Essay Writing

Learning Outcomes At the end of this unit the students should be able to: Select an essay topic, collect and organize information for the essay. Develop an appropriate thesis statement. Recognise, identify and apply the features of an academic essay. Apply the learned writing skills in writing their essays. Assessment Methods: class activity, assignment Performance Criteria: 98% of the students should be able to score 3.5 out of the 4 marks allocated to each of the criteria in the marking criteria. The students should be able to carry out assigned class activities on essay writing in groups and discuss the answers with the class.

Introduction In most units at the university, especially communication units, much of your work will be assessed by essays. It is therefore important for you to learn how to prepare, organize and present your essays for a better academic performance. This week’s topic will test your understanding of the topics treated since the inception of this unit as it will require the application of those topics in academic writings.

Academic Essay An academic essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence. A good academic essay should - : answer a question or task. have a thesis statement (answer to the question) and an argument. try to present or discuss something: develop a thesis by reasoning and evidence. include relevant examples, supporting evidence and information from academic texts or credible sources. Acknowledge cited sources. A university essay can be thought of as an extended answer to a quite specific question that has been posed by your lecturer (Monash University, 2011). Source: UNSW Australia, 2013.Available at: http://www.unsw.edu.au

Essay Writing Consideration There are three basic things to consider before writing your essays. They are: Subject-teachers usually give essays to find out whether students understand material covered in class, students’ opinion on a particular topic, and to determine if students can express ideas clearly. There are other times when a student decides on own subject. Students should endeavor to choose familiar subjects on such occasions. However, in most cases, essay subjects are provided to students. Audience- teachers are many at times the audience. at other times, peers, parents, employers, newspaper editors or the community, etc. may be the audience The language should be suitable to the audience.

Considerations Purpose- determines the type of essay to be written. Can be to Compare and contrast Evaluate Interpret Explain Describe Classify Discuss Analyze Clarify ETC..

Essay Types An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same. The writer’s responsibility is to supply ideas and organization. Example of some essay types are: Descriptive- describes an event, person, object, place, etc. process essays that present procedural information in a step-by-step manner can also be descriptive. Argumentative/Persuasive – expresses a writer’s point of view on a subject.; designed to sway the reader to accept the writer’s point of view. Expository – makes an inquiry, investigates a problem and presents an argument based on evidence in solution to problem. Reflective essays- contains personal experiences and opinions; usually thought-provoking and challenging

Essay Writing Process-Steps These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process: Choose a topic if not given one. Ensure that the topic is interesting to you, narrowed to a manageable one and has a lot of information. Research on the topic by fully utilizing academic data bases, libraries and the internet. Take notes, summarize, paraphrase and quote from a variety of sources. Citing from many sources will make your work seem credible and knowledge-packed. Analyze arguments present in other essays to enable you learn how to construct good arguments. Brainstorm- note down your own ideas. Ask questions and provide answers.

Essay Writing Process Identify Thesis – the thesis statement will guide and shape the essay. It is the main point, summed up in a concise sentence that lets the reader know your direction, and why. It helps in captivating and engaging your reader. It is usually the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. A thesis should be: Arguable- should trigger an argument, not what every one will agree with. Specific- provides the main idea with a supportive reason. Vague and generic thesis statements are weak.

Thesis Statement-Types The basic types of thesis statement are: Analytical Thesis Statement - used when essay topic requires analysis. Essay topic to be evaluated by providing at least three cases of the supporting evidence. Homeschooling is good for kids because they get individual attention based on their comprehension level. It helps in keeping the negative influences at bay and also encourages excellent academic progress. Expository Thesis Statement An expository thesis statement explains the topic in detail. E.g. Recycling helps in saving natural resources, conserving energy, and decreasing pollution. Argumentative Thesis Statement An argumentative paper presents an argument about a certain topic and justifies it by providing specific evidence. E.g. Advanced technology not only involves high costs, but also leads to unemployment and dependency on machines. Source: Kartha (2012)

Essay Writing Steps-contd Paragraphs-a paragraph is a discrete unit of thought that expands one specific idea (AUC). Hence each paragraph should focus on one idea that supports your thesis. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence The topic sentence- the first sentence in a paragraph describing the purpose makes it easier for the reader o follow your argument. Each paragraph should be about half a page and not more than a page. The following will help in developing a paragraph - Source: American University in Cairo

Developing Paragraphs illustrate your idea with examples give an authoritative quotation anticipate and respond to counter arguments back your ideas with more evidence offer another perspective to the idea brainstorm more insights about the idea elaborate on causes/effects, definitions, comparison/contrasts These will help in filling the paragraphs to the required length. Support claims/ideas with evidence, and develop your ideas in a clear and logical way. Write as if you are speaking directly to your reader. Source: The American University in Cairo. Available at: http://www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/language_clarity.htm#1

Essay Writing Steps-contd The Conclusion - recap your ideas in a clear, summarizing and fresh manner. Conclude the essay by creating a memorable experience in your reader's mind. The following will be helpful in achieving this- giving a thought-provoking quotation describing a powerful image talking about consequences or implications stating what action needs to be done ending on an interesting twist of thought explaining why the topic is important. Keep your conclusion short. Not more than ten lines. Ensure that no new idea is introduced in the conclusion.

Essay Writing Steps-contd Citation – all the ideas, phrases and quotations used should be properly cited within the essay and in the reference list at the end. Language- correct the grammar; make sentences flow using clear transition; omit needless words; incorporate emphasis; adjust the formality; give your essay a level-headed tone; and make other edits. Proofread, especially through another person. B. Style and organization- ensure the essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion that follow the proper paragraph format. Check that there is a thesis statement that identifies the main idea of the essay. Ensure that the essay is interesting.

“The greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the music the words make.” (Truman Capote). As you edit the language of your essay, try to make music out of the words. Source: American University in Cairo

Conclusion A good essay is a ticket to a successful academic experience. Examples of every discussion in this topic and sample essay have been included in the extra notes. Enjoy your essay writing.

References AUC. 2012. ten steps to writing an essay. Available at: http://www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writ ers/language_clarity.htm#1. [Accessed 27 September 2013]. Monash University. 2013. Language and learning Online. Available at: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/wr iting/general/essay/essay-plan/3.xml. [Accessed 27 Sept. 2013]. The University of New South Wales, 2010. Essay Writing: The Basics. The Learning Centre UNSW website. Available at: http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/Essay.html [Accessed 27 September 2013].