The Course of English for University Students (Step 3). Учебное пособие

NOTES ON WRITING ESSAYS

The Parts of an Essay

Introduction

As discussed earlier, a paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic. It has three parts: the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and the concludingsentence.Someparagraphsalsocontainaconcludingcomment.

An essay is organized much like a paragraph. It can be thought of as an extended paragraph, for whereas a paragraph consists of a group of sentences, an essay consists of a group of paragraphs. Like a paragraph, an essayconcernsonetopicandhasthreeparts:theintroduction,thebody,and the conclusion.Aparagraph and an essay have the same basic structure; an essay is simply longer.

Examined in greater detail, the essay contains the following features:

1.The introductory paragraph, which contains a general thesis statement.

2.Body paragraphs, which contain a topic sentence, followed by supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.

3.Aconcluding paragraph, in which the writer’s final thoughts about the topic are expressed.

The Introductory Paragraph

The first paragraph of an essay introduces its topic. It is intended to arouse the reader’s interest. The introduction has two parts: several general statements and one thesis statement.

General statements provide background information about the topic of the essay. They lead the reader gradually from a very general

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idea of the topic to a specific understanding. The first general statement merely introduces the topic. Like the lens of a camera moving in for a close-up picture, each sentence that follows becomes more and more focused on a specific topic. There is no exact rule about the number of general statements that are needed. However, one should generally write at least three or four, and they should be interesting enough to hold the reader’s attention.Afew interesting details can be included in the general statementstoattractthereader’sinterest.However,oneshouldnotinclude any details in the introductory paragraph that are more appropriate for the body of the essay.

The thesis statement introduces the main idea of the essay.

•It states the specific topic of the essay.

•It may list the subtopics of the main topic.

•It may also mention the method of organization used in the essay.

•It is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

Read the following introductory paragraph from an essay about the computer revolution. Notice how the sentences gradually move from the general topic of technology to the specific topic of two areas that have been changed by personal computers.

We live in the age of technology. Every day, new technology appears, ranging from CD-ROMs that contain entire encyclopedia of information to giant space telescopes that send photographs of distant stars back to Earth.

Ofallthenewtechnologicalwonders,personalcomputershaveprobably had the greatest influence on the daily lives of people. Through computers we can now talk to people in distant countries, research any topic, work, shop, bank, and entertain ourselves. Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty years.

•Thefirsttwosentencesintheprecedingparagraphintroducethetopic of technology. CD-ROMs and giant telescopes are mentioned to attract the reader’s interest.

•The next two sentences narrow the general topic of technology to the

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specific topic of personal computers. The details keep the reader interested without revealing the contents of the essay.

• The final sentence is the thesis statement. It names the two subtopics or specific areas changed by personal computers: communication and business.

Exercise

In the following introductory paragraphs, the sentences are in incorrect order. Place the sentences in correct order (using the letters A, B, C, and D), beginning with the most general statement first. Then add the next most general statement, Mowed by the least general. Place the thesis sentence last.

1.___ Therefore, workaholics’lifestyles can affect their families, social lives and health.

___ Because they work so many hours, workaholics may not spend enough time in leisure activities.

___Nowadays, many men and women work in law, accounting, real estate, and business.

___These people are serious about becoming successful; they work long hours during the week and even on weekends, so they are called “workaholics.”

2.___ Therefore, anyone who wants to drive must have a driver’s license.

___ It is divided into four steps: studying traffic laws, taking a written test, learning to drive, and taking a driver’s test.

___ Getting a driver’s license is a complicated process.

___ Driving a car is a necessity in today’s busy society, but it is also a privilege.

3.___During this period, children separate themselves from their parents and become independent.

___ Teenagers express their separateness most vividly in their choice of clothes, hairstyles, music, and vocabulary.

___ The teenage years between childhood and adulthood are a period of growth and separation.

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Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay consists of one or more paragraphs. Each paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and sometimes a concluding sentence. Each of the body paragraphs must support the thesis statement.

Anexampleoftopicsentenceswhichsupportathesisstatementfollows:

Thesis statement

Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty years.

Topic sentences

•Perhaps the most important effect of personal computers has been to expand our ability to communicate with the outside world.

•Besides improving communication, personal computers have made it possible to do business at home.

Exercise

For each of the thesis statements shown below, write topic sentences for supporting body paragraphs. Follow the preceding example. Begin each topic sentence with an order-of-importance expression (e.g., first, in addition, etc.).

1.The novels of Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky are still popular for several reasons.

a.………………………………………………………………………..

b.……………………………………………………………………….

c.……………………………………………………………………….

2.Young people who live at home have several advantages.

a.………………………………………………………………………..

b.……………………………………………………………………….

c.……………………………………………………………………….

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3. Women are superior to men in at least three ways.

a.………………………………………………………………………..

b.……………………………………………………………………….

c.……………………………………………………………………….

The Concluding Paragraph

The conclusion is the last paragraph of the essay. It performs three functions:

•It indicates the end of the essay.

•It summarizes the main points.

•It leaves the reader with the writer’s final thoughts about the topic. Just as the introductory paragraph has two parts, the general statements

and the thesis statement, the concluding paragraph has two parts, the concluding sentences and the final thoughts.

Concluding sentences:

The first part of the concluding paragraph summarizes the main points or repeats the thesis statement in different words. This may require one or more than one sentence. The first sentence of a concluding paragraph sometimes, but not always, begins with a conclusion transition signal such as In brief or In short. It is not always necessary to use a conclusion signal, and one should avoid overused phrases such as In conclusion and

In summary.

Thesis statement

Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty years.

Concluding sentences

In brief, the computer age has arrived, and it is changing our lives. Computers have made communicating and doing business faster and more convenient, and they have greatly increased our access to information.

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Final thoughts:

In the second half of the concluding paragraph one can write one’s final comments on the subject of the essay. This is the place to express one’s opinion, make a judgment, or give a recommendation. However, new ideas should not be added in the conclusion because it is end of the essay. Just comment on what has already been discussed.

Final thoughts

Just as the invention of automobiles had an unplanned consequence – the growth of suburbs, so will the invention of personal computers. We will have to wait and see what these unintentional consequences will be.

Exercises

Exercise 1

Read the following thesis statements. Circle the letter of the most appropriate concluding sentence. Notice that most of the concluding sentences begin with transition signals although it is not always necessary that they do so.

1.Smoking is unhealthy because it can cause heart and lung disease; moreover, it is expensive.

A.In brief, buying cigarettes is a bad idea.

B.In brief, smoking affects your health, and it is also a waste of

money.

C.In brief, smoking is a bad idea.

2.In my opinion, university marks are necessary because they motivate students to study and to attend classes regularly.

A.Therefore, university marks are important.

B.Therefore, students should be marked for their own good.

C.Therefore, university marks are important because they cause students to be more serious and to try harder.

3.Moscow has an excellent metro and bus system.

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A.It is clear that the public transportation system in Moscow provides reliable service at all times.

B.It is clear that using the metro in Moscow is convenient.

C.It is clear that using public transportation is a good way to get around in Moscow.

4.My greatest problem in learning English is oral communication.

A.Indeed, learning to read and write English is difficult.

B.Indeed, because I do not speak English enough, my listening and speaking skills have not improved.

C.Indeed, everyone should practice speaking English more.

Exercise 2

Read the following thesis statements. Write a concluding sentence

based on the information in each thesis statement.

1.Drunk drivers are the greatest danger on Russia’s roads. Therefore,_______________________________________________.

2.There are several disadvantages to owning a big car.

In brief,__________________________________________________.

3.Smokinginrestaurantsshouldbeprohibitedbecauseitcloudstheair, it smells bad, and it can ruin customers’appetites.

It is clear that_____________________________________________.

4.Mothers should teach their sons to do their fair share of the housekeeping work.

In short,__________________________________________________.

Exercise 3

Read the following conclusions. Circle the letter of the most appropriate final thought for each one. Notice the transition signals that introduce the writer’s final thoughts.

1. Smokers on the job make it uncomfortable for their co-workers; furthermore, they are less productive on the job than nonsmokers.

A.Therefore, smoking is bad for everyone’s health.

B.Therefore, smokers should smoke outside the workplace only.

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C.Therefore, if smokers want to get along with their co-workers and improve their work performance, they should stop smoking on the job.

2.In short, television provides many hours of good, free entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.

A.However, television can also take over our lives if we do not know when to turn it off. Therefore, we must not watch television at the expense of other activities.

B.However, violence on television can have a very negative effect on children because they cannot separate make-believe from the real world.

C.In fact, I like to watch about four hours of television every night.

3.These examples have shown that it is no longer unusual to see men working as nurses, secretaries, and elementary school teachers.

A.So, young boys should be encouraged to enter these careers.

B.Therefore, women should become airline pilots, bridge construction workers, and symphony conductors.

C.Indeed, there is less sexism in the working world as men have proven themselves to be as capable in these positions as women.

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HOBBIES, SPORTS

athlete [‘æθliːt] – спортсмен; легкоатлет record-setter [‘rekɔːd] – рекордсмен

participant [pɑː’tɪsɪp(ə)nt] – участник соревнования

opponent [ə’pəunənt] / rival [‘raɪv(ə)l] / competitor [kəm’petɪtə] –

соперник, конкурент

runner-up[ˌrʌnə(r)’ʌp]–участниксостязанияиликоманда,занявшие второе место

playground [‘pleɪgraund] – площадка для игр; спортивная площадка sports ground – спортивная площадка

gym [ʤɪm] / sports hall – спортивный зал

tournament [‘tuənəmənt] – турнир, спорт. соревнование competition/ event / ‘contest – соревнование

compete [kəm’piːt] / con’test – соревноваться, состязаться

tocompeteintheOlympicgames–участвоватьвОлимпийскихиграх to compete with others for a prize – участвовать в соревновании на

приз

championship – чемпионат

amateur [‘æmətə] ( ≠ professional) sport – любительский спорт indoor ( ≠ outdoor or open-air) sports – в помещении / на улице referee [ˌref(ə)’riː] – судья, рефери (в боксе, футболе, хоккее) linesman [‘laɪnzmən] – судья на линии (в футболе)

judge – судья (в борьбе)

umpire [‘ʌmpaɪə] – судья (в теннисе, бейсболе, крикете) sports enthusiast [ɪn’θjuːzɪæst ], [en-] – поклонник спорта audience [‘ɔːdɪən(t)s] / crowd – публика; зрители spectator [spek’teɪtə] – зритель

fan (colloq.) – фанат, болельщик

shout for / support – болеть за команду, спортсмена shooting – стрельба

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archery [‘ɑːʧərɪ] – стрельба из лука (a sport in which people shoot arrows at a target using a bow)

weightlifting [‘weɪtˌlɪftɪŋ] – тяжелая атлетика

powerlifting [‘pauəˌlɪftɪŋ] – силовая атлетика, силовое троеборье,

пауэрлифтинг (разновидность тяжёлой атлетики; включает три вида упражнений)

tobogganing [tə’bɔg(ə)nɪŋ] – санный спорт (a long, light, narrow vehicle, typically on runners, used for sliding downhill over snow or ice) bobsleigh [‘bɔbsleɪ] – бобслей (a mechanically steered and braked sledge, typically for two or four people, used for racing down an ice-

covered run)

skeleton [‘skelɪt(ə)n] – скелетон (разновидность санного спорта, входит в программу зимних Олимпийских игр)

biathlon [baɪ’æθlən] – биатлон (a Nordic skiing event in which the competitors combine cross-country skiing and rifle shooting)

pentathlon [pen’tæθlɔn] – пятиборье (an athletic event comprising five different events for each competitor, in particular (also modern pentathlon) an event involving fencing, shooting, swimming, riding, and cross-country running)

heptathlon [hep’tæθlən] – семиборье (an athletic event, in particular one for women, in which each competitor takes part in the same prescribed seven events (100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot-put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin, and 800 metres))

decathlon [dɪ’kæθlɔn] – десятиборье (an athletic event taking place over two days, in which each competitor takes part in the same prescribed ten events (100 metres sprint, long jump, shot-put, high jump, 400 metres, 110 metres hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1,500 metres))

sport climbing [spɔːt ˈklaɪmɪŋ] – спортивное скалолазание (a form of rock climbing that may rely on permanent anchors fixed to the rock for protection, in which a rope that is attached to the climber is clipped into the anchors to arrest a fall, or that involves climbing short distances with a crash pad underneath as protection)

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