Essay writing

What is an essay? – An essay (or response) is a short piece of writing. Essays are used to develop and expand ideas or arguments and include supporting evidence. In high school, students are given a question which they must develop an answer for in essay form.

 

Typical school essays include:

Discussion

Main purpose

A discussion often consists of both sides of an argument being considered. Information and opinions about more than one side of an issue must be presented.

Structure

Statement of issue (thesis):

• introduces issue and position to be argued

Arguments:

• series of paragraphs arguing for and against the issue
• recommendation or summary.

Key features

• present tense
• use of words that contrast arguments, e.g.
  • however
  • nevertheless
  • in contrast
  • on the other hand.
• actions (verbs) are often changed into things (nouns), e.g.
  • explore → exploration
  • recite → recitation
  • we have considered → after consideration of.
• use of words that qualify, e.g.
  • usually
  • probably
  • may
  • often.

Exposition

Main purpose

To persuade by arguing one side of an issue, e.g. letter to the editor.

Structure

Statement of position (thesis):

• introduces issue and position to be argued.

Arguments:

• one paragraph for each argument or point
• reinforcement of thesis and recommendation.

Key features

• most of the text is written in present tense
• use of words that link arguments, e.g.
  • in addition
  • moreover.
• actions (verbs) are often changed into things (nouns), e.g.
  • explore → exploration
  • recite → recitation
  • we have considered after → consideration of.
• use of words that qualify, e.g.
  • usually
  • probably
  • may
  • often.

Critical analysis

Main purpose

To demonstrate an understanding of the ideas expressed in a text.

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Essays That Worked – Undergraduate Admissions

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Structure

Statement of meaning:

• introduces ideas about the central meaning(s) of the text.

Review:

one paragraph for each aspect of the text, including

• theme/meaning
• structure
• tone
• language use
• imagery
• symbolism.

Conclusion:

• remind the reader of the key points.

Key features

• several paragraphs may need to be written about one or more aspects of the text.
• evidence, such as full quotations from the text, should be included

  to support the writer’s point of view.

• use linking words at the beginning of paragraphs, e.g.
  • moreover
  • in addition
  • another
  • furthermore.
• write in the third person – avoid the use of ‘I’, ‘me’ and ‘my’.

Compare and contrast

Main purpose

To compare and contrast two texts.

Structure

Statement of position (thesis):

• introduces the key similarities and/or differences.

Observations:

• one paragraph for each key similarity/ difference.

Conclusion:

• final analysis and reaffirmation of the thesis.

Key features

• don’t simply retell or recount – show how the texts are similar or different
• include direct references to the text
• use connecting words at the beginning of paragraphs to clearly indicate similarities or differences, e.g.
  • in contrast
  • alternatively
  • similarly
  • on the other hand.

Review

Main purpose

To personally evaluate the quality of a book, film, play or website etc and to judge the effectiveness of the text to either inform, entertain or persuade a particular audience.

Structure

Title:

• an eye-catching heading to attract the reader’s attention
• The heading may be a pun on the title of the work being reviewed.

Context:

• a paragraph identifying the work and important details, such as the name of the director/ author, actors and Ratchet-galaxy.com publisher.

Text synopsis:

• a series of paragraphs that provides a selective summary of the content of the text
• main events are outlined and major characters are introduced.

Judgement:

• a final paragraph (or two) which summarises the reviewer’s opinion of the text.

Key features

• most of the text should be written in present tense
• first person, e.g.    I/my may be used
• descriptive language for characters, setting and events, and the making or production of the text
• a plot summary which doesn’t reveal the ending or surprise elements of the work
• a discussion of the author, director, designer or actors
• use of technical and topical words, such as:
• • film – director, viewer, script, dialogue, special effect, lighting, scenery, actors.
  • book – incident, novel, author, setting, main characters, language, chapters. that provides a selective summary of the content of the text. Main events are outlined and major characters are introduced.
  • website – links, surfing, scrolling, URL, pop-ups, portal, purpose, author/producer/ designer, colour, graphics, functionality, content.
• a recommendation for the audience to view, read or listen to the text.