Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2014 2015
Writing
INTRODUCTION
TO ESSAY
ZeynepMunzur
PART I
ESSAY
INTRODUCTION TO
Capital Punishment or Not?
Topic Sentence
A. Support
B. Support
C. Support
Concluding
Sentence
Essay
Organization
An essay
is made up of a group of
paragraphs
about one subject. A
paragraph, as
we have already seen,
has three parts: the topic sentence, the body, which consists of
supporting sentences, and the concluding sentence. The
following diagram shows that an essay also has three main
parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
PARARGRAPH
INTRODUCTION
General Statements
Thesis Statement
BODY
A. Topic Sentence
1. Support
2. Support
Concluding Sentence
B. Topic Sentence
1. Support
2. Support
Concluding Sentence
C. Topic Sentence
1. Support
2. Support
Concluding Sentence
CONCLUSION
-Restatement or
summary of the main
points;
- Final comment
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an
innocent
person
by
apologize
to
the
families
after
their
ESSAY
INTRODUCTION
In almost every society around the world, murder is considered to
be the worst crime. That is why nobody argues with the fact that
murderers must be punished. Several methods of punishment
have been used for years. Most societies think that life is sacred.
Therefore, they put people who commit murders in prison for the
rest of their lives. However, other societies think murderers should
PARAGRAPH
be sentenced to capital punishment because they deserve it. I
personally believe that capital punishment is wrong and
BODY
Another
reason
In conclusion, it would be
a good idea
to why capital punishment should be
abolished is that it does not give people who have made
abolish capital punishment
because
of
mistakes
an opportunity
to change their lives. We may not
the risk of killing an innocent
person
know under
what circumstances the murder was committed.
With time,
they could learn from their mistakes. Thus, life in
and criminals who want
to change
prison gives them a chance to make their lives better. For
themselves.
Also, it does not deter
example, the American murderer, Caryl Chessman has been
people from committing teaching
crimes. other prisoners how to read and write. Also, he has
written several books. In one of those books, he says he finally
learnt not to hate and respect the rights of other individuals.
Chessman learnt this important lesson in prison. However, a
Finally, death penalty is not a deterrent to stop people
from committing violent crimes, so it should be
abolished. In other words, it does not reduce murder rates. For
instance, in America, where capital punishment is legal in a
number of states, more and more people commit crimes every
year, whereas, in France, Spain, and Britain, where capital
punishment was abolished years ago, the number of criminals is
fewer. Consequently, death penalty is not an effective deterrent.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it would be a good idea to abolish capital
punishment because of the risk of killing an innocent
person and criminals who want to change themselves.
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Also, it does not deter people from committing crimes.
Therefore, the government should replace capital punishment
with life imprisonment.
Parts of an Essay
INTRODUCTION: The introduction is the beginning of an essay. It does the same
job for an essay as the topic sentence does for a paragraph. In a paragraph, the
topic sentence tells the reader what the subject of the paragraph will be and how it
will be developed. In an essay, the
introduction, which can be one or two
paragraphs, introduces the topic.
There are three parts to an introduction: the
opening statement, the supporting sentences, and
introductory topic sentence. There are many ways to
write an introduction, but it is necessary to
of the three parts:
the
include each
a thesis statement that states the purpose and plan of the whole essay.
There are many different ways to write a hook. Here are a few of the types of
hooks that you can use:
Question: Can you remember the fear and excitement you felt the first time you
went to a foreign country?
Statistic: The majority of American visitors to Canada in 2001 arrived by
automobile.
Quotation: "Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive."
Robert M. Pirsig Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
For example: The new fitness centre is an asset to our school because it provides
opportunity to swim, weight train, and play squash.
For example: The new fitness centre is an asset to our school because it provides
opportunity to swim, weight train, and play squash.
For example: The new fitness centre is an asset to our school because it provides
opportunity to swim, weight train, and play squash.
Poor example: This essay will explain the benefits of having our new fitness centre.
Here are some example pairs of thesis statements. The first statement is a weak
example and the second statement is a strong example.
Ex 1: Broad Topic: Reasons to dislike going to the dentist
Thesis Statement
Weak
Example
Going to the dentist can be painful.
Strong
Going to the dentist can be painful if you have a tooth
pulled, a cavity filled, or a root canal.
Explanation: There is no direction in the first statement. It does not tell the
reader what will be discussed in the essay. The second statement outlines three
reasons why going to the dentist can be painful.
Here are some example pairs of thesis statements. The first statement is a weak
example and the second statement is a strong example.
Ex 2: Broad Topic: Differences between growing up in rural and urban areas
Thesis Statement
Weak
it.
Strong
enjoyable experience.
Example
Growing up on a farm was safe, I learned a lot and I enjoyed
Growing up on a farm was a safe, educational, and
Explanation: The first statement lists the three points in the essay, but they are
not in parallel form. The second statement lists the three points, and all three
points are parallel, in adjective form. Parallel structure is an important writing
technique. It is easy to read; it reinforces the similarity between ideas by using
similar grammatical forms; and, it has a strong tradition in English writing that
adds significance to the ideas being expressed.
Ex 3: Broad Topic: School uniforms
Thesis Statement
Example
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Weak
Strong
Wearing school uniforms inhibits individuality because
students are not given an opportunity to express themselves.
Explanation: The first statement does not have a controlling idea, and it is not
clear why school uniforms are bad. The second statement gives a
clear explanation of what the writer is going to talk about.
PRACTICE 1:
_____
_____
_____
_____
fast-food
places, and I was amazed at the shopping centres.
5.
2:
.........................................................................................................................
................................
2. Euthanasia should be legalized because patients have no chance of
recovery, medical costs being very high, and that the family suffers.
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
3. In my opinion, mankind benefits a lot from technological developments
especially for his health and to socialize with his friends.
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
4. She wants to go to the park, shopping at Cevahir, eat at Paper Moon, and
dancing all night long.
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
5. I think three reasons to stay at home on holiday are getting some rest, to
study English and friends.
.........................................................................................................................
...............................
PRACTICE
3:
1.
2.
(1)Therefore, anyone who wants to drive must carry a drivers license. (2) It
is divided into four steps: studying the traffic laws, taking the written test,
learning to drive, and taking the driving test. (3) Getting a drivers license is a
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(1) During this period, children detach themselves from their parents and
become separate, independent individuals. (2) Teenagers express their
separateness most vividly in their choice of clothes, hairstyles, music, and
vocabulary. (3) The teenage years between childhood and adulthood are a
period of growth and separation.
_____________________________________________________________________________
B. Read the introductory paragraphs from different essay. Try to
write a thesis statement for each of them.
1. Topic: What makes a good teacher?
In the past teachers merely needed to be strong. A teacher was a powerful
figure and the most important thing was to let the students know that he
was powerful. If a student did anything wrong or made a mistake, a teacher
needed to punish him. However, over the last thirty years or so, the
relationship between student and teacher has changed, and skills a teacher
needs
are
now
very
different.
________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. Topic: Is there a solution for pollution?
Pollution exists all over the world, and of course some of the worst pollution
exists in the poorer countries of the world. Russia is famous for its ancient
factories and China is equally famous for its loose environmental laws,
which allow companies to pollute the environment. Nonetheless, it is a fact
that the United States causes more pollution than any other country. It may
have better laws than China or Russia, but the quantity of production and
consumption in the United States causes incredible damage.
________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Topic: Do you think mobile phones are beneficial to our lives?
Many kinds of hi-tech devices have appeared over the past few decades we
have seen the invention of the television, VCR players, CDs, computers,
DVDs, led televisions, digital cameras, the Internet and other important
technological devices. All of these have changed our lives in many new and
exciting ways. _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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the
last
It leaves the reader with the writers final thoughts on the subject.
Concluding sentence is always the first sentence of the concluding
paragraph, and it repeats the thesis sentence in different words.
Just as the introductory paragraph has parts, the concluding
paragraph has two parts:
1. A summary of the main points or a restatement of the thesis statement in
different words.
2. You final thoughts on the subject.
The first sentence of the concluding paragraph begins with a concluding transition
signal as below in the table.
Example:
Thesis statement:
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Final thoughts
In this part, you may write your comments on the subjects of
your essay. This is the place to express your opinion, make a
judgement or give a recommendation. However, do not add any
new ideas in the conclusion because it is the end of the essay.
Example:
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Concluding sentence: To me, there are several reasons for explorations, which
can be scientific, social and political.
Final thought: I think, if people go on finding out new places, it will also be a
huge step for the development of mankind as well as the technology.
PRACTICE 5:
A. Read the following conclusions. Circle the letter of the
most appropriate final thought for each one. Notice
the transition signals that introduce the writers final
thoughts.
1. In conclusion, television provides many hours of good, free entertainment that
the whole family can enjoy.
a. However, television can also take over our lives if we do not know
when to turn it off. Therefore, we must not watch television at the
expense of other activities.
b. However, violence on television can have a very negative effect on
children because they cannot separate make-believe* from the real
world.
c. In fact, I like to watch about four hours of television every night.
2. In conclusion, smokers on the job make it uncomfortable for their co-workers;
furthermore, they are less productive on the job than non-smokers.
a. Therefore, smoking is bad for everyones health.
b. Therefore, smokers should smoke outside the workplace only.
c. Therefore, if smokers want to get along with their co-workers and
improve their work performance, they should stop smoking on the
job.
3.
There are many reasons why women should not have an abortion.
APPENDIX
Form
Coordinators
Subordinators
Transitions
13
Link independent
clauses within a
sentence.
Punctuation
Coordinators
Subordinators
Transitions
Use a comma
before a
coordinator:
Function
Function
Coordinators
Subordinators
Transitions
Before
Afterward(s)
At first
Initially
As
As long as
Meanwhile
Meantime
Showing time:
- beginning
- during
And
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Simultaneously
Eventually
Finally
Function
Coordinators
Subordinators
Transitions
Showing a
sequence
And
After
As soon as
Ever since
Following
Later
Once
Next
Subsequently
Then
Thereafter
First
Firstly
Initially
To begin
Next
Second
Secondly
Then
Third
Thirdly
Finally
Last
Lastly
Showing
conclusion
So
Showing
But
In all
In summation
In summary
In conclusion
To conclude
Although
By comparison
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contrast
Either ... or
Yet
Despite
Even though
In spite of
Instead of
Though
Whereas
While
Showing
similarity
In other words
Likewise
Similarly
Adding
information
And
Additionally
Also
Besides
Further
Furthermore
In addition
Moreover
Adding
example
By contrast
Conversely
However
In contrast
Instead
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
On the contrary
On the other hand
Otherwise
For example
For instance
In particular
Function
Coordinators
Subordinators
Showing
cause
For
As a result of
Because
Due to (the fact that)
In order to
Resulting from
Since
Showing
effect
So
Transitions
Accordingly
As a result
Consequently
16
... then
Showing
condition
Hence
Therefore
Thus
Even if
If ... then
In case
Provided that
Providing
Unless
Whether or not
Here are
reasons!
tothe
communicate
with others.
- Facebook &
- Gtalk,
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to have fun.
- sharing videos & listening to
music
- playing games like
OUTLINE:
1. Thesis
statement:........................................................................................................
.................
.........................................................................................................................
.............................
2. Body Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence:
.........................................................................................................................
.............................
- Details ................................................................................................
.........................
3. Body Paragraph 2
Topic Sentence:
....................................................................................................................
...........................
- Details ................................................................................................
.........................
4. Body Paragraph 3
Topic Sentence:
....................................................................................................................
...........................
- Details ................................................................................................
.........................
5. Concluding sentence:
....................................................................................................................
...........................
....................................................................................................................
...........................
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OOOPS!
B. The sentences in the introductory paragraph of the
essay about the Internet Censorship are mixed up. Put them in
the correct order narrowing down the statements.
1. However, some people abuse it. 2. The Internet is a nice medium to connect
with the entire world. 3. Despite the opposition, I definitely agree with the idea
that the government should not censor it for mainly three reasons. 4. People
mainly use it as a medium to connect with other people, sharing files,
entertainment, information and lots of other activities that are useful and
beneficial in many terms.
5. There are a wide variety of uses and
applications for the Internet. 6. That is why many people have been arguing
whether the Internet should be censored or not. 7. In other words, it is the fastest
way of being aware of what is going on around the globe.
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
C.
Complete the body paragraphs of the essay with the phrases in
the box.
have access to the Internet
search for information
a complete encyclopedia
to
Body 1
...............................,many
people
use ....................................................................................................., so it should
not
be
restricted.
They
love
to
browse
various ............................................................... to know about any information
they need. They can easily ........................................................the websites where
they can download ................................................................very easily, even for
free.
Also
people
love
browsing
websites
like
Wikipedia,
which
only
essential the
for Internet.Secondly
social
isnot
...............................................on
networking medium
for connecting with friends
Facebook and
Twitter
for communication
Body 2
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time
prefer the Internet
for fun
least
Body 3
.........................................., the Internet is used ...........................................
Today many children and young people .......................................... on the Internet
to play games, share videos, and listen to music to enjoy themselves. Even elderly
people .......................................... to play games like backgommon, scrabble, and
watch films without paying any money .......................................... and have fun.
A. Use the following prompts to write the concluding paragraph
of the essay.
1. Use a signal word to start writing the concluding sentence.
2. Restate the thesis mentioning the counter idea that the Internet
should be limited. Use a signal word of contrast.
3. Continue the same sentence using I am firmly convinced that....and
summarize your reasons one by one. Use the structures it helps people
to(infinitive)....... and it enables many people to(infinitive)....
4. Start you sentence using a signal word Therefore and write your final
comment with the expression we should always keep it in mind
that..... and make a suggestion. Your suggestion must be about how
much powerful the Internet has been of all ages.
..............................................................................................................................
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HERE IS ANOTHER
TASK !
A. Read the ideas given below about animal testing for medical
purposes.
In the world, there are many groups and organizations debating whether
animals should be used for experimentation of medicine or not. While some people
believe that animal testing should be done, others believe testing on animals is
morally wrong. Some also feel that there are other alternative ways to make
experiments for medicine. Write an essay and give your opinion about this issue.
You can use the ideas given below or you are free to use your own ideas.
they are living creatures, but they cannot tell the scientist that they dont
want to be tested on.
Animal
testing
because..................
-
should
be
done
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it is cheap.
B. Decide whether you are against or for Animal Testing for Medical
Purposes and brainstorm in the following box using the ideas given
in Part A or your own ideas.
Body Paragraph 2
Topic
Sentence:.................................................................................................................
....................................
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
Details: ..........................................................................................................
.................................
Body Paragraph 3
Topic
Sentence:.................................................................................................................
....................................
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
Details: ..........................................................................................................
.................................
Concluding Sentence:
.................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
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Outline:
Thesis
Statement:...............................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
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...................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
Body Paragraph 1
Topic
Sentence:.................................................................................................................
....................................
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
Details: ..........................................................................................................
.................................
Body Paragraph 2
Topic
Sentence:.................................................................................................................
....................................
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
Details: ..........................................................................................................
.................................
Body Paragraph 3
Topic
Sentence:.................................................................................................................
....................................
...................................................................................................................................
..................................
Details: ..........................................................................................................
.................................
Concluding Sentence:
.................................................................................................................................
..................................................
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