Composition Writing Features

8/9/2019 Composition Writing Features

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Essay/Composition

WritinFormat & Elements



Introduction

• Catch the Readers’ Attention (The Hook) -

it should make your readers want to keep

reading. It should arouse your readers’

interest and curiosity.



Introduction

• Set The Tone - the general feeling should be

set in motion. It can be serious and formal

or humorous and lighthearted.



Introduction

• 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where & Why)

Answering these 5Ws get obvious information out in the open so the reader

does not have to wonder.



Introduction Hook

•Begin with an example or an anecdote (a

short, interesting, or humorous story)including aspects of the topic.Example: I was the only one who had studied Chinese, and so I thought I’d show off a little when the waiter brought the menu. I pointed to an item and said, “That

would be very good.” With a twinkle in his eye, the waiter agreed. “It is very good.It says we accept credit cards.” How foolish I felt, but the desire to impress makes

people do unusual things!



Introduction Hook

• Begin with a startling fact or opinion on atopic - Curious readers will keep reading to

discover more about your paper.Example: In Ghana, the humble yam determines the beginning of the new year. At

harvest time the Ewe people hold a yam festival for a week, filling their towns withdrumming and dancing. At the end of the week, the farmers bring in the new crop

of yams in a parade - The new year has begun!



Introduction Hook

•Use an appropriate quotation - You might

use someone else’s words (an expert or

author), if the words are interesting and

make an important point. Example: “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight...” Have you ever said these

words to make a wish? In fact, the first “star” of the evening is likely to be theplanet Venus.



Introduction Hook

• Give some background information -

Details can help your readers understandthe thesis, help them recall what they

already know and build their interest

about the topicExample: Peru is one of the largest South American countries, both in size and

population. The Andes Mountains cross Peru, with many of its twenty millionpeople living on mountain farms.



Introduction Hook

• Begin with a simple statement of your

thesis - Stating it plainly, without fuss orfanfare. This technique immediately focuses

you readers’ attention on the main idea of

the essay.Example: When the Soviet Union broke up in 1992, many people learned for the

first time that it had been made up of many distinct nations. Azerbaijan,Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan were unfamiliar places where languages, customs,and lifestyles differed greatly from those of the well-known Soviet state, Russia.



Introduction Hook

• Begin with a question - Asking the reader

a question gets the reader engaged in a

different way, to answer the question.Example: Could you imagine what life would be like if you broke your wrist?



Introduction Element

• Present the Thesis Statement - It shouldtell the readers what your composition

or essay is about, a sentence or two to

announce your main idea.

• It usually comes at the end of the first paragraph=introduction.



Body Elements• Topic Sentence at the beginning of each

paragraph

• Supporting Details and examples follow

• Unity and Coherence needed with all the

points made

• Transitions needed throughout

• Sentence Variety is necessary



Conclusion Element• Restate your Thesis Statement (main idea)

in different words (paraphrase). Try to find

newer, stronger wording.

• It usually comes at the beginning of the last paragraph=conclusion.

• Main idea= backpacking, although difficult,

has its rewardsExample: Backpacking is not a luxurious vacation. It can be difficult,

unpredictable, and downright uncomfortable. Still, it is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature and discover the wilderness.



Conclusion Element

• It is the last part of your essay/composition (Clincher). Your conclusion should leave

your readers feeling satisfied, a complete

definite close.

• It usually comes at the end of the last paragraph=conclusion.



Conclusion Clincher

• Summarize your main points - Emphasize

the major points by recapping them.Example: The area called the Middle East actually consists of fifteen

countries. Even though they all differ, sometimes greatly, the discovery of oil

in this region affected every one of them.



Conclusion Clincher

• Close with a final idea of example -

Reinforce or pull together your main point.Main Idea: When you go hiking, be

prepared for anything.Example: The weather may change; a hike may take longer than expected; or you

may need emergency first aid. You may not need rain gear, extra food, a flashlight,

or a first-aid kit; but why take a chance? After all, the unexpected is part of what makes hiking an adventure!



Conclusion Clincher

• Make a final comment on the topic - Give a

sense of completeness by ending with athoughtful observation, give a personal

reaction, or project a vision of the future,

with one final comment on the topic.Example: King was assassinated before he could complete his work. Each year on

Martin Luther King Day, however, people pause to remember the words of the now famous speech “I Have a Dream...” By doing this, they make sure that his dreamstays alive.



Conclusion Clincher

• Refer to you introduction - Make a direct

reference to something in the introduction.Example: People may choose to mark the new year by celebrating the yam.

However, they choose to celebrate, it is a time of reflection and thanksgiving.



Conclusion Clincher

• Call on your readers to take action - Urge

the reader to do something or to accept abelief, especially in persuasive essays. The

‘direct appeal’ works for other kinds of

essays as well.Example: Although the destruction of the rain forests continues, it has been slowed

because of the tremendous public outcry against it. As people continue to takeinterest in the fate of a place that may be far from their own homes, the future of the rain forest looks somewhat brighter.

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Composition Writing Features