INTRODUCTION TO WRITING AN ESSAY

Will Baker

BASIC ESSAY STRUCTURE

Paragraph main idea supporting example/detail contrasting example/point of view - further

detail concluding sentence

Essay introductory paragraph body (supporting examples and detail) conclusion

A diagram to show basic essay structureFrom: Oshima, A and Hogue, A. (1998)

THE USE OF PARAGRAPHS

sequencing - indicating where you are and where you are going

referencing - avoiding ambiguity in identifying referents where pronouns such as it or this are concerned

linking - joining ideas or sentences logically

AREAS OF IMPORTANCE IN WRITING ESSAYS

Content Coherence Cohesion Writing style Accuracy Presentation (Observation of the

conventions of academic writing)

CRITICAL ESSAY WRITING SKILLS

Critical thinking skills

(Adapted from http://www.bized.co.uk/reference/studyskills/essay.htm)

How to improve your technique: some general principles

Essays need a structure Essays must be a response to a specific

title Do not forget the essay title Avoid one-sided essays Demonstrate your depth of knowledge Remember the higher order skills of

analysis and evaluation Use appropriate language

(Adapted from http://www.bized.co.uk/reference/studyskills/essay.htm)

The essay plan - a suggested model

(Adapted from http://www.bized.co.uk/reference/studyskills/essay.htm)