The Art of Essay WritingOr

Where do I begin?

Review the key Features from the Mind map last weekRead the handout on Essay WritingNow work in pairs

Mind map an outline for the following essay title: Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of Social

Networking.

Step 1Share your ideas about the key advantages and

disadvantagesStep 2

Find a related article to use in your discussion

Writing the IntroductionSummarise the main direction of your essay

E.g. The purpose of this essay is to........Keep to the point

Only mention things you will explore in later paragraphs Include what you understand the title to mean Include definitions of key terms List main points you will discuss later

Don’t just repeat the question or give a conclusion at this stage

Understanding the QuestionIn this case you were asked to “Discuss”

Explain the meaning Make a logical case for your argument

You may have been asked the following:Compare -

Investigate similarities between thingsContrast –

Explore the differences between things See the list in the handout on Essay writing for more

key words

The Main Part of the EssayUse paragraphs

Use each paragraph to make one point Or an aspect of a point

Start a paragraph by stating it’s purposeWhat point do you want to make?

Follow the opening with evidenceEither you own ideas or those taken from a book, article

Remember to cite other people’s ideas correctly

Make a link between paragraphsAvoid

Jumping from point to pointMaking paragraphs too longMaking points without giving evidence

The ConclusionReturn to the question

Do not introduce new points/ideasGo over the main points

Pick out the key onesKeep it short

To the point Make sure you have answered the question!

Don’t forget to include your references.