The Academic Essay

fictional or personal writing = academic essay

Formal structure with 5 to 10 paragraphs Overall structure and organization is important: makes content clear and easy to read shows development of a thesis, supported by evidence.

Use the writing process: Brainstorm Outline Draft Revise Final draft Edit

The academic essay almost always has an claim or argument. addresses an issue or raises a question A suspension bridge is the best crossing-structure for this river. Nuclear energy is far too dangerous for widespread civilian use. Reproductive cloning should never be allowed. Cosmetic plastic surgery should not be funded by the government. Unmonitored internet use can be harmful to children. A Honda CRV is a better buy than a Toyota RAV4.

The Planning Stage – Part 1 Choose a general topic and narrow it. Answer the question "So What?" Show your readers why this paper is important. Show them that your paper is meaningful and useful. Strong interest for you is not enough Keep your readers in mind

The Planning Stage – Part 2 brainstorm (take this seriously, but do not spend hours on this – consider working with one or more people) put your brainstorming on paper list, draw webs – how you do it is not as important as using an effective method of putting your ideas on paper make two lists: causes and effects or pros and cons (consider strong counter arguments – then counter them)

Write a thesis statement: topic + what you want to say about the topic is an ineffective and inhumane method of punishment. Capital punishment should have the right to make decisions on things that affect them. Women should raise the standards for graduation so that employers can be certain that their new hires have the necessary skills. Universities False Creek should be developed as a multi-use site with 10% green spaces enhanced with public transport systems. The south side of False Creek Make a plan for how you can prove your thesis.

Introductory paragraph (something to catch the reader’s attention) A clear strong thesis statement: topic + what you will say about the topic (A, B, C,…) Main Idea 1 Support Main Idea 2 Main Idea 3 Body Paragraphs Support: statistics, anecdotes, specific names of people and places, specific dates and times, specific examples Conclusion (may include a recommendation or suggestion for action, a prediction of what will or will not happen if something is done or not done, and a final thought – but not a new idea that will require explanation)

Check your outline carefully. Problems???: Do you need to change your thesis statement or your topic? Do you need to change your plan of development?

Now write. This is your rough draft. Try to write from beginning to end without too many long pauses. Let your ideas flow. Make quick notes where you think there might be a problem but continue writing and come back to deal with problems later. Do not worry about your introductory paragraph at this point. Start with your thesis statement. Leave your work for several days. Then come back and read it out loud. Make notes of problem areas and then work to fix them.

Introductory Paragraphs The introductory paragraph begins with a sentence or two that engages the reader’s attention. This is the hook. In general, your hook should be one or two sentences. Between the hook and the thesis statement, add any background information that is needed (often one or two sentences). Your thesis statement should be near the end of the introductory paragraph. Remember – Start your rough draft with your thesis statement. Write the body and then come back to the beginning. Often, as you write or do research, you find an interesting fact or powerful quotation that you can use.

Body Paragraphs Body Paragraphs should have clear topic sentences with transition signals. Transitions make your writing easier to read. Don’t always use “First” or “Second. Use “One of the major considerations…” or “Something else that needs to be considered…”

Concluding Paragraphs Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write because you that you have nothing left to say after having written the paper. You need to keep in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader remembers best. Your conclusion should be the best part of your paper. A conclusion should stress the importance of the thesis statement, give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final impression on the reader.

The End