Writing an Essay

1
Writing an Essay

• English 114
• Lesson 7 Part One
• Dr. Mercedes Torres

2
Definitions

• An essay is a group of paragraphs about one main
  idea.
• An essay is a group of paragraphs that is
  organized to develop a general idea by treating
  several related aspects of that idea in separate
  paragraphs
• Essay comes from the French word essai which
  means attempt or try
• The writer in an essay tries to communicate his
  or her point of view on a subject.
• Turkenik (1999)
• Ellis et al. (1998)

3
Parts of an Essay

• Introduction
• Thesis statement expresses the main idea that
  will be developed for the entire essay
• Identifies ideas that will be developed in
  separate paragraphs
• Transition sentence guides the reader to the
  next paragraph (word, phrase or sentence)
• Main Body
• Developmental paragraphs
• Transition sentences
• Conclusion
• Paraphrases the thesis statement

4
Example

• Taken from
• Ellis et.al. (1998). Write On! A
  Grammar-Composition Workbook. Puerto Rico
  Editorial Plaza Mayor.

5
The Structure of the Essay

• Paragraph 1 Introductory paragraph
• States the idea that will be developed
• Thesis
• Identifies ideas that will be developed in
  separate paragraphs
• Transition sentence leads the reader from one
  paragraph to the next
• Paragraph 2,3 and 4 Main body of the essay
• Marias considerateness
• Marias sense of responsibility
• Marias musical talent
• Paragraph 5 Concluding paragraph

6
The Structure of the Essay

• Paragraph 1 Introductory paragraph
• States the idea that will be developed
• Thesis
• Identifies ideas that will be developed in
  separate paragraphs
• Transition sentence leads the reader from one
  paragraph to the next

• Introductory Paragraph
• Admirable qualities of Maria
• My friend Maria has several very admirable
  qualities
• Consideration for others
• Sense of responsibility
• Musical Talent
• Marias musical talent has won the respect of
  many people, but her considerateness has made
  them love her

7
The Structure of the Essay

• Marias considerateness
• Maria is very considerate with everyone around
  her.
• helps her mother
• visits grandmother
• listens to her friends problems
• Although Maria rarely gives advice unless someone
  asks for it, her advice is always based on
  consideration for everyone
• In addition to being a considerate person, Maria
  has a strong sense of responsibility.

• Paragraph 2
• Developmental Paragraph
• Topic Sentence
• Supporting Sentences
• Concluding Sentence
• Transition Sentence

8
The Structure of the Essay
A Friend That I Admire
admirable qualities
sense of responsibility
consideration for others
helps her mother
favorite composers
work on time
listens to her friends s problems
9
The Structure of the Essay
A Friend That I Admire
admirable qualities
sense of responsibility
Musical Talent
consideration for others
piano lessons
helps her mother
attends class regularly
favorite composers
visits her grandmother
work on time
favorite compositions
listens to her friends s problems
reviews and studies
3.8 grade point average
excellent organist
10
Writing Assignment Essay

• Bring the lyrics of your favorite song to class.
• Read the lyrics carefully
• Brainstorm Why is this your favorite song?
• Prepare a concept map

11
References

• Ellis et.al. (1998). Write On! A
  Grammar-Composition Workbook. Puerto Rico
  Editorial Plaza Mayor.