Week 2

Chapter 14 – Planning the essay Chapter 15 – Developing essays Chapter 16 – Revising essays Vocabulary

Planning the essay

An essay is a multi-paragraph composition that has a clear focus and a defined purpose.

An essay ◦ Has a clear goal◦ Addresses a specific subject◦ Logically organizes supporting detail

Formal essays inform or persuade readers to understand an issue or accept a point of view.

Informal essays share a writer’s personal feelings, thoughts, or experiences.

The most important part of the essay Explains the controlling idea of the essay Presents the writer’s position Serves as the essay’s mission statement Expresses a point of view Declares purpose

The thesis statement forms the core of the essay – It states the writer’s main idea

Thesis statement are usually a single sentence.

Thesis statements help limit the topic. Thesis statements organize supporting

details. It gives an idea of the topics that will be covered and the amount of parts the essay will have.

Thesis statements indicate the kind of support that will follow.

P. 186 Exercise 1 Developing a Thesis Statement

All essays have three main parts◦ Title and Introduction◦ Body◦ Conclusion

Title◦ The title does not need to be the first thing you write.◦ Sometimes it is best to save the title until later in the

essay. You might find an interesting word or phrase that captures the essences of your essay and can serve as an effective title.

◦ Needs to match purpose, audience, and context◦ Creative titles might not be appropriate for a business

report (depending on the nature of the business – if it is a creative services type of business it might be acceptable).

◦ Depending on the course and the instructor, creative titles might be viewed as a negative for academic writing as well.

Title◦ One of the most important parts of the paper. ◦ Concisely conveys the topic of the essay◦ Peaks a reader’s curiosity◦ A good title can sell a bad work of writing and a

bad title can kill a good work of writing.

Write your essay: It is hard to sum up what you wrote before you write it.

Determine your audience: You should have done this when you wrote your essay, but think about your audience again when deciding on a title. Your title may change depending on the audience.

After you have determined your audience, imagine yourself as one of them. What would draw you to read your essay? Good content? Humour? Pick a few things your audience looks for in an essay.

Reflect the things the audience looks for in the title.

Re-read your essay and see if any good titles come to mind: If you find anything, you are finished. If you don't, move on to the next step.

Try picking a few key words of your essay topic and entering them into a quotations search Web site like Bartlett's quotations: You may find a relevant quote. If you do, pick a fragment of it and use it as your title.

Do any television shows or songs come to mind when you think about your essay? If so, try imitating the TV show title or select a phrase from the song to use as your title.

Begins with an interesting opening sentence: This peaks the readers’ interest. The opening sentence can be

◦ The Thesis statement◦ Fact or Statistic◦ A question◦ An example◦ A narrative

It needs to make a strong, clear statement that arouses the readers’ attention and prepares them for the details that follow.

It introduces the topic

Each paragraph introduces a new topic. Always finish discussing a topic before

moving on to a new topic.

By Time◦ As a chain of events◦ Chronological◦ Reverse Chronological◦ Start in present and flash back to some point

By Parts◦ Group into parts◦ Example:

Sports essay Football Baseball Hockey Basketball

◦ Good for complex issues

By Importance◦ Some ideas are more significant than others◦ Three different ways of organizing by importance

1. Emphatic Order2. Reverse Emphatic Order3. Sandwich Order

◦ Avoid placing most important details in the middle of the body

Gives a snowball effect This is great for Rhetorical Essays

(persuasive essays) You start with your least important idea and

snowball to your most important idea

Starts with the most important and trickles down to the least important idea

This is great for Rhetorical Essays (persuasive essays)

This is good if your essay is rather long

Works well when you have several strong and several weak points.

You place weak points between two strong points.

People generally remember the first and last ideas more than those in the middle.

State a memorable fact, final thought, or observation

Pose a question Call for action In a long essay you want to summarize the

paper◦ Do NOT repeat everything◦ Do NOT repeat the introduction word for word

An outline breaks down the parts of your thesis in a clear, hierarchical manner. Most students find that writing an outline before beginning the paper is most helpful in organizing one's thoughts. If your outline is good, your paper should be easy to write.

The basic format for an outline uses an alternating series of numbers and letters, indented accordingly, to indicate levels of importance.

Developing essays

Description Narration Comparison & Contrast Division/Classification Process Cause and Effect Argument

Presents facts, observations, & impressions about people, places, objects, or ideas.

It records what you see, hear, feel, taste, or touch.

The goal of description is to explain a subject to readers by providing meaningful details.

Good descriptions bring the subject to life.

Planning Writing the first draft Revising

Determine your purpose Consider your readers Narrow your topic Select key details Organize details in a clear pattern

Create dominant impressions Show rather than tell Include dialogue to add action to

descriptions of people

Does my essay have a thesis or controlling idea, or is it only a loose collection of facts and observations

Do I create dominant impressions supported by interesting and accurate details

Are there details that should be deleted because the are repetitive or off topic

Are details clearly arranged so readers can follow my train of thought

Can I add action or dialogue to bring life to my description

Does my essay tell readers what I want them to know

Tells stories or relates a series of events Usually in chronological order Goal is to tell a story Could relate a personal experience,

highlight thoughts and feelings, or present an accurate an objection narrative of a historical event or scientific experiment

Written in 1st or 3rd person

Define the purpose Consider your readers Limit the scope Select key details Create a clear time pattern to organize

events and details

Use transitional statements to show passage of time & advance the narrative

Add dialogue to advance the narration Avoid awkward shifts in tense

Does my narration have a thesis or controlling idea, or is it only a list of events

Do I spend too much time on minor incidents or fail to develop important events

Am I trying to cover too much in an essay Should I narrow the focus of the narrative Are there details that can be deleted

because they are repetitive or off topic Can I add action or dialogue to bring life to

my narration Does my narration create the impact I want

Illustrate ideas, issues, events, or personality types by describing one or more specific events, objects, or people.

Remember: examples differ from descriptions or narrations, which provide details about a single subject or tell one story.

Examples can be real or hypothetical

You can plan an example essay in two ways.◦ Examine a specific person, situation, object, or event

and explain how it illustrates something larger.◦ Select a topic and use one or more examples to

illustrate it or provide evidence for your point of view. Consider your readers Determine if your essay would benefit from one

extended example or a series of examples Develop a well stated thesis statement that

links the specific example(s) with the general subject it illustrates

Organize examples in a clear pattern.

Create a strong thesis statement that explains the purpose of your essay and what the examples illustrate

Introduce examples with phrases such as for example, for instance, consider this, or to illustrate

Highlight the important details of examples and delete minor details that do not directly support your thesis

Definitions explain or limit the meaning of words or ideas

The goal is to establish meaning, to prevent confusion, or to influence the way readers interpret or understand a subject.

Forms of definition:◦ Standard definition

Explains a widely accepted understanding of a term or concept, much like an encyclopedia article

◦ Personal definition Expresses your individual interpretation of a subject

◦ A persuasive definition Influences readers to share your interpretation of a

subject.◦ Invented definition

Explains the meaning of a previously unnamed attitude, behavior, or situation that you have observed.

Determine the purpose Develop a clear thesis statement

summarizing your definition Consider your reader Organize details in a clear pattern.

Make sure you define and not describe your topic

Clear up misconceptions by explaining what your topic is not.

Use comparisons, examples, and descriptions carefully.

Does my essay have a clearly stated thesis statement summarizing my definition

Do I use examples readers can understand Are there details that can be deleted

because they are repetitive or off topic Are details clearly arranged so readers can

follow my train of thought Does my essay tell readers what I want

them to know

Examines similarities and difference Need to take care in organization so that

readers know when you are talking about which item

Two standard patterns for organizing comparisons◦ Subject by subject: divides the essay into two

parts, fully describing the first subject, then showing how it differs from the second

◦ Point by point: divides the essay into a series of comparisons, discussing both subjects in each paragraph

Planning Writing the 1st draft Revising

Determine your purpose. Select key details about both subjects Determine the best way to organize your

comparison – subject by subject or point by point

Consider your readers

Write clear, concise descriptions of both subjects

Choose words carefully. Be aware how connotations can shape meaning. Make sure the words reflect your point.

Use similar patterns to organize comparisons. Comparisons are easier to follow if you present facts or ideas in the same format.

Include a conclusion only if it adds new information or makes a final point. Your essay may not need a conclusion that simply summarizes what readers have just read.

Are my two topics clearly described or defined

Do I devote sufficient attention to both subjects or is my essay lopsided, devoting eight paragraphs to one subject and two to the other

Is my essay easy to follow Are there details that can be deleted

because they are repetitive or off topic Does my comparison essay tell readers

what I want them to know

Division & Classification separates a subject into parts or measures subjects by a standard.

Division makes complicated or abstract subjects easier to understand or work with by separating them into parts.

Classification essays rank subjects by one standard. For example you might classify terrorist risks from the most to least destructive.

Determine your purpose. ◦ Are you dividing your subjection into parts or

ranking subjects on a scale. Consider your readers In division - Establish clear types. Each

item should be fully explained. In classification – establish clear categories

on a well-defined scale.

Develop a clear introduction explaining your purpose and method of division or classification

Explain possible exceptions – if not all items can fit in the categories you establish, point this out to the readers.

Explain possible changes. Use examples to illustrate each type

Does my essay establish clear categories Is my thesis clearly stated Are there any categories that are not clearly

defined or could be confused with others Are my categories clearly organized by

paragraph breaks and transitional statements?

Do I explain possible exceptions Does my essay tell readers what I want

them to know

Explains how something occurs or provides step-by-step instructions to accomplish a specific task

Determine your purpose – are you explaining or instructing

Consider your readers Separate the process into logical steps Consider using numbered steps, especially

in giving instructions Process essays do not have to be written in standard paragraph form.

Create a clear introduction that announces the subject and explains your purpose.

Use transitional statements to advance the essay.

Make sure instructions are self-contained. Directions should include all the information that readers need to accomplish the task, not refer readers to another document to complete the process.

Give negative instructions. To prevent readers from making common mistakes, tell readers not only what they should do but what they should not do.

Provide complete instructions. Avoid vague directions.

Warn readers of any hazards to their health, safety, or property.

Does my essay clearly explain a process or provide clear instructions

Would numbered steps make my essay easier to read

Have I included all relevant information Have I warned readers of any possible

dangers Are there details that can be deleted

because they are repetitive or off topic Does my essay tell readers what I want

them to know

Explains reasons and results Be sure to avoid the following errors:

◦ Hasty generalizations or jumping to conclusions◦ Mistaking a time relationship for a cause-effect

relationship◦ Confusing an association for a cause-effect

relationship

Determine your purpose. Will you discuss the cause, the effect, or both.

Plan a clear thesis statement that expresses the goal of your essay.

Explain the methods of establishing causes or measuring results.

Organize cause or effect from least to most important or most to least.

Offer logical, accurate evidence.

Develop a strong introduction outlining the goal of your essay and providing background information.

Use example, comparison, process, and definition to explain causes and effects.

Use transitional statements and paragraph breaks.

Point out possible exceptions or alternative interpretations.

Does my essay have a thesis or controlling idea Do I explain causes and results clearly with

comparisons, examples, and narratives Do I provide enough evidence to convince

readers Do I avoid making mistakes in critical thinking

such as hasty generalizations or mistaking a time relationship for a cause

Are there details that can be deleted because they are repetitive or off topic

Does my essay tell readers what I want them to know

Argument directs readers to accept a point of view or take action

The goal is the influence the way readers think about something or motivate them to change their behavior

There are three appeals to influence readers:◦ Logical Appeal◦ Emotional Appeal◦ Ethical Appeal

Uses facts, statistics, scientific evidence, expert opinions, surveys and interviews

Advantages of logical appeal◦ Provides compelling, objective support◦ Offers evidence needed for major or group

decisions Disadvantages of logical appeal

◦ Requires a high degree of reader attention◦ Can be boring and undramatic

Uses images, sensations, or stories to stir readers to respond based on their fears, loves, dislikes, biases, and hopes.

Advantages◦ Has instant impact◦ Requires little reader preparation or attention

Disadvantages◦ Depends on readers sharing writer’s values◦ Provides no hard evidence

Uses shared values, ideals, and beliefs Advantages

◦ Provides compelling motivation◦ Calls upon readers’ core beliefs

Disadvantages◦ Depends on readers sharing the writer’s values◦ Provides no hard evidence for major decisions

Determine your purpose – to persuade readers to accept your opinion or motivate them to take action.

Consider your readers’ existing beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge.

Determine which appeals best suit your purpose. Don’t confuse propaganda with persuasion. Organize ideas from most important to least import

or least important to most important Develop an introduction that arouses attention,

establishes your approach, and uses persuasive appeals that create a favorable relationship with your readers.

Create a conclusion that ends the essay with a final thought, meaningful fact, call to action, or thought-provoking question.

Present facts in ways readers can understand. Explain what statistics mean or the qualifications of people you quote.

Use a variety of appeals. Use paragraph breaks and transitional

statements to signal shifts between main points.

Recognize and comment on possible alternative opinions.

Address possible reader objections to your views.

Does my essay have a clearly states thesis Do I provide enough support to convince

readers Is my argument easy to follow Are there details that can be deleted

because there are repetitive or off topic Does my essay tell readers what I want

them to know

Revising essays

Let your writing cool Print your draft Review your goal

◦ Look at samples of the essay you are writing◦ If your essay does not fit the assignment, it may be easier to

review your notes, create a new outline, and write a new essay than to rewrite a failed attempt.

Examine the big picture◦ Is the thesis clearly states◦ Is the supporting evidence sufficient◦ Are paragraphs logically organized◦ Does the introduction arouse interest and prepare the reader

for what follows◦ Does the conclusion leave readers with a strong final

impression, question, or call to action◦ Are section off topic or repetitive◦ Does your essay meet the requirements of the assignment◦ What are the strong and weak points of the essay

Read the essay with a readers eye Are readers likely to be supportive, indifferent, or

hostile to your views Do you expect reader objections Do readers need background information to

understand your ideas Will readers respond favorably to your essay’s style

and tone Read your essay out loud Have others read you draft Revise and rewrite

Understand the role of the editors. Understand the writer’s goal and the assignment Review the essay globally, then look at specifics.

◦ Before looking at grammar and spelling, look at the big picture Does the topic suit the assignment Does it need to be more clearly focused or limited Does the paper have a clear thesis Are there irrelevant details that can be deleted Do paragraph breaks adequately organize the paper Can you detect sentences that are unclear, illogical, or awkward Does the paper need proofreading for spelling and grammar mistakes

Be positive Ask questions Seek advise of editors

Does the introduction clearly announce the topic

Does the opening paragraph arouse interest Does it limit the topic, preparing readers for

what follows If the thesis appears in the opening, is it

precisely stated Does the language of the opening paragraph

set the proper tone for the paper Does the introduction address reader concerns,

correct misconceptions, or provide background information so readers can understand and appreciate the evidence that follows

Does the paragraph have a clear focus Is the topic sentence supported with enough

evidence Is the evidence easy to follow Does the paragraph follow a logical

organization Are there irrelevant ideas that should be

deleted Are there clear transitions between ideas and

within paragraphs Do paragraph breaks signal major transitions Should some paragraphs be combined or

broken up

Does the conclusion end the paper on a strong note

Dos the conclusion simply repeat the introduction

If your purpose is to motivate people to take action, does the conclusion provide readers with clear directions

Homework Finish essay assigned last week. There is a vocabulary list posted to the Web

site. You must define the words in the list. You will have a test next week, there is a

review posted. I will post the answers from last week's

homework assignment. If you have any questions about the answers, please call my cell at 215-767-3884 (I do not know if I will have email access).