ESSAYS

IN ACADEMIC WRITING TESTS

How to manage your

writings
 Types of Essays

Effective structure
topic question analyzing
Four main types:
1. Argumentative (opinion essay)
2. Cause and effect (problem-solution essay)
3. Comparing and contrasting
4. Evaluating & challenging
 Writing checklist
 Topic question analysis

 Decide whether the questions asks you to

 provide general factual information
 examine cause and effect
 outline problems and give a solution
 give and justify an opinion
 Evaluate or/and argument
 evaluate or challenge ideas, evidence and argument
 compare and/or contrast evidence and ideas.
 Topic question analysis

1. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of people

killed on the road. Traffic designers blame drivers for driving too
fast and drivers say the roads are the cause.

1. The highways department blames the high road toll on poor vehicle
maintenance. However, there are strict laws regarding vehicle
maintenance and roadworthiness, and there are frequent inspections.
Traffic accidents can be reduced when roads and highways are
improved.
TO ESSAYS
 From PARAGRAPHS
to ESSAY

Review of Paragraph Structure

From paragraph to essay

 Review of
Paragraph Structure

What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences about a topic. A typical
paragraph begins with a topic sentence, which introduces the
topic (1). The supporting sentences that follow support the idea
in the topic sentence with explanations, reasons, and other
details (2). The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to an
end. (3)
 Review
of Paragraph Structure

Formatting a Paragraph:
 Leave one-inch margins on the left and right side of the
page.
 Indent the first sentence. The rest of the sentences follow
each other, so that the paragraph looks like a square with
a little space taken out of the corner.
 Double – space your paragraph
 The topic sentence

 Introducing the topic, an idea or opinion about the topic.

This idea is called a controlling idea about the topic.
E.g. Certain types of insects can benefit a garden.

 Not being a simple fact or detail; instead, containing a

specific idea, not too general
E.g. 1. There are approximately 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke . (fact)

2. Smoking is bad. (idea too general for a topic sentence)

3. Smoking advertisements are a harmful influence on children. (specific idea)
 The topic sentence
 usually appearing as the first or second sentence of a
paragraph.
E.g. Have you ever noticed closets are getting bigger and rooms are getting
smaller? Changes in popular culture can be seen in changes to the typical
family home. (second sentence topic)

 Implying the purpose of the paragraph: to explain,

narrate, compare, describe, tell cause or effect,
demonstrate or argue, or tell steps in a process.
E.g. 1. My sister’s personality is completely different from mine. (shows
comparison)
2. Smoking results in thousands of smoking – related deaths each year. (tells
cause and effect)
 The supporting
sentences

• Adding information about the topic and the controlling

idea.
• Types of supporting sentences:
▫ definition,
▫ explanations,
▫ examples
 The concluding
sentence
 Reminding the reader of the topic and controlling idea of the
paragraph,
 Restating the main idea,
 Functions of cl. Sentence:
◦ Warning the reader
◦ Making prediction
◦ Giving an opinion about the topic
• Appearing with phases like In conclusion,/ In short,/ In
summary,
 Unity
within a paragraph

all the sentences supporting one single idea.

having one controlling idea in the topic sentence.
supporting sentences supporting, demonstrating,
proving, or developing the main idea in the topic
sentence.
concluding sentence restating the idea in the topic
sentence to reinforce the main idea for the reader.
 Coherence
in a Paragraph

ideas have a logical flow: the relationship between

the sentences is clear and one idea connects to the
next. One way to achieve coherence in a paragraph
is to use a pattern of organization, such as time
order, spatial order, or order of importance.
 From paragraph
to essay
Like a paragraph, an essay has three basic parts: an
introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Introduction: first paragraph containing a topic
sentence and thesis statement.
Body paragraph: at least one or two body
paragraphs developing the idea (s) presented in the
introduction.
Conclusion: final paragraph summarizing the idea
(s) presented in the essay.
 Effective introduction

The MUST elements.

A hook is an opening sentence that attracts the reader’s
attention.
The sentences after the hook give background information
necessary to understand the topic.
The last sentence in the introduction, the thesis statement, is
very important because it gives the topic and the controlling
idea of the entire assay.
 Writing
an effective introduction
Sample writing task: When people visit other countries
they often find the customs of dressing and behavior
are different than in their home country. Should visitors
adopt the customs of the country they visit or should
they follow the customs of their own country?

Attack the question: argument with two clearly—stated

opinions -> argumentative essay -> either for OR
against Or both for AND against.
 Writing
an effective introduction
Writing techniques: 3 common WAYS
1st the simplest: Copy the words from the Task
Example:
When people visit other countries they often find the customs
of dressing and behavior are different than in their home
country. Should visitors adopt the customs of the country
they visit or should they follow the customs of their own
country?
Writing
an effective introduction
2nd set formula: Use a ‘stock paragraph’ that can be
adapted to any task
Example
Many people wonder / are talking about / debate what
should be done about ___. Some people think that it is
best ___. However, other people think that ___. This
is not a an easy question to answer but in this essay we
will look at this issue
Writing
an effective introduction
2nd set formula: Use a ‘stock paragraph’ that can be
adapted to any task
Example:
Many people wonder what to do when they visit other
countries. Some people think it is best for them to adopt
the local customs. However, other people think it is best
to follow the customs of their own countries. This is not a
an easy question to answer but in this essay we will look
at this issue.
Writing
an effective introduction
3rd creativity: Find new words to describe the task
Example:
Tourists and business travelers often visit countries that are
different than their own. There may be different customs
and practices. Is it best for them to adopt the practices of the
country they visit or is it acceptable for them to follow the
customs of their own country?
Writing
an effective introduction
The fourth fighting way: one of the mix
Example:
Culture shock is a term referring to the culture conflict taking
place within the same person’s awareness when transferring
from this culture to another culture whatever their purpose of
moving is. This has been addressed with a universal question of
whether visiting businessmen and travellers should try to adapt
to the new culture or should keep to their own culture. Different
viewers wear different viewpoints on this: while some ……..
Writing
an effective introduction
Practice on the following writing tasks:
1.Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy
things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements
tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons
and examples to support your answer.

2.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

Advertising can tell you a lot about a country. Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
Writing
an effective introduction
Practice on the following writing tasks:
1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert,
or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the
same event on television. Use specific reasons and examples
to support your opinion..

2. It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend

can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or
why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your
answer.
 Writing
an impressive conclusion

Basic rules:
A good conclusion must always restate the introduction:
What has been written
What has been in focus
What has been included
The conclusion is impressive with impressive
comment from the writer:
what has been excluded
 Writing
Paraphrasing techniques: A step by step process
•Example passage an impressive conclusion
“Marriage was a greater influence on the course of many of
the women's lives than choice of job or career, or even family
background. Yet few women talked about choosing to get married
(although choice may be a misnomer) in the same way they talked
about career choices. Relationships are generally believed to
belong to the realm of emotion, and ‘we fell in love’ or ‘then I got
married’ suffices. The decision to marry is not usually something
to be analysed or explained, nor is the choice of a particular man.
Indeed, both getting married and marrying a particular man often
appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices. Women did talk
about how they met their future husbands, however” (Park, 1991,
p. 113).
 Writing
1. Underline the main points.
an impressive
“Marriage was a greater influence conclusion
on the course of many of
the women’s lives than choice of job or career, or even family
background. Yet few women talked about choosing to get married
(although choice may be a misnomer) in the same way they talked
about career choices. Relationships are generally believed to
belong to the realm of emotion, and ‘we fell in love’ or ‘then I got
married’ suffices. The decision to marry is not usually something
to be analysed or explained, nor is the choice of a particular man.
Indeed, both getting married and marrying a particular man often
appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices. Women did talk
about how they met their future husbands, however”
 Writing
2. List some key ideas, concepts, and phrases
an impressive conclusion
marriage, getting married
marriage was a great influence
decision to marry
not usually something to be analysed or explained
getting married and marrying a particular man often
appeared to be inevitabilities rather than choices
 Writing
an impressive conclusion
3. Where possible, note down alternative phrases or synonyms for each
of these.
marriage, getting married selecting a life partner
marriage was a great influence significant impact, influential factor
decision to marry choice, marriage options, choice of
partner
not usually something to be typically not talked about, not a
analysed or explained topic of discussion
getting married and marrying a the process of marriage and choice
particular man often appeared to of partner were more a matter of
be inevitabilities rather than course, something inevitable,
choices compared to individual choice
 Writing
4. Rewrite, using those alternative words and phrases
an impressive conclusion
Marriage was an influential factor in the women's lives. This
was more so than other factors. Yet, at the same time, marriage
options, including choice of partner, were typically not a topic
of discussion for most women. Few women actually discussed
the subject. Indeed, the process of marriage and choice of
partner were more a matter of course, something inevitable,
compared to individual choice.
 Writing
Final question:
an impressive conclusion
5. Can you simplify further?

“Although marriage impacted the women's lives significantly,

it was not a decision that was analyzed; indeed, it was more
a matter, of course, than individual choice.”
 Writing
Paraphrasing techniques:
an impressive conclusion
•Synonyms
•Reordering phrases
•Changing voices
•Changing parts of speech
•Sentence combining
•Change from a Clause to a Phrase
 Writing
Synonyms: words with similar meaning
Examples: an impressive conclusion

Overuse of ground Overuse of ground

water would lead to water would cause
pervasive drought. widespread dryness.

Further practice
 Writing
Reordering phrases:
an impressive
change phrases’ position conclusion

Overuse of ground Widespread dryness

water would cause would be a result of
widespread dryness. overuse of ground
water.

Further practice
 Writing
an impressive conclusion
Changing voices: active passive

Overuse of ground water Widespread dryness would

would cause widespread be caused by (the) overuse
dryness. of ground water.

The use of renewable sources The destruction of the

could stop the destruction of rainforests could be stopped
the rainforests. by the use of renewable sources.
Further practice
 Writing
an impressive conclusion
Changing parts of speech:
Verb noun adjective adverb

The use of Using renewable

renewable sources sources could stop
could stop the people destroying
destruction of the the rainforests.
rainforests. Further practice
 Writing
an impressive conclusion
Sentence combining:
simple compound/complex

Typhoon forced more than a Typhoon forced more than a

thousand people to escape thousand people to escape
from villages in the from villages in the
mountains. It poured over mountains as it poured over
one meter of heavy rain on one meter of heavy rain on
mountainous areas. mountainous areas.
(2 sentences) (01 sentence)
Further practice
 Writing
an impressive conclusion
Change from a Clause to a Phrase :

After he studied, John After studying, John

took a nap. took a nap.

The house that is across The house across the

the street is new. street is new.
Further practice
 Argumentative essays

Introduction
• The hook introduces a controversial issue: a short story or
an anecdote, a question, or a surprising statement of fact
that makes the reader want to know more.
• The middle sentences explain why the issue is important by
giving background information with details about the
history or the people involved, what they want, or how it
affects them.
• The thesis statement at the end presents the writer’s point of
view.
 Argumentative essays

Body Paragraph
 The topic sentence has a controlling idea that supports the
writer’s main argument in the thesis.
 The following sentences support the topic sentence with reasons,
facts, and explanations to help the reader understand the writer’s
point of view.
 The body paragraph often includes a statement that describes the
opposing opinion. This is called the counter – argument. The
writer then argues against the counter - argument. This is called
a refutation. In the refutation, the writer points out weaknesses in
the counter-argument, and shows how his own argument is
stronger.
 Argumentative essays

Conclusion

• This restates the writer’s opinion, but often using

different, more persuasive language.
• It may also offer a warning, a prediction, or other
type of comment that reinforces the writer’s
viewpoint.
 Argumentative essays

Facts and Opinions

 Writers state their opinion and then back it up with facts. The
difference between facts and opinions is
◦ Fact: a truth that is scientifically proven or generally accepted
E.g. Antibiotics cure infections.
◦ Opinion: one point of view among many.
E.g. Antibiotics are one of the most important inventions of the
twentieth century.
 Argumentative essays
Interpreting Facts to Support an Opinion
Opinion
Animals use language to communicate with each other
Factual examples
Arctic wolves, for example, communicate the presence of
caribou through their howls and barks. Other wolves hear the
massages and are able to meet their pack to join the hunt.
Interpretation
Clearly, if another animal can understand vocalized massages
that tell him or her the location of food, then that animal is using
language.
 Argumentative essays
Counter – Argument, Concession, and Refutation
 The counter – argument is the writer’s opinion about opposing
opinion. It disagrees with the writer’s position. By including the
counter – arguments, writer shows an understanding of other
points of view.
 In a concession, the writer agrees that the opposing point of view
is valid, but emphasizes how his or her argument is still stronger.
 Argumentative essays
Counter – Argument, Concession, and Refutation
 In the refutation, the writer shows why the counter –
argument is weak and the writer’s position is strong. The
refutation may also address doubts the reader may have
about the writer’s position.
 Argumentative essays
Counter – Argument, Concession, and Refutation

Some students may argue that because of

Counter- their situation, they sometimes have no
argument choice but to buy essays off the Internet.

I understand that students are under a lot

Concessio of pressure to produce well-written essays
n in order to pass their classes, but this does
not justify plagiarism.
If they plagiarize, they will not develop
their own writings and critical thinking
skills. As a result, they may not be
Refutation
prepared to pass their final exams. In the
end, plagiarizing is harmful to the
 Argumentative essays

Practice questions
 Cause - effect essays
Introduction
 The hook engages the reader’s interest by personalizing the topic or
showing why it is important for the reader to know about it.
 The middle sentences describe the event or situation that is the
result of the causes. This background information helps the reader
understand the relationship between the causes and the effects.
 The thesis statement at the end of the introduction states two causes
that lead up to the event or situation. It may also include a comment
by the writer that explains why it is important to understand the
causes of the event.
 Cause - effect essays
Body Paragraphs

 Two body paragraphs support the thesis statement by explaining

the causes in detail.
 Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that states one
cause for the event or situation.
 The sentences that follow support the idea in the topic sentence.
The supporting sentences include details such as examples,
description, reasons, and facts to help the reader understand the
relationship between the cause and the event.
 Cause - effect essays

Conclusion
The conclusion restates the thesis statement, using
different language.
It summarizes the main causes and their relationship
to the event.
It may include a comment by the writer that explains
why it is important to understand the causes of the
event.
 Cause - effect essays
 Causal Chains
Sometimes, the causes of an event happen in a sequence
in which one event leads to another in a chain.
Depending on the event or situation, the writer must
explain how the causes in a chain are related to each
other.
Cause 1 -> Cause 2 -> result
bad weather -> slippery roads -> auto
accidents
Auto accidents occur more frequently when the weather is bad.
Rain, snow, and especially ice can make the roads slippery.
Drivers can easily lose control of a car slippery roads. A car can
slide on the pavement and hit another car or go into a ditch.
Therefore, bad weather can lead to more accidents on the road.
 Cause - effect essays
Expressing Future Possibility With If – Clauses
• Sentences with an If - clause show a cause – effect
relationship. The if - clause introduces a possible situation
(the cause). The main clause talks about the possible result
(the effect) of the situation.
• Use the present tense in the if clause and will in the main
clause.
Cause Effect
If X happens, Y will happen, too
• The cause and effect clauses can come in either order.
When the if clause comes first, it is followed by a comma.
Cause Effect
If Pedro plays, we will win the game
 Cause - effect essays
Cause Connectors
Introducing a Clause
Use because or since to introduce a dependent clause. A dependent
clause must be attached to a main clause in order to be a sentence.
Both dependent and main clauses contain a subject and
a verb.
When the dependent clause comes at the beginning of
the sentence, it is followed by a comma. When vice versa,
clause comes at the end of the sentence, no comma is used.
dependent clause main clause
Because/Since the traffic was heavy, we were late for class.
main clause dependent clause
We were late for class because/since the traffic was heavy.
 Cause - effect essays
Cause connectors
Introducing a Noun Phrase
Use due to, because of, and as a result of to
introduce a noun
phrase.
When the noun phrase comes at the beginning of a
sentence, it is followed by a comma. When the noun
phrase comes at the end of a sentence, no comma is
used.
Eg. Due to the heavy traffic, we were late for class.
We were late for class due to the heavy traffic.
 Cause - effect essays
Effect Connectors
Use therefore, as a result, or consequently to introduce effect clauses.
These connectors always come between two main clauses. One clause
shows a cause and the other shows an effect.
When the clauses are joined into one sentence, the connector is always
preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
cause effect
I studied all weekend for the test; as a result, I got an A.
The connector may also begin a separate sentence. In this case, it is
followed by a comma.
cause effect
I studied all weekend for the test. Consequently, I got an A.
 Cause - effect essays

Practice
 Compare-contrast essays
A comparison and contrast essay describes the qualities of a
subject or an idea by discussing the similarities and
differences it shares with a different subject or idea.
 A comparison and contrast essay can be organized in two
different ways.
◦ By comparing and contrasting a number of issues
point-by-point
◦ By focusing first on the similarities and then the
differences.
 Compare-contrast essays
Introduction
Presents the subject that is to be compared or contrasted
Ends with a thesis statement that focuses on the
comparison or contrast
Conclusion
This allows the writer to summarize the differences and
similarities and state his or her feeling about the topic.
 Compare-contrast essays
Body paragraph with Point – by – Point organization
 There are two body paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence.
 Each body paragraph presents one main point to be compared or
contrasted between the two subjects.
 Within each body paragraph, the topic sentence states the point
of comparison or contrast between the subjects. The supporting
sentences that follow provide two or three examples.
 The body paragraphs use sequence transitions, such as first,
second, furthermore, etc…to connect the point – by - point
analysis within the paragraph.
 Compare-contrast essays
Body Paragraph with Similarities and
Differences organization
• There are two body paragraphs, each with a clear
topic sentence.
• One body paragraph is devoted to similarities
between the two subjects, and one body paragraph
is devoted to differences.
 Compare-contrast essays

Practice
 Problem –solution essays

Paragraph one: introduction to the problem

Paragraph two: description of main causes with details
Paragraph three: proposed solutions with explanations
Paragraph four: further suggestions with explanations
Paragraph five: conclusion and summary
 Problem –solution essays

Practice
 Writing checklists
Check the common Types of Mistakes
When you are proofreading you work you should check for
the following common errors.
• Subject – verb agreement
• Tenses
• Word form
• Wrong article : the – incorrect use of article
• Punctuation
Wish you success
!