NEVŞEHİR HACI BEKTAŞİ VELİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

WRITING CLASS
-
TUBA BAYKARA

BERİVAN DİKME

19210510011

ESSAY
TYPES
1) UNIT 1

EXPLANATORY ESSAY

2) UNIT 2

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

3) UNIT 3

OPINION ESSAY

4) UNIT 4

A REPORT REFERRING TO A CASE STUDY

5) UNIT 5

PERSUASIVE ESSAY

6) UNIT 6

EXPLANATORY ESSAY

7) UNIT 7

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
 UNIT -1

EXPLANATORY/ EXPOSITORY ESSAY

Madde I.
What is explanatory essay?

The main function of an academic explanation essay which is also known as

expository essay is to clear up the issue of the research, describe it as openly as

possible and reveal the essence of the matter in a brief and coherent way.

In contrast to other types of essays such as argumentative and persuasive, this style

is more about presenting information, facts, statics, and samples to explain the status

rather than taking a side and trying to convince the readers to agree with your

opinion or make them disagree with the main idea.

Madde II.
Picking a topic for explanatory essays

Almost any topic, event or idea can be described through an explanatory essay, yet it

would be a better choice to pick a neutral and less controversial topic which you can

demonstrate profoundly. Since it can be less time consuming and easy to explain,

plain topics are much preferable such as explaining how one’s body or organs work

or maybe how instant coffees are made.

Madde III.
Pre-writing period

After picking a neutral topic, you should find appropriate and reliable sources to

complete your research. Then note down those information or relevant facts. As

citing them is also an important part of the writing, save and keep track of the

websites that you quoted to give reference. After collecting all the information to

support your essay, you should write a solid thesis statement and also organize that
information into a paper outline with an introduction, three main body paragraphs

and a conclusion. The thesis statement is significant to summarize your essay into a

sentence.

Madde IV.
Preparing outline

Outline offers to the writer a so- called framework of how to write an explanatory

essay by organizing main points of the topic and with the outline the writer creates a

kind of draft just before the official one. Most explanatory essays consist of three

main points; introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.

• INTRODUCTION

At the beginning of an introduction paragraph, writer should draw the reader’s

attention. So, it there must be a ‘hook sentence’. This can be a question, an interesting

fact or even a quote that would charm the audience at first sight. Then writer should

give a brief but a bit more detailed than a general information about the background

of the topic and add the thesis statement. This explanatory thesis sentence should

focus and prepare the reader to body paragraphs.

• BODY PARAGRAPHS

Firstly, unless the topic is very in-depth, the body should contain three paragraphs,

each with their point of approach. They all should be in-line with each other. If your

thesis statement consists of several aspects, you should evaluate each of them in a

separate paragraph. Afterwards start supporting your topic each paragraph by

presenting your points that you received by researching. This will also approve your

claim. Finally present a concluding statement that sums up the claim through your

thesis statement.
 • CONCLUSION

The explanatory essay must have a proper and clear conclusion. You should restate

your thesis by paraphrasing the sentence. Also, you should summarize and

paraphrase the supporting paragraphs and statements. Finally, provide an overall

concluding statement that summarizes the whole essay.

Madde V.
Examples

Topic: How college students spends their time

Thesis Statement: The life of the typical college student is characterized by time

spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.

UNIT -2

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

Madde I.

What is comparison and contrast essay?

In writing, comparison discusses elements that are similar, meanwhile contrast

discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, in that case,

analyzes two subjects by comparing or contrasting them, or even both. Comparison

phrases are used for the similarities meanwhile contrast phrases are used to highlight

the differences. Writer often remains neutral, as the purpose of the essay is not to

convince the reader, but to simply state the differences and similarities.

Madde II.

Picking a subject or topic for comparison and contrast essay

There must be at least two concepts to compare. The most important thing is

concepts compared must be within the same category. Like height to height, past to

future etc.

Madde III.

The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay

There are two main styles of structuring a compare-contrast essay: point by point

and block.

• In a point-by-point organization, one aspect of two objects that are in the same

category are compared in a single paragraph. For example, physical

appearances of two people are compared in the first paragraph, personality

traits and habits are compared in the second paragraph, etc.

• In a block organization, all the aspects of one side is listed in one paragraph,

without listing the other. Afterwards, the aspects of the other side are listed in

the next paragraph, in the same order. After all points have been covered,

conclusion is writen.
For Example;
 Madde IV.

Transitions that are essential for compare and contrast essays

Some transitions that can Some transitions indicating difference:

be used for showing similarity: • different from

• in contrast to
• similar to
• compared with
• like
• unlike
• both ... and ...
• but
• in addition
• on the other hand
• moreover
• conversely
• besides
• in contrast
• likewise
• however
• similarly

• in the same way

Madde V.
Examples

Topic: Which is better? Face to face education or distance (online) education

Thesis Statement: There are so many reasons why online education is as beneficial

as face to face education.

 UNIT -3

OPINION ESSAY

Madde I.
What is opinion essay?

Opinion essay, also known as ‘agree or disagree’ essay is a formal piece

of writing which requires your opinion on a topic. Your opinion should be stated

clearly. Throughout the essay you will give various arguments/reasons/viewpoints

on the topic and these will be supported by evidence and/or examples.

Madde II.
Pre-Writing

Before starting to write your essay, you need to gather information to support your

opinion. Make sure the evidence you collect matches your stated point of view.

While brainstorming and looking for arguments, try to answer these questions to get

more ideas:

1. What question and how should I answer in this assignment?

2. What are those things my audience want to know?

3. What main points and sides should be conducted in my essay?

4. Are any of the points incoherent or conflicting?

5. Can I improve any of my arguments with supportive sources?

Madde III.
Differentiate the distinction between persuasive and opinion essay

No matter how close persuasive essay and opinion essay are, they have some distinct

aims at some points.

• Opinion essay: in an opinion essay the writer states his opinion and supports it

with facts, evidence and examples but he doesn’t try to convince the reader.

• Persuasive essay: in a persuasive essay the writer tries to convince the reader to

agree with his opinion. The author uses logic and facts, definitions and examples

in order to persuade the reader to share his point of view.

Madde IV.

The expressions and linkers to use while giving an idea about your subject

· In my opinion, · In my view,...

· Personally, I think/ I believe (that · From my point of view, …

· I strongly believe that…. · As far I am concerned, ...

· It is clear (to me) that · I am sure/ convinced that …

· I (completely) agree/disagree with … · I (dis)agree with the statement,

because
· It seems to me that…

· As I see it, …

Madde V.
Preparing Outline

For the outline, you should search well to support your opinion and find cites that

agrees with your opinion. Develop an outline while you’re researching the topic and
place the pieces of evidence where they make the most sense. You don’t have to write

the whole assignment at a time. Just put the ideas, examples and facts where they

would fit.

Your opinion essay should have an introduction, main body and conclusion.

• INTRODUCTION

In the introductory paragraph, you need to present your subject and state your

opinion clearly. Make sure it contains a thesis statement – a sentence that

summarizes the main point of your paper. Also you can take references from books

or movies and quote speech or poems to support your opinions.

For the thesis statement, you should make sentences that links to the first body

paragraph which includes small description and summarizing sentences of the entire

paper.

• BODY PARAGRAPHS

In the body of your essay, you need to support your thesis statement. Write several

paragraphs, each presenting a separate point of view supported by reasons. Begin a

new paragraph only when you want to discuss a new idea. Firstly, support your

argument and if you can, give examples such as quotes, books and movies. Then you

should explain those examples and link to the next paragraph.

• CONCLUSION

The opinion essay conclusion wraps up your paper. It’s a summary that broadly

covers your ideas and allows your readers to understand your arguments. You

should avoid introducing a new idea or apologizing for your views. In the conclusion

part, you should give a brief idea about the entire paper and create a bigger picture

with a conclusive sentence.

Madde VI.
Examples

Topic: Do modern students rely too much on technology?

Thesis Statement: With the improvement of technology the new generations had so

much easiness in everything and this comfort led to many problems.

UNIT- 4

A REPORT REFERRING TO A CASE STUDY

Madde I.
What’s a case study report?

A case study is usually presented as a kind of report, where sections within the body

of the report deal with specific aspects of the case. A successful case study analyses a

real-life situation where existing problems need to be solved. It should relate the

theory to a practical situation.

Madde II.
Essentials of writing a report

Once you are given a case study assignment you might be tempted to jump right in

and start reading the case and writing up your case report. But before starting the

writer should take time and understand the assignment profoundly. You should

identify the problems first, then select the major problems in the case. Next, Suggest

solutions to these major problems, afterwards recommend the best solution to be

implemented and detail how this solution should be implemented.

Madde III.

Elements or sections of a case study report

• Synopsis/Executive Summary

Outline the purpose of the case study. Describe the field of research. Outline the

issues and findings of the case study without the specific details. Introduce the

case, including the background and any previous studies of the issue

• Aims

Describes the purpose of the study and the specific questions you are trying to

answer.

• Findings

Determine the problems found in the case by analyzing the problem, supporting

your findings with facts given in the case, the relevant theory and course concepts

also by searching for the underlying problems.

• Method

Explains how the study was carried out, e.g. what research methods did you use

to collect data? What were the circumstances of your data collection?

• Discussion

Summarizes the study and significance and what can be learnt from it. Note that

a case study is a study of a specific situation so you can’t generalize the results to

all other situations. That means your discussion should focus on what can be

learnt about that specific situation and the individuals involved. Briefly outline

each alternative solution and evaluate its advantages and disadvantages.

• Conclusion

Describes what you found through your investigations. Sum up the main points

from the findings and discussion.

• Recommendations

• Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted. Shortly justify your

option explaining how it will solve the major problem. Since this section is

intended to be convincing, it should be written in a strong style.

• References

Make sure all references are cited correctly.

Madde IV.
Example

Topic: Business

Thesis Statement: Businesses structured as large corporations do not succeed in

rural United States communities due to economic, logistical, and social factors.

UNIT- 5

PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Madde I.
What is a persuasive essay?

A persuasive essay is one in which you attempt to get the audience to agree with

your point of view that it is the most informed, logical and valid perspective on the

topic. You are trying to present arguments, research, and ideas in order to influence

the reader one way or the other.

Madde II.
The purpose of persuasive writing

The purpose of a persuasive text can be varied. The aim of persuasion in writing is

generally to convince, motivate, or move readers toward a certain point of view, or

opinion. The challenge in writing a good persuasive text is to use a mix of soulful
language and in some cases images that are supported by rough evidence or other

people's opinions.

Madde III.
The essentials of a persuasive essay

• Introduction and thesis

• Including counterargument, opposing and qualifying ideas

• Convincing words and some phrases of concession (such as although, still or

yet etc.)

• Strong evidence in support of claim

• Adding visual elements to strengthen the effect of persuasive arguments

• Style and tone of language

• A compelling conclusion

Madde IV.

Preparing outline

Writing an outline is a great step for writing persuasive essays. An outline helps to

get your ideas well-organized and makes the writing process simpler and faster. A

normal persuasive essay structure is quite similar to other types of essays and

includes three main parts: an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• INTRODUCTION

The introduction part consists of a hook, background information and a thesis

statement. For this genre, the topic should be a controversial one since they suit this

kind of essays well. But the writer should be passionate about this topic or the

writer’s already given a topic, they should approach the subject from an angle that

interests them. Then grab the reader’s attention with a quote, question or vivid

description. Next, state your position on the issue simply and clearly. Give a sneak-

peek into the topic’s background. This will place the issue in context and briefly
weigh up some of the different opinions on the subject. After drawing attention and

catching up the reader, it is now time for the writer to express their own opinion and

briefly preview the points they will make later in the essay.

• BODY PARAGRAPHS

Firstly, make sure that your style and tone are convenient for your subject and

audience. Adapt your language and word choice to these two factors, while still

staying loyal to your own ideas. Then the writer should focus on giving more

evidence to support thesis statement and the other body paragraphs. Normally three

main points will be sufficient for beginning writers to coordinate. But advanced

writers can simply increase the number of paragraphs based on the complexity of

their arguments. Each piece of evidence should be fully explained and clearly stated.

In the final body paragraph of your paper, you can also state the opposing opinion

and provide counterarguments—this will strengthen the persuasive effect of the text.

The last part of the paragraph goes back to the first sentence of the topic sentence,

while also creating a hyperlink to the next point to be made.

• CONCLUSION

The conclusion brings together the main points of the persuasive essay. It does not

present any new arguments or evidence, but rather reviews the arguments made

before and restates them by summarizing them in a unique way. At this stage it is

important to connect everything back to the initial thesis statement. This is the

author's last opportunity to achieve his goal of the essay to begin with - convince the

reader of their point of view. Finishing an essay is hard but for persuasive essay

writers, it is requisite to end successfully; it should be clear, logical, and powerful.

Madde V.
Example

Topic: Can schools prevent cyber bullying?

Thesis Statement: While schools can educate children and adjust technology within

school, children and young people also have access to technology outside the
classroom, making it nearly impossible for the education system to actually stop

cyberbullying.

UNIT- 7

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Madde I.
What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides

of an issue. It could be that both sides are presented equally balanced, or it could be

that one side is presented more forcefully than the other. The main purpose of an

argumentative essay is to inform rather than convince – that’s why this type of paper

should not be confused with a persuasive essay. When writing an argumentative

essay, it is important to focus on facts and information rather than personal ideas or

preferences.

Madde II.
Elements of an argumentative essay

• Position: It's essential to determine which side of the argument you are taking.

Afterwards, make a point to express why you took your initial position.

• Evidence: This is where you need to provide factual evidence from outside

sources for your reasons. It is very important to give citations and references

for where you gathered your evidence.

• Counterarguments: This is where you need to demonstrate the other side of

the issue. Provide the opposing argument from your point of view. After
 showing the counterarguments, you should present strong evidence to show

why they are weak or wrong and ineffective.

Madde III.
The structure of argumentative essays

It is important to make room for the opposing argument in the essay, and

dismantling the points it makes so that it has more of an impact on the reader. There

are two ways of organizing the structure of the argumentative essay.

• First one is listing the arguments made by the opposing side back-to-back, in a

single paragraph, without trying to answer or dismantle them. Then, in the next

paragraph, answering them in order, and breaking them down.

• The second way of organizing is explaining one of the counter-arguments in

one paragraph, and then dismantling it in the same one. This way of organizing

the essay gives more room for both arguments and counterarguments, and

provides a more well-structured composition.

It is essential in both styles to provide strong evidence and citations for said evidence

in order to effectively convince the reader into agreeing with the writers’ argument.

Madde IV.
Preparing Outline

After picking a decent topic about your essay, and checking criteria such as

reliability, accuracy etc. for the validity of your information we can start putting the

pieces of the argumentative essay outline together.

• INTRODUCTION

The first paragraph of your essay should outline the topic, provide background

information necessary to understand your argument, outline the evidence you will

present and states your thesis. But above all, you should hook your readers and draw
attention to your ideas and paragraphs. Create a sentence that stands out from the

rest of the text. Then you can go step by step by introducing the subject and giving

background information about that. You shouldn’t forget to state its importance as

well. The last sentence of the introduction should present the focal point and central

argument of your entire paper.

• BODY PARAGRAPHS

This part will support the thesis statement with valid arguments. A typical

argumentative essay comprises three or more paragraphs that explain the reasons

why you support your thesis. Each body paragraph should include a different

opinion or piece of evidence and contain a topic sentence that clearly and briefly

explains why the reader should agree with your point of view. To persuade the

readers to a particular reason it is important to add an emotional element to justify

your argument as well. After coming up with a defendable claim and supporting it

with evidence while maintaining the logical flow, end the body paragraph with a

concluding statement. The primary purpose of this concluding statement is to

summarize the general significance of the thesis' claim. It should bound up with the

illustrative evidence to the thesis statement.

• CONCLUSION

The finale of your papers plays an instrumental role in winning arguments and

getting results. The first sentence of any conclusion should always be a restatement

of your thesis statement. Presumably, the audience has already forgotten some of the

information you presented. Therefore, go back through and review your main points,

giving your argument closure. To end your argumentative essay outline with a burst,

present an unforgettable concluding statement. Usually, this sentence will state the

universal importance of the information and should leave the reader with a prompt

to further research the topic. With the right ending, you can give your reader

something to walk away with and to think about for the future.
Madde V.

Example

Topic: Junk food restrictions

Thesis Statement: Because junk food is bad for your health, the size of sodas offered

at fast-food restaurants should be regulated by the federal government.

 YARARLANDIĞIM KAYNAKLAR

• https://essaypro.com/blog/explanatory-essay#Topics

• https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/10-7-comparison-and-

contrast/#:~:text=A%20compare%2Dand%2Dcontrast%20essay%20analyzes%2

0two%20subjects%20by%20either,unexpected%20similarities%20between%20t

wo%20subjects.

• http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/fessay%20types.htm

• https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/candc/

• https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/10-9-persuasion/

• https://www.essaytigers.com/how-write-opinion-essay

• https://essaypro.com/blog/persuasive-essay

• https://essaypro.com/blog/argumentative-essay#Definition

• https://literarydevices.net/types-of-essay/

• https://literarydevices.net/argumentative-essay/

• https://papersowl.com/blog/argumentative-essay-conclusion