In this class, we are going to practice speaking and writing in English, by collaborating on simple essays.
The first step to writing an essay is to create an outline. An outline is the basic structure that we build out from, so that our arguments and ideas are presented in a clear, smooth way.
It takes practice and a little patience to create a quality outline, and some students make the mistake of skipping this step. It’s understandable, especially when you are under time pressure. But once you get the hang of it, outlines actually save you a lot of time, because they offer you a guide to follow.
Let’s write some outlines together.
Before we dive into essay writing, let’s practice the basics of creating a quality outline. There are many different types of essay, but for now, we are going to focus on argumentative essays.
1.) Select an argument from the list below.
2.) Think of three arguments that directly support the argument.
3.) Think of one more argument to support each of the three arguments.
Essay Topics
1.) Bugs should be part of everyone’s basic diet.
2.) All people should wear a tracking device so we all know where everyone is all the time.
3.) Dictatorship is the best from of government.
4.) There should be a website where people can see, in real time, where public money is spent.
5.) Schools should ban homework.
6.) There should be a maximum amount of money that any one person can have.
7.) Boredom is a good thing.
8.) People in clubs should wear different coloured armbands to indicate if they are open to being hit on or not.
9.) When there is international conflict, it shouldn’t be resolved by wars. Presidents should engage in single combat.
10.) Mosquitoes are awesome.
Let’s write a mini essay together.
What should we write about? Learn how to brainstorm effectively.
Let’s take a look at the essay writing process.
Our Workflow –
1.) What is our topic? (Brainstorm ideas and select the best option.)
2.) What is the take-away (main idea)?
3.) Do we want to inform or persuade?
4.) Who is our audience?
5.) What style of essay do we want to write?
– Expository: Provide accurate information based on research
– Argumentative: Support a point of view based of verifiable evidence
– Narrative: Tell a compelling story
– Descriptive: Create a sensory experience for the reader
6.) What ideas or information do we want to use to support our main idea? (See the chart!)
Our First Draft –
Title: Why our thesis is relevant. (Do this step last.)
Introduction: Thesis statement/Two supporting ideas we will talk about
Paragraph 1: Supporting idea 1/Two or three more sentences about it
Paragraph 2: Supporting idea 2/Two or three more sentences about it
Paragraph 3: Supporting idea 3/Two or three more sentences about it
Conclusion: Thesis statement/How the two ideas support our case
Let’s look at an example of a workflow and essay.
Workflow –
1.) What is our topic? Bananas
2.) What is the take-away? Bananas are the best fruit
3.) Do we want to inform or persuade? Persuade
4.) Who is our audience? Local consumers
5.) What style of essay do we want to write?
-Expository: Provide accurate information based on research
-Argumentative: Support a point of view based of verifiable evidence economical
– Narrative: Tell a compelling story
– Descriptive: Create a sensory experience for the reader
The First Draft –
Title: Why our thesis is relevant. (Do this step last.) Bananas are the best
Introduction: Thesis statement/Two supporting ideas we will talk about Bananas are the best fruit. They are economical, and they are delicious.
Paragraph 1: Supporting idea 1/Two more sentences about it Bananas are economical. They are cheaper than a lot of other fruit. Compared with mango, bananas are very economical.
Paragraph 2: Supporting idea 2/Two more sentences about it Bananas are delicious. They are sweet. Also, they are a pretty colour.
Conclusion: Thesis statement/How the two ideas support our case As you can see, bananas are the best fruit. Not only are they inexpensive, they are pretty and yummy.
The Second Draft –
Here, we want to ask ourselves some questions, and address any problems.
1.) Does the essay achieve what we want it to?
2.) Do our supporting ideas back up our main idea?
3.) Do we flush out our supporting ideas in an effective way?
4.) Are there any points that are redundant or irrelevant?
5.) Is the flow of ideas clear? What sign posts and connectors do we need to add?
6.) Is our vocabulary and grammar correct?
