Essay Organization Essay Organization is: the Arrangement of an essay’s parts to form an effective whole which essay’s parts to form an effective whole

Essay OrganizationEssay Organization

Essay Organization is: Essay Organization is: the Arrangement of anthe Arrangement of an

essay’s parts to form an effective whole which essay’s parts to form an effective whole which

communicates your thoughts more clearly, communicates your thoughts more clearly, moremore

effectively, and more interestinglyeffectively, and more interestingly..

* (You simply decide what information belongs * (You simply decide what information belongs in each paragraph, and then in what order in each paragraph, and then in what order you should arrange the paragraphs.) you should arrange the paragraphs.)

Patterns of Essay Patterns of Essay OrganizationOrganization

You can organize your essay by using You can organize your essay by using one ofone of

four patterns: four patterns:

1.1. Chronological OrderChronological Order

2.2. Logical DivisionLogical Division

3.3. Cause and EffectCause and Effect

4.4. Comparison and ContrastComparison and Contrast

Patterns of Essay Patterns of Essay OrganizationOrganization

You can organize your essay by using You can organize your essay by using one ofone of

four patterns: four patterns:

1.1. Chronological OrderChronological Order

Essay OrganizationEssay Organization by by Chronological OrderChronological Order

• Chronological orderChronological order: List of events in : List of events in order of their occurrence order of their occurrence order by order by timetime

Usage: Usage:

- Technical process essaysTechnical process essays

- Instructive (How to) essaysInstructive (How to) essays

- History, biography, auto-biography, etc. History, biography, auto-biography, etc.

- (List of events over a period of time)- (List of events over a period of time)

Essay OrganizationEssay Organization by by Chronological OrderChronological Order

• See p. 97 for a model essay based on See p. 97 for a model essay based on chronological order organization and chronological order organization and answer the following questions: answer the following questions:

1.1. Underline the thesis statement twice. Underline the thesis statement twice. 2.2. Underline the topic sentence of each Underline the topic sentence of each

paragraph.paragraph.3.3. Underline the passive verb forms.Underline the passive verb forms.4.4. Circle the transition signals. Circle the transition signals.

• Why do you think there are a Why do you think there are a lot of passive verb forms in lot of passive verb forms in this essay? this essay?

• Ex. The hot water is Ex. The hot water is circulated…circulated…

•A General Outline to Write A General Outline to Write an Organized Process an Organized Process EssayEssay

(p. 98)(p. 98)

OrganizationOrganization

• 1. 1. Introduction:Introduction: (an overview on the process)(an overview on the process)

• A. Give a definition of the processA. Give a definition of the process.. • Explain why the process is performedExplain why the process is performed• By whom it is performedBy whom it is performed• In what way it is performedIn what way it is performed• B. List the equipmentB. List the equipment, supplies, etc., needed, supplies, etc., needed in the processin the process.. • C. List the main steps of the processC. List the main steps of the process in the in the order they are performed.order they are performed.

•2. Body2. Body• A. Write a topic sentence to introduce the A. Write a topic sentence to introduce the first step. first step. 1. Define the step and state its purpose. 1. Define the step and state its purpose. 2. Describe the apparatus or equipment 2. Describe the apparatus or equipment used. used. 3. Divide the main step into as many 3. Divide the main step into as many

details as details as necessary. necessary. B. For all subsequent steps, follow the B. For all subsequent steps, follow the

same general procedure outlined above same general procedure outlined above until you have explained all of the steps. until you have explained all of the steps.

• 3. Conclusion3. Conclusion Summarize the essay by:Summarize the essay by:- Restating what the steps of the process Restating what the steps of the process - How it operatesHow it operates- Why it is important. Why it is important. * The conclusion repeats the information * The conclusion repeats the information

given in the body of the essay, without given in the body of the essay, without going into specific details. going into specific details.

• Process essayProcess essay: passive form: passive form

• How to essaysHow to essays: : - imperatives (fold) + - imperatives (fold) +

- second-singular verb forms (you should….) - second-singular verb forms (you should….)

• Events over a time (biography, Events over a time (biography, history, .etc.):history, .etc.):

• You will write about events in the order that they You will write about events in the order that they happen.happen.

• Your paragraphs will be blocks of time: morning, Your paragraphs will be blocks of time: morning, afternoon, and night/ before…, and after… afternoon, and night/ before…, and after…

• Time expressions are needed in all types!Time expressions are needed in all types!

Practice! (p. 99)Practice! (p. 99)

• Write a thesis statement for one of Write a thesis statement for one of the topics in each group: the topics in each group:

• 1. Scientific/technical processes1. Scientific/technical processes

• 2. Instructions/directions2. Instructions/directions

• 3. Chronologies3. Chronologies

Writing Practice! Writing Practice! • Choose one of the topics from practice 7 above and write Choose one of the topics from practice 7 above and write

an essay using chronological order as a method of an essay using chronological order as a method of organization. organization.

Please follow these steps to successPlease follow these steps to success: :

1. Brainstrom by freewriting, listing, or clustering all the steps 1. Brainstrom by freewriting, listing, or clustering all the steps in your process or events in your chronology. in your process or events in your chronology.

2. Draw a simple diagram or flow chart which shows the steps 2. Draw a simple diagram or flow chart which shows the steps and substeps in the process of chronology. and substeps in the process of chronology.

3. Develop an outline from your flow chart. Use the outline on 3. Develop an outline from your flow chart. Use the outline on page 89 as a guide. page 89 as a guide.

4. Write your first draft from your outline. Be sure to use 4. Write your first draft from your outline. Be sure to use chronological transition signals. chronological transition signals.

5. Revise your rough draft as you have learned in Chapter 7. 5. Revise your rough draft as you have learned in Chapter 7. Check your final copy against the essay Checklist on p. Check your final copy against the essay Checklist on p. 9494

Essay Organization: Essay Organization: 2. 2. (Logical Division)(Logical Division)• Grouping related items according to some quality Grouping related items according to some quality

they have in common. they have in common.

• A broad subject can be subdivided into several A broad subject can be subdivided into several categories or groups that will narrow the topics categories or groups that will narrow the topics for discussion. Then, each subdivided topic can for discussion. Then, each subdivided topic can be discussed in order. (e.g. Civil engineering/ be discussed in order. (e.g. Civil engineering/ electrical engineering/ Space engineering/ electrical engineering/ Space engineering/ mechanical engineering, etc.)mechanical engineering, etc.)

• By dividing the field into subclasses, you can By dividing the field into subclasses, you can discuss each one separately, which simplifies the discuss each one separately, which simplifies the task of explaining a broad subject. task of explaining a broad subject.

( Model: Essay, p. 101)( Model: Essay, p. 101)

• Step1Step1: Locate and underline the thesis statement : Locate and underline the thesis statement twice. How many subtopics does it list?twice. How many subtopics does it list?

• Step2Step2: Locate the main sentence in the concluding : Locate the main sentence in the concluding paragraph and underline it twice. Is it a paraphrase paragraph and underline it twice. Is it a paraphrase of the thesis statement or a summary of the main of the thesis statement or a summary of the main points?points?

• Step3Step3: Underline the topic sentence in each : Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph. paragraph.

• Step4Step4: Notice the transition expressions between : Notice the transition expressions between paragraphs. Do all of the paragraphs contain one?paragraphs. Do all of the paragraphs contain one?

Practice 9, p. 102Practice 9, p. 102

• Transition between paragraphs:Transition between paragraphs:

• Copy the words, phrases or clauses Copy the words, phrases or clauses that serve as links between the six that serve as links between the six paragraphs or the model essay. paragraphs or the model essay.

Logical Division: Logical Division: (Transition Signals and Thesis Statements)(Transition Signals and Thesis Statements)

- See p. 102 for transition signals. See p. 102 for transition signals. - Example thesis statements: Example thesis statements: • A college education is a necessary in today’s competitive A college education is a necessary in today’s competitive

world for world for two main reasonstwo main reasons. . (subtopics not named)(subtopics not named)

• A college education is a necessary in today’s competitive A college education is a necessary in today’s competitive world world not onlynot only because of the knowledge you gain because of the knowledge you gain but alsobut also because of the personal contacts you make. because of the personal contacts you make. (subtopics are (subtopics are named)named)

• To many men, an automobile symbolizes To many men, an automobile symbolizes three things: three things: money, power, and successmoney, power, and success. . (subtopics named)(subtopics named)

Writing Practice: Writing Practice: (p. 103)(p. 103)

• A. Write an essay in which you explain the influence of one A. Write an essay in which you explain the influence of one

culture on another.culture on another. (Choose two cultures with which you are familiar.) (Choose two cultures with which you are familiar.)

- You might discuss things such as: language, food, clothing, You might discuss things such as: language, food, clothing, music, family customs, business methods, educational music, family customs, business methods, educational methods, etc. methods, etc.

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- B. Write an essay in which you discuss some of the customs B. Write an essay in which you discuss some of the customs or traditions of your culture you wish to preserve as a part or traditions of your culture you wish to preserve as a part of your lifestyle, such as food, religion, holidays, etc.of your lifestyle, such as food, religion, holidays, etc.

Essay Organization: Essay Organization: 3. Cause and Effect3. Cause and Effect

• In cause and effect essay, you discuss In cause and effect essay, you discuss the reasons of something, and then the reasons of something, and then you discuss the results. you discuss the results.

• Examples for cause and effect essay examination Examples for cause and effect essay examination (see p. 104)(see p. 104)

Essay Organization: Essay Organization: 3. Cause and Effect3. Cause and Effect• There are two ways of organizing a cause and effect essay: There are two ways of organizing a cause and effect essay:

(1) Block organization(1) Block organization• (2) Chain organization. (2) Chain organization. • 1. Block organization: you discuss all of the effects together 1. Block organization: you discuss all of the effects together

as a as a blockblock..•

• 2. 2. ChainChain organization: You discuss a organization: You discuss a• first cause and its effect, a second causefirst cause and its effect, a second cause• and its effect, and a third cause and its effect, in a chain. and its effect, and a third cause and its effect, in a chain.

Causes

Effects

Cause

Effect

Causes

Effect

Block or Chain?Block or Chain?

• It depends on the topicIt depends on the topic!!• If complex and interrelated (not easy to If complex and interrelated (not easy to

divide into cause and effect blocks), use divide into cause and effect blocks), use chain cause organization. chain cause organization.

• In larger essays and when there is no In larger essays and when there is no direct cause and effect relationship, use direct cause and effect relationship, use block style. block style.

• In block organization, there is often a short In block organization, there is often a short paragraph that separates the ‘causes’ part paragraph that separates the ‘causes’ part from the ‘effects’ part. This is called a from the ‘effects’ part. This is called a transition paragraph.transition paragraph.

Cause and effectCause and effect(Block Organization)(Block Organization)

• The transition sentence can be The transition sentence can be placed at the beginning of the next placed at the beginning of the next paragraph or at the end of the paragraph or at the end of the previous one. previous one.

• See, p. 105 (step 1, 2 & 3)See, p. 105 (step 1, 2 & 3)

Chain OrganizationChain Organization

• - One event causes a second event, - One event causes a second event, which in turn causes a third event, which in turn causes a third event, which in turn causes a fourth event, which in turn causes a fourth event, and so ,on. and so ,on.

• See model example p. 107.See model example p. 107.

Cause and Effect Structure Cause and Effect Structure WordsWords• Cause structure word:Cause structure word: - The first cause………………..The first cause………………..- The next reason…………………The next reason…………………- Because of………………………. Because of………………………. Effect structure words:Effect structure words: - The first effect…………………… The first effect…………………… - As a result………………… As a result………………… - Therefore…………………………..Therefore…………………………..* * Learn to use different ones so that you don’t Learn to use different ones so that you don’t

always use because or as a result in your always use because or as a result in your sentence. See p. 108 & 109sentence. See p. 108 & 109

• Cause structure word:Cause structure word:

• ForFor

• BecauseBecause

• AS AS

• Resulted from Resulted from

• Because ofBecause of

• The effect ofThe effect of

• Consequence ofConsequence of

• The effect ofThe effect of

• As a result of As a result of

• As a consequence ofAs a consequence of

Effect structure words:Effect structure words:

• As a resultAs a result

• As a consequenceAs a consequence

• Therefore,Therefore,

• Thus, Thus,

• Consequently,Consequently,

• Hence, etc. Hence, etc.

• See Writing practice p. 113See Writing practice p. 113

Essay OrganizationEssay Organization4.4. Comparison and ContrastComparison and Contrast

• - This form of organization is used frequently in - This form of organization is used frequently in college work, and in business and the professions as college work, and in business and the professions as well. well.

• - You can compare and contrast different things, but - You can compare and contrast different things, but you should observe that you compare and contrast you should observe that you compare and contrast things of like nature. Or the compare and contrast things of like nature. Or the compare and contrast will not be valid: e.g (apples with bananas, not with will not be valid: e.g (apples with bananas, not with pencils)pencils)

• A comparison answers the question: A comparison answers the question: ‘‘What features do X and Y have in common?’ or What features do X and Y have in common?’ or ‘‘How X and Z are similar?’How X and Z are similar?’

• A contrast answers the question, ‘What are the A contrast answers the question, ‘What are the differences between X and Y’? Or,differences between X and Y’? Or,

‘ ‘How are X and Y different?’How are X and Y different?’


• Specific techniques to write good Specific techniques to write good comparison and contrast essays: comparison and contrast essays:

1.1. Appropriate use of comparison and Appropriate use of comparison and contrast structure words. contrast structure words.

2.2. Logical organization of the points of Logical organization of the points of comparison and contrast. comparison and contrast.

3.3. See Model essay, p. 114 and See Model essay, p. 114 and answer the questionsanswer the questions


There are words that introduce points ofThere are words that introduce points of comparison and points of contrast. comparison and points of contrast. Comparison Structure Words: Comparison Structure Words: • (table, p. 116)+ Examples+ (table, p. 116)+ Examples+ • Practice 15 (Recognize Comparison Structure words.)Practice 15 (Recognize Comparison Structure words.)• Practice 16 ( Use Comparison Structure words)Practice 16 ( Use Comparison Structure words)

Contrast Structure VocabularyContrast Structure Vocabulary• Contrast (Concessive) Structure Words)Contrast (Concessive) Structure Words)• (table, p. 119) + Examples(table, p. 119) + Examples• Contrast (Strong Opposition) Structure Words.Contrast (Strong Opposition) Structure Words.• (table + Examples(table + Examples• Practice 17 (Recognizing Contrast Structure Words)Practice 17 (Recognizing Contrast Structure Words)• Practice 18 (Using Contrast Structure Words)Practice 18 (Using Contrast Structure Words)•

Comparison and ContrastComparison and ContrastOrganizationOrganization

• There are at least two ways to organize a There are at least two ways to organize a comparison and contrast essay: comparison and contrast essay:

- Block organization: Block organization: (All the similarities in one block (can be in (All the similarities in one block (can be in more than one paragraph, and all the paragraphs in another block more than one paragraph, and all the paragraphs in another block (which can be one or more paragraphs) – You need a transitional (which can be one or more paragraphs) – You need a transitional paragraph here!paragraph here!

- Point by point organizationPoint by point organizationWith this type of organization, as you discuss each feature of Y, refer With this type of organization, as you discuss each feature of Y, refer

back toback to

the same feature of X and use comparison and contrast structure the same feature of X and use comparison and contrast structure vocabularyvocabulary

to show whether they are the same of different.to show whether they are the same of different.

• To compare two jobs for example, you might need to discuss To compare two jobs for example, you might need to discuss points such as: salary, fringe, opportunities for advancement, points such as: salary, fringe, opportunities for advancement, workplace atmosphere. workplace atmosphere.

• See model (1), p. 123See model (1), p. 123

• See model (2), p. 123. See model (2), p. 123.

Comparison and ContrastComparison and ContrastOrganizationOrganization

Summary so far!Summary so far!

1.1. Arrange your points of comparison and contrast Arrange your points of comparison and contrast in logical order. Use either point- by- point or in logical order. Use either point- by- point or block organization. block organization.

2. Use enough comparison and contrast strucutre 2. Use enough comparison and contrast strucutre vocabulary to make points of comparison and vocabulary to make points of comparison and contrast very clear. contrast very clear.

Essay OrganizationEssay Organization(Comparison and Contrast)(Comparison and Contrast)

• Choose one topic and discuss it in terms of comparison and Choose one topic and discuss it in terms of comparison and contrast. Use either point-by- point or block organizationcontrast. Use either point-by- point or block organization

• 1. Write your thesis statement at the top of your paper. 1. Write your thesis statement at the top of your paper. • 2. Brainstorm by using one of the prewriting techniques 2. Brainstorm by using one of the prewriting techniques

that you prefer. (Use pre-writing activity)that you prefer. (Use pre-writing activity)• 3. Then, brainstorm for ideas to support each comparison 3. Then, brainstorm for ideas to support each comparison

and contrast in the second column. and contrast in the second column. • 4. Write an outline from your brainstorming activity. 4. Write an outline from your brainstorming activity. • 5. Write your first rought draft from your outline. Be sure to 5. Write your first rought draft from your outline. Be sure to

use a variety of comparison and contrast structure words, use a variety of comparison and contrast structure words, and begin each paragraph with transition expression. and begin each paragraph with transition expression.

• 6. Revise your rough draft as you have learned in Chapter 6. Revise your rough draft as you have learned in Chapter 7. Check your final essay against7. Check your final essay against the Essay Checklist on the Essay Checklist on page 124.page 124.

• See topic suggestions, p. 124See topic suggestions, p. 124

ReviewReview

• - There are four common patterns of essay organization - There are four common patterns of essay organization in English you should have learned:in English you should have learned:

• 1.1. Chronological orderChronological order2.2. Logical division of ideasLogical division of ideas3.3. Cause and effectCause and effect4.4. Comparison and contrast.Comparison and contrast.

• With each pattern you use special transitionWith each pattern you use special transition signals and structure words.signals and structure words.• There are still other ways of essay organization. There are still other ways of essay organization. • For long essay or term papers , you may need to use a For long essay or term papers , you may need to use a

combination of patterns.combination of patterns.

QuizQuiz

• Write an essay on one of the following topics using a suitable Write an essay on one of the following topics using a suitable

• Generation GapGeneration Gap• University of PalestineUniversity of Palestine• Learning English as a Foreign LanguageLearning English as a Foreign Language• Communication RevolutionCommunication Revolution• How to write an essayHow to write an essay• Internet in the 21Internet in the 21stst Century Century

• You are required to show all steps on paper. You are required to show all steps on paper. - -

• PunctuationPunctuation

Punctuation Punctuation (p. 253- p. 261)(p. 253- p. 261)

• 1. Commas1. Commas

• 2. Semicolons2. Semicolons

• 3. Colons3. Colons

• 4. Quotation marks4. Quotation marks

PunctuationPunctuation1. Commas1. Commas

• Commas functions as:Commas functions as:

• 1. Introducers1. Introducers

• 2. Co-ordinators2. Co-ordinators

• 3. inserters 3. inserters

• 4. linkers4. linkers


• Commas functions as:Commas functions as:

• 1. Introducers: 1. Introducers: • e.g. e.g. Recently, the legislature banned smoking in public Recently, the legislature banned smoking in public

places. places.

• _______, (main clause). _______, (main clause).

• 2. Coordinator 2. Coordinator • Many people opposed the new lawMany people opposed the new law, but, but it finally passed. it finally passed.

• Main clause___ (coordinating conjunction)__ Main clauseMain clause___ (coordinating conjunction)__ Main clause

•


• Commas functions as:Commas functions as:• 3. Inserter: 3. Inserter: Smallpox, once a widespread disease, is under control. Smallpox, once a widespread disease, is under control. Main ----------------------------------------clauseMain ----------------------------------------clause

• 4. Linkers: 4. Linkers: • e.g. (1): The word color is spelled colour in British English, e.g. (1): The word color is spelled colour in British English,

for example. for example. • Main Clause-----------------------------, ----------------. Main Clause-----------------------------, ----------------. • e.g. (2): Cecile speaks English, French, Spanish, and Italian. e.g. (2): Cecile speaks English, French, Spanish, and Italian. • -----------, ---------, ---------,-----------, ---------, ---------,


See p. 254 & 256 for words used for different kinds of See p. 254 & 256 for words used for different kinds of commas commas

See practice I, p. 255See practice I, p. 255

Punctuation Punctuation semi - colonssemi - colons

• The semi-colon is more like a period than a The semi-colon is more like a period than a comma. comma.

• It is used between: It is used between:

• 1. Between two sentences that are 1. Between two sentences that are closely connected in idea. closely connected in idea.

e.g. Alice is going to Harvard; she isn’t going to M. e.g. Alice is going to Harvard; she isn’t going to M. I. T. I. T.


• It is used between: It is used between:

• 2. Before conjunctive adverbs and 2. Before conjunctive adverbs and some traditional phrases. some traditional phrases.

• Skiing is dangerous; nevertheless, hundreds of Skiing is dangerous; nevertheless, hundreds of people ski. people ski.


• 3. Between items in a series if the 3. Between items in a series if the items already contain commas. items already contain commas.

• See p. 257See p. 257

Colons:Colons:

• 1. Lists1. Lists

• 2. Long quotations2. Long quotations

• 3. Subtitles3. Subtitles

• 4. Time4. Time

• 5. Formal salutations5. Formal salutations

Quotation marksQuotation marks

ParallelismParallelism(p. 168)(p. 168)

• Using similar grammatical structures Using similar grammatical structures to balance your writing. to balance your writing.

• If the first structure is a noun, make all the others nouns; If the first structure is a noun, make all the others nouns; if it is an infinitive verb phrase, make all of the others if it is an infinitive verb phrase, make all of the others infinitive verb phrases; if it is a dependent clause, make all infinitive verb phrases; if it is a dependent clause, make all of the others dependent clauses. of the others dependent clauses.

• with conjunctions (And, Or, But)with conjunctions (And, Or, But)

• Correlative conjunctionsCorrelative conjunctions

Sentence ProblemsSentence Problems

• 1. Sentence Fragments1. Sentence Fragments

• 2. Choppy Sentences2. Choppy Sentences

• 3. Run-On sentences and Comma 3. Run-On sentences and Comma SplicesSplices

• 4. Stringy Sentences4. Stringy Sentences

Sentence Problems: Sentence Problems: Sentence fragments (p. 171)Sentence fragments (p. 171)

• Sentence fragments are incomplete Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences or parts of sentences. sentences or parts of sentences.

• (A complete sentence must contain (A complete sentence must contain at least one main or independent at least one main or independent clause)clause)

• See p. 171See p. 171

Sentence Problems:Sentence Problems:Choppy SentenceChoppy Sentence

• Choppy sentences are sentences that Choppy sentences are sentences that are too short. They are the result for are too short. They are the result for using too many simple sentences.using too many simple sentences.

• • Although simple sentences are quite effective sometimes, Although simple sentences are quite effective sometimes,

overuse of them is considered poor style in academic overuse of them is considered poor style in academic

writingwriting. . • See, p. 173. See, p. 173.

Sentence Problems:Sentence Problems:Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices (p, 175)Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices (p, 175)

• A run-on sentenceA run-on sentence is a sentence in which two or is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses are written one after more independent clauses are written one after another with no punctuation. another with no punctuation.

• A similar error happens when two independent clauses are A similar error happens when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a coordinating incorrectly joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunctionconjunction

• N.B This kind of error is also called a comma N.B This kind of error is also called a comma splice. splice.

• Comma Splice means joining end to end.Comma Splice means joining end to end.

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Essay Organization Essay Organization is: the Arrangement of an essay’s parts to form an effective whole which essay’s parts to form an effective whole