Introduction to Essay writing

What Is The Purpose of the Academic Essay?

  • The word “essay” is derived from the Latin verb “exigere”, which means to:
    • Examine
    • Test
    • Drive out
  • At College your essays and assignments
    • Reveal your learning and development
    • Provide basis for assessment in the Unit
    • Allow you to critically engage in specific topics

Think of Writing as a Step by Step Process

  • Read and Research
  • Brainstorm Ideas
  • Develop Working Thesis and Outline
  • Write Rough Draft
  • Review for Content
  • Revise Rough Draft
  • Review for Grammar and Mechanics
  • Revise Second Draft
  • Continue Reviewing and Revising as Needed 

 

Read & Research…..Where do you start?

  • Sort out what you know already about the topic
  • Read set texts related to your topic
  • Use brainstorming techniques like:
  • Listing ideas
  • Clustering or mind mapping
  • Discuss the issue with others
  • Research the topic in further texts
  • Brainstorm ideas
  • A thesis comes at the end of the introduction section of your paper
  • It lets the reader know exactly what overall point you are trying to make
  • It should be specific
  • It can be used by the reader and the writer as a road map for the rest of the paper
  • It is not fixed; it can and should evolve as your ideas evolve
  • What you present in the paper should not deviate from what you promise in the thesis

Develop a Working Thesis and Outline

  • A thesis comes at the end of the introduction section of your paper
  • It lets the reader know exactly what overall point you are trying to make
  • It should be specific
  • It can be used by the reader and the writer as a road map for the rest of the paper
  • It is not fixed; it can and should evolve as your ideas evolve
  • What you present in the paper should not deviate from what you promise in the thesis
  • Establishes expectations