Opening and

Closing of Essay
The Opening Paragraph

 ► Avoid writing ‘waffle’ in your opening paragraph.

 ► Waffle is making generalized, empty statements that could apply to a whole range of
topics, but which manage to say nothing relevant in answer to the question.
 ► For example:
 This is a very important issue and there are many different approaches that can be
taken in regard to it. Many experts have considered this matter, but no one has come up
with proven solutions. There are arguments for and against and many people feel very
strongly about it

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Example of Opening Paragraph

 The Internet has revolutionized the modern world, but it has also created new problems
and inequalities. Do you agree?

 It is undoubted that the Internet has gained in popularity over recent decades thanks to
its enormous benefits. As a result, the internet has obviously transformed much of our
society.

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 Example of Opening Paragraph

 However, not only does the rapid development of the internet have certain positive

impacts, but it also poses a serious threat of burning issues and inequalities. Thus, I

personally agree with the perspective that the internet is a double-edged sword as the

reasons stated below.

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The Body of the Essay

 ► Typically consists of about three paragraphs

 ► DEAL WITH ONE MAIN POINT PER PARAGRAPH

 • A topic sentence followed by a development of that point using specific example and

illustration.

 • The last sentence in this section should be a transitional one. Try to make a statement

that sums up the last paragraph, while also introducing the new topic. EX:

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 Body of essay

Not only do teen drivers’ decisions show a marked lack of judgment, but they also show a

problematic lack of experience.

 ► CONTINUITY Your essay must have the appearance of a continuous, coherent and

integrated whole with each section linking with the previous section.

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Examples of Linking Words and Phrases

 Another essential feature of …

 ► While it can be argued that …, it is also true that …
 ► However, many critics disagree with this …
 ► To counter this argument, …
 ► Nevertheless, the evidence is that …
 ► Secondly, …
 ► Therefore, …
 ► Thus, …

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Examples of Linking Words and Phrases

 ► Finally, …
 ► The bulk of the available evidence, then, points to
 ► the fact that …
 ► On the contrary, …
 ► Having analyzed this aspect, I would now like to …
 ► Furthermore, …
 ► In order to emphasize this point, I would like to point to …
 ► Moreover, there are other convincing arguments to back up …

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Persuasive Essay

 ► Persuasive essay tires to convince the reader to accept a particular point of view or
take a specific action.
 ► Good persuasive essay demonstrates not only why the writer’s opinion is correct
but also why the opposing view is incorrect.
 ► Writing persuasive essay needs some research and a solid understanding of both
sides of argument.
 ► It is also necessary to know about the general readers opinion on the specific topic.
 ► Write an expository essay about “After effects of flood in the affected area” ?

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The Closing Paragraph

 ► The function of the closing paragraph is to round off the essay appropriately.
 ► The essay may have asked you to make some kind of judgment and this is where
you have to express that judgment and summarize the reasons for it.
 ► It is wise practice to refer back to the evidence or arguments you have been making
in the body of the essay. Of course, you do not restate the same points, but you must
find a way of summing up that brings the essay to an emphatic conclusion

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The closing paragraph.

 . Try to avoid, however, mindlessly repeating exactly the arguments or content you
have used earlier.

 ► Find a fresh and concise way of re-emphasizing the conclusion you have come to.

 ► New topics or ideas that were not developed in the paper should not be introduced.

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Final Sentence

 ► A neat, rounding-off sentence that leaves your reader with something to think about
is a sound practice in essay-writing.
 ► It can also contain words of advice or recommendation.


Example 1 of the Closing Paragraph
In conclusion, I once again assert that the Internet has salutary effects on modern life,
but it has been troubled with problems at the same time. Personally,

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Examples of closing sentence.

 I think that the internet is an amazing tool of searching and gaining new information

and be updated, and the benefits of accessing it definitely outweigh the dangers.

However, we should use it carefully.

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Write an Essay

 a) Argue the case for or against the banning of smoking in all public places.
 b) Which is your favorite character from the set books you have read? Give the reasons
for your choice and an analysis of how the character is represented by the author.
 c) ‘The warming of the planet is the most serious issue that faces mankind today.’
Discuss this statement.


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Write an essay.

 d) Many people feel strongly that health services should be provided by the government
and should be freely available. Others argue that only privatized health care can
provide good quality health services. To what extent do you believe that health and
medical services should be privatized?

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