1.0 Discursive essays: do’s and don’ts

DO’s formal, impersonal style clear topic sentences to introduce the subject of each paragraph well-developed paragraphs justification of arguments linking words/phrases different ways to start sentences quotations, either word-for-word or in paraphrase, being careful to identify the source generalizations (In most developed countries…) sequencing (Firstly, Secondly, etc.) reference to specific statistics or other sources (Experts have proved that…)

DON’Ts informal style irrelevant topic sentences one sentence paragraphs too long or too complex sentences overuse of connectors overgeneralizations (All politicians are…) personal examples (In my school…) blind use of statistics (A recent study showed… - which study?) very emotional language (I absolutely detest people who…) personal opinions too strongly; instead, use milder expressions (It seems to me that…rather than I know…) clichés (Rome was not built in a day)

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. pp.56,58,74)

(Successful Writing. Upper-Intermediate. St’s book. p.67)

(New Proficiency Writing. St’s book. p.108)

1.1 Introductions and conclusions

Without an introduction and a conclusion, an essay is just a group of paragraphs. The introduction and the conclusion work together to make the topic and main ideas of the essay clear to the reader.

The introduction is often organized by giving the most general ideas first and then leading to the most specific idea, which is the thesis statement.

The introduction

• is usually five to ten sentences.

• catches the reader’s interest.

• gives the general topic of the essay.

• gives background information about the topic.

• states the main point (the thesis statement) of the essay.

Your introduction should be:

• A general introduction. Do not include specific points from the main body of the argument.

• A response to the title. You may need to identify the issues that lie behind the title, to give historical or topical background.

• Interesting, relevant and short.

The need for a clear beginning:

• The very first paragraph of an essay should tell the reader what the essay as a whole will be about.

• Your opening paragraph should state the theme (or thesis) of your essay and the most important points about it that you intend to discuss.

• A clear opening paragraph (like a clear writing outline) will help ensure that your essay is well organized.

The conclusion is your last chance to make an impression on the reader of your essay. It is the final paragraph of the essay. Don’t introduce new ideas in a conclusion. A conclusion only restates or gives further commentary on ideas discussed in the essay.

There is a difference between a summary and a conclusion. A summary simply reiterates the points you made in your essay and is generally considered a boring and ineffective way to end a paper. A conclusion wraps up your essay in a clear and interesting way. While there may be some reiteration of previous points, it does not simply list or repeat what you’ve already written.

A good conclusion will

• be crisp and conclusive in feel, the goal of the whole essay.

• summarise the main points of the essay.

• restate the thesis (using different words).

• make a final comment about the essay’s main idea.

The need for a clear conclusion:

• The last paragraph (or paragraphs) of an essay reminds the reader of the most important points made. A conclusion summarizes those points and makes clear why they are significant.

• When you have finished writing, compare your opening and concluding paragraphs with the material in the body of your paper to make certain that all three main parts of your paper are in agreement.

• Your paper should have discussed all of the points you made in your opening and conclusion.

(Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay. pp.71, 74)

(http://www.washjeff.edu/users/kmcevoy/introduction_and_conclusion_tips.html)

(http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/introconcl.html)

(http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter/handouts/introcon.html)

(http://www.depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/writing/introconslu.html)