how to structure & write an essay
DESCRIPTION
Brief overview and advice on how to structure and write an essayTRANSCRIPT
Structuring & Writing a good essay
Blackburn College: Sociology Access (Level 3)
Use Objective language
• Consider the example sentences below (which do you think are correct)?
Use Objective language
• Consider the example sentences below (which do you think are correct)?
Here’s What An Essay “Looks” Like:
• Title - always start your essay off with the full/complete title
• Introduction• Overview of main topic areas; what your essay
will cover; key definitions
• Body of Essay (paragraph 1)• Topic sentence• Supporting details
• Body of Essay (paragraph 2 … etc.) • Topic sentence• Supporting details
• Summary/Conclusion
Introduction• Your first or introductory paragraph
should explain your topic and provide any key definitions of terms.
• Your introductory paragraph (or paragraphs) contain statements that help your reader focus on what exactly you are going to talk about in the upcoming body paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs
• Body paragraphs support and explain the response to the essay question/title.
• Cohesive, neat paragraphs are important, as they make your essay:
• ‘Reader friendly’• They help make the essay look
organized.• And, of course, they help you meet your
essay’s word-length requirement.
Some advice for paragraphs
• Generally, a paragraph starts with a topic sentence, that tells what the paragraph is about, (the other sentences provide details and support.
• Each paragraph is a complete thought• A paragraph focuses on a particular theme,
topic, or argument• As soon as you start to change thoughts, or if
your writing goes in a new direction, start a new paragraph
• Don’t be afraid of having several paragraphs.• But likewise, don’t have too many
Conclusions
• A concluding paragraph is the final paragraph in your essay
• It presents an important summary of your essay; and, it should link directly back to the title/introduction
• PS: Don’t forget a full & accurate Bibliography