What is an academic essay?

An academic essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence.

An academic essay…

answers a question

has a thesis statement (answer to the question) and an argument.

develops a thesis (argument) via a set of closely related points by reasoning and evidence.

includes relevant examples, supporting evidence and information from academic texts and/or credible sources

Thesis Statement

is that sentence or two in the text that contains the focus of the essay

it tells your reader the topic of the essay – what it is going to be about.

It makes a claim that others might support or dispute.

Components of an ArgumentAny argument requires at least two opposing views. The writer usually supports one of the views.

An acceptable argument has position statements:

• Some form of evidence to support or refute a claim (e.g. statistics; findings or theoretical points, observable phenomena, etc.);

• An explanation of the relationship between issues

• A description of the significance of the material presented.

How an argument is builtContains a statement only

Since 1994, the South African Government has been proactive in various policy developments with regard to housing.

Contains a referenced (supported) statement to indicate the authenticity of the information

Since 1994, the South African Government has been proactive in various policy developments with regard to housing (see Brown, 1998; Jacobs; 1999).

Identifying the Viewpoint

Common belief Makes you think everyone believesit or does something

Expert opinion or testimonial

Quotes or cites someone who is an expert in the field

Affective statements Appeals to emotions related to core beliefs and values

Personal knowledge or experience

Author explains how s/he came to hold this perspective or opinion

How is it done….

Writers slip their personal opinions into a piece of writing, even when it is suppose to be a "factual" account (supported with evidence, facts; other experts/authorities agree)

0What Dunbar (1996) is saying, in effect, is that gossip was a tool for indirect reciprocity.

Opinions are often expressed as comparisons (more, strongest, less, most, least efficient, but):

0 The painter Pablo Picasso was far more innovative than any of his contemporaries.

Opinions are often expressed by adjectives (brilliant, vindictive, fair, trustworthy):

0 Ronald Reagan was a convincing speaker when he read a prepared address but was not effective at press conferences.

How is it done….

Opinions often involve evaluations:

0 The excellence of her science project was a model for other students.

Opinions are often introduced by verbs, adverbs, and the passive voice that suggest some doubt in the writer's mind:

0 It appears she was confused.

0 She seems to have the qualifications for the position.

0During the campaign, dirty tricks were probably used to win.