1. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez Essay Writing Introduction

2. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez What is an essay? It is a piece of writing several paragraphs long. It is written about one topic. It usually presents facts, opinions, and ideas on a certain topic. It develops one central idea.

3. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez What are the parts of an essay? Introduction Body Conclusion Let’s analyse each of them in turn

4. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez Introduction It is the first part of the essay, usually the first paragraph. It has four purposes: it introduces the topic of the essay it gives a general background of the topic it often indicates the overall ‘plan’ of the essay it should arouse the reader’s interest in the topic.

5. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez Parts of the Introduction General statements about the topic Thesis statement You can begin your essay using a ‘hook,’ which is the opening statement the writer uses to catch the reader’s attention

6. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez Ways of writing a hook Ask a question Use an interesting observation Present a unique scenario Use a famous quote Use statistical information (with its source), especially one that is surprising or shocking

7. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez The Thesis Statement It is the most important statement in the introduction. Some things to remember: it states the main topic it lists the subdivisions of the topic it may indicate the method of organisation of the entire paper it is usually the last sentence in the introductory paragraph it should be expressed as a complete sentence (affirmative or negative; not a question) it should not express a fact it should express only one idea

8. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez The Body It is the group of paragraphs that will develop the subtopics announced in the thesis statement. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and, eventually, a concluding sentence, too. It is important to use transition signals between paragraphs, so that your writing runs more smoothly.

9. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. Martínez The Conclusion It is the final paragraph of the essay. It should never introduce a new idea or topic. It can restate the main points (subtopics) discussed; it can restate the thesis statement; it includes your final comment on the subject. Useful techniques: make a suggestion; give an opinion (if appropriate); make a prediction; leave the reader with something to think about; ask a question.