FAKULTAS KEPERAWATAN WRITING AN ESSAY NELWATI, S.Kp, MN

An essay is a piece of writing several paragraphs long. An essay has three main parts: 1. Introductory paragraph 2. Body paragraph (two or more paragraphs) 3. Concluding paragraph

An essay introduction consists of two parts: 1. a few general statements to attract your reader’s attention. 2. a thesis statement states the main idea of the essay. A thesis statement for an essay is like a topic sentence for a paragraph. It names the specific topic and gives the reader a general idea of the contents of the essay.

The body paragraph consists of one or more paragraph. Each paragraph develops a subdivision of the topic, so number of paragraphs in the body will vary with the number of subtopics. The conclusion, like the concluding sentence in a paragraph, is a summary or review of the main points discussed in the body.

Essay I. Introduction General statements Thesis statement II. Body A. Topic sentence 1. support 2. support 3. support (concluding sentence B. Topic sentence 1. support 2. support 3. support (concluding sentence) III. Conclusion Restatement or summary of the main points; final comment.

Introductory paragraph An introductory paragraph has two parts: General statements: introduce the general topic of the essay. capture the reader’s interest. The thesis statement: states the specific topic. may list subtopics of the main topic. may indicate the pattern of organisation of the essay. is normally the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

Funnel introduction The introductory paragraph of the model essay is a funnel introduction. It begins with one or two very general sentences about the topic. Each subsequent sentence becomes increasingly focused on the topic until the last sentence, which states very specifically what the essay will be about.

Thesis statement is the most important sentence in the introduction. It states the specific topic of the essay. Eg. The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on cities. Sometimes a thesis statement lists the subtopics that will be discussed in the body. Eg. The large movement of people from rural to urban areas has major effects on a city’s ability to provide housing, employment, and adequate sanitation services. Sometimes a thesis statement indicates the pattern of the organisation of the essay. Eg. There are several differences between a nurse practitioner and a physician’s assistant (comparison/ contrast). When buying a used car, use these four strategies to get the best price (logical division of ideas). My best friend and I spent an entire summer constructing a tree house in my grandmother’s old apple tree (chronological order)

Body paragraphs The body paragraphs in an essay are like the supporting sentences in a paragraph. They are the place to develop your topic and prove your points. A basic pattern for essays is logical division of ideas. In this pattern, you divided your topic into subtopics and then discuss each subtopic in a separate paragraph. Logical division is an appropriate pattern for explaining causes, reasons, types, kinds, qualities, methods, advantages, disadvantages.

Concluding paragraph Here are techniques that you can use to write a memorable conclusion. 1. Make a prediction. 2. Suggest results or consequences. 3. Suggest a solution, make a recommendation or call for action. 4. Quote an authority on the topic. Example

Exercise 1. The status of women in Xanadu has changed remarkably in recent years due to increased educational opportunities and changes in the country’s laws. 2. The status of women in Xanadu has improved remarkably in recent years in the areas of economic independence, political rights, educational opportunities, and social status. How many paragraphs will the body of each essay probably contain?