Essay Writing Steps 3 & 4

Essay Writing Steps 3 & 4

• Essay writing involves four steps:
  • Decide on a thesis
  • Support the thesis with specific evidence
  • Organize and connect evidence in body paragraphs
  • Revise sentences

Organizing and Connecting Evidence

• Methods for organizing evidence include:
  • Time order (chronological order)
  • Emphatic order (saving the best for last)
• Transitions, connecting words, and other methods can also be used to connect ideas

Common Methods of Organization (1)

• Common methods of organization include:
  • Time order or chronological order
  • Typical transitions include: first, then, after, finally
  • Listing details as they occur in time

Common Methods of Organization (2)

• Common methods of organization include:
  • Emphatic order
  • Typical transitions include: for one thing, next, most importantly
  • Listing details by emphasis or importance

Transitions

• Transitions guide the reader by signaling the direction of the author's thoughts

Common Transition Classifications

• Addition: Next, moreover, also, furthermore
• Time: First, then, next, meanwhile
• Space: Above, below, to the right (or left), next to
• Change of direction: But, however, yet, on the other hand, instead
• Illustration: For example, for instance, such as
• Conclusion: Last, finally, therefore, consequently

Other Transitions: Conjunctive Adverbs

• Conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses
• Use a single word following a semicolon
• Common examples include: however, moreover, furthermore, therefore, nevertheless, additionally

Other Transitions: Transitional Phrases

• Transitional phrases connect two independent clauses
• Use a group of words following a semicolon
• Common examples include: for instance, in fact, in addition, on the other hand

Transitional Sentences

• Transitional sentences link ideas in different paragraphs
• Purpose is to connect the idea of one paragraph to the next

Practice Activities

• Activity 2: Underline transitions (pages 94-95, Langan)
• Activity 3: Complete topic sentences with transitional sentences (page 96, Langan)
• Activity 4: Additional practice, (page 98, Langan)
• Activities 5, 6, and 7 for further practice (pages 102, 104, and 107, Langan)

Other Connecting Words

• Repeated words: Use key words to link ideas
• Synonyms: Use words similar in meaning to connect ideas
• Pronouns: he, she, it, you, they, this, that

Introductory Paragraph

• Key features of an introductory paragraph include:
  • Attracting the reader's attention
  • Supplying background information
  • Present a thesis statement
  • Reveal a plan of development

Common Methods of Introduction

• Some common methods of introduction include:
  • A general statement
  • An opposite idea or situation
  • Your topic's importance
  • A brief story or incident
  • A provocative quotation

Common Methods of Conclusion

• Some common methods of conclusion include:
  • A summary or final thought
  • A thought-provoking quotation
  • A prediction or recommendation

Titles

• Some common features of titles include:
  • A brief summary
  • A few words
  • A writing suggestion (written after the essay body)

The Fourth Step in Essay Writing: Revise Sentences

• Strategies for effective sentence revision include:
  • Using parallelism
  • Using a consistent point of view
  • Using specific words
  • Using active verbs
  • Using concise words
  • Varying sentence structure

Sentence Revision: Parallelism

• Parallelism involves using the same structure for paired or listed words/phrases

Sentence Revision: Point of View

• Maintain consistent verb tenses and pronouns throughout the essay

Sentence Revision: Specific Words

• Use specific rather than general words to create vivid mental images

Sentence Revision: Active Verbs

• Use active rather than passive voice in sentences

Sentence Revision: Concise Words

• Use concise words to eliminate unnecessary wordiness

Sentence Revision: Sentence Variety

• Variety in sentence structure enhances clarity and interest

Sentence Variety: Coordination

• Coordination involves joining independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions

Sentence Variety: Subordination

• Subordination involves joining a dependent clause to an independent clause

Sentence Variety: Special Opening or Phrases

• Employ specific opening words or phrases

Sentence Variety: Including Adjectives and Verbs

• Place adjectives or verbs in a series for enhanced descriptive effect

Editing Tips (1)

• Type edits after fully reviewing your written work
• Type the essay in MLA format before editing
• Use grammar and spell check applications
• Focus on one sentence at a time
• Use a printed copy of the essay

Editing Tips (2)

• Knowing and using proofreading symbols can help to economize the editing process

Editing - Sentence Skills

• Write complete sentences, not fragments
• Avoid run-on sentences
• Use correct verb forms
• Ensure subject-verb-pronoun agreement
• Eliminate faulty modifiers
• Use correct pronoun forms
• Use appropriate capitalization
• Use punctuation correctly (apostrophes, quotation marks, commas, semicolons, colons, hyphens, dashes, parentheses)
• Use correct manuscript form
• Eliminate slang, clichés, pretentious words
• Check for spelling errors
• Eliminate careless errors