Writing a Composition A presentation by the Purdue University Writing Lab (Adapted by Jochen Lüders)

What is a Composition about? In a composition you are mostly supposed to give your opinion about an issue and support it with the help of logical arguments and examples.

The Structure of a Composition Title Introduction Main Part Conclusion

The Function of the Title Attract the reader’s interest Introduce or hint at the topic

Creating a Title You may try to attract attention e.g. with the help of: A proverb or saying a quotation a question A known fact

High Noon on the Highway Evaluating Titles Imagine you want to write a composition about the problem of road rage. Which do you consider the best title? Road Rage Mobile Madness High Noon on the Highway

The Function of the Introduction Introduce the topic and purpose of the composition Attract the reader’s interest in the topic Lead to the main part It often gives the writer’s opinion about a controversial issue.

Introduction personal anecdote real or hypothetical example question quotation surprising/shocking statistics striking image

Main Part Normally your main part should consist of 2-3 paragraphs. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that summarizes the main idea of the paragraph. Indent the first line of each new paragraph. In a “Discuss” composition there are four paragraphs.

Arranging Paragraphs Paragraphs should be arranged in climactic order i.e. from the weakest to the most convincing argument.

“Discuss” Topics When the topic demands “Discuss”, you should give two pros and two cons. Begin with the weaker arguments and finish with the more convincing ones.

Conclusion Don’t just repeat yourself. Don’t present new arguments. It is often elegant to refer back to the introduction or the title.