Double the Meat:The Essay as a Juicy Burger

What is an essay? A written composition on a single subject

reflecting the author’s personal point of view. A group of paragraphs that develops one central

idea.

There are three parts to the essay

Introduction Body Conclusion

….but that's the easy part, isn't it?(or okay, easier said than done)

An essay is like a burger

Your introduction is the top bun, your body is the meat,and your conclusion is the bottom bun.

Make it something you and other people would want to sink their teeth into.

“Where's the beef?”a.k.a. the stuff that make your essay extra

juicy

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally made up of one paragraph. Provides a general overview as well as the

central idea. Beyond your title, your introduction is supposed

to draw your readers in and hold their attention.

KEY POINT TO THE INTRODUCTION

Hook 'em, or lose 'em in the introduction. When it comes to the burger, the bread better look

fresh.

BODY

The “meat” of the essay Usually contains paragraphs that elaborate on

the main topic or central idea through discussion, analyses, causes and/or effects, processes, comparison and contrast, or utilizing any or a combination of appropriate rhetorical patterns. They may also narrate or describe.

WOULD YOU LIKE TOPPINGS, MAM-SIR?

Your body must sustain the momentum that you established with your introduction, and it is supposed to tie everything together.

AVOID CLUTTER.

BODY: What's Clutter?

Clutter is any word, phrase, sentence or even paragraph that doesn’t actually contribute anything to the essay in question beyond waste space (a.k.a. space fillers, “B.S.” – not bachelor of science!).

Make it a habit to eliminate clutter by DRAFTING then REVISING. Draft, check, then bracket out parts that you deem as unnecessary.

BODY: What's Clutter?

Remember: Too many toppings without any unity will make it all come apart.

BODY: Tips for a Meatier Texture

Transitions are essential. One of the biggest waterholes for young essayists is making good transitions that seamlessly connect all of the topics of discussion together. Transitions are not supposed to be obvious!

Key Points to the Body

This is what makes the burger what it is. Choose your ingredients carefully and put in good order.

If you want to put in something more than the usual BLT, make sure you only use the finest ingredients.

CONCLUSION

Like the introduction, the conclusion may consist of one or more paragraphs.

The main function of the conclusion is to reiterate the central idea of the essay and wrap up loose ends in order to bring the essay to a close.

The conclusion as the bottom bun

A conclusion is NOT a summary of all your main points! This is the area where you take everything that you’ve mentioned in your essay one step further by tying it all together with a final, catchy note, line, sentence or idea.

It's more than McDonald's...

The best essays, like the best kind of food, is distinct.

Even the classic “cheeseburger” has a signature flavor that people know to be Charlie's, Teddy's, or even Caliburger.

The elements of an essay should add up to the dominant impression, the whole point and idea of the essay, and the mood or feeling that its readers are left with after they have read it.

Here's a simple formula to help you out:Dominant Impression = SUBJECT + FRAMEWORK

How do you want your essay to be interpreted?

Merge the subject with your perspective, or way of seeing, and you come up with the dominant impression of your essay.

When you do it correctly, even if it's the same idea, it comes off as new and not as “parroting” someone else.

Burger joints make a signature flavor with unique seasonings, or with a slight twist on classic ingredients.

FOR TAKE-OUT

In a burger, it's about how the different components come together in a memorable bite.

The same should be happen in an essay: it's how it all comes together.

THANK YOU!View or download the pdf at

http://www.slideshare.net/miamarci

CREDITS

Based on a lecture by Pamela Punzalan for Ateneo de Manila University, used with permission.

Content may be re-used for non-profit, non-commercial purposes with due credit.