Essay Writing Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an essay, according to Purdue Online Writing Lab?

  • To write a long story.
  • To confuse the reader.
  • To hone skills such as close reading and analysis. (correct)
  • To avoid reading.

In the essay-as-a-sandwich analogy, what does the introductory paragraph represent?

  • The packaging.
  • The condiments.
  • The top piece of bread. (correct)
  • The filling.

What should an essay's title be?

  • Always descriptive, regardless of the audience.
  • Always engaging, regardless of the audience.
  • Either descriptive or engaging, depending on the audience. (correct)
  • Always nonsensical.

According to the essay-as-a-sandwich analogy, what do transition statements represent?

<p>The condiments. (D)</p>
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In the essay-writing process, what does 'packaging' refer to?

<p>The editing process, including spelling and grammar. (D)</p>
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Flashcards

What is an Essay?

A shorter piece of writing that hones skills like close reading, analysis, comparison, and persuasion.

Essay Title

The title should describe the essay's content or engage the reader's curiosity.

Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph presents the thesis statement and previews the main points.

Main Points

Main points are the supporting arguments or ideas, ideally between two and five, that substantiate the essay's thesis.

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Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph restates the thesis and main points, mirroring the introduction to provide closure.

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Study Notes

  • An essay is a concise piece of writing that demonstrates skills in reading, analysis, comparison, persuasion, and clarity.
  • Essays often require students to write about readings, studies, or experiences.

Essay Components

  • Title
  • Introductory Paragraph
  • Main Points
  • Concluding Paragraph
  • Transition Statements
  • Editing

Title

  • Should either describe essay contents or engage the reader.
  • Descriptive titles are suitable for assigned essays, while compelling titles work for publications.

Introductory Paragraph

  • Includes the thesis statement and a preview of the main points.
  • Functions like the top piece of bread in a sandwich.

Main Points

  • Represent the core content of the essay.
  • Aim for 2-5 main points to provide sufficient information without overwhelming the audience.

Concluding Paragraph

  • Mirrors the introductory paragraph, restating the thesis statement and main points.
  • Serves as the bottom piece of bread, complementing the introduction.

Transition Statements

  • Connect the essay parts
  • Transition statements follow the introduction, appear between main points, and precede the conclusion.
  • They provide background flavor.
  • These are essential for guiding the reader and avoiding dryness.

Editing

  • Editing is akin to packaging.
  • It involves correcting grammatical errors and misspellings.
  • Editing ensures the essay is well-received by the reader.

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