Lengua Inglesa IV

WRITING AN ESSAY

J Stamp

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writing an essay

Introduction

Topic sentence 1 Topic sentence 2 Topic sentence 3

Support 1 Support 2 Support 3
OR
Example Example Example

Explanation Explanation Explanation

Elaboration Elaboration Elaboration

Conclusion
= Transitions

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The introduction (general to specific)

• General statements that introduce the subject of the essay.

• Additional statements that lead into the thesis statement.

• The thesis statement (specific).

general

specific

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Starting the introduction

• A general statement
• A hook statement (interesting example, surprising fact, provoking quotation)

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Examples of a general statement

• When the first Europeans came to the North American continent, they
encountered the completely new culture of the Native Americans.
• There are certain events in our childhood and teenage years that we
will never forget.

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After you have made a general statement…

You need transitional statements or elaborations that connect your general

statement to your thesis.
Examples:
• The Native Americans, who had highly developed cultures in many
respects, must have been as curious about the strange European
manners and customs as the Europeans were about them. As always
happens when two cultures come into contact, there was a cultural
exchange.
• As we grow up these events begin to shape and build our individual
personality and, consequently, our chosen path in life. From a very early
age, everyone in my family knew that I wanted to serve in the Spanish
Armed Forces.

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Thesis statement

Your last sentence is the thesis.

Examples:
• As a result, Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to
modern U.S. culture, particularly in the areas of language, art and food.
• This is my life, this is how it all began.

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Body paragraphs

• Body Paragraphs (Paragraph Frame):

– Topic sentence
– Support (specific example, detail, or reason that demonstrates/explains
the topic sentence)
– Commentary (interpretation of how the example relates to the topic
sentence.)
– Additional supporting sentences with evidence and commentary.
– Concluding sentence

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A paragraph might look like this…

1. Topic sentence: One of your observations from the introductory thesis.

2. Evidence: A quote or descriptive paraphrase/summary of an example.

3. Commentary: How your evidence relates to your thesis – controlling idea.

4. Evidence: Further quote or summary.

5. Commentary: Relate to thesis.

6. Concluding Sentence: Rephrases your main idea/observation.

7. Transitional Sentence: May be combined with the concluding sentence or

the next topic sentence.

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Transitions

• Transitions are the links between paragraphs and sentences/ideas that help
the reader follow the main line of thought.
• Three types:

1st type:
Standard devices – words and phrases [on the next slides]. These can
become repetitive, so avoid too many standard devices. Use hooks, if
you can.
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Common standard devices

To emphasize a  To clarify To add  To conclude or 
point information summarize
again because of also as a result
for this reason for example additionally consequently
indeed for instance another therefore
in fact in other words besides due to
to emphasize put another way equally important in short
to repeat that is to say for example in conclusion
furthermore
moreover
in addition
as well
together with
along with
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For chronological order

first after the first step
first of all as the last step
second as soon as after leaving
third before home
then since later that morning
next until for five weeks
after that when in 2012
finally while several years ago
last a few weeks later
last of all in the last ten
meanwhile years
now in the next ten
years
eventually
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For comparison For contrast

similarly however
likewise nevertheless
also in contrast
too on the one hand
as well on the other hand
both … and on the contrary
not only … but while
also whereas
neither … nor different from
just like cheaper / more expensive than
the same as although
even though
despite
in spite of
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2nd type of transition:

Paragraph hooks – a more sophisticated form of transition. The last word or

phrase of the preceding paragraph is hooked into the first sentence of the
paragraph and used as a point of departure for another idea. Do not
exceed 3 or 4 words. The repetition hooks the paragraphs together.

Example:

An officer is a gentleman or lady who embodies the true spirit of

kindness and honesty.
This kindness and honesty can be seen every day in the military
academy in Zaragoza. …
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3rd type of transition:

Idea hook – hook into preceding paragraph, but instead of repeating the
exact word/phrase, you refer to an idea just expressed, compressing it into
a single phrase.

Example:

An officer is a gentleman or lady who embodies the true spirit of

kindness and honesty.
Such a view, however, is not shared by all those who …
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Conclusion (specific to general)

The conclusion needs to tie everything up and allow the reader to retire elegantly.
How do you retire elegantly?

Rephrase the thesis.

Additional statements about the essay

topic. Mention some of your best points.

General statement that ends the essay (powerful).

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Conclusion

1. Reword your thesis (same meaning different wording) to make the first sentence
of your paragraph. You may have to add an appropriate word or phrase to this
sentence to tie it into the paragraph that came before.

2. Select a key word or phrase from the introduction and include it in the next
sentence. This reworking creates an echo and provides a sense of completeness.

3. Remind your reader of your most important points, but do not make a simple list.
Be interesting and selective, using fewer and different words.

4. Relate your thesis to a broader background. This sentence should be a universal

statement, which could apply to the reader. Leave the reader with a powerful
ending that will give him/her something to think about.
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In the exam…
• You will have to write an argumentative essay.
• Use either the block pattern or the point-by-point pattern.
• All composition questions will be given in English.
• Think before you start writing; make notes.
• You may use a blank sheet to make a draft version. (Ask for one if necessary.)
• You must write about 350 words.
• You must indent every paragraph; better than leaving a gap between
paragraphs as space is limited.
• Higher marks will be given for good structure and transitions.
• Extra marks will also be given for more advanced vocabulary.
• Always check your work carefully, particularly for basic errors.