Essay Writing An essay is a group of paragraphs that develops one central idea. Each paragraph in an essay has a function.

An essay is a long piece of writing and it is written in paragraphs An essay consists of three major parts: the introduction the main body the conclusion

Introduction: The introduction is usually one paragraph that introduces the topic to be discussed and central idea (thesis statement) of the essay. The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus. It sets the tone for the essay, letting the reader know if the paper will be light and humorous or serious or sarcastic. The introduction should invite the reader to read the essay. The introduction will include the thesis statement ; which lets the reader know what the paper will be about.

It introduces the topic and informs the reader of the topic being discussed. Should tell whether the essay is going to discuss causes, effects reasons, or examples. Don’t start introductions with your opinion. It may discourage the readers from reading your essay if they disagree with you. Then place the thesis statement at the end of your introduction. Thesis statements are generally more general than a topic sentence Read Example Page 105

Form of Paragraph >>Form of Essay The Paragraph Essay’s Introduction Essay’s Body(1 st Paragraph) Essay’s Body(2nd Paragraph) Essay’s Conclusion

Types of introduction : 1. Funnel : It is also called “ the inverted pyramid”. It is the easiest approach to use. The first sentence is broad and general Words are usually used in this sentence that are repeated in the thesis statement. Example p. 105 Each sentence in the introduction narrows a little more to the last sentence, which is the thesis.

2. Turn about : This strategy involves starting with the idea, belief or opinion that is opposite of your own claim or thesis. You first present the opposite party's opinion, the turn about with a "but or however", and present your own point of view. This strategy is especially useful in argumentation.

An example : "Reproduction is something that is in the nature of human beings. Giving birth to children, bringing them up and when they get older looking forward to them having children are all built in wishes and expectations of almost everybody. But in a limited environment, humans cannot keep expanding their population. There must be some ways to control the population." (Gamze Gumuslu, Adv 2003)

3. Dramatic Entrance ; The two types of introduction previously discussed (i.e. the funnel & the turn about) are good approaches to beginning essays. However, as your writing skills improve, you should strive not only for sentence variety but also for variety in essay opening. A dramatic, humorous or otherwise interesting opening will generate interest in the reader. It’s important to capture the reader’s attention. The type of introduction that serves this purpose is the “Dramatic Entrance”.

Using questions, anecdotes, or humor can be dramatic. Example of anecdote from a selection entitled “La Causa” Late one night in 1962, there was a knock at the door and there were three men. One of them was Cesar Chavez. The next thing I knew,they were sitting around our table talking about a union. I made coffee. Arnold had already told me about a union for the farmworkers. He was attending their meeting in Fresno, but I didn’t. I’d either stay home or stay outside in the car. But then Cesar said, “ The women have to be involved.” So I sat up straight and said to myself,” That’s what I want!”

Characteristics of a thesis statement : A thesis statement is the sentence that tells your reader the subject of your paper states the controlling idea of your paper, i.e. it makes an assertion about the subject predicts the logical order of discussion you will follow in your paper In other words: with a good thesis statement your reader does not have to wait until he finishes reading all of your essay to learn what kind of a claim you are making, or how you are going to prove your viewpoint. The AIDS virus is a worldwide problem. The Eid holiday is one of the happiest occasions.

1. An effective thesis should be a declarative sentence, never an open ended question. If you just ask a question, the reader will have no idea what you are trying to illustrate. Not a thesis statement: What are the disadvantages of living in a big city? 2. A good thesis should be restricted and focused. It should not be too general or too comprehensive. If it is too comprehensive, you may not be able to prove it all in one essay. Too general: Computers have advantages and disadvantages. This thesis is too general. How are you going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computers in one essay? There are technical and economic issues, social effects, time and financial considerations, etc.

3. A thesis statement should not make an announcement. It should make a claim. Announcement: In this essay I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living on your own. Revised thesis statement: When considered generally, living on your own is much better than living with your family. 4. A thesis statement should not make a claim that cannot be proved by logical analysis. Moral judgment of the writer: Only evil and wicked young people choose to live on their own. Such a statement expresses the moral judgment of the writer and cannot be proved in any factual or logical way. The thesis statement is always placed in the end of the introductory paragraph.

The Body The developmental paragraphs: Heart of the essay. Develop the central idea. May discuss causes, effects, reasons, examples, processes, classifications, or points of comparison and contrast. Range in number in the typical student’s essay from about two to four. The developmental paragraphs should have coherence and unity.

Conclusion Should wrap up the discussion and start with transitions that show the end of a piece of writing such as conclusively, in short, in summary, in conclusion, all in all… It can restate the main points discussed. It can restate the thesis in different words. It should not bring up a new topic. Example page 115 You may use a quotation. call for some sort of action. end with a warning, make a judgment or give a recommendation. suggest results or consequences.