2. General advice on academic essay-writing
The essay should have an argument.
It should try to prove something by reasoning and evidence.
It should be organized (how begins, develops and ends, should be designed
to present your argument clearly and persuasively).
4. There is no predetermined number of points that your essay must include.
Essays have as many paragraphs as needed.
5. Paragraphs
• Paragraphs are usually between one-third and two-thirds of a page.
• Paragraphs will be clearer if they begin with a topic sentece.
• Paragraphs should end whenever the writer has provided enough evidence
and analysis to support the point in the topic sentence.
6. Thesis statement
The thesis statement is that sentence or two in the text that contains the focus
of your essay and tells your reader what the essay is going to be about.
• The opening paragraph often ends in a thesis statement.
• Not every essay needs a thesis statement.
8. Basic guidelines
The best time to think about how to organize your paper is during the pre-
writing stage:
• Invest some time thinking through the specific assignment.
• Note wich concepts or methods the topic asks you to use.
• Ask yourself questions about the specific topic.
• Look for controversies in the material to find issues that need discussing.
9. Avoiding a common pitfall
• The structure of an essay should not be determined by the structure of its
source material.
10. Techniques for integrating note-taking and
planning
• Index cards: When you are researching, write down every idea on a separate index
card. When you finish, reshuffle them into the best possible order, and you have an
outline.
• The computer: Another way of moving your notes is using the computer.
• The circle method: When you have an idea, write it down on paper and draw a circle
around it. When you have an idea wich supports another idea, do the same, but
connect the two circles with a line.
12. Tips to write a good introduction
• A good introduction should identify your topic.
• It should provide essential context.
• It should indicate your particular focus in the essay.
• It needs to engage your reader´s interest.
13. Strategies to write and effective introduction
• Find a startling statistic that illustrates the seriousness of the problem you
will adress.
• Quote an expert.
• Mention a common misperception that your thesis will argue against.
• Give some backgroung information necessary for understanding the essay.
• Use a brief narrative or anecdote that exemplifies your reason for choosing
the topic.
14. How to write a good conclusion?
A strong conclusion will provide a sense of closure to the essay while again
placing your concepts in a wider context.
15. Strategies to write a good conclusion
• A conclusion is not merely a summary of your points. If you wish to
summarize do so in fresh language.
• The conclusion involves critical thinking.
• For most essays, one well-developed paragraph is sufficient for a conclusión.
17. What is a paragraph?
• A paragraph is a series of related sentences developing a central idea, called
the topic sentence.
18. What is the topic sentence?
• The topic sentence is the main point of the paragraph.
19. How do I unify my ideas in a paragraph?
• The most effective way to achieve paragraph unity is to express the central
idea of the paragraph in the topic sentence.
20. How do I develop my ideas in a paragraph?
• Illustrations in a paragraph supports a general statement by means of
examples, details, or relevant quotations (with our comments)
• The analysis or classification paragraph develops a topic by distinguishing its
components parts and discussing each of these parts separately.
• A comparison or a contrast paragraph.
• A qualification paragraph acknowledges that what you previously asserted is
not absolutely true or always applicable.
21. How do I make my ideas flow in a paragraph?
The best strategy to enhance flow withing a paragraph is to show connections.
• Deliberate repetition of key Words help.
• Strategic use of pronouns (It, they, this).
• Specialized linking words (reinforcement of ideas: also, for example; a
change in an idea: but, instead; to signal a conclusion: in conclusion,
therefore, finally)
22. Bibliography
• University of Toronto. Writing courses. Advice on Academic writing.
http://writing.utoronto.ca/
• The University of North Carolina. The writing center at UNC.
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
