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Essay Structure of
Chapter 4
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Definition of essay
Essay- a piece of writing from combination of
several paragraphs
Discuss only one topic but more complex than
paragraph
So several paragraphs are needed to form the
body of essays
The body paragraphs are complemented by
introduction and conclusion paragraphs
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Diagram of an essay
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Introduction paragraph
The first paragraph of essay
the place in which the writer introduces the
reader to the topic
Contains general overview of the topic andthesis statement
General overview- discuss briefly about the
topic without giving too much details Try to capture readers interest by providing
anecdotes or statistics
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How to introduce an introduction
Funnel introduction- started with
something general and focus to something
more specific
Interesting anecdotes- dramatic,
interesting or funny story/experience
Surprising statistics/data
Historical background
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Thesis statement
It briefly states the specific topic of the essay
It shows the direction/pattern of your writing
Sometimes it is used for the purpose of
declaring the opinion
Almost similar to topic sentence but it operates
at essay level
must contain the topic and controlling ideas
e.g. there are many factors that cause pollution
such as human, industrial activities and nature.
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Further examples
Topic:terengganu focus:interesting features TS: Terengganu is popular for its interesting
features such as beautiful beaches and islands,
delicious food and traditional cultures
Topic: illegal racers focus: factors of
involvement
TS: family problems, friends influence and
showing off are the factors that cause
youngsters to become illegal racers
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Sample of an introduction
paragraph
The Benefits of Television
We hear a lot about the negative effects of
television of the viewer. Obviously, television
can be harmful if it is watched constantly tothe exclusion of other activities. It would be
just as harmful to listen to CDs all the time or
to eat constantly. However, when television is
watched in moderation, it is extremely
valuable, as it provides relaxation,
entertainment, and education
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Body paragraphs Normally, essay body contains two to four
paragraphs - depending on discussed points
each paragraph contains topic sentence andsupporting sentences
Topic sentence is main point of the paragraphand supporting sentences develop it
It relates the readers to the relevancy and
relationship of each of the subtopics to thethesis statement.
Consequently, the readers will understand thetopic better
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Sample of a body paragraph
First of all, watching TV has the value of sheer
relaxation. Watching television can be soothing
and restful after an eight hour day of pressure,
challenges, or concentration. After working
hard all day, people look forward to a new
episode of a favorite show or yet another
showing
of Casablanca or Sleepless in Seattle. This period
of relaxation leaves the viewers refreshed and
ready to take on the world again
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Concluding Paragraph
Final paragraph of the essay Provide the definite end point to the readers
There are many ways to write it
- Restatement of the thesis statemente.g. Again, I believe students should not be
allowed to bring hand phone to campus
- Summary of main points
e.g. Overall, there are many reasons such as
- Comment/suggestion
e.g. Government should solve this problem by
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Sample of a concluding paragraph
Perhaps because television is such a powerful
force, we like to criticize it and search for its
flaws. However, the benefits of television should
not be ignored. We can use television to relax, to
have fun, and to make ourselves smarter. This
electronic wonder, then, is a servant, not a
master
Master.
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Exercise
Try to come up with concluding paragraphbased on following topic sentences
1.firstly,human activities such as farming and logging
pollute the environment 2. industrial wastes also cause damage to air and
water sources
3. lastly, natural causes such as landslide and
earthquake affect the environment too.
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Writing convention and mechanics
Referring to smaller but important details of
writing
Aspects such as capitalization, spelling,
punctuation, documentation technique, handwriting ( mechanics)
Grammar and sentence structure ( writing
convention) Many students ignore these aspects-lose marks
Students should be more careful in writing.