How to write an essay

Creating a framework: a skeletal structure for an essay based on a 6 paragraph system:

Para 1: introduction
Para 2-5: body
Para 6: conclusion
Each paragraph should include 3 main sentence supplemented by supporting sentences
which includes development of your argument and examples
Your framework will consist of an average of 18 major sentences, 6 paragraphs of 3 main
sentences each so 6x3= 18
Basic structure:
Sentence 1: introductory or linking sentence
Sentence 2: topic sentence
Sentence 3: linking sentence
Expanded version:
Sentence 1: introductory to linking sentence
Sentence 2: topic sentence
Sentence 2a: developing/ supplementary argument
Sentence 2b: example
Sentence 3: linking sentence
Free-write:
Try to link your free-writing starting point to some of the concepts you explored in the
earlier min-mapping pre-writing task. It doesn’t matter if you stray
Introduction:
- Start from the general and move to the specific
- Come up with a strong personal stance (thesis statement) and develop a thematic
metaphor for your stance
o The thematic metaphor allows you to create a clear image which the reader
will keep in mind and to which you will keep subtly referring to as your essay
develops by referencing it using associated vocabulary and examples. It is
essentially a literary technique- an extended metaphor, functioning as an
anchoring/grounding device in your essay
- The general introductory sentence is normally based on a universally acknowledged
truth or assumption
 - Which you then use as a hook to transition to your hypothesis or thesis statement
- Include main points to be assessed/analysed
- Give a major example (evidence or material for potential discussion)
- Provide a linking sentence
General introductory sentence: as the 19th century German composer Richard Wagner once
stated
Strategies for cohesion:
- Lexical cohesion: repetition of thematically linked images or ideas/ vocabulary from
one linking sentences to another
- Synonyms and extended metaphors
- Collocations is the clustering of words by means of their naturally associative quality
- Alliteration and similes
- Grammatical cohesion: reference, identification and conjunction
- Reference: use of pronouns, ex: he, she, they
- Identification: use of determiners, ex: the, this and that
- Conjunction- and, but, because, so etc
Writing a solid conclusion:
- Support your original stance with a ‘therefore’ statement which discusses a
consequence or result
o So what? What’s the point of all that you’ve written? And that’s how one can
create an all-rounder conclusion, a justification, a summary of what you’ve
written without summarizing.
- Use a before-after transformational example
- Don’t be finalistic- imply the possibility of further research’ analysis on the subject
- Don’t end with a question
- Ex: imagination is unique in its function as it created the unification between a theme
and a character which simultaneously erect long lasting consequential effects.
Perception also plays a vital role in identifying and internalising the importance of
acknowledging of diversity.
Outline of concepts
- Sentence modulation
- Cohesive structures
- Sentence rewriting
Sentence synthesis: The combination of components or elements to form a connected
whole
5 C’s of style:
- Cut repetition of words and ideas.
- Check for action