Essay writing

SIW 6
The structure of an essay
 Thesis statement
• The thesis statement is the sentence that tells the main
idea of the whole essay. It can be compared to a topic
sentence, which gives the main idea of a paragraph. It
usually comes at or near the end of the introductory
paragraph.
Introduction
Ex. Look at the previous essay you have read and answer these questions.
Ex
Ex (продолжение)
Ex. Read the introductory paragraph below and choose the best
conclusion for it (a, b or c) (Next 2 slides)
 Problem Cause Comparison / contrast Argumentative essay
and and effect essay
solution essay
essay
1. Block 1. Block 1. Point-by-point organization: 1. Point by point organization:
organizatio organization A. Statement of the other side’s first argument
n: : and rebuttal with your own counterargument
Problem 1 Cause 1 B. Statement of the other side’s second argument
Problem 2 Cause 2 and rebuttal with your own counterargument.
------- ------- C. Statement of the other side’s third argument
Solution 1 Effect 1 and rebuttal with your own counterargument.
Solution 2 Effect 2 Here be sure that all arguments and
counterarguments must be proven by credible
sources.
 2. Chain 2. Chain 2. Block organization: 2. Block organization:
organization organization Block 1:
Problem 1 Cause 1 A. Summary of other side’s arguments
Solution 1 Effect 1 B. Rebuttal to the first argument
----- ----- C. Rebuttal to the second argument
Problem 2 Cause 2 D. Rebuttal to the third argument
Solution 2 Effect 2
Block 2:
E. Your first argument
F. Your second argument
G. Your third argument
Here be sure that all arguments and
counterarguments must be proven by credible
sources.
• Each paragraph must start from the “topic sentence” that
describes the paragraph itself.
• Next 2-3 sentences must “support” the topic sentence by
examples, statistics, evidence. (Smith, 2009, p.23).
• Concluding sentence is the paraphrased topic sentence,
which summarizes the whole paragraph.
Conclusion
• III. Conclusion is the restating the thesis statement including final
thoughts.
•• Try to avoid using personal pronouns (I think, We consider)
•• Avoid using comparative and superlative adjectives.
•• Use formal language (avoid contractions: do not, are not,
cannot)
•• Since this is the academic writing, DON’T BE dramatic in your
writing. Write clear statements with supporting evidence.
•• Use passive voice. Example: “The data are expected to show
positive results.”