The Essay

What is an essay? A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author. 

Types of Essays Expository Essay: Gives directions or instructions about how to complete a task, or how something is done Cause/Effect Essay: Focuses on a condition or situation and asks either why something happened? (cause) or what is the result? (effect).

Types of Essays Definition Essay: Defines a topic both concretely (dictionary def.)and abstractly (extended def.).  A dictionary often defines a word three ways: 1. the term 2. the class to which it belongs 3. the characteristics that distinguish it. eg. truck (term) four wheeled vehicle (class) used for transportation (characteristic).

Types of Essays Comparison/Contrast Essay: Shows the differences and/or similarities between two persons, places, things, ideas, etc. Argumentative  or Pro/Con Essay: Your opinion on a subject is argued based on reasoning and understanding.  a) You present objections and refute them b) You present points supporting your position

Types of Essays Literary Analysis Essay: Focuses on your observations about a book, story, poem, or play. Character Analysis Essay: Focuses on your observations about a character in literature.  Your evaluation of the character is based on what that character says, does, and/or what other characters say about him/her.

What makes up an essay? Essentially there are three basic parts to an essay 1) A strong introduction 2) A strong body of supporting ideas 3) A strong conclusion

What makes up an essay? The introduction: -The introduction should never begin with a specific detail. Instead, work from a broad general idea to a specific point. ex: The modern world is experiencing vast changes on the technological front. vs. ex: The iPad is one of the newest pieces of technology available to consumers.

Introduction A) Something broad about the theme B) 3-part thesis statement – middle, weakest, strongest. Ex: Television commercials are better crafted than most television programming in their video techniques, in their audio techniques, and in their use of language.

The first sentence is a better opening line or hook for an essay. You want to grab your reader’s attention with the first sentence without giving away too much information. Make sure that when writing about a specific piece of literature, you name the work and the author in the first paragraph. Spell their name correctly, as well as the name of the piece of literature.

Introduction Attention getter (quotation, question, strong statement) Necessary Information (about life) Thesis Statement (your argument)

Body of Supporting Ideas This is also known as the body paragraphs. There are traditionally at least three paragraphs. This is where your attention should really be focused. You are presenting all of your facts in these paragraphs and backing them up with support.

-Make sure you write a complete paragraph. Don’t leave it all hanging -Make sure you write a complete paragraph. Don’t leave it all hanging. -When using quotations, make sure that you put the quotation into a sentence. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense and is just awkward. Transition to another paragraph with words “Guiding, leading, understanding, accepting…)

You have to be able to back it up with the text/ evidence. -Remember: You can say whatever you want BUT You have to be able to back it up with the text/ evidence.

This works as the opposite or foil to the introduction. Conclusion This works as the opposite or foil to the introduction. Reverse your order of specificity from the introduction. Start off specific and work your way out to a broader, more general idea. Never end on a question. You don’t want to leave the reader in suspense. You are not a mystery writer. You should have exhausted all ideas in the topic and as you are the “expert,” there is no need to be left wondering.

The “Extras” Check your spelling!!! Proofread!!!! Double Space!!! Write in 12 pt. font, Times New Roman!!! Use formal language!!! (ex: Shakespeare once said, “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women in it, merely players.” vs. William/Will/Willy once said, “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women in it, merely players.)

Extras continued Do not use contractions. Do not use slang. (I never want to see the word ghetto in anyone’s paper, when referring to how someone looked. And yes, this is a true story.)

Keep it in present tense (the author is saying that…) “I Play tennis, and it makes me a stronger person”

Do NOT use “you” You would think that it is a good idea to eat a lot of carrots, but in actuality, too many carrots can hurt your body.

Body Paragraphs: Generate LOTS, and choose 3. Body paragraphs: POINT EXAMPLE/EVIDENCE EXPLAIN

Body paragraphs 2nd strongest argument Weakest argument

Conclusion: Make it an attention getter. Ask a question (without starting a new idea).

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