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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.
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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)