WRITING A CLOSER LOOK AT ACADEMIC ESSAYS

The Introduction Every essay needs an introduction. The role of an introduction is to make the reader want to read. It also tells the readers some background on the subject, exactly what the essay is about, and what will be discussed. An introduction is made up of several parts. – A Hook – the first few sentences need to catch the attention of the reader. This could be interesting information about the topic or something controversial. – A narrowing of the topic – this shows the reader how the author got to a particular specific part of a more general topic. – A Thesis Statement – expressing the theme of the essay (and the specific points that will be used to support it – optional)

The Hook There are several ways to write an effective hook so that your introduction attracts the attention of the reader. – Factual statements or historical background – A brief description – The narration of an incident – A question – A shared experience

Match the sample hooks with their types 1.Factual statement or historical background 2.A brief description 3.The narration of an incident 4.A question 5.A shared experience A.A sudden noise from outside made me notice something strange in the garden … B.Have you ever imagined yourself as the prime minister of this country? C.For university students, English is one of the most difficult languages to learn. D.35% of people over the age of 40 are dissatisfied with their appearance. E.I would love to be in a room decorated with hundreds of roses in many different colors. D E A B C

The following introductory paragraph is written in the wrong order. Work out the correct order for the sentences. (1) Unfortunately, many people can’t look as good as they should because they are unable to do what is needed. (2) If married and in a relationship people want to look great to family and friends. (3) There are three simple ways to achieve a perfect body: exercise, eat healthy and plastic surgery. (4) It’s a fact that every person, regardless of culture, want to look fantastic to other people. (5) If a person is single then they want to look sexy, fashionable, and stylish to attract a mate.

The following introductory paragraph is written in the wrong order. Work out the correct order for the sentences. 4- (any person, any culture, look good) 5 or 2 - (single person, attract mate, look good) 2 or 5 - (married person, stay looking good) 1 - (people cannot do this – not easy to do) 3 - (three simple ways to do) (4) It’s a fact that every person, regardless of culture, want to look fantastic to other people. (5) If a person is single then they want to look sexy, fashionable, and stylish to attract a mate. (2) If married and in a relationship people want to look great to family and friends. (1) Unfortunately, many people can’t look as good as they should because they are unable to do what is needed. (3) There are three simple ways to achieve a perfect body: exercise, eat healthy and plastic surgery. General Specific

Extra Topic Introduction – The Handshake General statementGeneral culture – Greetings Narrower statementGreeting examples – Bow or shake hands Narrower statementEnglish culture – Shake hands Narrower statementShake hands – How to shake hands Narrower statementIf handshake done well – Message about character Specific thesis statementIt is my view that a proper handshake has four ingredients: pressure, movement, eye contact and verbal message.

Extra Topic Introduction – The Handshake The way people greet each other when they first meet varies from culture to culture. In some cultures people bow and in others they shake hands. In English speaking countries shaking hands is the custom. How people shake hands sends an important message about their character. If done well, a handshake gives the impression of strength and honesty and if done badly, it gives one of weakness and dishonesty. It is my view that a proper handshake has four ingredients: pressure, movement, eye contact and verbal message. 87 words

Thesis Statement An effective thesis statement informs the reader about the topic, the author’s opinion, and/or the main points of the body paragraphs. e.g. Urban planners can significantly reduce neighbourhood crime through the use of target hardening, access control, and offender deflection. Note: Pp ex: 5, 6

What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis statement is a sentence containing the central and controlling idea of the essay It is similar to the topic sentence of a paragraph It is a broader statement as it is for the entire essay (not just a paragraph) Important Points – should be a complete sentence – should be a complete thought – should express one idea towards the topic – expresses an opinion / attitude (not just an announcement the topic) – should not (usually) be a question – should not express a fact (they cannot be argued with)

Examples “My fear of the dark” Not a thesis statement – why not? Not a complete sentence “My fear of the dark has made my life miserable” “I am going to discuss the effects of radiation” Not a thesis statement – why not? Should not just announce the subject to be discussed! “The effects of radiation are often unpredictable”

Examples “Cows produce milk” Not a thesis statement – why not? Should express an opinion, not a fact! “The milk cows produce is not always fit for human consumption” “There are many advantages and disadvantages of going to college” Not a thesis statement – why not? Not an arguable point! “The advantages of going to college outweigh the disadvantages”

Examples “Going to college in the Midwest can be fun, and I have found that living in a suburb of a large city is the best place to live while at college” Not a thesis statement – why not? Should only express one idea about the topic! “Going to college in the Midwest can be fun”

Strong; Fact; Weak (No Clear Opinion)? 1.The top government official in my country is the prime minister. 2.Some people prefer digital cameras, while others like traditional cameras. 3.India became an independent country in To be a successful student, good study habits are more important than intelligence. 5.There are several advantages of owning a car, but there are also many disadvantages. F W F S W

Strong; Fact; Weak (No Clear Opinion)? 1.Half of the families in my country own a house. 2.Using public transport would be one of the best ways to solve the traffic and pollution problems in cities around the world. 3.While travelling, staying in a hotel offers more comfort, but sleeping in a tent is less expensive. 4.Classical music concerts are very popular in my country. 5.In order to create a successful advertisement, it is necessary to consider three issues: who should be targeted, where the advert should be placed, and what type of advert should be made. F S W F S

Body Paragraphs The main idea of an essay needs supporting ideas. Writers should have two or three strong ideas that support it. Each of these ideas will eventually become a separate body paragraph. Remember that it is important to provide specific examples and details within the paragraph. These will be done not only through using your own ideas, but also by using the ideas of others in an academically acceptable way. its own theme Each body paragraph should have supporting sentences details and examples

The Conclusion Every essay needs a conclusion. The role of a conclusion is to finish the essay with everything made clear, including the writer’s intention and final opinion. A conclusion is made up of several parts. A concluding sentence: The restatement of the topic/thesis statement (not in the same words as the introduction) A summary of the main points of the essay A final comment about the essay’s main idea which may show the writer’s opinion. Possibly, suggestions for action. NOTE – A conclusion should NOT add any extra information that has not previously been considered.

Topic Introduction Thesis Statement: Body I Topic Sentence: Supporting Details (Not in full sentences):  Body II Topic Sentence: Supporting Details (Not in full sentences):  Body III Topic Sentence: Supporting Details (Not in full sentences):  Concluding Statement Restatement of the Thesis Statement: