Essay Structure and Writing Convention

8/6/2019 Essay Structure and Writing Convention

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Essay Structure of

Chapter 4


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Definition of essay

Essay- a piece of writing from combination of

several paragraphs

Discuss only one topic but more complex than

paragraph

So several paragraphs are needed to form the

body of essays

The body paragraphs are complemented by

introduction and conclusion paragraphs


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Diagram of an essay


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Introduction paragraph

The first paragraph of essay

the place in which the writer introduces the

reader to the topic

Contains general overview of the topic andthesis statement

General overview- discuss briefly about the

topic without giving too much details Try to capture readers interest by providing

anecdotes or statistics


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How to introduce an introduction

Funnel introduction- started with

something general and focus to something

more specific

Interesting anecdotes- dramatic,

interesting or funny story/experience

Surprising statistics/data

Historical background


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Thesis statement

It briefly states the specific topic of the essay

It shows the direction/pattern of your writing

Sometimes it is used for the purpose of

declaring the opinion

Almost similar to topic sentence but it operates

at essay level

must contain the topic and controlling ideas

e.g. there are many factors that cause pollution

such as human, industrial activities and nature.


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Further examples

Topic:terengganu focus:interesting features TS: Terengganu is popular for its interesting

features such as beautiful beaches and islands,

delicious food and traditional cultures

Topic: illegal racers focus: factors of

involvement

TS: family problems, friends influence and

showing off are the factors that cause

youngsters to become illegal racers


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Sample of an introduction

paragraph

The Benefits of Television

We hear a lot about the negative effects of

television of the viewer. Obviously, television

can be harmful if it is watched constantly tothe exclusion of other activities. It would be

just as harmful to listen to CDs all the time or

to eat constantly. However, when television is

watched in moderation, it is extremely

valuable, as it provides relaxation,

entertainment, and education


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Body paragraphs Normally, essay body contains two to four

paragraphs - depending on discussed points

each paragraph contains topic sentence andsupporting sentences

Topic sentence is main point of the paragraphand supporting sentences develop it

It relates the readers to the relevancy and

relationship of each of the subtopics to thethesis statement.

Consequently, the readers will understand thetopic better


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Sample of a body paragraph

First of all, watching TV has the value of sheer

relaxation. Watching television can be soothing

and restful after an eight hour day of pressure,

challenges, or concentration. After working

hard all day, people look forward to a new

episode of a favorite show or yet another

showing

of Casablanca or Sleepless in Seattle. This period

of relaxation leaves the viewers refreshed and

ready to take on the world again


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Concluding Paragraph

Final paragraph of the essay Provide the definite end point to the readers

There are many ways to write it

- Restatement of the thesis statemente.g. Again, I believe students should not be

allowed to bring hand phone to campus

- Summary of main points

e.g. Overall, there are many reasons such as

- Comment/suggestion

e.g. Government should solve this problem by


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Sample of a concluding paragraph

Perhaps because television is such a powerful

force, we like to criticize it and search for its

flaws. However, the benefits of television should

not be ignored. We can use television to relax, to

have fun, and to make ourselves smarter. This

electronic wonder, then, is a servant, not a

master

Master.


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Exercise

Try to come up with concluding paragraphbased on following topic sentences

1.firstly,human activities such as farming and logging

pollute the environment 2. industrial wastes also cause damage to air and

water sources

3. lastly, natural causes such as landslide and

earthquake affect the environment too.


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Writing convention and mechanics

Referring to smaller but important details of

writing

Aspects such as capitalization, spelling,

punctuation, documentation technique, handwriting ( mechanics)

Grammar and sentence structure ( writing

convention) Many students ignore these aspects-lose marks

Students should be more careful in writing.

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Essay Structure and Writing Convention