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Learn the fundamental structure of essay writing, including paragraphs, main ideas, supporting examples, and conclusions. Enhance critical thinking skills and improve coherence and cohesion in your essays. This guide covers essay planning, sequencing, and linking ideas effectively.
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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 thinking skills CRITICAL ESSAY WRITING 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)