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Guidelines for Writing a Basic Essay

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Guidelines for Writing a Basic Essay A step by step guide through the essay writing process The basic structure of an essay is the same regardless of the purpose – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Guidelines for Writing a Basic Essay


1
Guidelines for Writing a Basic Essay
  • A step by step guide through the essay writing
    process

2
The basic structure of an essay is the same
regardless of the purpose
  • You may be writing an essay to argue a particular
    point of view
  • You may be writing an essay to discuss your
    research
  • You may be writing an essay in an examination

3
Order of Tasks
  • Decide on, research organise your topic
  • Prepare an outline or diagram of your ideas
  • Write your thesis statement
  • Write the body of the essay
  • Write the introduction
  • Write the conclusion
  • Proof-read and edit

4
Defining the Purpose
  • Think about the type of essay you are expected to
    produce
  • What is the purpose?
  • Is the essay persuasive?
  • Is the essay explanatory?
  • Is the essay based on your own research?

5
Gathering the Information
  • Brainstorm topics of interest and/or specific
    points of view (i.e. arguments for and against
    opposing view points)
  • Identify possible sources of information and key
    ideas/questions
  • Gather/record information for later analysis
  • Use the trash and treasure method of
    information evaluation

6
Organise your Ideas
  • The purpose of an outline or diagram is to put
    your ideas on paper
  • Consider the linking of ideas and information in
    the context of the whole essay do not at this
    stage decide on a point of view, until you have
    weighed up all the evidence

7
Planning with a Diagram or Concept Map
  • Begin your diagram with whatever shape you want
    in the middle of the page
  • Write your topic inside the shape
  • From the central shape draw 3-5 lines out into
    the page and place a circle (or other shape) at
    the end of each line
  • In each of these shapes write the main ideas on
    your topic, or the main points you want to make
  • If you are trying to persuade you want to write
    your best arguments
  • If you are trying to inform, you want to write
    the major categories into which your information
    can be divided
  • Expand on your diagram from each main idea until
    you have included supporting ideas and information

8
Planning using the 5 Paragraph Essay Outline
  • Begin by writing the topic or essay question at
    the top of the page
  • Write the Roman numerals I, II, and III with a
    reasonable space between each, in the margin of
    the page
  • Next to each Roman numeral, write a main idea, or
    main point you want to make
  • If you are trying to persuade you want to write
    your best arguments
  • If you are trying to inform, you want to write
    the major categories into which your information
    can be divided
  • Under each Roman numeral, write A, B and C
  • Next to each letter write the facts or supporting
    information for each main idea

9
Writing the Body of the Essay
  • Each body paragraph will have the same structure
  • Write down the main ideas (in sentence form)
  • Write down the supporting points for the main
    idea, leaving 4-5 lines under each point
  • Underneath each point write the elaboration for
    each supporting point. Elaboration can be
    further description, explanation or discussion

10
Writing the Introduction
  • The introduction should be designed to attract
    the readers attention and identify the essays
    focus
  • Begin with an attention grabber
  • Add one or two sentences to lead the reader from
    your opening to your thesis statement (the
    purpose of your essay)
  • Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement

11
Writing the Conclusion
  • The conclusion brings closure to the reader
  • The conclusion should sum up your points
  • The conclusion should provide a final persective
    on your topic
  • All a conclusion needs is 3-4 strong sentences,
    that simply review your main points (do not
    exactly reproduce them from your essay), or
    briefly describe your feelings or findings from
    the topic.
  • Sometimes an anecdote or quotation can be an
    appropriate ending to your essay, if used wisely
    and well

12
The Finishing Touches
  • Review your essay after an adequate time frame
    try to look at it with fresh eyes
  • Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • Check the order of your paragraphs (they should
    be in order of most important point to least
    important point)
  • Check the instructions did you complete the
    requirements of the assignment
  • Check your content does it make sense? Is it
    logical? Do the sentences and paragraphs flow
    smoothly from one another?
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