Prof.

Juan Pablo Duboué

Nombre:…………………….. Fecha:………………..

IDIOMA INGLÉS II
Assignment: Parts of an essay and essay writing

PART 1 – Recognizing the parts of an essay (50 marks)

1. Read the following essay about eating disorders and answer the questions below:

Anorexia vs Bulimia

When one hears the term eating disorder, most Americans’ minds automatically think about anorexia and
bulimia. Both of these mental illnesses are devastating to the victims’ bodies, mental health, and self-image,
as well as the victims’ loved ones. These people experience drastic changes in weight and appearance.
Although they are similar, these illnesses differ in the victims’ motivation, their symptoms, and the
ramifications of their behavior on their health.

What motivates people to become victims of these eating disorders varies. Males and females, more
commonly females, who have anorexia feel they should stop eating not only to be skinny but also because
they want to “disappear.” Anorexia nervosa can stem from the inability to form attachments to others. The
victims’ thoughts, feelings, and personalities are lost; their individuality as persons no longer exists. These
things will not return until their recovery. Unlike anorexia, bulimia is compulsive binge eating followed by
purging through self-induced vomiting or laxatives. It is typically brought on by seeing thin, famous people
in magazines and then wanting to be thin also. Bulimics are driven to look “right.” When the victims “binge
eat,” they eat mass amounts of food for up to two hours. Then they purge to give themselves a “good
feeling.” Both disorders are dangerous to the mind and body.

There can be dire consequences for both bulimia and anorexia. Some of the physical effects of anorexia
include permanent heart problems, kidney failure, fatigue, and in some cases death. The vital organs do
not receive the nourishment they need to function properly. Anorexics lose weight much more drastically
than bulimics, and they refuse to maintain a normal body weight. On the other hand, the physical effects of
bulimia are deterioration of the esophagus, dental cavities, and vitamin deficiency. The esophagus is
damaged by acids due to the purging a bulimic does to get rid of the food he or she just consumed. Vomiting
up to five times a day can also cause the teeth to rot because of the digestive acids. However, unlike
anorexics, bulimics can maintain a relatively normal weight. Both eating disorders, however, must be
treated before it is too late.

Each eating disorder requires different methods for finding help and for recovering. If an individual who has
anorexia is diagnosed early, it can reduce the need for medical attention. This treatment involves seeing a
health professional and getting counseling on a regular basis. In most cases, men and women admit
themselves to an in-house treatment. This approach is so the doctors can keep a close eye on the patient
and make sure she is eating a healthy diet. However, the victim can overcome anorexia only with the help
of a mental-health physician, a medical-health professional, or a registered dietician. On the contrary,
bulimics have an easier time taking charge of their eating disorder. Behavior therapy is better than
 Prof. Juan Pablo Duboué
hospitalization. It helps bulimics achieve specific goals such as changing their eating patterns. Cognitive
therapy is another helpful treatment for bulimia. Cognitive therapists work to help patients replace their old
habits with new ways of controlling their eating habits.

In conclusion, anorexia nervosa and bulimia are both self-destructive eating habits, but they must be
identified and treated in different ways. Each disease varies in its physical and mental consequences.
Eating disorders are battles that are fought all around America. Treating them is a difficult task, but not an
impossible one.

a. What type of introduction does this essay have?

b. Underline the thesis statement and the topic sentences.
c. Underline the general statements.
d. Underline 2 examples of supporting details.
e. Circle the topic of the essay (three times).
f. Circle three examples of transition signals.
g. Circle five examples of specific vocabulary.
h. Circle two adjectives that are specific to the topic.
i. Suggest another possible title for this essay: __________________________________
j. What do you think is the purpose of this essay?________________________________

PART 2: Writing a short essay.

1. You will be given an incomplete outline of an essay. Follow the guidelines to complete
the outline and then write the essay.

OUTLINE

Title: Foreign Holidays and Festivals celebrated in Argentina

I. Introduction
Thesis statement: It is clear that in this globalized world we are living in; holidays and
festivals such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween can be celebrated even
if they aren’t strictly related to Argentina.

II. Body
A. Valentine’s Day is growing on popularity year by year.
1. Influence of the media
a. Propaganda promoting this day
 Prof. Juan Pablo Duboué
b. TV shows that give importance to this day
2. Shops and public places
a. Discounts and special offers in restaurants
b. Important places decorated with Valentine’s Day symbols
B. ______________________________________________________
1. Artistic influence
a. Live bands with Irish songs
b. _____________________
2. Cultural influence
a. Popularity of beer
b. _____________________
C. ________________________________________________________
1. Children have fun
a. Dressing up in costumes
b. ______________________
2. Children learn about another culture
a. History of Halloween
b. _______________________

III. Conclusion
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

After you complete the outline, write your essay in an appropriate style. Remember to
include general statements, transition signals, topic sentences and to summarize main
points in the Conclusion.