WRITING AN ESSAY

THREE BASIC STEPS

1. PLAN 2. WRITE

3. CHECK

How an Essay is Assessed

1. Content – the amount and quality of the information presented.

2. Expression – the type/style of language used. 3. Structure – how the piece of writing is designed

in general -and within paragraphs. 4. Presentation– includes all writing skills,e.g.,

spelling, punctuation, capitals, grammar, etc. Marks: (30% + 30% + 30% + 10% = 100%)

The Two Basic Types of Essays:

1. A STORY which involves: - a character in a situation; a conflict, dilemma or

complication; and a resolution. 2. A DISCUSSION-type essay which has a structure as follows: - an introduction signposting the discussion to come; a logical series of ideas in separate paragraphs; leading to a well-planned conclusion.

ICTG ESSAY PROJECT

“All I want for Christmas is ...a real Irish Christmas Tree.”

YOU ARE ASKED TO WRITE A DISCUSSION-TYPE ESSAY.

The remainder of the slide show explains how a DISCUSSION-TYPE ESSAY is planned, written and

checked.

A DISCUSSION-STYLE ESSAY

THE TASK:To discuss a topic or issue in writing that has:

AN INTRODUCTION,(to indicate the direction of your discussion);

MAIN BODY, (a series of well-planned ideas in a logical order);

and CONCLUSION

(to summarise your ideas and end the discussion).

PLANNING a Discussion.

1. Brainstorm – write down all the ideas that occur to you.

2. Select – choose the ideas that you are going to use in the essay from all that is written.

3. Sequence – Put the ideas in a suitable order or sequence. Each idea will have its own paragraph in the essay.

***(The content and structure of the essay are now more-or-less in place).***

WRITING - a Discussion.

Having organized the ideas at the Planning stage (brainstorming, selecting, etc.), you can now write the

INTRODUCTION.

Begin with an interesting statement, thought or quote to get the reader interested.

Now, state your point of view in regard to the topic and give a brief outline of the points in the discussion to follow.

WRITING – a Discussion.

* The MAIN BODY of the essay consists of a series of IDEAS – each in its own PARAGRAPH. * The MAIN IDEA of a paragraph is normally stated in the first sentence.

*All other sentences support the main idea by giving extra information, explaining, etc.

*Some illustrative (extra) information may be included to give examples, descriptions, etc.

WRITING – a Discussion.

When planning to write a discussion-style essay with the title “Dogs”, some of the topics or ideas for the essay could be:a) breeds, b) caring for a dog, c) show dogs, d) sports dogs, e) famous dogs, f) uses for dogs, g) our dog, h) dogs in films, and so on.

WRITING – a Discussion.

One paragraph from the essay:

The dog is a very useful creature. It can herd other animals, such as cattle and sheep. Dogs are used to guide blind people. The most popular breed for this type of work is the Labrador. Dogs can also be seen guarding property. Of course, they also make wonderful pets, whether for children or for people who live alone and need a companion.

WRITING – a Discussion.

Each piece of information in the paragraph above can be put into one of three categories – according to its importance. These are:

• MAIN IDEA

• SUPPORTING IDEAS

• ILLUSTRATIVE INFORMATION

WRITING – a Discussion.

1. Can you identify the main idea? 2. Write it down.3. How many supporting ideas are there? 4. List them.5. Which pieces can be described as illustrative

information?

WRITING – a Discussion.

Main Idea:The dog is a very useful creature.

Supporting Ideas:*It can herd other animals such as cattle and sheep.*Dogs are used to guide blind people. The most popular breed for this type of work is the Labrador.*Dogs can also be seen guarding property.*Of course, they also make wonderful pets, whether for children or for people who live alone and need a companion.

WRITING - a Discussion.

Illustrative InformationThe parts of the sentences above that were

highlighted in green are simply filling, i.e., extra content that can be added to explain, give examples or illustrate an idea.

This is the kind of information that can be left out when making a summary of a passage of text. It is not essential for understanding the points being made by the author.

WRITING – a Discussion.

Categorize the three types of information in this paragraph taken from a magazine article on

“Cheetahs”. Cheetahs are not only fast, as they also have

excellent eyesight to help track their prey. They climb termite mounds to spot antelope or gazelle. The black patches or “tears” under their eyes cut down the glare of the sun. Their eyes are also super-sensitive to give them sharp focus. This helps them to catch their prey. Anything within a two-mile radius is in trouble.

WRITING – a Discussion.

Main Idea: Cheetahs are not only fast, as they also have excellent eyesightto help track their prey.Supporting Ideas:1.Cheetahs climb termite mounds to spot antelope or gazelle.2.The black patches or “tears” under their eyes cut down the

glare of the sun.3.They also have super-sensitive eyes that give them sharp

focus.This helps them to catch their prey.4.Anything within a two-mile radius is in trouble.

WRITING – a Discussion.

Take note: The green text above: “are not only fast, but they also have ... ”, plays an important role. It provides a link with the previous paragraph, which was obviously about the cheetah’s speed, while also being classed as “illustrative information”.

WRITING– a Discussion.

• The CONCLUSION makes up the last paragraph of the essay.

• It could include: * a summary of the main points; * a strong final statement of the writer’s point of view; * a suitable quotation – possibly echoing the one in the introduction; * or a combination of some of these.

CHECKING.

There are two types of checking to be done:

* The first is a check for meaning. This is called EDITING. It may involve making changes to the content, expression and structure of the essay.

* The second is a check for how well the piece of writing is presented – called PROOFREADING. It will include accurate use of capital letters, spelling, sentence construction, grammar, margins, title, etc.

AFTER CHECKING.

If the script looks a little untidy after all the corrections and changes have been made, the writer should then to do a Second Draft .

* This may involve fully rewriting the essay in order to show off all the work that has been done to its best advantage – and getting the maximum grade!

* Re-drafting an essay is generally not possible in examinations. However, if the time is available, be sure to do so.

WRITING –a Discussion.

The Reader likes to see that a piece of writing has

been checked and edited, which is really an act of good manners. This indicates the Author’s level of care for those who will be reading it - and pride in the work done.

This is particularly important when grades are being awarded for one’s performance, although a student will not be expected to do a second draft in exams.

Happy Writing!

J. FLYNNjoepflynn@gmail.com.