Essay Writing
• An extended response to a question
– thoughtfully constructed
– persuasive argument
• Persuasive essay: one that presents
information to support or prove a point.
You are writing to convince the reader that
your answer is correct.
– defends a thesis statement
• usually explain, compare/contrast, cause/effect,
analyze
Essay Writing
• Five Paragraph model
– thesis - proofs - conclusion
• Thesis can be a relevant connection of two
or three ideas
• proofs are further relevant connections
connecting specific examples to one idea
(research also supports this)
Essay Writing
• Three point rule
– three points in the thesis = three
proofs
– three specific examples for each
proof
Essay Writing
“If a man wishes to write a clear style, let him
first be clear in his thoughts.”
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The very best writing is straightforward, not
fancy; natural, not artificial.
To prove a point, write in a very logical,
organized manner.
– It is a challenge!
– A process that takes time to develop
Essay Writing
• Thesis paragraph: Everything you write should develop
around a clear thesis. “What is the main point of this
paper?” It is your opinion on a given topic. The reader
must immediately know your position on the
question.Your essay should carry out the direction and
argument that your thesis describes.
• Topic sentences: reveals what your subject is and what
you plan to say about that subject. It indicates the major
points to be discussed in support paragraphs. These
sentences support your thesis and provides specific
examples.
Assess the effectiveness of General Sir Douglas Haig’s
generalship on the Western Front during World War One.
• The generalship of General Douglas Haig on the Western
Front during World War One was poor and ineffective
despite the victorious outcome for the Allies (topic
sentence - thesis). 1) The ineffectiveness is substantially
rooted in his inability to assess situations and make logical
decisions. 2) General Haig poorly assessed the
capabilities of his own and enemy forces. As Haig made
these mistakes he failed to learn from them as evidenced in
latter situations. 3) Lastly, the Allied victory cannot be
attributed to Haig’s campaign on the Western Front, but
rather other influences of war.