Essay Writing 101

By Mrs. Robinson

•Essays prove a point or opinion about something

-There is a lesson in every essay

Types of Essays

• History• Personal– Uses “I” or first person to express idea or share

personal experience• Analysis– Analyzes and explains contents within– Literature based

• Research– Explains and involves the writer going beyond for

information

Other types

• Persuasive– Writer tries to persuade reader of an opinion

• Comparison/Contrast– Shows similarities and differences of two things

Paragraphing• Written in paragraphs to make the work

structurally stronger– Format can be persuasive

• Paragraphs– Allow the reader to breathe– Make the points stronger– Draw attention to the thesis– Work as a map for the reader– Work like a little essay

• They have topic sentences (thesis) and support sentences (like point paragraphs)

An Essay Should NOT• Be one block paragraph• Be written in past tense unless it’s a personal or

history essay– Literature based essays are all in present

• Use “I” unless it’s personal– This takes away from the believability

• Say “in this essay,” “the point is,” first, second, third, “in conclusion,” or anything super obvious

• Use “you”– Maintain distance from reader

Parts of The Essay

• Introduction • Point paragraphs– In literature quotes and examples from text are

proof and support– Support must then be explained in the essay

writer’s own words• Conclusion

Introduction

• First line is the hook line– Address the question or topic– Should include author and title if dealing with

literature• Should paint a picture for reader– Often uses personal narrative or anecdote to create

interest• Allow the reader to get caught in the essay

• Topic should come alive and interest the reader

Intro continued

• By the end of intro, topic should be clear– Define if research or mature/selective topic

• Should end in thesis– Thesis- statement of one sentence outlining rest of

essay and point to be made– EX:

• Spurlock proves the negative effects of the fast food industry through his persuasive techniques of imagery, logos, and pathos.

• Chopin paints a negative picture of the American South through her use of racism, sexism, and ignorance.

Point Paragraphs and Support• Essay is only as strong as support and proof• Support can include examples, quotations, or research

(proof)– All support if used from literature or research must be

parenthetically documented with a works cited page• Support must be factual and based on truth• Each point should have its own paragraph and be

mentioned in the thesis– This draws attention to support– Use transitions to start a new paragraph

• Also, however, in addition, on the other hand, in the same way, therefore, as a result, consequently

• Transition help to connect the entire essay and give smooth readability

Points continued

Conclusion- The Final Paragraph• Should begin with the thesis to remind the reader– Restate the thesis in different wording- but say the

same thing• This is last opportunity to remind the reader of

the strong points- mention them• Use emotion in the conclusion to grab the reader• Finish on a personal note or with a strong

example or statement to leave a lasting impression

• Conclusion should leave the reader thinking about the topic