1. Writing Essays Presented by the Student Success and Tutoring
Center
2. Sample Paragraph In the 1990s, there were various types of
popular music: pop, rock, soul, country, and hip-hop. That decade
saw the end of hair metal bands and the beginning of the rap
revolution. Simultaneously, it was a time when the rock world
rejuvenated itself with a brand new sound. At the forefront of this
musical onslaught were Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney,
Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Even though each band had their own
distinctive sound, there were still some analogous characteristics.
For instance, the bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam are similar because
of their music styles, geography, and fame. In the 1990s, there
were various types of popular music: pop, rock, soul, country, and
hip-hop. That decade saw the end of hair metal bands and the
beginning of the rap revolution. Simultaneously, it was a time when
the rock world rejuvenated itself with a brand new sound. At the
forefront of this musical onslaught were Nirvana, The Smashing
Pumpkins, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Even though each
band had their own distinctive sound, there were still some
analogous characteristics. For instance, the bands Nirvana and
Pearl Jam are similar because of their music styles, geography, and
fame.
3. Introduction: The Funnel System Thesis Body Conclusion Essay
Development
4. Introduces the topic of the essay Creates an interest for
the reader Provide background information for context Clearly
identifies the main idea Previews the rest of the essay
Introduction
5. Conveys the main purpose and the points of development
Three-pronged thesis statements help organize main ideas Thesis
statements usually appear at the end of the introduction Be direct
and concise Think of the thesis at the road map of the essay Thesis
Statements
6. Base: Interesting hook and background information Middle:
Narrowing sides=narrowing content Point: The funnel ends at a
point, same as your introduction. This point can also be known as
your thesis statement. The Funnel System
7. Brainstorm and create an outline Its key to chronologically
organize your body paragraphs according to your thesis statement.
Topic sentences that establish the basis for the paragraph
Expansion of ideas Examples/evidence/supporting details They say, I
say. STAY ON POINT Closing sentences that transition to the next
paragraph Body
8. Sample Body Paragraph The first thing both Nirvana and Pearl
Jam had in common was the style of music they made. Both bands
wrote and performed what is now called Grunge music. At the time,
it was just considered alternative rock; however, it soon became
known as Grunge when the bands developed popularity, and the media
needed a way to differentiate it from bands such as REM and The
Pixies. Grunge music consists of heavy cords, haunting lyrics, and
teenage angst; both Nirvana and Pearl Jam utilized these
characteristics in all of their songs. Clearly, both bands had
enough in common to include them into an entirely new musical
genre. Not only was the music of Nirvana and Pearl Jam similar,
they were also located in the same geographical location.
9. Sums up the information in the body paragraphs Clarifies
whats been learned through writing DOES NOT INTRODUCE NEW MATERIAL
Leaves reader with final thought/question Provides lasting
impression on reader Conclusion
10. Sample Conclusion Nirvana and Pearl Jam each put their mark
on the changing musical landscape of the 1990s. Within the chaos
produced by the hurricane of one-hit wonders and come-and-go
artists like Vanilla Ice, Wreckx N Effects, 4 Non Blondes, and
Rednex, these two bands have been able to retain their
individuality. Even though Nirvana is no longer together due to the
untimely death of lead singer Kurt Cobain in 1994, the music still
lives on, and drummer Dave Grohls post-Nirvana band Foo Fighters
remains on the charts. Pearl Jam is keeping the Grunge revolution
alive because they are still together and making music. While
clearly withstanding the test of time, both of these exceptional
bands have, and will continue to inspire and influence musicians
for years to come.
11. Brainstorm before writing in paragraph form Dont focus on
length requirement; just write! Edit for grammar after the writing
process Struggling with the introduction? Try starting with the
body, or even the conclusion! Unsure about the topic? Do some
research for guidance. Always ask the professor for specifics
regarding the assignment The SSTC has an Online Resource Center
that has more helpful information related to writing. Check them
out! Misc. Tips
12. Cheeseburgers
13. Please Contact Us Conway 349-7872 Grand Strand 477-2113
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