ESSAY ORGANIZATION

CHAPTER V

Overview of Essay OrganizationAs you learned before, a paragraph is a

group of sentences about one topic and has three main parts:

the topic sentencethe body (supporting sentences)the concluding sentence

Overview of Essay OrganizationSimilarly, an essay is a group of paragraphs

about one topic and also has three mainparts:

the introductionthe bodythe conclusion

The diagram below shows that a paragraph and an essay have the same basic plan; an essay is just longer.

Introductory Paragraph

Bodys Paragraphs

Concluding Paragraph

The Introductory ParagraphThe introduction is the first paragraph of

the essay. It introduces the topic of the essay and arouses the reader’s interest.

The Introductory ParagraphIn this lesson, you will learn to write a

“funnel introduction.” A funnel introduction has two parts:

several general statementsa thesis statement

The Introductory Paragraph

The Introductory ParagraphGeneral statements give the reader background

information about the topic of the essay. They should lead your reader gradually from a very general ide of your topic to a very specific ideas.

The Introductory ParagraphThe first general

statement in a funnel introduction just introduces the topic. Like the lens of a camera moving in for a close up picture, each sentence that follows becomes more and more focused on a specific topic.

The Introductory Paragraph

There is no exact rule about the general statements you need; however, you should be interesting enough to hold the reader’s attention.

The Introductory ParagraphIt is permissible to sprinkle a few

interesting details in the general statements in order to attract the reader’s interest. However, you should not give any details that belong in the body of the essay.

The Introductory ParagraphThe thesis statement introduces the

main idea of the essay.

It states the specific topic of the essay. It may list subtopics of the main topic. It may also mention the method of

organization. It is the last sentence of the introuction.

The Introductory ParagraphNow read the introductory paragraph on

the next slide. Notice how the sentences gradually move from the general topic of technology to the specific topic of two areas that have been changed by personal computers.

This introductory paragraph resembles a funnel, wide at the top (beginning) and narrow at the bottom (end).

We live in the age of technology. Every day, new technology appears,

ranging from mini-CDs that contain entire encyclopedias of

information to giant space telescopes that can send photo-

graphs of distant stars back to Earth. Of all the new technological wonders, personal computers have probably had the greatest influence on the daily lives of average people. Through computers, we can now talk to people in any country, research any topic, work, shop, bank, and entertain our- selves. Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty years.

The Introductory ParagraphThe first two sentences introduce the general

topic of technology. The mini-CDs and giant telescopes are mentioned to attract the reader’s interest.

We live in the age of technology. Every day, new technology appears, ranging from mini-CDs that contain entire encyclopedias of information to giant space telescopes that can send photographs of distant stars back to Earth.

The Introductory ParagraphThe next two sentences narrow the general

topic of technology to the specific topic of personal computers. The deatils keep the reader interested without revealing the essay contents.

Of all the new technological wonders, personal computers have probably had the greatest influence on the daily lives of average people. Through computers, we can now talk to people in any country, research any topic, work, shop, bank, and entertain ourselves.

The Introductory ParagraphThe final sentence is the thesis statement. It

names the two subtopics or specific areas changed by personal computers: communication and business.

Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty years.

Body ParagraphsThe body of the essay is made up of one or

more paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs has a topic sentence supporting sentences (sometimes) a concluding sentence.

Each of the body paragraphs supports the thesis statment.

Body Paragraphs

The Concluding ParagraphThe concluding paragraph is the last paragraph

of an essay. It has three purposes:

It signals the end of the essay.It reminds the reader of your main points.It leaves the reader with your final thoughts on

the topic.

The Concluding ParagraphNotice how the the writer these three purposes

in the following concluding paragraph.

In short, Mr. Smith had several qualities of a great teacher. He was well informed about his subject, an his enthusiasm for it rubbed off on his students. Furthermore, his lectures were well organized, and he returned papers and tests promptly. His classes were always interesting, and he told funny stories to keep even the sleepiest student awake and engaged in learning. Mr. Smith taught more than just history; he also taught us to love learning.

The Concluding ParagraphThe transition phrase In short signals the

end of the essay.It summerizes the qualities of Mr. Smith: he

was well informed, enthusiastic, organized, and interesting.

It gives a final comment: Mr. Smith inspired students to love learning.

The Concluding ParagraphThe first part of the concluding paragraph

summerizes the main points or repeats the thesis statement in different words. It may require on or more than one sentence.

The Concluding ParagraphIn the second part, you may add a final

comment. This is the place to express your opinion, make a judgement, or give a recommendation. However, do not add any new ideas in the concluding paragraph. Just comment on what you have already discussed.

The Essay Body: OutliningBeacuse an essay is longer and more

complex than a paragraph, it is even more important to organize your thoughts and plan the body of your essay before you begin to write. The best way to do this is to make an outline.

The Essay Body: OutliningThe number/letter system for a formal

outline is illustrated in the model outline. Notice that subtopics that form the body of the essay are indented to the right. As you move to the right, the ideas become more ane more specific.

Modern Technology

I. Introduction

Thesis statement: The most recent significant discoveries to benefit humankind in modern times are in the fields of television and computer technology.

II. Body

A. A popular form of instant communication all over the world is television.

1. Witnessing important events

a. Destruction of Berlin Wall

b. Launching of spacecraft

2. Long-distance medicine by two-way video

a. Patient and doctor conferences

b. Special equipment to monitor patient

B. In the last few decades, computer technology has made tremendous progress in the world of communication to benefit humankind.

1. Long-distance communication 2. Information superhighway 3. Global computer networks

Electronic mailC. Technology has contributed enormously to advances in

computer medicine, which has benefited both doctors and patients.

1. Rural doctors and medical information a. Less access in past b. Immediate access today 2. Rural doctors and urban medical centers Use of computer to prescribe treatment 3. X-ray pictures of body parts a. Diagnoses of diseases and disorders b. Necessary treatments 4. Computer-aided diagnosis a. Example of woman with headaches

III. Conclusion

To conclude, scientific research and experiments have certainly opened the doors to faster, more easily accessible information worldwide on television and the computer. Many of these discoveries have changed our lives for the better and have made the peoples of the world closer.