working thesis,” a basic or main idea, an argument that you
think you can support with evidence but that may need adjustment along the way.
• Tips:
o
Shape
your thesis statement specific
o
Avoid
merely announcing the topic; your original and specific "angle"
should be clear. In this way you will tell your reader why your take on the
issue matters.
o
Original thesis: In this paper, I will discuss the
relationship between fairy tales and early childhood.
o
Revised thesis: Not just empty stories for kids, fairy
tales shed light on the psychology of young children.
• Elements of good thesis statement:
1. Clarity
2. Understandability
3. Simplicity
4. Relevancy
• How do I know if my thesis is strong?
o
It
states the specific topic of the essay
o
It
may list the subtopics of the main topic
o
It may also mention the method of organization
• Example:
o
Good
Thesis statement.
Compassion is a good thing to
have in society
o
A better
Thesis statement
Compassion is vital in order
for a stable society to be established.
Good Persuasive Sentence
Styles of Popular Music
Music is truly that one universal
language. Although all cultures have music, each culture develops its own musical
forms an styles. In particular, popular music varies from cultures to culture
and from generation to generation. In the past 100 years or so, there has been
an explosion of popular music styles in the West. Three of the more successful
styles are reggae, punk, and rap.
Body Paragraph
•
Each
body paragraph has a topic sentence and several supporting sentences. Each body
paragraph supports the thesis statement
•
Thesis Statement
Music has evolved to a unique variation
of popular music styles.
•
Body Paragraph
o
Topic
sentence 1: One successful style of popular music is
reggae.
o Topic sentence 2: A second
successful style of popular music ispunk.
o Topic sentence 3: A third
successful style of popular music is rap, which is also called hip-hop.
Transition Signals
•
Transition signals are connecting words or phrases
that act like bridges between parts of your writing.
•
They link your sentences and paragraphs together
smoothly so that they are not breaks between ideas.
•
They
strengthen the internal cohesion of your writing. Using transitions makes it
easier for the reader to follow your ideas.
•
They
help carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one paragraph to
another, or from one idea to another.
•
Types
of transition signals:
There are several types of transition
signals. Some lead your reader forward and imply the building of an idea or
thought, while others make your reader compare ideas or draw conclusions from
the preceding thoughts.
•
How
to use it:
o
Use
transition signals between paragraphs to show how one paragraph is related to another.
o
Choose
correct transition signals to emphasize on your topic.
Concluding Paragraph
•
Concluding
Paragraph = Last Paragraph of an essay.
•
When
writing a concluding paragraph consider:
1.
Signal
indication that shows the end of the essay
2.
Remind
the reader of your main points.
3.
Leave
the reader with your final thought on the topic.
• The first part of the concluding paragraph
summarizes or repeats the thesis statement in different words. (It may require
1 or 2 sentences)
In the second part, you may add a final comment.
(able to express your opinion, judgment or give a recommendation)
Exercises:
