Teacher: Hmza Moutia An essay

An essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject that at least has three
paragraphs.

The first paragraph is the introduction

The introductory paragraph, or introduction, is the first paragraph of an essay. It

has two functions: (1) It attracts the reader’s interest, and (2) it introduces the topic
of the essay.
There are several kinds of introductory paragraphs. In this handout, you will learn
to write a kind known as a “funnel” introduction, which means starting from
general ideas to specific ideas.

A funnel introduction has three parts: a hook, several general statements

and one thesis statement. The hook introduces the topic in a way that attracts
the reader. It may be a saying ,anecdote, a question, a surprising statement or fact
that makes the reader want to know more; for example: “Laughter is the best
medicine”, or ‘’if you want a happier life, you should laugh”.
The general statements give the reader background information about the topic
of the essay. They should lead your reader gradually from a very general idea of
your topic to a very specific idea.

The thesis statement, which is similar to topic sentence of the paragraph, states
the main points of t the body. It is normally the last sentence in an introductory
paragraph. It has three purposes:

 It states the specific topic of the essay.

 It may list the subtopics of the main topic.
 It may also mention the method of organization of paragraphs.

Some examples of thesis statements of an argumentative essay about the

importance if comedy movie.

 There are two reasons why comedy movies are very important.
 People must watch comedy movies for many reasons.

The body consists of one or more paragraphs. Each paragraph develops a

subdivision of the topic.
Each body paragraph has a topic sentence and several supporting sentences. It
may or may not have a concluding sentence. Each body paragraph supports the
thesis statement.
For example, you plan to write an essay about the importance of comedy movies;
you are going to devote each paragraph of the body for a specific point such as the
health benefits of comedy films on health in one paragraph and another body
paragraph for the social benefits of comedy film.

The conclusion, like the concluding sentence in a paragraph, is a summary or

review of the main points discussed in the body.
It has three purposes:

 It signals the end of the essay.

 It reminds the reader of your main points.
 It leaves the reader with your final thoughts on the topic

Example

Notice how the writer accomplishes these three purposes in the following
concluding paragraph.
In short, Mr. Smith had several qualities of a great teacher. He was well informed
about his subject, and his enthusiasm for it rubbed off on1 his students.
Furthermore, his lectures were well organized, and he returned papers and tests
promptly. Hs classes were always interesting, and he told funny stories to keep
even the sleepiest student awake and engaged in learning. Mr. Smith taught more
than just history; he also taught us to love learning.

 The transition phrase In short signals the end of the essay.

 It summarizes the qualities of Mr. Smith: he was well informed, enthusiastic
Organized, and interesting.
 It gives a final comment: Mr. Smith inspired students to love learning.

An essay has unity and coherence, just as a paragraph does. Transition signals
(linking words) link the paragraphs into a cohesive whole.
This applies on all types of essays.
Teacher: Hmza Moutia Argumentative essay

Argumentative essay or opinion essay: is type of essays in which

the writer tries to prove a point and convince the reader of a point
view on a controversial issue (something that people disagree about).

This type of essays like other essays follows the same organization
and structure. One single difference in this essay is a paragraph in
the body that is meant for counter argument and refutation. It is
possible to write an argumentation essay without refutation.
Introduction
The hook introduces a controversial issue. It may be a proverb or, a
question, or a surprising statement or fact that makes the reader want to
know more.
The middle sentences (general statements) explain why the issue is
important by giving background information. This background information
deals with the issue from the general to the specific.

The thesis statement at the end presents the point of view.

This a thesis statement, for example, about the support of euthanasia
(the right to kill hopeless patients).
Although many people feel that doctors must do everything
possible to keep their patients alive. I believe that euthanasia
should be legalized for three reasons.
Example on an introduction
The Right to Die
A difficult problem that is facing society is the legalization of euthanasia.
Euthanasia is the act of causing death painlessly in order to end
suffering. People who are in a coma because of injury to their brains and
elderly people who are terminally ill are being kept alive by artificial
means. They do not have a chance to recover, but laws in most states of
the United States do not allow doctors to end their lives. Although many
people feel that doctors must do everything possible to keep their
patients alive, I believe that euthanasia should be legal for three
reasons.
In the body paragraphs, support your opinion with reasons. Each
reason is a paragraph in the finished essay.

Example (euthanasia)
Paragraph one talks about the reason 1: These patients have no chance
of recovery.
Paragraph one talks about the reason 2: Medical costs are very high.
Paragraph one talks about the reason 3: The family suffers.

Counter-Argument and Refutation paragraph

In order to make an opinion essay as persuasive as possible, the writer

Includes a counter-argument and a refutation
The counter-argument is the opposing opinion. It disagrees with the
writer’s position by including the counter argument; the writer shows an
understanding of other points of view. The refutation is the writer’s
response to the counter-argument. In the refutation, the writer shows
why the counterargument is weak and the writer’s position is strong. The
refutation may also address doubts the reader may have about the
writer’s position

Example

Counter argument: Many people think that a child is unhappy without

Brothers or sisters; however, most only children would disagree with this
statement.
Refutation: An only child receives more attention from parents, gets into
fewer fights, and has plenty of social contact with friends and
classmates.

In the above example, the writer raises a counter- argument (that people
think children are unhappy without siblings). Then (he writer gives a
refutation: only children are not unhappy, and then gives reasons to
support the argument.
In the concluding paragraph, you may (1) restate your thesis in different
words or (2) summarize your reasons. In your final comment, you may
call for action.as in the following example. Your final comment should be
powerful—one that your readers will remember.
To summarize, cloning humans is dearly dangerous and unethical.
It is one thing to clone a mouse, sheep, or pig but quite another
thing to duplicate a human being. Even though scientists claim that
their only purpose is to help humanity, ethical people must demand
an end to such experiment.

Organization
 Introduction
 Hook
 general statements-background information : from the general to
the specific
 thesis statement
 body
o paragraph 1
 topic sentence
 supporting ideas :
 concluding idea
o paragraph 2
 topic sentence
 supporting ideas :
 concluding idea
o counter argument and refutation paragraph
o conclusion