16. Essay introduction and its purpose/s

Techniques for writing essay introduction (questions, funnel method, quotation, dramatic observation or description, turning an argument on it’s head). Introduction checklist.

Essay introduction is what readers read 1^st, so it’s very important. In presenting topic in general it should include a “hook” (крючок, приманку) – something that attracts readers attention and makes them what to read first.

Techniques for writing essay introduction:

Questions – Posing an interesting or controversial question or questions is a good “hook” After the questions the writer should give general ideas, background information and than the thesis statement.

Funnel method – With funnel method an introduction begins with general idea about the topic. This idea becomes more and more focus and than reaches the most specific part of the thesis statement. This method is very common in academic writing. And very effective.

Quotation – Using a quote which can be followed by background information and lead to the thesis statement.

Dramatic observation – Making a startling or dramatic observation or describing a sence in dramatic, humorous or other interesting way which leads to the thesis statement.

Turning an argument on it’s head – To present a point of view opposite what the writer wants to say. At the end the writer overturns the idea and presents the thesis statement which is opposite to the 1^st sentence.

Introduction checklist:

1. Did I use a “hook”?

2. Does my introduction follow logical form?

3. Does my thesis statement gives the reader clear guide for the rest of the essay?

4. Is the purpose of my essay clear?

17. The body of an essay and it’s purpose/s.

Paragraph breaks. Techniques for giving emphasis (выразительность) to information. The usual number of essay paragraphs. Topics they should discuss. Unity and coherence of essay paragraphs.

The body of the paragraph is usually presented in several paragraphs.

Paragraph brakes is a modern custom, it has changed in some forms of writing today. Many writers, especially in business set paragraphs apart of space (пробел) above and below each paragraph.

Paragraphing signals the readers when a group of relative sentences begins and ends. It helps to judge what is most important for readers. The most important information usually placed at the beginning or at the end of the paragraph.

Фишка: в лекции нужное количество параграфов описывалось как: As mush paragraphs as it needed.

In each body of paragraph the writer should discuss one aspect of the main topic.

Unity и coherence см в вопросах 1,2,9,10.

18. The conclusion of the essay and its purpose/s.

The length of an essay conclusion. Conclusion and introduction of a new topic. Conclusion checklist.

The conclusion usually occupies one or two paragraphs in the essay. The size and amount of the paragraphs in conclusion can depend on the type of the essay (reaction, comparison/contrast etc).

You should never begin discussing or introducing a new topic in the conclusion – it would break the unity in the paragraph.

The main purposes of the conclusion:

1. To signal the end of the essay.

2. To add coherence by summarizing or resulting the essay subtopics.

3. To add coherence by re-standing the essay thesis.

4. To leave the reader with the writer’s final opinion.

5. To make a suggestion about the topic of the essay.

Conclusion checklist:

Does my conclusion successfully signal the end of my essay? Does my conclusion add coherence to the essay by

a) restating the essay thesis?

b) mentioning again the principle of organization and/or the items classified in my essay?

c) summarizing or restating the essay subtopics?

Does my conclusion:

a) leave the reader with my final opinion?

b) make a prediction or suggestion about the essay's topic?