1. TOPIC THESIS INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION REFERENCING- HARVARD METHOD
ACADEMIC ESSAY
TOPIC
THESIS
INTRODUCTION
BODY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCING- HARVARD METHOD

2. Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit the students should be able to:
Value the significance of academic essay writing in tertiary studies.
Select an essay topic, collect and organize information for the essay.
Develop an appropriate thesis statement.
Recognise and identify argumentative essay features.
Practice and apply the learned writing skills in writing argumentative/persuasive essays.

3. Introduction
Essay writing is an important part of tertiary studies as most units rely on paragraph and essay writing as assessment items.
Academic Essay = understanding of topic/prompt + research + analysis + good writing

4. Academic Essay
An academic essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence.
A good academic essay should:
a) answer a question or task.
b) have a thesis statement (answer to the question) and an argument.

5. Academic Essay cont’d
c) try to present or discuss something: develop a thesis by reasoning and evidence.
d) include relevant examples, supporting evidence and information from academic texts or credible sources.
e) acknowledge cited sources.

6. Academic Essay- Purpose
Determines the type of essay to be written. It can be to
Compare and contrast
Evaluate
Interpret
Explain
Describe
Classify
Discuss
Analyze
Clarify
ETC

7. Essay types – One Sided Argumentative/Persuasive
Looks at one side of an issue only
Tries to persuade the reader
Example: Analyze the disadvantages of Tourism in the South pacific
The essay question above asks for ONLY the disadvantages – just one side of an issue

8. Essay types-Two-sided essay Argument/Persuasive essay
Looks at two sides of an issue
Can be:
Advantages AND disadvantages
Compare and contrast
Causes and effects
Presents a discussion of the issue
An essay which looks at the pros and cons of a topic has to choose a side at the end

9. Structure of essays
Most academic essays have the following basic structure:
Introduction – this sets the scene, slowly introduces the topic and has a SPECIFIC THESIS STATEMENT
Body – this is where you argue and prove your points
Conclusion – restates thesis/ chooses a side, makes recommendations and states a final thought

10. 1-sided essay Introduction Main point 1 Main point 2 Main point 3
Conclusion

11. 1-sided essay Introduction
Start off with a general statement which catches the attention of the reader
SLOWLY (in 2-3 sentences) build up towards the thesis statement
The thesis statement is where you will state your 3 main points – not before that
Thesis statement = main topic + 3 points which you will prove

12. 1-sided essay Paragraphs Rule: one idea/point = one paragraph
Each paragraph:
State your point straightaway – the topic sentence should state the topic of the paragraph
Expand on the point by explaining your answer; you can use research to support your point
Give specific examples for further support; you can use research here as well
Round up the paragraph with a “Thus” or “therefore” sentence to re-affirm your point
Note: remember to reference your sources!

13. 1-sided essay Conclusion: Restate the thesis statement
Summarize all main points
Make recommendations if appropriate
End with a strong final thought which leaves readers thinking about your topic and its importance

14. 2-sided essay Side 1 - a Introduction Side 1 - b Side 1 - c Side 2 -a
Transition paragraph
Side 2 -a
Side 2 - b
Side 2 - c
conclusion

15. 2-sided essay Introduction
Remains the same as for a 1-sided essay, but the thesis is different
The thesis statement will state the two sides that will be discussed
Example:
This essay will discuss the causes and effects of the rise of extremism in the 21st century.

16. 2-sided essay Paragraphs in the body remain the same as well
There is a transition paragraph in the middle of the body which introduces the second side
The transition paragraph has a particular structure
Transition paragraph:
However, ……(state that the essay will now move to a second perspective)
Introduce the second side
You can also state the 3 main points for the second side here

17. 2-sided essay Conclusion:
In a advantages vs. disadvantages discussion, you have to make it clear which side the essay has chosen (the side you choose is written second)
Sum up main points
Make recommendations if appropriate
End with a strong final thought

18. Writing Process- Topic/Prompt
Choose a topic (if not given one).
i)ensure that the topic is interesting
ii) narrow to a manageable topic (one that has a lot of information)
Research the topic
use academic data bases, libraries and the internet.
take notes, summarize, paraphrase and quote from a variety of sources.
Analyse the Prompt -look at the essay prompt (the essay question) carefully and decide what kind of essay you are being asked to write.
Define your purpose- Different essay prompts require you to do different things. Some essays need you to explain a concept, while others expect you to compare and/or contrast; yet others expect you to argue a position.

19. Writing Process - Thesis
An Equation
Thesis statements are basically made up of your topic and a specific assertion about that topic, therefore,
THESIS = TOPIC + SPECIFIC ASSERTION
Summary
The four “shoulds” of a thesis statement:
Take a stand.
Should justify Discussion.
Should express one main idea.
Should be restricted.

20. Thesis Example
Better Thesis : Among the many reasons we need to limit hate speech the most compelling ones all refer to our history of discrimination and prejudice, and it is, ultimately, for the purpose of trying to repair our troubled racial society that we need hate speech legislation.
Bad Thesis : There are many reasons we need to limit hate speech.

21. Types of Thesis Statements
Expository Thesis Statement Explains the topic in detail. E.g. Recycling helps in saving natural resources, conserving energy, and decreasing pollution.
Argumentative Thesis Statement Presents an argument about a certain topic and justifies it by providing specific evidence. E.g. Advanced technology not only involves high costs, but also leads to unemployment and dependence on machines.

22. INTRODUCTION An introduction has 4 purposes:
1. to introduce topic of the essay
2. to give a general background of the topic
3. to indicate the overall plan of the essay
4. to arouse the reader’s interest in the topic

23. Topic Sentence
reflects which thesis statement point will be discussed in the body paragraph.
proves the point by providing PROOF (examples) to support the topic sentence.
comments on each PROOF to advance the argument.
Therefore…POINT (topic sentence) PROOF & COMMENT (x3)
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
-a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main point one last time.

24. Introduction Context Subject Issue thesis
Example Topic: The Benefits of television and computer Technology
PLAN – Introduction
Context : people living in the modern times have benefitted from the many discoveries and inventions that have enriched the world.
Subject : The most recent significant discoveries to benefit human kind in modern times are in the field of television and computer technology.
Issue : TV and computer technology has benefitted people
Thesis : TV and computer technology is beneficial because it allows people to be eyewitness to world wide events, helps in advancing computer medicine, allows for telemedicine and communication across long distances.

25. BODY PARAGRAPHS The 5 paragraph essay:
3 body paragraphs that all follow the same structure; but, discuss and prove different points.
Each body paragraph should discuss one of the points in your thesis.

26. BODY PARAGRAPHS
Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence, point, and proof.
Be sure to use transition phrases to connect your ideas.
Write a closing sentence.
Do this 3x

27. Paragraph structure: b. Supporting idea – 2 sentences
a. Topic sentence – 1 sentence
b. Supporting idea – 2 sentences
c. Supporting idea - 2 sentences
d. Supporting idea - 2 sentences
e. Closing sentence - 1 sentence

28. THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
1.The conclusion brings together ALL of the main points of the essay.
2. It goes back to and RESTATES the THESIS.
3. Take this opportunity to make a strong, effective message that the reader will remember (Final Thought)
#1 RULE IN ANY CONCLUSION
YOU CANNOT INTRODUCE ANYTHING NEW!

29. EXAMPLE OF A CONCLUSION
PLAN
Restate Thesis
Scientific research and experiments have certainly opened the doors to faster, more accessible information world wide on television and the computer.
Many of these discoveries have changed the lives of people for the better and have made the world closer.
Final Thought
Everyone must get aware of its hidden benefits, explore it, experience it and succeed in life. It will be interesting to see what developments will occur in the future, not only in the television and computer Technology but also in other fields.

30. Referencing & Language
Citation – all the ideas, phrases and quotations used should be properly cited within the essay and in the reference list at the end. Use the Harvard Referencing Method
Language- correct grammar, ensure sentences flow using clear transition, omit needless words, incorporate emphasis, adjust the formality, give your essay a level- headed tone, and make other edits.
Proofread, especially through another person.

31. Conclusion Style and organization-
Ensure the essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion that follow the proper paragraph format.
Check that there is a thesis statement that identifies the main idea of the essay.
Ensure that the essay is interesting.

32. Reference
Writing an Academic Essay apter01.pdf
Abrams, E. (2009). Essay structure. ~wricntr/documents/Structure.html
The OWL at Purdue (2009). OWL materials: Creating a thesis statement.