Basic Essay Writing Structure Thesis Signposts Topic Sentences Internal Coherence Cohesion between Paragraphs

TITLE Introductory paragraph General comment that links to the demands of the topic. Thesis: Your opinion of the topic (because everything below it will prove it.) Signposts or the Preview of Points Points #1 Point # 2 Point #3

For Example The world has seen many changes over the centuries, many of which are a direct result of the change-related messages we are exposed to on a daily basis. We are surrounded by a plethora of texts that influence us to transform in either positive or negative ways. Every text that engulfs our modern day society illustrates to us contrasting messages about change; either to accept it and progress, or to ignore and remain static. One such text is Cannily Cannily, which examines the ideal of change to avoid exclusion. This draws many parallels with our contemporary society, such as immigration, refugees and minority groups

Para 2: Elaboration of Point #1 General Statement first Specific Proof (a) Novel/ Texts (b) Quotes (c) Student’s own analysis (d) Trying to find a convenient line to link with Point # 2

For Example It is becoming evident in contemporary society that change is inevitable when adapting to suit one’s environment. Animals and plants adapt and readapt to their surroundings for the purposes of comfort and survival. Humans are being forced to adapt in such ways as is particularly apparent in Cannily Cannily through the character of Trevor Huon. The author, Simon French, positions the reader to accept change as a potentially difficult task that can, however produce happiness. This is evident in Trevor’s struggle to fit in at school by joining the Club under 12s Rugby League team. Having come from a soccer background, Trevor is forced play a game he knows very little about in order to fit in with the other boys: “he really had little idea of the mechanics of the game, but with a bit of careful observation was able to bluff his way through”. Here French positions us to see the difficulty Trevor was faced in his endeavours, yet his determination to change and become accepted by the boys and their families. Many such parallels can be drawn in contemporary society.

Paragraph 3: Parallel to modern world General Statement first Specific Proof (a) Novel/ Texts (b) Quotes (c) Student’s own analysis (d) Trying to find a convenient line to link with Point # 3

For example Changing to suit a new environment is not only a tale told in novels, but is particularly relevant to our contemporary society. The theme of change flows through many discourses in our country, particularly in relation to government immigration policy. The segregation of migrant groups is greatly discouraged by government groups and the encouragement of adapting to an “Australian” way of life is greatly encouraged. As a result, new Australians are often having to alter their original beliefs and customs in order to ‘fit in’ to their new society.

Paragraph 4: Elaboration of Point #3 General Statement first Specific Proof (a) Novel/ Texts (b) Quotes (c) Student’s own analysis (d) Trying to find a convenient line to link with conclusion

CONCLUSION Must be relevant to title Must be consistent with Thesis established in Paragraph 1. Must refer in some way to the Preview Points/ Signposts