В.В. Ладейщиков Зав.лаб. ИТОДУ РИРО Методист ин.яз. HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY

The essay is a form of writing which is used when we need to give our viewpoint and to provide details to explain this view. What is an essay?

The essay has three main parts - an introduction, body and conclusion. However, the most important thing about the essay is that it gives details. So, it is written in chunks or paragraphs. Paragraphs are groups of sentences that state and develop a point you want to make. What does an essay look like?

To help you identify this, think about what you would say if you were speaking to friends about these essay topics. You would probably say Im doing an essay on X. The word you use to describe your topic is usually the main idea. The topic is the work a correctional officer undertakes. What is the topic or main idea?

Which particular aspect of the topic are you being asked to focus on? Limitation: you are not being asked to write anything you want about this work. You must focus on your understanding of what the work is and the personal qualities needed to undertake the work. Am I being limited in writing about this topic?

Basic types of essays

How to Write an Argument Essay

Step 1: Read the essay Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas.

Step 2: Underline Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you understand the question.

Step 3: Get Ideas Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides (for and against - one paragraph each) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay.

Step 4: Decide Layout You should decide on a layout. The easiest is That means four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) one side (7 sentences), the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words. Perfect!

Step 5: Write After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps in this website for writing the introduction, body, and conclusion. Check for fragments, run-ons and comma splices.

Vocabulary Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first?

Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first? Governments = nations, countries, authorities, politicians Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the international space station, planets, planetary voyages Money = budgets, taxes, resources, Problems = concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war, famine, poverty, education, homelessness, drugs, global warming Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developing countries, foreign aid,

Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people do not think that nations should waste money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. (Other side)

Step 4: Add a Thesis With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people question whether nations should waste money on exploring space. However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. This essay will examine some arguments for and against space exploration. (Thesis)

Ideas Many students worry about ideas. "I don't know what to say!" "I don't know anything about this topic!" However, you don't need too many ideas for an essay in an English exam. The magic number is three. Three ideas means three ideas for and three ideas against (3773 layout) three ideas for (35553 layout) three ideas against (35553)

Ideas

The best way to get ideas is to underline the main words in the question, and then to write down any words with the same meaning or which are related. Pretend it is a vocabulary exercise. Make sure you write down the words. Don't try to keep them in your head. The more words you write down, the more ideas you will get. Spend five or six minutes just writing down words based on the question. Some people also use brainstorming, mind maps or other techniques.

Two sides of an argument Give the other side's opinion, and then give YOUR opinion Give the other side Some people think that… Although many people feel that… It is claimed that… Some people feel that… One sentence (While, although) While it is true that… … I believe… Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke. Although many people think that…., I feel that Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true You should try to balance your essay by giving the other side of the argument !

Two sides of an argument Two sentences It is undoubtedly true that… …However… It is often argued that… However, it is Some people say that… They claim… However, I feel… Supporters of this viewpoint say that… However, it is One sentence (While, although) While it is true that… … I believe… Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke. Although many people think that…., I feel that Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true What would you like to do now? You should try to balance your essay by giving the other side of the argument !

Thesis Sentence A thesis statement is a sentence (or two) that states what you are going to do in your essay. It is a kind of signpost or map that shows the reader what direction you will take. It usually comes at the end of the Introduction. In this essay, I will outline the arguments for and against sex education in schools. In this essay, I will examine some reasons for the growth of the tourism industry.

You can leave out "I." This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against early marriage. This essay will discuss the benefits of having universal free health care. Show how many parts your essay will have Sometimes the reader can tell which paragraphs will follow the thesis statement. I am going to analyse the effects of drugs on the individual, the family, and society. In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts - one on the effects of drugs on the individual, one part with the effects on the family, and another with the effects on society. Be Strong Sometimes you don't need a "will" or "going to". Your thesis statement is so strong that it is clear what your opinion is. Beating children brutalizes parents, damages the parent-child relationship, and is completely unnecessary. In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts - one on the effects of corporal punishment on parents, one part with the effects relationship, and another which claims that beating is not needed. Words to use in the thesis sentence analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe

You can leave out "I." This essay looks at ideas in favour of and against early marriage. This essay will discuss the benefits of having universal free health care. Show how many parts your essay will have Sometimes the reader can tell which paragraphs will follow the thesis statement. I am going to analyse the effects of drugs on the individual, the family, and society. In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts - one on the effects of drugs on the individual, one part with the effects on the family, and another with the effects on society. Be Strong Sometimes you don't need a "will" or "going to". Your thesis statement is so strong that it is clear what your opinion is. Beating children brutalizes parents, damages the parent-child relationship, and is completely unnecessary. In an essay with the thesis statement above, there will clearly be three parts - one on the effects of corporal punishment on parents, one part with the effects relationship, and another which claims that beating is not needed. Words to use in the thesis sentence analyze, look at, examine, discuss, outline, consider, describe

Layout of your essay There are basically two ways to layout your paragraphs a four-paragraph essay a five-paragraph essay

Parts of an Essay Essays, like sandwiches or burgers, are divided into different parts. These parts are the: Introduction The Introduction opens the essay. It is a short paragraph - usually about THREE sentences. In an argument essay, it usually describes or summarizes both sides of the present situation and says what you are going to do in your essay. Body The Body is the main part of the essay. In an argument essay, it is divided into two or three paragraphs, giving your opinion and reasons. Each paragraph in the body is between FIVE and SEVEN sentences long. Conclusion The Conclusion is the end of the essay. It is a short paragraph - about THREE sentences. It often has the same idea as the Introduction, only in different words. Some people think of the essay as a sandwich. The Introduction and Conclusion are the bread, and the Body is the filling in the center.

Parts of an Essay Introductions One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences: two about the topic one thesis sentence You can write either Situation or Opinion introductions. There's not much difference between them. Situation Introductions Opinion Introductions

Parts of an Essay Situation Introductions Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence - the Thesis sentence - will describe what you are going do in your essay.

Parts of an Essay Opinion Introductions In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you are going to do.

Parts of an Essay The Body Two words: Use Paragraphs! Students who don't have paragraphs fail! The body of the essay should ALWAYS be divided into paragraphs. Never write just one long paragraph. Why? The white space makes your essay easier to read. Having paragraphs shows that you have (probably) put related ideas together. How many paragraphs in the body? Either two paragraphs (3773) or three (35553).

Parts of an Essay When do I use 3773 or layouts? When do I use two paragraphs or three paragraphs in the body? When do I use 3773 or 35553? It depends on your ideas. Use TWO paragraphs (3773) if you are giving both sides of the argument or situation - one paragraph for, and one against (or the opposite). Use THREE paragraphs if you are only giving one side.

Parts of an Essay Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to agree in one paragraph and then disagree in the second paragraph. Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to disagree in one paragraph and then agree in the second paragraph. Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are agreeing in all three paragraphs. Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are disagreeing in all three paragraphs.

Parts of an Essay If your paragraph is in good shape, your body will look good and feel good. Here's what you need to have in a body paragraph. Topic Sentence Argument or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument or Reason 3 (Three is a magic number. Always aim to have 3 ideas.) Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Paragraph summary (optional)

Parts of an Essay

People have several arguments against the need for degrees. They say that having so many graduates devalues a degree. People lose respect for the degree holder. It is also claimed that education has become a rat race, since graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of studying. Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to learners becoming inflexible. By that I mean that they know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable to apply their skills. Employers, on the other hand, prefer more flexible and adaptable workers.

Parts of an Essay Conclusion The conclusion is the end of the essay. It is the last part of the essay and it is the part that the reader may remember most. It should be clear and avoid confusing the reader. The reader expects the conclusion to do some or all of the following rephrase the question summarize the main ideas give your opinion, if you haven't given it already look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes) The reader DOES NOT expect new information in the conclusion. Never add a new idea just because you have thought of it at the end! You must do all of this in just three or four sentences!

Parts of an Essay Conclusion Vocabulary is Important The conclusion is very similar to the introduction. However, you should avoid repeating the same words. This is why a few minutes spent at the start of the exam writing down synonyms (words with the same meaning) and related words is very helpful. After all, if you only have a 250-word essay but use the same word 10 times, this will not show the examiner what you know

Parts of an Essay Conclusion Wrapping Paper Another way to look at the Introduction and the Conclusion is to think about gift wrapping paper. Your intro and conclusion wrap around your essay like a piece of bright paper "wraps" a present. They are not the main part of the essay, but they do make your essay look good. Your conclusion 'wraps' up the essay. We don't put something valuable, like money or gold, hidden in the wrapping paper, so don't put new information or important ideas in the conclusion.

Conclusion Should we test products on animals? I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for testing new products have the minimum of suffering. However, I am convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue to benefit humans in new and wonderful ways. Should we beat children? In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of discipline. However it should be the last choice for parents. If we want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home, and we must teach our children to be responsible. Is education important? In conclusion, although there are undoubtedly some problems with increased levels of education, I feel strongly that the country can only progress if all its people are educated to the maximum of their ability. Who are the better parents - men or women? I think this is not an either/or question. Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for children's psychological growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role in the family in order to give children a good start in life. Who learns quicker - adults or children? Finally, I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults being better learners. It depends on the situation and the motivation of the person, and the level of enthusiasm he or she has for learning. Should dangerous sports be banned? In summary, our society would be healthier if more people took part in sports of all kinds. We should continue to try to prevent accidents and injuries. However, we should also ensure that sports are challenging, exciting, and, above all, fun.

Animal Testing Every year, millions of animals undergo painful suffering or death as a result of scientific research into the effects of drugs, food additives, cosmetics and other chemical products. While most people think animal testing is necessary, others are upset by what they see as needless suffering. This essay looks at some of the positive and negative aspects of animal testing. Many medical treatments and procedures have been developed from experiments on animals. Since animals share many features with humans, scientists use animals to test the safety and effectiveness of newly developed drugs before pilot testing on small groups of patients. Medical teams practice new operating techniques such as transplants on animals. Without animal testing, many procedures or new drugs would be extremely unsafe. However, many people are concerned that animals are suffering unnecessarily and cruelly. They do not believe that every new drug needs to be tested on animals, especially with the huge database of knowledge and modern computer models. They also are worried that many animal tests are ineffective, pointing out that any drugs have had to be withdrawn from the market despite extensive testing. They particularly feel that animal testing should not be used for non-essential products such as cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and cleaning products. Furthermore, some campaigners would like to see certain tests replaced and more humane methods used. We need to make sure that the millions of animals who are used for testing new products are treated with the minimum of suffering. Although some animal testing may be unavoidable at present, treating our fellow creatures as mercifully as possible will demonstrate our humanity.