Chapter Seventeen Writing the Essay English Skills with Readings, 5E John Langan

Structure of the Traditional Essay Parts of an essay: Introductory paragraph Body (supporting) paragraphs Concluding paragraph

Point and Support in an Essay In an essay, the thesis appears in the introductory paragraph, and the support appears in the paragraphs that follow.

Introductory Paragraphs should attract the reader’s interest; advance the thesis; and preview the major points that will support the thesis.

Common Methods of Introduction 1: Begin with a general statement of your topic. 2: Start with an idea or a situation that is the opposite of the one you will develop. 3: Explain the importance of the topic to your reader. 4: Use an incident or a brief story. 5: Ask one or more questions. 6: Use a quotation.

Body/ Supporting Paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that states the point to be detailed in that paragraph.

Transitional Sentences Transitional, or linking, sentences are used between paragraphs to help tie them smoothly together. Ex.: Many of the other patrons are even more of a problem than the concession stand. (Concession stand reminds us of the previous supporting paragraph, while Many of the other patrons introduces the point to be developed next.)

Concluding Paragraphs The End briefly restate the thesis and the main supporting points, and present a concluding thought about the subject of the paper.

Common Methods of Conclusion 1: Include a thought-provoking question. 2: End with a prediction or recommendation.

Titles are brief summaries of what your paper is about. Exs.: How to Complain; Student Zombies Note: You should not underline or put “quotation marks” around the title, but you should CAPITALIZE all but small connecting words.

The Writing Process: Prewriting Get down as many ideas and details as possible about your subject. Delete ideas you don’t want in your paper and add new ideas that occur to you. Shuffle supporting ideas around to find the best order.

The Writing Process: Writing Your First Draft You can write out your first draft by hand and then type it into the computer for revision. If you compose directly onto the screen, however, you can benefit from the computer’s special features: cut, paste and copy.

The Writing Process: Revising Substituting, adding, deleting, and rearranging can be done easily on the computer. If you prefer, print out a hard copy of your file and revise first in longhand.

Revising Content Make sure you have: an interesting introduction a solid conclusion an accurate title a clear method of organization transitions and connecting words

The Writing Process: Editing and Proofreading Take sufficient time to carefully review your grammar, punctuation, and spelling.