This document discusses the key parts and structure of an essay. It explains that an essay is a written piece consisting of multiple paragraphs focused on developing a central idea about a single topic. The main parts of an essay are the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction introduces the topic, provides background, and includes a thesis statement expressing the central idea. The body paragraphs each discuss a subtopic that supports the thesis. The conclusion restates the main points without introducing new information.

1. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezEssay WritingIntroduction

2. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezWhat is an essay?It is a piece of writing several paragraphs long.It is written about one topic. It usually presents facts, opinions, and ideas on a certain topic.It develops one central idea.

3. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezWhat are the parts of an essay?IntroductionBodyConclusionLet’s analyse each of them in turn

4. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezIntroductionIt is the first part of the essay, usually the first paragraph.It has four purposes:it introduces the topic of the essayit gives a general background of the topicit often indicates the overall ‘plan’ of the essayit should arouse the reader’s interest in the topic.

5. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezParts of the IntroductionGeneral statements about the topicThesis statementYou can begin your essay using a ‘hook,’ which is the opening statement the writer uses to catch the reader’s attention

6. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezWays of writing a hookAsk a questionUse an interesting observationPresent a unique scenarioUse a famous quoteUse statistical information (with its source), especially one that is surprising or shocking

7. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezThe Thesis StatementIt is the most important statement in the introduction. Some things to remember:it states the main topicit lists the subdivisions of the topicit may indicate the method of organisation of the entire paperit is usually the last sentence in the introductory paragraphit should be expressed as a complete sentence (affirmative or negative; not a question)it should not express a factit should express only one idea

8. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezThe BodyIt is the group of paragraphs that will develop the subtopics announced in the thesis statement. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and, eventually, a concluding sentence, too.It is important to use transition signals between paragraphs, so that your writing runs more smoothly.

9. The Essay - Prof. Julia I. MartínezThe ConclusionIt is the final paragraph of the essay.It should never introduce a new idea or topic.It can restate the main points (subtopics) discussed; it can restate the thesis statement; it includes your final comment on the subject.Useful techniques: make a suggestion; give an opinion (if appropriate); make a prediction; leave the reader with something to think about; ask a question.