Writing an Essay

Essay Writing Workshop

 What is an essay?

• An essay is a written collection of prose,

organized and divided neatly into paragraphs

• Always remember that an essay is a written

form of communication and therefore, must be
clear, organized and easily understandable to
those reading
 What is the Purpose of an Essay?
• An essay is used to state and support an
opinion with proof and explanation

• Essays can be used to persuade others to

agree with your opinion
 Why do we write five paragraph
essays?
• The first paragraph is an introductory
paragraph

• The middle three paragraph are the body

paragraphs

• The last paragraph is the concluding

paragraph
1. Introductory Paragraph

2. Body paragraph 1

3. Body paragraph 2

4. Body paragraph 3

5. Concluding paragraph
 Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph states and explains a

different point to help you prove your opinion

• An opinion is always stronger when it has

more supporting facts (proof)
Fact Opinion
• Fact is a true statement • An opinion is one individual’s
personal belief on a subject

• Facts can be supported, • Everyone is welcome to have an

upheld and proven by opinion, but not every opinion is
evidence based on fact

• Opinions can be based on what a

person has heard from others,
and is therefore subject to
debate
 Broad Statement

Introduce topic

Introduction Reason 1

Reason 2

Paragraph Reason 3

The Point stated

in the thesis
statement
 Introductory Paragraph
• Begin with a Hook to capture your reader’s attention
Hook • It is a general sentence about your topic.

• Introduce the topic, the author and the title of the

Introduce
Topic
play **Hint use the essay question to guide you**

Three • The next sentence should list your three

reasons reasons/proofs

THESIS • The Thesis

• The specific point you are trying to prove
 Body Paragraphs
 Each of the three body paragraphs deals with one
of the three reasons/proofs

 Always remember to present them in the same

order: A,B,C

 Reason/Proof A should always be your weakest

argument

 Reason/Proof C should always be your strongest

argument
 • A strong topic sentence clearly stating the
reason/proof upon which the paragraph will
Topic Sentence
(POINT) focus

• Evidence and Explanation that demonstrates

Evidence (PROOF) and
how the reason/ proof supports the point
Explanation

• A Concluding sentence that states what you’ve

proven in this paragraph and links the
Concluding sentence
reason/proof back to your thesis
 Topic Sentence
Firstly, (point)
Body Proof
Paragraph Explanation
#1 Conclusion
Secondly, in
addition, also,
additionally
Body Topic Sentence
(Point)
Paragraph Proof
#2 Explanation
Conclusion

Thirdly, lastly
Body Topic Sentence
(Point)
Paragraph Proof
#3 Explanation
Conclusion
 Concluding Paragraph
Restate thesis

Concluding Restate your three

points

Paragraph
Finish with a broad
concluding sentence
about the topic
 • Begin by restating your thesis or the point you
Thesis
attempted to prove in your essay

•The next sentence should restate your three

Points reasons/proofs: A,B,C

Concluding • Finish with a broad concluding sentence about

sentence your topic in general
 Tips for Writing Formal Essays
 Do not use personal pronouns (I, we, you) These
suggest your essay is an opinion instead of factual

 Write in Present tense

 Do not use unconventional devices or creative

writing skills

 Do not use contractions (Can’t, won’t, couldn’t)

 Do not use slang or informal language

 Tips for Writing Formal Essays
 Avoid using vague language (be specific)

 In an essay do not simply summarize your novel/play

(assume that whoever is reading knows the novel/play well)

 In your body paragraph, be as detailed and specific as

possible when explaining and supporting your evidence and
quotations

 Use transition words to move smoothly from one idea to

the next (in addition, lastly, for example, therefore)

 NEVER bring up new information in your closing paragraph