ESSAY WRITING

THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH It introduces the topic. It generally indicates how the topic will be developed. It announces the thesis statement.

When writing the introductory paragraph, most writers follow several steps:
they make introductory generalizations

* to activate knowledge they believe the reader possesses that is relevant for the understanding of the topic. * to supply information relevant for the understanding of the topic * to engage the reader they move to the specific purpose they have in mind

 they set the scene by providing background information writers believe is relevant to their purpose in the essay.
they state the thesis statement, which * announces the main controlling idea of the whole essay * anticipates the aspects related to that main idea that will be developed * anticipates the structure of the whole essay

THE BODY PARAGRAPHS

The Topic sentence: * It takes up one of the aspects anticipated in the thesis * It announces the controlling idea of the paragraph *It anticipates the content of the paragraph *It anticipates the pattern of development of the paragraph

The transition sentence: *It takes up the main aspect announced in the topic sentence and specifies it further, working the way towards the evidence that will be presented and discussed Presentation of evidence: *It shows that the claim made in the topic sentence can be supported

Discussion of evidence: *It points out what the causes, effects or implications of the evidence might be

Recapitulation/Rounding off: *It takes up the key notions included in the topic sentence

THE CONCLUSION Recapitulation of the thesis statement *It reminds the reader of the purpose and aspects considered in the analysis Summary of the generalizations *It focusses the readers attention on the generalizations arrived at after the conclusion Statement of wider implications *It states wider implications of ideas discussed or it makes recommendations for action

TITLES FOR ACADEMIC ESSAYS

Purpose: To attract the reader To give the reader an idea of what the essay is about To provide focus for the essay

The title is usually a phrase, not a complete sentence, and all extra words should be excluded. Sometimes a title can be a question; then it is followed by a question mark(?) Titles should be clear, concise and precise.

Other guidelines for titles:

Do not use quotation marks to surround the title Do not put a period(.) at the end of the title. Center the title on the top of the first page or the center of the cover page. For capitalization, capitalize either all the letters in the title or the first letter of all the important (content) words.

To highlight titles do one of the following:

Underline the title: Social Problems in Mali Italicize the title: The Crisis in Donor Organs Boldface the title: Should the Olympics be Reorganized Capitalize the entire title: COFFEEHOUSE IN TURKEY

ZILKERPARK
The pressure of today' s life is continually increasing for the average urban dweller. As cities become more and more crowded, we see an attendant increase in traffic and pollution. The pressure of city jobs also seems to grow each year. For these and other reasons, the city resident needs more than ever the refuge and release that parks can offer. As the importance of city parks is recognized, it behooves us to examine successful characteristics of popular parks. One such park_ Zilker Park _ is located in Austin, Texas. Zilker Park is a model city park in that it offers outdoor sports facilities, cultural programs, and opportunities to appreciate nature.

First of all, the public can make use of the numerous athletic areas. Barton Springs, the natural springs swimming pool, is the perfect refuge from the hot, Texas sun. In its cool, green water or under the shady, live oak trees growing around the pool, the park visitor can relax and enjoy both natural and human scenery. For the more competitive person, the numerous soccer fields are filled with teams willing to let one more on the team. On Sundays, both men and women vie for the city championships. For those of a more solitary nature, the hike and bike trails along the river provide an escape from the rush of the city traffic. One can walk a dog, ride a bike, or jog at one's own pace forgetful of the chores left undone at home. Whether one wants to lose a few pounds or tone a few muscles, Zilker Park is the place to go.

Not only does Zilker Park offer athletic activities, but it is also the setting for varied cultural events. Many of the city' s dance companies, for example, perform on the weekends in the summer at the Hillside Theater. Austinites can see everything from Romeo and Juliet to experimental modern dance. Enjoying a picnic dinner while watching dance under the stars is an unforgettable experience. In addition to dance, it is possible to see dramatic productions at the park. Both serious and light-hearted fare are available for those who enjoy plays. If dance or drama is not one's preference, the wide variety of musical entertainment can fill an empty afternoon or evening. Choose from the annual musical, the jazz festival, or a classical evening; whatever choice is made, a good cross section of the Austin community will be there.

There is yet another reason why Zilker Park deserves recognition. Several extraordinary nature spots are to be found there. One is Zilker Gardens, a favourite spot for those who love flowers. Here one can walk through the serenity of a Japanese-style garden, unexpected in the heart of Texas. The profusion of colour in the rose garden will surely please the eye. Moreover, the yearly African violet show draws many indoor florists while the herb garden attracts those who en joy growing their own food. A second opportunity to enjoy nature, particularly nature in its untouched state, is the Barton Creek greenbelt. Squirrels, racoons, and possums live in abundance amid the greenery of this rock .. strewn riverbed. Even a short walk along the creek will refresh the urban dweller more used to condominiums and office buildings. All in all, Zilker Park is a beautiful natural retreat only a few minutes

The combination of sports facilities, cultural offerings, and natural beauty makes Zilker Park an ideal haven for the city resident. People can recondition their bodies, broaden their minds, and reacquaint themselves with nature just a short drive from their workplaces. As cities expand and develop, and the pace of life becomes more demanding, parks will become increasingly essential to the well-being of urban people. City planners would do well to look to Zilker Park as an example of a park that serves and benefits its local residents. (From Active Writing by T. Robinson and L. Modrey, p.39-41)

LINGUISTIC EXPONENTS: introduction

Introductory Generalizations

Quantifiers: most , many , some Vocabulary of a very general nature: The pressures of todays life, People, single mothers, young women, etc. Nouns become more specific as the introduction progresses: traffic, pollution, city jobs, difficulties/money problems Substitution (pronouns): he, she, it, they, her, his, their Gerunds as nouns: travelling to a foreign country, learning to cope with difficulties, etc Tentative language: modals(may, might, can, could), verbs(seem, appear), adjectives(apparent), adverbs(possibly, probably, sometimes, often), nouns(possibility) Evaluative language stressing the importance, relevance, urgency, etc: serious, difficult, conflicting, etc

Transition to particulars Transition phrases such as One such park is Zilker Park, Such is, Such is the case/difficulty/conflict/change, etc Relational clauses: This seems to be the case of , Mrs. X is a good example of Relative clauses: This seems to be the case of , who was a violent father. Appositions: This seems to be the case of Mrs. X, the main character in the ., Mrs. Dutta, an undoubtedly loving mother, was suddenly confronted with a dilemma. Thesis statement Nominalizations: unawareness, frustration, discovery, etc

Language of a general nature that refers to a change,

reason, cause, process, etc

THE BODY

The topic sentence Vocabulary expressing generalizations announced in thesis statement. Synonyms of words used in the thesis, repeated words, etc. Connectors, adverbials, etc: First, In the first place, Initially, On the one hand, On the other hand, Another cause of, etc

Transition statement Vocabulary still of a general nature, concrete examples Presentation of evidence Clauses with animate participants (Mrs. Dutta, Mr. Thompson, The park visitor, Both men and women compete for ) and circumstances (On Sundays, On one occasion, Six months later),that is, the people who do/feel things in particular places at particular times

Discussion of evidence Vocabulary related to the type of analysis or comments that you are making: causes: because, due to, since, cause, main reason why effect: thus, consequently, lead to, become, turn implications: suggest, imply, indicate, illustrate, reveal Words that are used to remain tentative as you offer your own view on the information: Verbs: seem, appear Modals: may, might, can, could Adverbs: possibly, apparently Adjectives: possible, apparent, frequent Nouns: possibility

Rounding off

Recapitulating nouns that will help you bring together meanings that you have been discussing

THE CONCLUSION
Recapitulation of the thesis statement Repetition of lexical items Use of related or synonymous expressions Summary of the generalizations Language of a general nature Expressions such as: In conclusion, To conclude, To sum up, In sum, The main difference seems to be , As we have seen, It is clear that, Certainly,

Statement of wider implications Language of a general nature (hyperonyms, nominalizations) Modals: City planners would do well to look , One would, Administrators should consider, etc.
(Boccia, C.,Hlavacka, L, Hassan, S.,Magarios, V, Murcia, C & Dorado, L.(2003) Notes on Writing: TheExpository Essay)