Essay Tips

Introduction It should not only state your thesis statement, but should introduce your topic as well. Example: The one child policy was introduced by the Chinese government in the 1970s to reduce the rate of population increase. While it has been effective in reducing the population, it has had some negative effects on society. The three main effects are: causing children to have difficulty with social interaction, increasing the burden placed on children, and creating selfish adults.

Thesis Statement Heart disease is often caused by three factors Heart disease is often caused by stress, heredity, and diet.

Teen drug abuse leads to a breakdown in family relationships, poor academic performance, and criminal behavior. When teenagers use drugs, there are some negative consequences.

There are several ________________, including A, B, and C. There are three ___________: A, B, and C. Three factors contribute to __________: A, B, and C. __________ benefits/affects someone/something in three ways: A, B, and C. There are 3 major ________: A, B, and C.

Topic Sentences Topic sentence is like a thesis statement for you paragraph. It tells the reader what the paragraph is about. e.g If your thesis statement is: The three main effects are: causing children to have difficulty with social interaction, increasing the burden placed on children, and creating selfish adults. 1,2,3

Topic sentence 1 The first effect the One Child Policy may have is to cause children to have difficulty with social interaction. Increasing the burden place on children is another problem caused by the one child policy. The final issue with the OCP is that the only child may grow up to be a selfish adult. Topic sentence 2 Topic sentence 3

Transitions Link your paragraphs together. They go at the end of your paragraph, to introduce the next one. They improve the flow of your essay. Example: As well as being delicious, apples are also very good for your health. (Final sentence of paragraph) Apples are full of vital nutrients that our bodies need. (First sentence of new paragraph)

1.The first effect the One Child Policy may have is to cause children to have difficulty with social interaction. 2.Difficulty with social interaction is not the only issue caused by the one child policy. 3.Increasing the burden place on children is another problem caused by the one child policy. As adults, children born under the one child policy may suffer in other ways as well. The final issue with the OCP is that the only child may grow up to be a selfish adult.

Conclusion Sums up your essay, restates your three main points. Even though the one child policy has reduced the population, it has had a number of negative effects. As a result of growing up lonely, children may find it difficult to interact with others when they get to school or work. It may also increase the burden placed on the child, as they will be expected to look after their parents alone when they get older. Finally, as an only child is often spoiled by their family, they may grow up expecting things to just be handed to them, and may become selfish. So, while the one child policy was introduced to benefit society, it would actually be more beneficial if the policy was revoked.

Don’ts and Common Mistakes Start a sentence with and, but, because or such as. Use contractions- won’t, didn’t, isn’t, haven’t Use first person- I, me, we, our Use second person- you, your Address comments to your reader- “You should try…” Put in personal opinion (without support)- “Some people think ___ is bad for you, but they are wrong.” With 1 or 2 exceptions

Statements of expression- “This is so surprising!”, “It is very wonderful!” State obvious facts- “Without food, people would die.” Use cliches- every coin has two sides, in our daily lives, nowadays. Use always or never when you mean often or rarely Use questions as introductions or linkers Use will when you mean can or may Don’ts and Common Mistakes cont.

Words/Expressions Not to Use (or at least be careful of) As we all know…. Use and so on. More and more, quicker and quicker, etc. In a word…. On the other hand…. …. is a hot topic nowadays.