1. 1. Writing Essays Presented by the Student Success and Tutoring Center
2. 2. Sample Paragraph In the 1990s, there were various types of popular music: pop, rock, soul, country, and hip-hop. That decade saw the end of hair metal bands and the beginning of the rap revolution. Simultaneously, it was a time when the rock world rejuvenated itself with a brand new sound. At the forefront of this musical onslaught were Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Even though each band had their own distinctive sound, there were still some analogous characteristics. For instance, the bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam are similar because of their music styles, geography, and fame. In the 1990s, there were various types of popular music: pop, rock, soul, country, and hip-hop. That decade saw the end of hair metal bands and the beginning of the rap revolution. Simultaneously, it was a time when the rock world rejuvenated itself with a brand new sound. At the forefront of this musical onslaught were Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Even though each band had their own distinctive sound, there were still some analogous characteristics. For instance, the bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam are similar because of their music styles, geography, and fame.
3. 3. Introduction: The Funnel System Thesis Body Conclusion Essay Development
4. 4. Introduces the topic of the essay Creates an interest for the reader Provide background information for context Clearly identifies the main idea Previews the rest of the essay Introduction
5. 5. Conveys the main purpose and the points of development Three-pronged thesis statements help organize main ideas Thesis statements usually appear at the end of the introduction Be direct and concise Think of the thesis at the road map of the essay Thesis Statements
6. 6. Base: Interesting hook and background information Middle: Narrowing sides=narrowing content Point: The funnel ends at a point, same as your introduction. This point can also be known as your thesis statement. The Funnel System
7. 7. Brainstorm and create an outline Its key to chronologically organize your body paragraphs according to your thesis statement. Topic sentences that establish the basis for the paragraph Expansion of ideas Examples/evidence/supporting details They say, I say. STAY ON POINT Closing sentences that transition to the next paragraph Body
8. 8. Sample Body Paragraph The first thing both Nirvana and Pearl Jam had in common was the style of music they made. Both bands wrote and performed what is now called Grunge music. At the time, it was just considered alternative rock; however, it soon became known as Grunge when the bands developed popularity, and the media needed a way to differentiate it from bands such as REM and The Pixies. Grunge music consists of heavy cords, haunting lyrics, and teenage angst; both Nirvana and Pearl Jam utilized these characteristics in all of their songs. Clearly, both bands had enough in common to include them into an entirely new musical genre. Not only was the music of Nirvana and Pearl Jam similar, they were also located in the same geographical location.
9. 9. Sums up the information in the body paragraphs Clarifies whats been learned through writing DOES NOT INTRODUCE NEW MATERIAL Leaves reader with final thought/question Provides lasting impression on reader Conclusion
10. 10. Sample Conclusion Nirvana and Pearl Jam each put their mark on the changing musical landscape of the 1990s. Within the chaos produced by the hurricane of one-hit wonders and come-and-go artists like Vanilla Ice, Wreckx N Effects, 4 Non Blondes, and Rednex, these two bands have been able to retain their individuality. Even though Nirvana is no longer together due to the untimely death of lead singer Kurt Cobain in 1994, the music still lives on, and drummer Dave Grohls post-Nirvana band Foo Fighters remains on the charts. Pearl Jam is keeping the Grunge revolution alive because they are still together and making music. While clearly withstanding the test of time, both of these exceptional bands have, and will continue to inspire and influence musicians for years to come.
11. 11. Brainstorm before writing in paragraph form Dont focus on length requirement; just write! Edit for grammar after the writing process Struggling with the introduction? Try starting with the body, or even the conclusion! Unsure about the topic? Do some research for guidance. Always ask the professor for specifics regarding the assignment The SSTC has an Online Resource Center that has more helpful information related to writing. Check them out! Misc. Tips
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