ENG 102 Essay Writing A Review Why

ENG 102 Essay Writing: A Review

Why do we write? n n n To inform (expository writing process, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, classification, definition, description) To tell a story / to entertain (narrative writing - narration) To argue (persuasive writing argumentation)

An effective essay is n n Unified (one main idea is stated as thesis and all supporting ideas are related to thesis) Coherent (ideas flow smoothly from one to another)

Essay Organization "You tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em you tell 'em, and then you tell 'em what you told 'em. "

A good thesis is n n n Specific Restricted Unified Not an absolute fact Not a title Not an announcement

THESIS STATEMENT General subject: Media Narrowed topic: Commercials Specific topic: How commercials manipulate their audience n A thesis that is a truism (a fact): "Television commercials attempt to sell their products to the largest possible audience. " n A thesis that is too broad: "Several tactics are used to entice consumers to buy the advertised product. " n Too limited: “Toffita commercials are very annoying. " n A better thesis: "Commercials sell their products by suggesting that those who buy them will instantly enter an ideal world where they are irresistibly attractive. "

Thesis Development Think about: n Why you are writing (purpose) n Who you are writing for (audience) n What you are going to say

Thesis Development Topic: cars Purpose of writing: - To show the choice of car reflects the owner’s personality (for marketing or psychology course) - To show the invention of car changed our way of life (for sociology or history course) - To show Japanese car manufacturers have forced changes in the American auto industry (for international relations or economics course) - To demonstrate the way advertisers compete to sell their automobile models (for marketing course)

Thesis Development Poor: Our vacation was a really good experience. Specific: Our vacation enabled us to learn the true meaning of sharing. Extended specific: Our vacation enabled us to learn the true meaning of sharing our time, space, and possessions

Thesis Development Poor: A nutritious diet is important. Specific: A nutritious diet is important for your health for many reasons. Extended specific: A nutritious diet with a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber is important for your health for many reasons.

Thesis Development Poor: War is destructive. Specific: The war in Vietnam was very destructive in many ways. Extended specific: The war in Vietnam killed thousands of people, ruined the land for agriculture and destroyed the economy of the country.

Essay Outline (Five paragraph essay) TS: n Supporting idea #1 (facts, examples, statistics, anecdotes, etc. ) n Supporting idea #2 (facts, examples, statistics, anecdotes, etc. ) n Supporting idea #3 (facts, examples, statistics, anecdotes, etc. ) Conclusion:

Sample outline TS: Dieting can be dangerous in many ways. Supporting idea #1 Some diets can raise cholesterol levels alarmingly. n Supporting idea #2 Some diets can lead to serious vitamin deficiencies. n Supporting idea #3 Existing medical problems (e. g. HBP) can be drastically aggravated. n Conclusion: There are different reasons why dieting can be harmful.

Sample outline TS: There at least three reasons why capital punishment should be abolished. Supporting idea #1 Statistics show it’s not really a deterrent. n Supporting idea #2 It’s impossible to correct a mistaken conviction. n Supporting idea #3 It’s been used in a discriminatory fashion against poor people and minorities n Conclusion: For these reasons alone, death penalty should be done away with.

Essay Introduction Many introductions begin with background information of a general type and lead to thesis by one, or a combination, of the following methods: n n n Factual statements/historical background A brief description/definition Narration of an incident A question A shared experience

Sample introduction Have you ever entered a room that was filled with people you had never met? If so, what did you do? In such cases, most people rely on the skill of small talk. Just what is small talk? It is pleasant conversation about rather unimportant matters. Some people do not like small talk. They would rather share deep thoughts. However, for most of us, small talk about such things as the weather, family matters, jobs, hobbies, sports, or school is a way of relaxing and getting to meet new friends.