ESSAY

An essay is a short piece of writing that revolves around

a single subject.

Depending on the theme, tone and style, an essay could

be formal or informal.

An Essay has many purposes depending on what the

writer wants to write about and the effects s/he wants to
produce on the reader
Please watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liyFKUFCQno
An Essay Consists of Three Main Parts

• Introduction

It is the opening part of the write-up that shows the topic

sentence of the essay or the thesis statement. It prepares
the readers on the essay. Therefore, it should be effective so
that the readers are encouraged/ motivated to continue
reading.

Do watch the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU5Tkh-Rvg
 Purpose of the Introduction
• Introduce the main idea (otherwise
known as the thesis or claim) of
the essay;
• Introduce the purpose of the essay
(will it inform, argue, persuade,
describe, narrate, classify, etc.?).
Effective introduction
should:
• Catch the reader’s attention, which
can be done, for example, by using a
direct announcement, a quotation, a
question, a definition, an unusual
comparison, or a controversial
position/opinion;
• Introduce the topic of the essay, (in
other words, inform the reader of and
provide a context for the topic being
discussed)
• Body
An essay includes body
paragraphs, which develop the main
idea (thesis or claim) of the essay.
Watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=UGM_TZQpIyk
 Effective body paragraphs
should
• Explain, illustrate, discuss, or provide
evidence to support the main idea
(thesis or claim) of the essay;
• Discuss only one aspect of the main
idea (whenever you move on to a
new supporting point, start a new
body paragraph);
• Work together with the other body
paragraphs to support your essay’s
main idea;
• Work together with the other body
paragraphs to create a clear,
cohesive argument (clarity and
coherence can be achieved through
the use of transitions)
Conclusion
An essay ends with a brief conclusion, which
brings the essay to a logical end. An effective conclusion
should:
• Remind readers of the primary focus of the essay, which
can be done by restating the main idea in different words;
• Avoid introducing new ideas;
• Avoid apologies.
Watch these videos for ‘conclusion’ and ‘transitions’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBiiRrgZJfk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFkFFu_7c_I
Links to Essays
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Bacon’s Essays
https://www.westegg.com/bacon/index.essays.html