Essay Writing

Overview

The essay is the most common kind of writing every student will do while at university. That is why
it is good for a student to begin to learn how and be comfortable with this kind of writing. Essays
are often assigned both in class—which requires previous planning and practice (and a bit of
creativity)—and as homework, which also asks for a certain amount of preparation. Many bad
essays have been written because of little preparation and confidence.

What is an Essay?

The purpose of a short essay is to encourage students to develop ideas and concepts in their writing
using only their thoughts. Essays give a lot of information clearly and in a few words, and require
the purpose and direction be clear.

This handout will include a brief introduction to the following kinds of essay writing:
• The Expository Essay
• The Descriptive Essay
• The Narrative Essay
• The Argumentative (Persuasive) Essay

What is an Expository Essay?

The expository essay requires the student to look at an idea, judge the facts, talk more about the
idea, and give reasons for any view about that idea clearly and with few words. This can be done
through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following:

• A clear, concise, and defined 'thesis statement' that is in the first paragraph of the essay.
• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Body paragraphs that include facts that support the idea, each limited to one general idea.
• Be creative.
• A conclusion doesn't just repeat the thesis, but looks at the statement with the essays ideas.

A Complete Argument

It might be helpful to think of an essay like a conversation with a classmate, with a beginning,
middle, and end to the conversation. The expository essay must be complete and logically.

The Five-Paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach.

1. - an introductory paragraph
2,3,4. - three evidentiary body paragraphs
5. - a conclusion

ESL Lessons @ Anglihel.com with Jim bagsh 2010

 What is a Descriptive Essay?

The descriptive essay asks the student to describe an object, person, place, experience, emotion, or
situation. This kind of essay helps the student learn how to write a story about a single experience.
A descriptive essay gives the writer a lot of freedom to be creative (the goal is to paint a picture
using words that is alive and moving in the mind of the reader).

Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay:

• Take time to brainstorm - Take time to write down some ideas before you start to describe it
on paper. For example, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words:
sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted. Once you have written down
some words, you can begin by making descriptive lists for each one.
• Use clear and concise language - This means that words are chosen carefully.
• Choose vivid language - Why Choose words that paint a picture in the mind.
• Use your senses! - Remember, if you are describing something, you need to explain how the
thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked.
• What were you thinking?! - Describe emotions or feelings about your topic.
• Leave the reader with a clear impression - Your goal is to 'connect' your topic to the reader.
• Be organized! - You must write an organized and logical description. Don't write too much

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is like telling a story. These essays let the student to express themselves in a
creative and, quite often, emotional way.

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay:

• The essay should include all the parts of a story: introduction, plot, characters, setting,
climax, and conclusion.
• The essay should have a purpose, the reason for writing it.
• The essay should be written from a clear point of view, usually of the writer (not always)
• Use clear language with few words throughout the essay.
• It is okay to use 'I’.
• As always, be organized!

Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader
guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it
where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).

ESL Lessons @ Anglihel.com with Jim bagsh 2010

 What is an Argumentative Essay?

The argumentative essay asks the student to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate facts,
and establish a position (for or against) on the topic using few words.

Argumentative essay homework usually need a lot of research. They may need the kind of research
where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed
research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view of the
topic so that they may choose a position and support it with the facts collected. Argumentative
essays must have a clear thesis and follow good reasons.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following:

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
◦ In the first paragraph students should review the topic in a general way. Next, students
need to explain why the topic is important or why readers should care. Lastly, students
should present the thesis statement.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
◦ One thought follows another. But the transition between different thoughts should finish
one and begin another.

• Body paragraphs that include facts that support the idea.

◦ Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. It is also
important to explain how and why the facts supports the thesis.
◦ However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view
regarding the topic.

• Facts support the thesis.

◦ The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current
information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view.

• A conclusion that does not simply repeat the thesis, but looks at it using the new facts.
◦ Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion. Repeat why the topic is
important, review the main points, and review your thesis.

A Complete Argument

It might be helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate.

The Five-Paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. But it is not
the only way to write essays. The method consists of 1) an introductory paragraph 2) three
evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and 3) a conclusion.

original content posted on Purdue OWL and written by Jack Baker & Allen Birzee
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/1/

ESL Lessons @ Anglihel.com with Jim bagsh 2010

 Use this Sample Basic Essay as a Model
by Kathy Livingston

The essay below shows how to write a basic essay. The different parts of the essay have been
labeled. The thesis statement is in bold, the topic sentences are in italics, and each main point is
underlined.

"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, 1. thesis statement
but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy.
For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may
believe, cats make excellent house pets as they are good companions, they
are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to care for.

In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are 2. topic sentence 1
affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the
chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they're not feeling affectionate, cats are
generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or just about
anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their
owners are participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be
trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be
trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!

In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike 3. topic sentence 2
dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow
very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't often have
"accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats
will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand
the concept when shown the box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws,
and owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite
cat area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture
alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.

Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as house pets is their ease of 4. topic sentence 3
care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house
as they play, and they do their business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box
is a quick, painless procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming.
Bathing a cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances
cats clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness
than people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours
without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings
when left alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their
owners return.

Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small 5. conclusion
living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics
of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to
have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are the
ideal house pet.

reference: http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/sample.html

ESL Lessons @ Anglihel.com with Jim bagsh 2010