Essay+structure


 * || [[image:http://s.wikispaces.com/i/edit.png width="128" height="37" caption="Edit This Page" link="http://themessenger.wikispaces.com/page/edit/The+Essay"]]Essays are not all that difficult, just remember to be guided by the question; it will specify what it is that you need to focus on. A basic structure in the Five paragraph structure - an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Remember the 'Essayburger' model form Year 7.

=5-paragraph Essay=

Introductory paragraph
The introductory paragraph should include your statement of contention (this is your answer to the question being asked), a kind of mini-outline for the essay. This is where the writer grabs the reader's attention. It tells the reader what the essay is about. Clear sign posts need to be included which direct the reader to the topics of each of the main paragraphs. The last sentence of this paragraph must also include a transitional "hook" which moves the reader to the first paragraph of the body of the essay.

In terms of style, it is necessary to include the name of the author and the title of the text in the opening sentence. This may mean that many essays begin in a predictable manner so it is important that you try to vary the way you introduce these elements. Experiement with different approaches until you find on that works for you, and then try to replicate this until you become familiar with this approach. Further, locate a succinct quotation from the text that encapsulates the key idea you are going to explore in the essay. Often the essay will focus on the development of a character(s) so a quote that summarises the qualities of the character would be useful. If the essay asks you to concentrate on the key themes and issues then a statement by the author within the novel can be powerful. The use of this single quotation in the introduction will be sufficient, you don't want to over do the use of quotations here as the function of this paragraph is to introduce your ideas.

Body - First paragraph
The first paragraph of the body should include the strongest idea, most significant example, cleverest illustration, or an obvious beginning point such as the first subject raised in the question. The first sentence should contain the "reverse hook" which ties in with the transitional hook at the end of the introductory paragraph. The subject for this paragraph should be in the first sentence, remembering that each paragraph must begin with a topic sentence. This subject should relate to the statement or contention in the introductory paragraph. The last sentence in this paragraph should include a transitional hook to tie into the second paragraph of the body.

The 'hooks' that are being spoken of here maybe something as gentle and subtle as the repetition of a key word. For example: the final sentence of the introduction maybe - //It is through Zusak's use of vivid visual imagery that helps the reader to see the growth and development of Ed as he journeys through each of the challenges.//

The first sentence of the First paragraph could be: T//he growth and development of Ed ensures that Ed is not considered to be a 'loser' throughout the entire novel.//

What would you expect to be the contentin of an essay with these ideas being conveyed? Can you see the links between the final sentence of the Introduction and the opening sentence of the First body paragraph? the opening sentence of this paragraph could also have picked up on the notion of 'vivid visual imagery' or the journey of Ed through the challenges. It can take a bit of practise to get this to happen naturally, it is important to plan so that the essay has a considered structure and then when you write it is easier to develop these linking sentences.

Body - Second paragraph
The third paragraph of the body should include the weakest argument, weakest example, weakest illustration, or an obvious follow up to the second paragraph in the body. The first sentence of this paragraph should contain the reverse hook, which ties in with the transitional hook at the end of the second paragraph. The topic for this paragraph should be in the first or second sentence. This topic should relate to the statement of contention in the introductory paragraph. The last sentence in this paragraph should include a transitional concluding hook that signals the reader that this is the final major point being made in this essay. This hook also leads into the concluding paragraph.
 * 1) ==Body - Third paragraph==

Concluding paragraph
The fifth paragraph is the summary paragraph. It is important to restate the statement of contention and three supporting ideas in an original and powerful way as this is the last chance the writer has to convince the reader of the validity of the information presented. This paragraph should include the following:
 * 1) an allusion to the pattern used in the introductory paragraph,
 * 2) a restatement of the statement of contention, using some of the original language or language that "echoes" the original language. (The restatement, however, must not be a duplicate statement.)
 * 3) a summary of the three main points from the body of the essay.
 * 4) a final statement that gives the reader signals that the discussion has come to an end. ||