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Organizing an Academic Essay
Organizing an Academic Essay
Introduction
Conclusion
Body Paragraphs
TERM 111/Eng 101
1
Ms.Fatema K.
Introduction
What is an essay ?
An essay is a piece of writing that usually has five or more
paragraphs. An essay is written about one topic that has
several main points. The main points are introduced in an
introductory paragraph and supported in body
paragraphs. The conclusion is the last paragraph.
Essay
Introduction
_____________
Body Paragraph 1
_____________
Body Paragraph 2
_____________
Body Paragraph 3
_____________
Conclusion
_____________
Term 111
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Ms.Fatema K.
Parts of an Essay
An Introduction
An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph in an essay. It contains two parts.
1. General Statements: a few sentences about your subject that catch the attention of your reader.
2. A Thesis Statement: one sentence that tells your reader the main points of your topic and states the overall plan of your essay.
Term 111
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Ms.Fatema K.
An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. You may be writing an essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task. Either way, your essay will have the same basic format.
Introduction
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
It sets the tone for the essay , letting the reader know if the paper will be light and humorous or serious or sarcastic.
The introduction should invite the reader to read the essay.
The introduction will include the thesis statement ; which lets the reader know what the paper will be about.
Eng 101/Term 111
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Ms.Fatema K.
Types of introduction :
1. Funnel :
It is also called the inverted pyramid.
It is the easiest approach to use.
The first sentence is broad and general
Words are usually used in this sentence that are repeated in the thesis statement.
Each sentence in the introduction narrows a little more to the last sentence , which is the thesis.
Thesis Statement
Eng 101
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Ms.Fatema K.
Example
An Introduction
General Statements
Thesis Statement
Metropolitan City is full of charm and scenic beauty, so visitors
from around the world come to enjoy its famous theaters,museums,
countless ethnic restaurants, and scenic wonders. Although
Metropolitan City seems like a paradise, it isnt. The city has
several serious problems: poor public transportation, congested
streets, and expensive housing
(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 92).
ENG 101/Term 111
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Ms.Fatema K.
2. Turn about :
This strategy involves starting with the idea, belief or opinion that is opposite of your own claim or thesis. You first present the opposite party's opinion, the turn about with a "but or however", and present your own point of view. This strategy is especially useful in argumentation.
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Ms.Fatema K.
An example :
"Reproduction is something that is in the nature of human beings. Giving birth to children, bringing them up and when they get older looking forwardto them having children are all built in wishes and expectations of almost everybody. But in a limited environment, humans cannot keep expanding their population. There must be some ways to control the population." (Gamze Gumuslu, Adv 2003)
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3. Dramatic Entrance ;
As your writing skills improve, you should strive not only for sentence variety but also for variety in essay opening.
A dramatic , humorous or otherwise interesting opening will generate interest in the reader.
The type of introduction that serves this purpose is the Dramatic Entrance.
Eng 101
9
Ms.Fatema K.
Parts of an Essay
Body Paragraphs
The body consists of one or more paragraphs following the
introduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea of
your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or sub-
topics. Each body paragraph consists of a topic sentence
and several supporting sentences. A conclusion sentence
draws the paragraph together.
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Introduction
ENG 101
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Ms.Fatema K.
Parts of an Essay
Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph is the last paragraph in the essay. It
completes the essay by summarizing or repeating the most
important ideas. The conclusion can also include an opinion, a
prediction, or a solution to a problem.
Body Paragraph 1
Introduction
Conclusion
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
ENG 101
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Ms.Fatema K.
Example
Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentences
Concluding Sentence
The first and most important problem is Metropolitan Citys inadequate
public transportation system. Thousands of residents rely on the citys buses
and streetcars to travel throughout this large city, but Metro Transportation
Systems daily schedules are totally unreliable. A bus or streetcar that should
arrive at 7:45 may not arrive until 8:00 or later. Moreover, it is not unusual
for a bus driver to pass up groups of people waiting for the bus, because he
wants to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, people often end up going to
work late or missing important appointments. In order for people to get to
their destinations on time, people must allow for waiting time at the bus and
streetcar stops (Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).
ENG 101
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Ms.Fatema K.
Example
Conclusion
Summary of Main Ideas
Prediction
In conclusion, Metropolitan City must improve its public transit system,
clear up the massive traffic jams caused by slow-moving traffic in the
downtown areas, and keep rentals down to affordable levels. In other words,
Metropolitan City must improve its image, or it will soon become just another
mediocre city due to the lack of administrative responsibility to solve these
unfortunate problems
(Hogue, A. & Oshima, A., 1991, p. 79).
ENG 101
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Ms.Fatema K.
Overview of an Essay
Body Paragraphs
Support the main ideas of the thesis statement
Begin with topic sentences
Introduction
General statements and information about the topic
Thesis statement- lists the main ideas in the essay
Conclusion
Brief summary of main points of the essay
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
ENG 101/TERM 111
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Ms.Fatema K.
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