WRITING ESSAYS

WHAT IS AN ESSAY? It is a composition that defends a position or opinion, also called a thesis that has been put forth by the author. An an essay should demonstrate your overall knowledge of the broader subject and sometimes your insight into particular aspects of that subject. It also should show that you performed extra and relevant research outside the course material to broaden your knowledge and hone your argument.

TYPES OF ESSAYS 1. Narrative Essays: Telling a Story

The writer tells a story about a real-life experience. When writing a narrative essay, writers should try to involve the reader by making the story as vivid as possible. The fact that narrative essays are usually written in the first person helps engage the reader. “I” sentences give readers a feeling of being part of the story. A well-crafted narrative essay will also build towards drawing a conclusion or making a personal statement.

TYPES OF ESSAYS 2. Descriptive Essays: Painting a Picture

A cousin of the narrative essay, a descriptive essay paints a picture with words. A writer might describe a person, place, object, or even memory of special significance. Its purpose is to communicate a deeper meaning through the description. In a descriptive essay, the writer should show, not tell, through the use of colorful words and sensory details.

TYPES OF ESSAYS 3. Expository Essays: Just the Facts

The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. The writer explains or defines a topic, using facts, statistics, and examples. Expository writing encompasses a wide range of essay variations, such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay, and the process essay. Because expository essays are based on facts and not personal feelings, writers don’t reveal their emotions or write in the first person.

TYPES OF ESSAYS 4. Persuasive Essays: Convince Me

While like an expository essay in its presentation of facts, the goal of the persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or recommendation. The writer must build a case using facts and logic, as well as examples, expert opinion, and sound reasoning. The writer should present all sides of the argument, but must be able to communicate clearly and without equivocation why a certain position is correct.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Vocabulary

CAREFUL CHOICE OF WORDS

Choosing words that are appropriate in your writing can convince your readers that your work is serious and important.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Vocabulary

�  Use formal vocabulary avoiding contractions or short form or words.

�  Certain words which we frequently encounter in everyday communication may not be suitable for use in academic essays. These include words which are casual (informal) and commonly used only in spoken English. (stuff, couple of)

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Vocabulary

�  Avoid using phrasal verbs. In general, academic writers prefer strong verbs to phrasal verbs (verb + preposition), which are very common in spoken or more casual uses of English, e.g. establish instead of set up, produce instead of churn out, tolerate instead of put up with and assemble instead of put together.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Vocabulary

�  Choose specific verbs. In reporting what you have gathered from reading, you will need to use a variety of verbs that suit your purpose. Rather than using the words say, show or report all the time, you can use more specific verbs in academic reporting.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Vocabulary

�  In the article, the author outlines the origins…

�  Many medical studies have demonstrated a clear …

�  The researcher maintains that …

�  The paper concludes that university education…

�  Available literature seems to support the view…

�  The report notes that there are inconsistencies in

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Vocabulary

�  Beware of Commonly Misused Words.

Some words are commonly misused. For example, the word lesser is often used as a comparative form for less. (Pretend, actually, assist)

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ESSAY: Writing style

�  Use Appropriate Transitions

Transitions play an important role in the development of an academic essay. They help to create a sense of coherence and provide the reader with the writer’s thread of thought. Choosing the appropriate transition that makes the logical connection will ensure that the reader understands the text in the way the author had intended.