Purpose
Gives one main point
Discusses a whole topic
Scope
Focuses on one piece of a topic
Covers a topic fully and deeply
Components
- Topic Sentence
- Introduction
- Supporting Sentences
- Body Paragraphs (Multiple)
- Transitions (Optional)
- Conclusion
- Closing Sentence (Optional)
- Transitions
- References or Citations (if applicable)
3-5 sentences usually
It varies a lot depending on the topic
Used in longer writings
Narrative, descriptive, persuasive, etc.
Provides focused information
Explores and analyzes a whole topic
Paragraphs and essays have different purposes. Knowing when and how to use each one improves writing. Concise, focused paragraphs help with writing.
Thorough, organized essays help too. Together, they let writers express ideas powerfully. Understanding the structures matters. Utilizing them well is key. It makes writing stronger overall.
1. what is the main purpose of a paragraph.
The main purpose of a paragraph is to explain one central idea. Paragraphs expand on one main point or topic.
They let the writer give details before moving on. All the sentences work together. They expand on one point.
A strong essay has an engaging introduction. The introduction previews the topic. The body paragraphs are smoothly ordered. There are transitions between ideas. The essay has solid research and facts.
These support the claims. There is a memorable conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the main points. A thoughtful structure helps create a quality essay. Strong analysis also helps. Good grammar helps too.
It is possible for an essay to have just one body paragraph. This is more common in short essays or types like narrative or descriptive essays.
But most essays with a full exploration of a topic have multiple body paragraphs. Each body paragraph addresses different aspects.
Usually, citations are not needed in a paragraph. But if the information comes from other sources, you should give credit. This matters most within the full essay or document. Proper attribution there is important.
Start a new paragraph when you are moving from discussing one main idea to another. For example, each body paragraph of an essay focuses on a distinct main point, so a new paragraph is needed when shifting gears to a new sub-topic or example. New paragraphs help organize information.
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Oubria tronshaw.
The relationship between a paragraph and an essay is symbiotic; you can't write an essay without using paragraphs, and four or more consecutive paragraphs about the same subject matter become an essay. Both paragraphs and essays have a distinct beginning, middle and end. They're also both composed of five sections: A paragraph typically has five sentences, and an essay, five paragraphs.
Both paragraphs and essays begin with a topic sentence, or a thesis statement, that explains to the reader what the paragraph, or essay, is about. A thesis statement for an essay is longer and more detailed than the topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph. For example, a thesis statement for an essay might be: "The gravity of marriage becomes more apparent over time; newlyweds imagine a glamorous life ahead and cannot yet imagine the test their love will endure, while couples married for a decade or more are beginning to understand the depth of their promise." A topic sentence for a paragraph might simply be: "A lasting marriage requires many levels of compromise."
Paragraphs and essays both require supporting details that elaborate on the statements made in the topic sentence or thesis statement. In a paragraph, each subsequent sentence builds upon the point made in the topic sentence; in an essay, the first sentence in each paragraph discusses points made in the thesis statement. In a paragraph, the sentences following the topic sentence are called "supporting details." In an essay, the paragraphs following the thesis statement are called "supporting paragraphs." Each supporting paragraph has its own supporting details.
Paragraphs and essays differ in their length. Paragraphs are typically between five and six sentences long. They're composed of a topic sentence and four or five supporting details. Essays contain at least five paragraphs; they're composed of an introductory paragraph (which includes the thesis statement), at least three supporting paragraphs and a conclusion paragraph.
Both paragraphs and essays must end with a conclusion, but the type of conclusion differs. Paragraphs must end with a concluding sentence that states the basic point of the paragraph. It should not rephrase or reiterate the topic sentence. Essays end with a conclusion paragraph that summarizes the content of the essay and reiterates the thesis statement with different phrasing. The conclusion paragraph usually revisits the points introduced in the supporting paragraphs to prove to the reader that, from the writer's point of view, the thesis statement was correct.
Oubria Tronshaw specializes in topics related to parenting and business. She received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Chicago State University. She currently teaches English at Harper Community College in the Chicago area.
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© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .
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Students often get confused between paragraphs and essays. however, although they share a few similarities, the differences are far more significant. this makes it even more crucial for you to understand the differences well, especially if you are to give an english language test like ielts or toefl. moreover, understanding the main differences will help you answer the questions better., table of contents, let’s understand the difference between a paragraph and an essay. .
The difference between a paragraph and an essay is far too significant to get confused. Yes, both indeed share many similarities. This makes it easy for one to get confused when comparing the two. However, you must understand the difference between an essay and a paragraph to avoid getting mixed up.
Understanding the differences will be especially handy if you plan to attempt any English language exam like IELTS or TOEFL. They often include questions related to both a paragraph and an essay. If you understand the difference between paragraph and essay, you are better equipped to provide efficient responses.
We have highlighted the following key difference between a paragraph and an essay –
A paragraph is usually short. It may include 4 to 6 sentences. The paragraph will address a specific topic or theme, but that is about it.
On the other hand, an essay will include 4 to 6 paragraphs. The main idea will be discussed throughout these paragraphs. Since the word limit is higher, it takes more time to think about the topic and provide appropriate responses.
Due to how limited the wordings are, the main point of the topic or theme is generally explained within the first two sentences. The supporting information, as well as the concluding sentence, is included in the last few lines. The standard structure of the essay is where an individual uses the first paragraph to introduce the topic. The following two or three paragraphs provide supporting information (including examples), and the last paragraph provides any concluding sentences.
The paragraph and essay make good points. They follow entirely different structures to serve their respective purposes. If you wish to talk about a topic in length, the best way to go about it is by writing an essay. However, a paragraph should suffice if you want to discuss a topic briefly. The essay addresses the topic from a broad perspective. In contrast, a paragraph will concisely explain the same topic.
A good paragraph uses simple and brief sentences to explain the point. The paragraph is generally limited to a single topic, which should follow a decent structure. A good essay will consist of the main statement that is then expanded and explained clearly and smoothly.
Interestingly, if you wish to write a good essay, you have to get better at forming a paragraph. Straightforward and well-structured paragraphs will help you write good essays. In addition, your thoughts should be clearly communicated in each paragraph.
The difference between a paragraph and an essay is that a paragraph consists of 4-6 sentences while an essay consists of 4-6 paragraphs.
You need to be able to form a good paragraph to write a good essay.
A good paragraph and essay is the kind that uses simple and brief sentences to explain the point.
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Writing an effective and impactful essay is crucial to your academic or professional success. Whether it’s getting into the college of your dreams or scoring high on a major assignment, writing a well-structured essay will help you achieve it all. But before you learn how to write an essay , you need to know its basic components.
In this article, we will understand what an essay is, how long it should be, and its different parts and types. We will also take a detailed look at relevant examples to better understand the essay structure.
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An essay is a concise piece of nonfiction writing that aims to either inform the reader about a topic or argue a particular perspective. It can either be formal or informal in nature. Most academic essays are highly formal, whereas informal essays are commonly found in journal entries, social media, or even blog posts.
As we can see from this essay definition, the beauty of essays lies in their versatility. From the exploration of complex scientific concepts to the history and evolution of everyday objects, they can cover a vast range of topics.
The length of an essay can vary from a few hundred to several thousand words but typically falls between 500–5,000 words. However, there are exceptions to this norm, such as Joan Didion and David Sedaris who have written entire books of essays.
Let’s take a look at the different types of essays and their lengths with the help of the following table:
Typically, an essay has five paragraphs: an introduction, a conclusion, and three body paragraphs. However, there is no set rule about the number of paragraphs in an essay.
The number of paragraphs can vary depending on the type and scope of your essay. An expository or argumentative essay may require more body paragraphs to include all the necessary information, whereas a narrative essay may need fewer.
To enhance the coherence and readability of your essay, it’s important to follow certain rules regarding the structure. Take a look:
1. Arrange your information from the most simple to the most complex bits. You can start the body paragraph off with a general statement and then move on to specifics.
2. Provide the necessary background information at the beginning of your essay to give the reader the context behind your thesis statement.
3. Select topic statements that provide value, more information, or evidence for your thesis statement.
There are also various essay structures , such as the compare and contrast structure, chronological structure, problem method solution structure, and signposting structure that you can follow to create an organized and impactful essay.
An impactful, well-structured essay comes down to three important parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion.
1. The introduction sets the stage for your essay and is typically a paragraph long. It should grab the reader’s attention and give them a clear idea of what your essay will be about.
2. The body is where you dive deeper into your topic and present your arguments and evidence. It usually consists of two paragraphs, but this can vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing.
3. The conclusion brings your essay to a close and is typically one paragraph long. It should summarize the main points of the essay and leave the reader with something to think about.
The length of your paragraphs can vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing. So, make sure you take the time to plan out your essay structure so each section flows smoothly into the next.
When it comes to writing an essay, the introduction is a critical component that sets the tone for the entire piece. A well-crafted introduction not only grabs the reader’s attention but also provides them with a clear understanding of what the essay is all about. An essay editor can help you achieve this, but it’s best to know the brief yourself!
Let’s take a look at how to write an attractive and informative introductory paragraph.
1. Construct an attractive hook
To grab the reader’s attention, an opening statement or hook is crucial. This can be achieved by incorporating a surprising statistic, a shocking fact, or an interesting anecdote into the beginning of your piece.
For example, if you’re writing an essay about water conservation you can begin your essay with, “Clean drinking water, a fundamental human need, remains out of reach for more than one billion people worldwide. It deprives them of a basic human right and jeopardizes their health and wellbeing.”
2. Provide sufficient context or background information
An effective introduction should begin with a brief description or background of your topic. This will help provide context and set the stage for your discussion.
For example, if you’re writing an essay about climate change, you start by describing the current state of the planet and the impact that human activity is having on it.
3. Construct a well-rounded and comprehensive thesis statement
A good introduction should also include the main message or thesis statement of your essay. This is the central argument that you’ll be making throughout the piece. It should be clear, concise, and ideally placed toward the end of the introduction.
By including these elements in your introduction, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the rest of your essay.
Let’s take a look at an example.
The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane in 1903 revolutionized the way humans travel and explore the world. Prior to this invention, transportation relied on trains, boats, and cars, which limited the distance and speed of travel. However, the airplane made air travel a reality, allowing people to reach far-off destinations in mere hours. This breakthrough paved the way for modern-day air travel, transforming the world into a smaller, more connected place. In this essay, we will explore the impact of the Wright Brothers’ invention on modern-day travel, including the growth of the aviation industry, increased accessibility of air travel to the general public, and the economic and cultural benefits of air travel.
You can persuade your readers and make your thesis statement compelling by providing evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. To write a fool-proof and authoritative essay, you need to provide multiple well-structured, substantial arguments.
Let’s take a look at how this can be done:
1. Write a topic sentence for each paragraph
The beginning of each of your body paragraphs should contain the main arguments that you’d like to address. They should provide ground for your thesis statement and make it well-rounded. You can arrange these arguments in several formats depending on the type of essay you’re writing.
2. Provide the supporting information
The next point of your body paragraph should provide supporting information to back up your main argument. Depending on the type of essay, you can elaborate on your main argument with the help of relevant statistics, key information, examples, or even personal anecdotes.
3. Analyze the supporting information
After providing relevant details and supporting information, it is important to analyze it and link it back to your main argument.
End one body paragraph with a smooth transition to the next. There are many ways in which this can be done, but the most common way is to give a gist of your main argument along with the supporting information with transitory words such as “however” “in addition to” “therefore”.
Here’s an example of a body paragraph.
The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane revolutionized air travel. They achieved the first-ever successful powered flight with the Wright Flyer in 1903, after years of conducting experiments and studying flight principles. Despite their first flight lasting only 12 seconds, it was a significant milestone that paved the way for modern aviation. The Wright Brothers’ success can be attributed to their systematic approach to problem-solving, which included numerous experiments with gliders, the development of a wind tunnel to test their designs, and meticulous analysis and recording of their results. Their dedication and ingenuity forever changed the way we travel, making modern aviation possible.
A powerful concluding statement separates a good essay from a brilliant one. To create a powerful conclusion, you need to start with a strong foundation.
Let’s take a look at how to construct an impactful concluding statement.
1. Restructure your thesis statement
To conclude your essay effectively, don’t just restate your thesis statement. Instead, use what you’ve learned throughout your essay and modify your thesis statement accordingly. This will help you create a conclusion that ties together all of the arguments you’ve presented.
2. Summarize the main points of your essay
The next point of your conclusion consists of a summary of the main arguments of your essay. It is crucial to effectively summarize the gist of your essay into one, well-structured paragraph.
3. Create a lasting impression with your concluding statement
Conclude your essay by including a key takeaway, or a powerful statement that creates a lasting impression on the reader. This can include the broader implications or consequences of your essay topic.
Here’s an example of a concluding paragraph.
The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane forever changed history by paving the way for modern aviation and countless aerospace advancements. Their persistence, innovation, and dedication to problem-solving led to the first successful powered flight in 1903, sparking a revolution in transportation that transformed the world. Today, air travel remains an integral part of our globalized society, highlighting the undeniable impact of the Wright Brothers’ contribution to human civilization.
Most essays are derived from the combination or variation of these four main types of essays . let’s take a closer look at these types.
1. Narrative essay
A narrative essay is a type of writing that involves telling a story, often based on personal experiences. It is a form of creative nonfiction that allows you to use storytelling techniques to convey a message or a theme.
2. Descriptive essay
A descriptive essay aims to provide an immersive experience for the reader by using sensory descriptors. Unlike a narrative essay, which tells a story, a descriptive essay has a narrower scope and focuses on one particular aspect of a story.
3. Argumentative essays
An argumentative essay is a type of essay that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular stance based on factual evidence and is one of the most common forms of college essays.
4. Expository essays
An expository essay is a common format used in school and college exams to assess your understanding of a specific topic. The purpose of an expository essay is to present and explore a topic thoroughly without taking any particular stance or expressing personal opinions.
While this article demonstrates what is an essay and describes its types, you may also have other doubts. As experts who provide essay editing and proofreading services , we’re here to help.
Our team has created a list of resources to clarify any doubts about writing essays. Keep reading to write engaging and well-organized essays!
What is the difference between an argumentative and an expository essay, what is the difference between a narrative and a descriptive essay, what is an essay format, what is the meaning of essay, what is the purpose of writing an essay.
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Sentences are a basic structure of language. They convey the action or existence of a person, place, or thing. Sentences are combined to form paragraphs to form longer written documents. This may sound simplistic, but to build effective written communication, sentences have to be combined in certain ways to form the paragraphs which in turn can be combined to write longer works. Even the longest novel is made up of sentences which are organized into paragraphs except for dialogue. An essay is a special type of writing focused on proving a point called the thesis. Essays are composed of special types of paragraphs with very particular content.
The rules for punctuation and sentence structure are covered in the Grammar section. This section will cover how to compose paragraphs and an academic essay which is also, generally, the way beginning level research papers are organized. Research papers are also called research essays.
A paragraph is a series of sentences on a specific point or topic. A well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states the main idea: what the paragraph is about. While some say the topic sentence can be anywhere in the paragraph, it is best to put it as the first sentence in a paragraph. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support, elaborate, and/or further explain the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.
Paragraphs have varying length depending upon various factors. An average paragraph in an academic essay is about six to eight sentences.
There are various types of paragraphs such as summaries, abstracts, and answers to questions for a specific assignment. In addition, there are specialized types of paragraphs for various reports such as feasibility studies or performance reports.
The types of paragraphs covered in this lesson are general paragraphs as would be used in the body of a letter or an academic essay, including general research papers (research essays).
Topic sentence – purpose of a paragraph.
Unless you are writing specialized report such as a scientific research paper or a feasibility study that may otherwise show the purpose of a paragraph such as a heading , a well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states what the paragraph is about.
Whether you are writing a paragraph for a specific assignment, an academic essay, a research paper, or a simple letter, each paragraph should include a topic sentence. The topic sentence should be the first sentence of the paragraph so that the reader knows what the paragraph is about. The topic sentence in a body paragraph of an essay must be in support for the thesis: a reason why the thesis is true or accurate.
The rest of the sentences in the paragraph of an essay support, elaborate, and/or further explain the topic sentence.
The first sentence is the topic sentence. See how the rest of the sentences support, elaborate, and/or or further explain it.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
Everything in this paragraph is about how modern life has been improved through convenience provided by technology.
A paragraph must have unity.
All of the sentences of a particular paragraph must focus on one point to achieve one goal: to support the topic sentence.
A paragraph must have coherence.
The sentences must flow smoothly and logically from one to the next as they support the topic sentence.
The last sentence of the paragraph should restate the topic sentence to help achieve unity and coherence.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. People are more concerned about health issues and good air quality, so they have started walking or riding a bike to work even though they have the option of using a car or public transportation. There’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
See how just one non-supporting sentence takes away from the effectiveness of the paragraph in showing how modern conveniences make life better since the unity and coherence are affected. There is no longer unity among all the sentences. The thought pattern is disjointed and the paragraph loses its coherence.
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point that technology has improved lives through efficiency.
Transitions are words, groups of words, or sentences that connect one sentence to another or one paragraph to another.
They promote a logical flow from one idea to the next.
While they are not needed in every sentence, they are missed when they are omitted since the flow of thoughts becomes disjointed or even confusing.
There are different types of transitions such as the following:
These are just a few examples. The idea is to paint a clear, logical connection between sentences and between paragraphs.
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays , people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Each part of a paragraph must support the topic sentence. In addition, the sentences must flow logically from one to the other.
Growing flowers is fun. The sun rises in the morning and warms the soil. Flowers come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes, there is not enough rain. Flowers also bloom during different times of the year. Flowers need nutrients to grow strong and beautiful. There are some children who like to pick the flowers. There are different growing seasons in different parts of the country. Flowers that will grow high should be planted behind those that will not grow as high. Some people let their dog’s leash extend allowing the dog to go into the flower beds which is not very nice. Designing a flower bed has to consider the different times the flowers will bloom. A substitute for rainfall should be planned. It is fun to grow flowers.
Growing flowers is fun. Planning the garden is the first step, and it is part of the fun. Flowers must be selected for their size, color, and time of bloom. Selections should be made so that there is at least one type of flower blooming throughout the season and that taller flowers are behind shorter ones. Meeting the challenges to assure growth such as with an irrigation system or hand watering and fertilizing when needed is also part of the fun. It’s wonderful to check the garden every day to see the little green sprouts starting to appear. It gives a great sense of accomplishment and joy to see the flowers in bloom. It is fun to grow flowers.
There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. We are a family owned and operated business and have been in business in this county for thirty-five years. In addition to thousands of satisfied customers, we have proudly sponsored many community events and organizations. All of our employees live in this county, and most have stayed with us for years. We have successfully kept our overhead low and pass those savings onto our customers. By far, we are the best company to complete this project.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point that we are the best company to hire.
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here! It’s been a cold winter. There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. By far, we are the best company to complete this project. I have a large family, and in addition to having Sunday dinners, we work together in the company, which has many satisfied customers. Some of my employees take the bus to work, so I am concerned about our public transportation system. We have proudly served our community and we use cost saving methods to keep prices low.
Beginning January 1, we will have a revised policy concerning new customers. The updated intake form includes additional information, so please be sure to read through and complete each section. Pay particular addition to the additional questions at the bottom as they are now required by the insurance company. We would like to have e-mail addresses as well. You can assure customers that we will not be sending them solicitations nor giving the list to any other businesses. Be sure to fill in the information neatly and accurately. It is preferred that the information be entered directly into the computer although we realize there are times when that is not practical and a hard-copy form will have to be completed by hand. Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Note: See how all the sentences work together to support the point shown in the topic sentence that modern technology has expanded accessibility.
The last sentence of a paragraph should remind the reader of the point of the paragraph and transition into the next paragraph if there is one. See how the last sentence, for example, in the above paragraph reminds the reader of what the paragraph is about: Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Most paragraphs we see are part of a multi-paragraph document: newspaper and magazine articles, books, business letters and inter-office memorandum, “how-to” documents, and other informational documents. Usually, there is an organization of the paragraphs in a specific way. The opening paragraph generally gives some idea of what the document is about. The middle paragraphs give more details about the specific point. The last paragraph ends the writing, generally by summing up and repeating the point.
There are some context-specific documents that have more clearly defined paragraphs which are something included as sections of the writing. For example, a feasibility report might have the following paragraphs: abstract and/or summary, introduction, discussion, conclusion and recommendations.
Business letters and inter-office memorandums basically have the same organization of the content: an introduction paragraph, paragraphs that prove or further explain, and a concluding paragraph which sums up and repeats the point. A business letter, however, is generally written on company stationery and has the date and address block in the upper left, a Re: line, a salutation such as Dear Mr. Haller (although some are no longer using a formal salutation), and a complimentary closing such as Sincerely. An inter-office memorandum is generally written on plain paper, sometimes with the company logo as part of the template, lines with To:, From:, Date:, and Re: in the upper left, and no complimentary closing.
Informational documents.
This refers to groups of writings that are designed to give information about a topic or position on a topic. While they all include a specific thesis (point), have an introduction and concluding paragraph, and have paragraphs that proof or explain the point, there can be wide variety on where the thesis is expressed and the ancillary information presented that is supplemental to the thesis. These are sometimes called essays. However, academic essays do have a very specific organizational pattern.
The introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph of an essay are different from a general paragraph. An introduction contains general background information on a topic and leads into a thesis statement. The sentences with background information should be general and not contain proof of the thesis. The sentences should be relevant, however, and logically flow into the thesis. Background sentences include information about the topic and the controversy. Some instructors may prefer other types of content in the introduction in addition to the thesis. It is best to check with an instructor as to whether he or she has a preference for content. In any case, there must be unity and coherence in an introduction paragraph as well.
While the body paragraph of an academic is the same as a general paragraph in that they have a topic sentence and sentences that support it, the topic sentence must be a reason why the thesis of the essay is accurate. Body paragraphs should clearly support the thesis and not contain any extraneous information. However, one way of proving your thesis is right is by presenting the opposing view and then rebutting it, that is, showing how it is not valid.
Some instructors say that any opposing information should be in a separate rebuttal paragraph before the concluding paragraph. If not specifically indicated by your instructor, either putting opposing information into the paragraphs related to the specific information or having a separate rebuttal paragraph is appropriate, but not both in the same essay.
A concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication of the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of the thesis. In either case, while a concluding paragraph, as with the introduction paragraph, does not start with a topic sentence and has the rest of the sentences support the topic sentence, the concluding paragraph is similar in that the summary of the proof ties directly into the thesis or statement of general implication. A concluding paragraph does not have extraneous, off-topic sentences.
Narration is when an author writes as though he or she is telling a story. This mode is used more often in fiction, but it can be used in academic essay writing when the best way to help prove the thesis is by relating a sequence of events.
These closely related modes use specific information about certain aspects of a thing, event, or situation. The terms speak for themselves. Description uses details describing the thing, event, or situation. Definition defines it. Exemplification uses examples, and classification uses categories.
Comparing and/or contrasting one thing, event, or situation is a helpful way to show what it is and isn't. If someone were arguing that a particular type of sneaker was the best, it would be useful to compare to others for support, durability, and price.
This mode is useful in arguing for or again an action. Showing the cause and/or effect of an action can be persuasive. For example, if someone were arguing for an increase in the speed limit, statistics showing an increase in fatalities where limits are higher would be a persuasive argument.
In a sense, the ultimate intent of all communication is persuasion. Argumentation is one way of talking about debate. We think of arguing as what we do among friends or family members — and it is — but there is a formal way to argue to prove our point. Actually, we can learn how to better have civil arguments, which will be constructive. In thinking about persuasion/argumentation as a rhetorical mode, it refers to a type of writing that is clearly arguing in support of a specific point.
A paragraph is a series of sentences on a specific point or topic. A well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states the main idea: what the paragraph is about. While some say the topic sentence can be anywhere in the paragraph, it is best to put it as the first sentence in a paragraph. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support, elaborate, and/or further explain the main idea expressed in the topic sentence.
There are various types of paragraphs such as summaries, abstracts, and answers to questions for a specific assignment. In addition, there are specialized types of paragraphs for various reports such as feasibility studies or performance reports.
The types of paragraphs covered in this lesson are general paragraphs, as would be used in the body of a letter or an academic essay, including general research papers (research essays).
Whether you are writing a paragraph for a specific assignment, an academic essay, a research paper, or a simple letter, each paragraph should include a topic sentence. The topic sentence should be the first sentence of the paragraph so that the reader knows what the paragraph is about. The topic sentence in a body paragraph of an essay must be support for the thesis: a reason why the thesis is true or accurate.
Almost every aspect of modern life has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the alarm clock in the morning to the entertainment center at night, everyday life is improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. People are more concerned about health issues and good air quality, so they have started walking or riding a bike to work even though they have the option of using a car or public transportation. There’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences.
See how just one non-supporting sentence takes away from the effectiveness of the paragraph in showing how modern conveniences make life better since the unity and coherence are affected. There is no longer unity among all the sentences. The thought pattern is disjointed and the paragraph loses its coherence.
Here’s how transitions help make a paragraph unified and coherent:.
Not only has modern technology improved life through convenience, it has improved life through efficiency. The time saved with machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays , people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives thanks to the efficiency of modern technology.
Growing flowers is fun. The sun rises in the morning and warms the soil. Flowers come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes, there is not enough rain. Flowers also bloom during different times of the year. Flowers need nutrients to grow strong and beautiful. There are some children who like to pick the flowers. There are different growing seasons in different parts of the country. Flowers that will grow high should be planted behind those that will not grow as high. Some people let their dog’s leash extend allowing the dog to go into the flower beds which is not very nice. Designing a flower bed has to consider the different times the flowers will bloom. A substitute for rainfall should be planned. It is fun to grow flowers.
Growing flowers is fun. Planning the garden is the first step, and it is part of the fun. Flowers must be selected for their size, color, and time of bloom. Selections should be made so that there is at least one type of flower blooming throughout the season and that taller flowers are behind shorter ones. Meeting the challenges to assure growth such as with an irrigation system or hand watering and fertilizing when needed is also part of the fun. It’s wonderful to check the garden every day to see the little green sprouts starting to appear. It gives a great sense of accomplishment and joy to see the flowers in bloom. It is fun to grow flowers.
There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. We are a family owned and operated business and have been in business in this county for thirty-five years. In addition to thousands of satisfied customers, we have proudly sponsored many community events and organizations. All of our employees live in this county, and most have stayed with us for years. We have successfully kept our overhead low and pass those savings onto our customers. By far, we are the best company to complete this project.
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here! It’s been a cold winter. There are several reasons to select my company to do this job. By far, we are the best company to complete this project. I have a large family, and in addition to having Sunday dinners, we work together in the company which has many satisfied customers. Some of my employees take the bus to work, so I am concerned about our public transportation system. We have proudly served our community, and we use cost saving methods to keep prices low.
Beginning January 1, we will have a revised policy concerning new customers. The updated intake form includes additional information, so please be sure to read through and complete each section. Pay particular addition to the additional questions at the bottom as they are now required by the insurance company. We would like to have e-mail addresses as well. You can assure customers that we will not be sending them solicitations nor giving the list to any other business. Be sure to fill in the information neatly and accurately. It is preferred that the information be entered directly into the computer although we realize there are times when that is not practical and a hard-copy form will have to be completed by hand. Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
The last sentence of a paragraph should remind the reader of the point of the paragraph and transition into the next paragraph if there is one. See how the last sentence, for example, in the above paragraph reminds the reader of what the paragraph is about: Review the instructions on the back page of the form for more details on the revised policy for new customers.
Most paragraphs we see are part of a multi-paragraph document: newspaper and magazine articles, books, business letters and inter-office memorandum, “how-to” documents, and other informational documents. Usually, there is an organization of the paragraphs in a specific way. The opening paragraph generally gives some idea of what the document is about. The middle paragraphs give more details about the specific point. The last paragraph ends the writing, generally by summing up and repeating the point.
There are some context-specific documents that have more clearly defined paragraphs which are something included as sections of the writing. For example, a feasibility report might have paragraphs as follows: abstract and/or summary, introduction, discussion, conclusion, recommendations.
Business letters and inter-office memorandums basically have the same organization of the content: an introduction paragraph, paragraphs that prove or further explain, and a concluding paragraph which sums up and repeats the point. A business letter, however, is generally written on company stationery and has the date and address block in the upper left, a Re: line, a salutation such as Dear Mr. Haller (although some are no longer using a formal salutation), and a complimentary closing such as Sincerely. An inter-office memorandum is generally written on plain paper, sometimes with the company logo as part of the template, lines with To:, From:, Date:, and Re: in the upper left, and no complimentary closing.
The introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph of an essay are different from a general paragraph. An introduction contains general background information on a topic and leads into a thesis statement. The sentences with background information are not really in support of the thesis, but they are relevant and logically flow into the thesis. In other words, there must be unity and coherence in an introduction paragraph as well.
While the body paragraph of an academic is the same as a general paragraph in that they have a topic sentence and sentences that support it, the topic sentence must be a reason why the thesis of the essay. Body paragraphs should be clearly in support for the thesis and not contain any extraneous information.
A concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication of the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of the thesis. In either case, while a concluding paragraph, as with the introduction paragraph, does not start with a topic sentence and has the rest of the sentences support the topic sentence, the concluding paragraph is similar in that the summary of the proof ties directly into the thesis or statement of general implication. There are no extraneous, off-topic sentences.
In a sense, the ultimate intent of all communication is persuasion. Argumentation is one way of talking about debate. We think of arguing as what we do among friends or family members — and it is — but there is a formal way to argue to prove our point. Actually, we can learn how to better have civil arguments which will be constructive. In thinking about persuasion/argumentation as a rhetorical mode, it refers to a type of writing that is clearly arguing in support of a specific point.
There are various types of writing assignments an instructor may give such as journals, reaction papers, questions to be answered, paragraphs on topics or questions, essays, and research papers.
An essay is a writing on a specific question or topic. Instructors may vary in what they are expecting when they assign an essay. It’s important to always ask your instructor if you are not sure. Some may simply want a discussion on a topic or question and are not asking for formal organization.
Others may be expecting a formal academic essay, also called a thesis-and-support paper, organized with an introduction, body, and conclusion that includes the following parts:
While some instructors may have slight variations about formal academic essay organization, you won’t have a problem if your paper has the following three components:
Always check with your instructor if you're unsure of their expectations. The discussion here is for a formal academic essay (thesis-and-support paper).
An essay is a collection of paragraphs that fit around one idea or position on an issue. This is usually called the thesis or main idea .
The sentence that contains the main idea is called the Thesis Statement. The Thesis Statement must take a position and not just state a fact. While some instructors vary on where a thesis statement may appear, it is safe to place it as the last sentence of the first paragraph.
An academic essay must have at least three paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph, and a concluding paragraph. Since there should be a separate body paragraph for each proof point, the more substantial the proof, the more paragraphs there will be. A typical essay of about five hundred words will usually have at least two or three proof paragraphs making the essay four to five paragraphs.
Instructors often require a specific page format (margins, line spacing, and so on). Page formatting is part of the requirements of a style system. Both MLA and APA styles have similar formatting requirements. Unless your instructor states otherwise, use MLA page format.
In a way, these academic essays are like a court trial. The attorney, whether prosecuting the case or defending it, begins with an opening statement explaining the background and telling the jury what he or she intends to prove (the thesis statement). Then, the attorney presents witnesses for proof (the body of the paragraphs). Lastly, the attorney presents the closing argument (concluding paragraph).
There are a variety of approaches regarding the content of the introduction paragraph such as a brief outline of the proof, an anecdote, explaining key ideas, and asking a question. In addition, some textbooks say that an introduction can be more than one paragraph. The placement of the thesis statement is another variable depending on the instructor and/or text. The approach used in this lesson is that an introduction paragraph gives background information leading into the thesis which is the main idea of the paper, which is stated at the end.
The background in the introductory paragraph consists of information about the circumstances of the thesis. This background information often starts in the introductory paragraph with a general statement which is then refined to the most specific sentence of the essay, the thesis. It is important to note that in this approach, the proof for the thesis is not found in the introduction except, possibly, as part of a thesis statement that includes the key elements of the proof. The proof is presented and expanded on in the body.
The thesis is the position statement. It must contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought. It must also be defensible. This means it should be an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. The more focused and narrow the thesis statement, the better a paper will generally be.
If you are given a question in the instructions for your paper, the thesis statement is a one-sentence answer taking a position on the question.
If you are given a topic instead of a question, then in order to create a thesis statement, you must narrow your analysis of the topic to a specific controversial issue about the topic to take a stand. If it is not a research paper, some brainstorming (jotting down what comes to mind on the issue) should help determine a specific question.
If it is a research paper, the process begins with exploratory research, which should show the various issues and controversies. It should, ultimately, lead to the specific question. Then, the research becomes focused on the question, which should lead to taking a position on the question.
These methods of determining a thesis are still answering a question. It’s just that you pose a question to answer for the thesis. Here is an example.
Suppose, one of the topics you are given to write about is America’s National Parks. Books have been written about this subject. In fact, books have been written just about a single park. As you are thinking about it, you may realize how there is an issue about balancing between preserving the wilderness and allowing visitors. The question would then be "Should visitors to America’s National Parks be regulated in order to preserve the wilderness?"
One thesis might be "There is no need for regulations for visiting America’s National Parks to preserve the wilderness."
Another might be "There should be reasonable regulations for visiting America’s National Parks in order to preserve the wilderness."
Finally, avoid using expressions that announce, “Now I will prove…” or “This essay is about …” Instead of telling the reader what the paper is about, a good paper simply proves the thesis in the body. Generally, you shouldn’t refer to your paper in your paper.
Here is an example of a good introduction:
Not too long ago, everyday life was filled with burdensome, time-consuming chores that left little time for much more than completing these tasks. People generally worked from their homes or within walking distance to their homes and rarely traveled far from them. People were limited to whatever their physical capacities were. All this changed dramatically as new technologies developed. Modern technology has greatly improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Note how the background is general and leads up to the thesis. No proof is given in the background sentences about how technology has improved lives.
Moreover, notice that the thesis is the last sentence of the introduction. It is a defensible statement.
A reasonable person could argue the opposite position: Although modern technology has provided easier ways of completing some tasks, it has diminished the quality of life since people have to work too many hours to acquire these gadgets, have developed health problems as a result of excess use, and have lost focus on what is really valuable in life.
For more information on body paragraphs and supporting evidence, see Proving a Thesis – Evidence and Proving a Thesis – Logic, and Logical Fallacies and Appeals in Related Pages on the right sidebar.
Body paragraphs give proof for the thesis. It should have one proof point per paragraph expressed in a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of each body paragraph and, like a thesis, must be a complete sentence. Each topic sentence must be directly related to and support the argument made by the thesis.
After the topic sentence, the rest of the paragraph should go on to support this one proof with examples and an explanation. It is the details that support the topic sentences in the body paragraphs that make the arguments strong. Proof may include a discussion of an opposing view, but it must include a rebuttal explaining why that opposing view does not make sense or, otherwise, not be considered valid.
If the thesis statement stated that technology improved the quality of life, each body paragraph should begin with a reason why it has improved the quality of life. This reason is called a topic sentence . Following are three examples of body paragraphs that provide support for the thesis that modern technology has improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility:
Almost every aspect of our lives has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the sound of music from an alarm clock in the morning to the end of the day being entertained in the convenience of our living room, our lives are improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Some may say the conveniences are not worth the extra cost and effort keeping these devices working, but, overwhelmingly, people opt to use them. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences. Not only has technology improved our lives through convenience, it has improved our lives through efficiency. The time saved by machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. The opposing view might argue that people misuse their increased free time sitting around and watching television. While some people have health problems as a result of technology, by far, lives are improved. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives and pursue their goals thanks to the efficiency of modern technology. Accessibility to a wide range of options has been expanded through modern technology. Never before could people cross a continent or an ocean in an afternoon. Travel is not the only way technology has created accessibility. Software that types from voice commands has made using computers more accessible for school or work. People with special needs have many new options thanks to modern technology such as special chairs or text readers. Actually, those people who need hearing aids as a result of normal aging have access to continued communication and enjoyment of entertainment they did not previously have. There are many ways technology has improved lives through increased accessibility.
Notice how these proof paragraphs stick to one proof point introduced in the topic sentences. These three paragraphs, not only support the original thesis, but go on to give details and explanations that explain the proof point in the topic sentence.
Some instructors would like a rebuttal paragraph which raises the opposing arguments and explains why they are not valid instead of addressing opposition within the paragraphs as appropriate as shown in the above essay. In that case, the rebuttal should go before the conclusion.
Instructors vary of what they expect in the conclusion; however, there is general agreement that conclusions should not introduce any new proof points, should include a restatement of the thesis, and should not contain any words such as “In conclusion.”
Some instructors want only a summary of the proof and a restatement of the thesis. Some instructors ask for a general prediction or implication of the information presented without a restatement of thesis. Still others may want to include a restatement along with a general prediction or implication of the information presents. Be sure to review assignment instructions or check with instructor. If your assignment instructions don’t specify, just sum up the proof and restate the thesis.
Modern technology has created many conveniences in everyday from waking up to music to having coffee ready to getting to work and doing a day’s work. The efficiency provided by technology gives people more time to enjoy life and pursue personal development, and the accessibility has broadened options for travel, school, and work. Modern technology has improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
See how the thesis statement was restated. The two major arguments about the possible locations proven to be incorrect were also included to remind the reader of the major proof points made in the paper.
Modern technology has created many conveniences in everyday life from waking up to music to having coffee ready to getting to work and doing a day’s work. The efficiency provided by technology gives people more time to enjoy life and pursue personal development, and the accessibility has broadened options for travel, school, and work. Without it, everyday life would be filled with burdensome tasks and be limited to our neighborhood and our physical capacity.
Here’s an example of a conclusion with a general prediction or implication statement with a restatement of thesis.
Modern technology has created many conveniences in everyday life from waking up to music to having coffee ready to getting to work and doing a day’s work. The efficiency provided by technology gives people more time to enjoy life and pursue personal development, and the accessibility has broadened options for travel, school, and work. Without it, everyday life would be filled with burdensome tasks and be limited to our neighborhood and our physical capacity. Modern technology has improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. Rhetorical modes are ways of using language with a specific focus. Narration, for example, tells a story or a sequence of events. A narrative essay tells a story.
Other rhetorical modes focus on describing, defining, using examples (exemplification), or classifying as the primary purpose. Comparing and contrasting simply compares one thing to another showing the differences as well as the similarities.
In a cause and/or effect paper, the causes and/or effects of a situation are the focus.
A persuasive or argumentative paper proves a position on a controversial issue.
Sometimes, instructors assign essays requiring a specific mode, such as defining something or discussing the causes of a problem. These are considered useful ways to develop a particular skill, such as looking closely at something to describe it or finding ways to define an object or situation.
More commonly, however, a writing assignment does not require a specific mode; these strategies are used as appropriate within an essay or other writing. For example, a paper arguing that pesticides are harmful might include information defining and describing various pesticides. It could include classifying them by potential harm and use examples of the types of pesticides. It could have information on the effects of particular pesticides.
It can be argued that all papers, regardless of the primary rhetorical strategy used, are persuasive or argumentative since all writing ultimately is to prove something – even if it is only the legitimacy of one’s feelings such as in a reaction paper or creative writing. Most writing blend the uses of rhetorical styles.
Like all effective writing, essays must have unity. They must clearly stay focused on one purpose: proving the thesis. All the sentences in each paragraph and each paragraph must work together to achieve that purpose. It is critical for each sentence in each paragraph to start with a topic sentence that states a reason why the thesis is right and that the rest of the sentences in the paragraph support that topic sentence.
Essays must have coherence. Each sentence must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Each paragraph must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Words and word groups called transitions must be used to link one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next.
See Unity and Coherence in Essays in Related Pages on the right side bar for more information.
Generally speaking, the use of Standard English vocabulary and grammar is expected. These types of papers should not sound as though you were talking casually to a friend. Don’t use slang, for example, such as ok. Also, while we use second person (you, your) in informal speech, formal academic writing should not use second person since the reference is not specific. Here’s an example. You should know where your children are. The reader may not have young children or any children at all. Here’s an example with clear reference. Parents of young children should know where their children are.
Instructors will vary about accepting the use of first person (I, me, my, we, us, our) in essay writing. While first person may be appropriate in journal writing or reaction papers, typically, instructors will require third person (not first or second) in formal essays and research essays. Be aware of requirements for any particular assignment.
Formal academic essays should not include sentences that refer to yourself or the paper. Don’t use statements such as “In the opinion of this writer (referring to yourself)...” or “This paper will show...”
For more information on language use, see Appropriate Language in Related Pages on the right sidebar.
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to carefully examine and sometimes evaluate a work of literature or an aspect of a work of literature. Examining the different elements of a piece of literature including plot, character, setting, point of view, irony, symbolism, and style to see how the author develops a theme is not an end in itself. It is rather a process to help you better appreciate and understand the work of literature as a whole. The focus of a literary analysis essay is as expansive as the writers’ interests. For example, a short story analysis might include identifying a particular theme and then showing how the writer suggests that theme through the point of view of the story. It is important to remember that literary analysis does not merely demonstrate a particular literary element. The focus is explaining how that element is meaningful or significant to the work as a whole. See Essay Organization and Elements of Fiction for more information.
Close reading is deep analysis of how a literary text function; it is both a reading process and something you include in a literary analysis paper. When you read a text paying specific attention to certain literary elements, looking for particular patters, or following the development of a particular character, you are practicing close reading. Likewise, when you watch a film with particular emphasis on a certain element, you are doing a close reading. Of course, when one writes an essay that teases out a certain element, this is the beginning of a close reading. Like literary analysis more generally, close reading is not a means in and of itself. Close reading helps inform the larger meaning or import of work.
Literary analysis involves examining the components of a literary text, which allows us to focus on small parts of the text, clues to help us understand the work as a whole. The process of close reading should produce questions. When you begin to answer these questions, you are ready to participate thoughtfully in class discussion or write a literary analysis paper. Close reading is a process of finding as much information as you can in order form to as many questions as you can.
An outline includes the thesis and proof points. It is the skeleton of an academic essay. Starting with an outline can be extremely helpful in writing an essay. Once an outline is completed, it is a matter of developing the proof points (body paragraphs), adding a background before the thesis for an introduction paragraph, and adding a concluding paragraph. See Outlining in Related Pages on the right sidebar for more information.
The important thing in essay writing is to have a point, thereby knowing what you are trying to prove, and stick to that point. Keep it simple and focused.
This format is the basis for writing a research paper as well. If you can get the idea in a simple essay, writing research papers will be much easier.
The background in the introductory paragraph consists of information about the circumstances of the thesis. This background information often starts in the introductory paragraph with a general statement which is then refined to the most specific sentence of the essay, the thesis. Background sentences include information about the topic and the controversy. It is important to note that in this approach, the proof for the thesis is not found in the introduction except, possibly, as part of a thesis statement which includes the key elements of the proof. Proof is presented and expanded on in the body.
Some instructors may prefer other types of content in the introduction in addition to the thesis. It is best to check with an instructor as to whether he or she has a preference for content. Generally, the thesis must be stated in the introduction.
These methods of determining a thesis are still answering a question. It’s just that you pose a question to answer for the thesis. Here is an example.
Suppose, one of the topics you are given to write about is America’s National Parks. Books have been written about this subject. In fact, books have been written just about a single park. As you are thinking about it, you may realize how there is an issue about balancing between preserving the wilderness and allowing visitors. The question would then be Should visitors to America’s National Parks be regulated in order to preserve the wilderness?
Finally, avoid using expressions that announce, “Now I will prove…” or “This essay is about…” Instead of telling the reader what the paper is about, a good paper simply proves the thesis in the body. Generally, you shouldn’t refer to your paper in your paper.
Here is an example of a good introduction with the thesis:
Not too long ago, everyday life was filled with burdensome, time-consuming chores that left little time for much more than completing these tasks. People generally worked from their homes or within walking distance to their homes and rarely traveled far from them. People were limited to whatever their physical capacities were. All this changed dramatically as new technologies developed. Modern technology has most improved our lives through convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Note how the background is general and leads up to the thesis. No proof is given in the background sentences about how technology has improved lives.
Body paragraphs give proof for the thesis. They should have one proof point per paragraph expressed in a topic sentence. The topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of each body paragraph and, like a thesis, must be a complete sentence. Each topic sentence must be directly related to and support the argument made by the thesis.
After the topic sentence, the rest of the paragraph should go on to support this one proof with examples and explanation. It is the details that support the topic sentences in the body paragraphs that make the arguments strong.
Almost every aspect of our lives has been improved through convenience provided by modern technology. From the sound of music from an alarm clock in the morning to the end of the day being entertained in the convenience of our living room, our lives are improved. The automatic coffee maker has the coffee ready at a certain time. Cars or public transportation bring people to work where computers operate at the push of a button. At home, there’s the convenience of washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and power lawn mowers. Modern technology has made life better with many conveniences. Not only has technology improved our lives through convenience, it has improved our lives through efficiency. The time saved by machines doing most of the work leaves more time for people to develop their personal goals or to just relax. Years ago, when doing laundry could take all day, there wasn’t time left over to read or go to school or even just to take a leisurely walk. Nowadays, people have more time and energy than ever to simply enjoy their lives and pursue their goals thanks to the efficiency of modern technology. Accessibility to a wide range of options has been expanded through modern technology. Never before could people cross a continent or an ocean in an afternoon. Travel is not the only way technology has created accessibility. Software which types from voice commands has made using computers more accessible for school or work. People with special needs have many new options thanks to modern technology such as special chairs or text readers. Actually, those people who need hearing aids as a result of normal aging have access to continued communication and enjoyment of entertainment they did not previously have. There are many ways technology has improved lives through increased accessibility.
Notice how these proof paragraphs stick to one proof point introduced in the topic sentences. These three paragraphs, not only support the original thesis, but go on to give details and explanations which explain the proof point in the topic sentence.
Some instructors want only a summary of the proof and a restatement of the thesis. Some instructors ask for a general prediction or implication of the information presented without a restatement of thesis. Still others may want to include a restatement along with a general prediction or implication of the information presents. Be sure to review assignment instructions or check with instructor. If your assignment instructions don’t specify, just sum up the proof and restate the thesis.
Sometimes, instructors assign essays requiring a specific mode such as defining something or discussing the causes of a problem. These are considered useful ways to develop the particular skill such as looking closely at something to describe it or finding ways to define an object or situation.
More commonly, however, a writing assignment does not require a specific mode; these strategies are used as appropriate within an essay or other writing. For example, a paper arguing that pesticides are harmful might include information defining and describing various pesticides. It could include classifying them by potential harm and using examples of the types of pesticides. It could have information on the effects of particular pesticides.
It can be argued that all papers, regardless of the primary rhetorical strategy used, are persuasive or argumentative since all writing ultimately is to prove something – even if it is only the legitimacy of one’s feelings such as in a reaction paper or creative writing. Most writing blend the uses of rhetorical styles.
An outline of an academic essay contains the thesis and brief information about the proof paragraphs. .
The proof paragraphs are the paragraphs between the introduction paragraph and the concluding paragraph. Proof paragraphs contain evidence, also called supporting details, that the thesis is accurate.
An outline is like a skeleton of the essay. Outlines for academic essays and research papers that are not reports on research or other specialized report have a very specific organization. Here is a sample for a 500-word essay. The number of body paragraphs will vary, generally from two to four, for a 500-word essay.
Thesis : A one-sentence answer takes a position on the research question or, if assigned a topic and not a question, the thesis is a one-sentence statement taking a position on a controversial aspect of the topic. The thesis must be a statement, not a question. The thesis must be a sentence, not a topic. See Thesis in Related Links on the right sidebar.
I. One reason why your thesis is accurate.
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
II. Second reason why your thesis is accurate.
III. Third reason why your thesis is accurate.
A. Supporting detail
B. Supporting detail
For a shorter essay, possibly only two body paragraphs will be needed. For a longer essay, you may need more proof paragraphs.
Note that the outline begins with the thesis statement. What you intend to put into the introduction paragraph as background information leading up the thesis is not part of the outline.
Note that I, II, and III represent what will go into the body (proof paragraphs).
Note that the outline does not ordinarily include a reference to the concluding paragraph even though we have listed it above, but all essays must have a concluding paragraph.
There are three ways that an outline can help you in writing your essay..
Once you have an outline, you can actually write the essay from the outline. Just open the file, delete the word Thesis and the paragraph numbering, add background information before the thesis, develop details for each proof paragraph, and write the concluding paragraph.
An outline must start with a thesis statement: a one-sentence statement (not a question) taking a position answering a research question (if given a research question to answer) or taking a position on a controversial aspect of a topic (if given a topic on which to write a paper).
Sometimes, you know your position and can easily start with a thesis. If you also know your reasons why you are taking that position, you can simply list your reasons (I, II, …).
At other times, you may not be sure and have to do some thinking or research on the issue. Let’s take the question “Why don’t some Americans vote?” If this is not a research paper, you might have to do some brainstorming before you can come up with a thesis: a one-sentence answer to the question. If this is a research essay (research paper), you will do some research. Creating a working bibliography (a list of sources) or doing a synthesis activity can be very helpful for gathering ideas.
Whether you are required to do research or not, the first step is determining a thesis statement. From brainstorming and/or research, you may have identified the several reasons some people don’t vote as follows:
Age restrictions
Believe that the system is fixed
Believe nothing will ever change
Don’t know where to go to vote
Physically disabled
Don’t know where to register
Happy with the status quo
Believe their vote doesn’t count
Can’t vote because of incarceration
Don’t know when to vote
Not an important part of upbringing/culture
Felony conviction
Don’t know what identification is needed
Illegal status
Receiving false information about where to vote
Now, we have to cluster these points into categories so that they can be discussed in an organized way in the essay. We can see that there are some general reasons such as legal barriers, confusion about how to register or where to vote, and lack of concern or interest where people just don’t think voting would change anything.
I. Lack of concern or interest
II. Confusion
III. Legal barriers
Looking over the notes that you made from your brainstorming or research, the next step is to eliminate duplications and group ideas under the categories. Depending on the assignment length, you don’t necessarily have to include everything you find.
For example:
Age restrictions - proof paragraph III
Believe that the system is fixed - proof paragraph I
Believe nothing will ever change - proof paragraph I
Don’t know where to go to vote - proof paragraph II
Physically disabled - proof paragraph II
Don’t know where to register - proof paragraph II
Happy with the status quo - proof paragraph I
Too young - proof paragraph - proof paragraph III
Believe their vote doesn’t count - proof paragraph I
Can’t vote because of incarceration - proof paragraph III
Don’t know when to vote - proof paragraph II
Not an important part of upbringing/culture - proof paragraph I
Felony conviction - proof paragraph III
Don’t know what identification is needed - proof paragraph II
Illegal status - proof paragraph III
Receiving false information about where to vote - proof paragraph II
Now you have a rough outline. You have your three major causes and some details that support each. The next step is to make a solid thesis.
The most important part of your paper is the thesis. A good thesis clearly answers your research question and will provide guidance to the reader about the direction and scope of your paper. Make sure that your thesis is a defensible point that others could reasonably disagree. For this paper a reasonable thesis could be: Three major reasons that Americans do not vote are apathy, confusion, and legal barriers.
Next it is time to think about the body of your essay. Since the thesis very clearly shows the three main points, you can use these along with the grouped details you sorted earlier. As you are making your outline you may discover that you have more ideas than you can fit into your paper’s length or that you have gone beyond the scope of your topic. If so, feel free to remove some ideas. For example, because you have many different types of ideas listed under legal barriers, you may wish to remove the weakest or least supported detail.
Some instructors also require that you include a concluding statement. Remember that this statement should simply be a restatement of your thesis and should never introduce new ideas or begin a new discussion.
This is an acceptable outline to the research questions we’ve developed here:
Your Instructor’s Name
Course Title
Day Month Year
Thesis: Three major reasons that Americans do not vote are apathy, confusion, and legal barriers.
I. Lack of concern or interest
A. Disbelief in the system
1. One vote doesn’t matter
2. Voting is tampered with
B. Social/culturally not valued
C. Satisfaction with the status quo
A. Location
1. Where to register
2. Where to vote
B. When to vote
C. What documents are needed
III. Legal barriers
A. Incarceration
B. Conviction of a felony
C. Immigration status
Concluding paragraph: Sum up proof and restate thesis and/or draw an implication from the information presented showing the significance depending upon your instructions.
Note that this outline has three support details for each reason your thesis is right (each proof point – I, II, III). Sections I, II, and III each represent one body (proof) paragraph. Each body paragraph in the essay must begin with a topic sentence that is a reason your thesis is accurate. This may vary from essay to essay. What is described here is more like a scratch outline or topic outline which gives just the general ideas. A formal outline would include detailed sentences and subsections. These are called sentence outlines. In a sentence outline, the sentence next to each I, II, and III must be a topic sentence which clearly expresses what point that shows the thesis is right will be shown in the paragraph.
See Related Pages on the right sidebar for more information.
Like all effective writing, essays must have unity. They must clearly stay focused on one purpose: proving the thesis. All the sentences in each paragraph and each paragraph must work together to achieve that purpose. It is critical for each sentence in each paragraph to start with a topic sentence that states a reason why the thesis is right and that the rest of the sentences in the paragraph support that topic sentence.
Essays must have coherence. Each sentence must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Each paragraph must flow smoothly and logically into the next. Words and word groups called transitions must be used to link one sentence to the next and one paragraph to the next.
Generally speaking, use of Standard English vocabulary and grammar is expected. These types of papers should not sound as though you were talking casually to a friend. Don’t use slang, for example, such as ok. Also, while we use second person (you, your) in informal speech, formal academic writing should not use second person since the reference is not specific. Here’s an example. You should know where your children are. The reader may not have young children or any children at all. Here’s an example with clear reference. Parents of young children should know where their children are.
Instructors will vary about accepting the use of first person (I, me, my, we, us, our) in essay writing. While first person may be appropriate in journal writing or reaction papers, typically, instructors will require third person (not first or second) in formal essays and research essays. Be aware of requirements for any particular assignment.
Formal academic essays should not include sentences that refer to yourself or the paper. Don’t use statements such as “In the opinion of this writer (referring to yourself)….” or “This paper will show….”
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to carefully examine and sometimes evaluate a work of literature or an aspect of a work of literature. Examining the different elements of a piece of literature including plot, character, setting, point of view, irony, symbolism, and style to see how the author develops a theme is not an end in itself but rather a process to help you better appreciate and understand the work of literature as a whole. The focus of a literary analysis essay is as expansive as the writers’ interests. For example, a short story analysis might include identifying a particular theme and then showing how the writer suggests that theme through the point of view of the story. It is important to remember that literary analysis does not merely demonstrate a particular literary element. The focus is explaining how that element is meaningful or significant to the work as a whole. See Essay Organization in Related Pages on the right side bar for more information.
Close reading is a deep analysis of how a literary text functions; it is both a reading process and something you include in a literary analysis paper. When you read a text paying specific attention to certain literary elements, looking for particular patterns, or following the development of a particular character, you are practicing close reading. Likewise, when you watch a film with a particular emphasis on a certain element, you are doing a close reading. Of course, when one writes an essay that teases out a certain element, this is the beginning of a close reading. Like literary analysis more generally, close reading is not a means in and of itself. Close reading helps inform the larger meaning or import of a work.
Literary analysis involves examining the components of a literary text, which allows us to focus on small parts of the text, and clues to help us understand the work as a whole. The process of close reading should produce questions. When you begin to answer these questions, you are ready to participate thoughtfully in class discussions or write a literary analysis paper. Close reading is a process of finding as much information as you can in order form to as many questions as you can.
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Ielts expert.
The difference between an essay and a paragraph is a common topic that you can encounter in the IELTS writing task 2. I have seen many students struggling with the various topics asked in the test. But, with thorough and strategic preparation you can score well in any topic.
Here, I have explained how to craft a winning response to the “difference between an essay and a paragraph” task along with some of the key strategies that can help you crack this section of the IELTS exam.
Understanding ielts essay requirement.
Is there any difference between paragraph and essay: sample essay 2, important ielts exam resources.
Before delving into the difference between an essay and a paragraph IELTS writing task, it is important to understand the requirements of the task. This will help you achieve your dream IELTS score and achieve your study abroad dreams.
The different types of essays usually asked in the IELTS writing task are:
Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what is expected and how to meet these requirements:
Some of the strategies that you can follow to improve your scores in the IELTS writing task 2 are:
Paragraphs and essays are different forms of write-ups used to express one's point of view. Both writing pieces should be informational, with an idea explained clearly and concisely. Even though they may appear similar, there exists a difference between paragraphs and essays.
A paragraph is a self-sufficient writing unit created with multiple sentences. All these sentences are arranged in an organized manner to convey the author's perspective. Additionally, all the lines must be in coherence with one another. An ideal paragraph should start with an introductory sentence, followed by the text body explaining the topic, and should end with a concluding sentence.
A good paragraph will also convey the author's idea to the reader. Each sentence should expand on that point and not stray from the general topic. Usually, paragraphs are composed of 5-7 sentences and don't require much preparation as they do not give out much detail.
On the other hand, an essay is a formal write-up consisting of at least 2 to 3 paragraphs. Here, the first paragraph introduces the topic the author plans to discuss in the rest of the essay. The following paragraphs are used to express the views in a detailed manner. Finally, an essay is finished with a concluding paragraph, highlighting the crux of the topic.
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In any fictional or non-fictional write-up, we come across multiple texts divided into separate portions for better understanding. Writing sections can be classified as either a paragraph or an essay. Despite the apparent similarities, there is a stark difference between paragraph and essay.
A paragraph is an arrangement of multiple sentences. Here, you don't have to form a sync with other parts of the text as it is singular. On the other hand, an essay must follow a specific pattern. It should have an introduction and a conclusion paragraph apart from the general text. You can also add quotes from relevant sources in the essay to make it more credible for the readers.
The next difference is the text length in both write-ups. A paragraph is a coherent collection of approximately 5-7 sentences. However, the pattern of an essay has no such limitations. It is composed of multiple paragraphs. Based on the requirements, a short essay can have a minimum of 2-3 paragraphs, and an extensive essay can have 6-8 paragraphs or more.
A paragraph is hence a part of an essay. The beginning of a new paragraph is indicated by inserting a line break, while an introductory paragraph marks the beginning of an essay.
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The IELTS score required is dependent on the country and the university in which you are applying. By practicing thoroughly for topics like the difference between an essay and a paragraph, you can improve your score in the writing task. With the above mentioned strategies, you can surely ace the IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.
With the right knowledge of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern, cracking the popular English test won’t be difficult.
The IELTS exam pattern encompasses four major sections, i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading.
IELTS is the most popular and crucial test for evaluating English language proficiency throughout the world. Learn how to register for the IELTS exam.
It becomes necessary for candidates to meet the eligibility for IELTS exam and demonstrate their language proficiency while being assessed on four parameters, namely, Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening.
The IELTS exam fee in India varies based on the types of IELTS tests. The link below shows detailed information on the IELTS exam fees.
The IELTS exam dates are allotted on a first-come and first-serve basis. Choose your date and timings beforehand to avoid the delay. You can register for the test both in online and offline mode.
Fully aware of the growing popularity of the language test, we bring to you a list of IELTS exam centers in India. The list will enable aspirants in better planning before registering for the test.
IELTS reading band score decides the knowledge and proficiency of the English language of the applicants.
The listening section evaluates the comprehension level of candidates. The scores also depend on the understanding of different accents and dialects.
The IELTS score validity for General and Academic is two years across the globe. The IELTS result validity for Canada is two years.
There are two types of IELTS tests – i) Academic IELTS and ii) General Training IELTS. Candidates are often confused about making the right choice of IELTS test that can meet their requirements regarding their education or job.
Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible.
Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay.
Before appearing for the test, let’s take a look at the below-mentioned IELTS writing tips and tricks to score well in the writing section.
Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer.
Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.
There are many phrases for IELTS speaking that a candidate should practice beforehand. If you aim for band 9, you should know these phrases.
IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test.
Understanding the IELTS band score is not difficult. The results of the examination are reported on a scale of 9 bands.
To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below.
IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation.
Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question.
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture.
The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same.
The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least.
How many sentences should a typical paragraph contain in an ielts essay.
A paragraph typically contains 3-5 sentences. An essay includes an introduction, body content, and conclusion. It is suggested that candidates include 2 to 3 body paragraphs in the IELTS exam. This strategy can help candidates score well.
A thesis statement plays a prominent role in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. This statement conveys the main idea of the given topic. The thesis statement acts as a summary for the examiner about the essay. It represents the writer's opinion on the given topic and is a critical part of the introduction.
No, a paragraph can never be considered an essay. A paragraph has no line breaks and includes all text in continuation. On the other hand, an essay has several line breaks marking the beginning of each paragraph. Also, an essay consists of several paragraphs.
All essays in IELTS must have an introduction and conclusion. This is two paragraphs. Additionally, the body must be divided into 2-3 paragraphs. Therefore, the total number of paragraphs your IELTS essay must have is 4 to 5.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview prep, and corporate soft skills training, she has adapted these programs for the Yuno platform. Her dedication and commitment earned high praise from students, especially for her public speaking and advanced speaking English courses. Sunita's mastery of language nuances and articulation makes her a favorite among IELTS students. She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.
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A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic. Learning to write good paragraphs will help you as a writer stay on track during your drafting and revision stages. Good paragraphing also greatly assists your readers in following a piece of writing. You can have fantastic ideas, but if those ideas aren't presented in an organized fashion, you will lose your readers (and fail to achieve your goals in writing).
The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one. You can have one idea and several bits of supporting evidence within a single paragraph. You can also have several points in a single paragraph as long as they relate to the overall topic of the paragraph. If the single points start to get long, then perhaps elaborating on each of them and placing them in their own paragraphs is the route to go.
To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: Unity, Coherence, A Topic Sentence, and Adequate Development. As you will see, all of these traits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct effective paragraphs.
The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.
Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.
Logical bridges
Verbal bridges
A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with. Although not all paragraphs have clear-cut topic sentences, and despite the fact that topic sentences can occur anywhere in the paragraph (as the first sentence, the last sentence, or somewhere in the middle), an easy way to make sure your reader understands the topic of the paragraph is to put your topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraph. (This is a good general rule for less experienced writers, although it is not the only way to do it). Regardless of whether you include an explicit topic sentence or not, you should be able to easily summarize what the paragraph is about.
The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully and adequately. Again, this varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's purpose, but writers should be wary of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.
Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:
You should start a new paragraph when:
Two very important elements of paragraphing are signposts and transitions. Signposts are internal aids to assist readers; they usually consist of several sentences or a paragraph outlining what the article has covered and where the article will be going.
Transitions are usually one or several sentences that "transition" from one idea to the next. Transitions can be used at the end of most paragraphs to help the paragraphs flow one into the next.
Insight from top 5 papers.
Essays and paragraphs have some key differences. Essays are longer pieces of writing that typically consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. They require more extensive development of ideas and often involve multiple paragraphs. In contrast, paragraphs are shorter sections of writing that focus on a single main idea. They are often used within essays to provide supporting details or examples. Paragraphs typically have a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting sentences that provide further explanation or evidence. Essays, on the other hand, have a more complex structure and require the writer to develop a thesis statement, provide evidence and analysis, and create a cohesive argument or narrative. [??] [??]
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Descriptive paragraph writing involves creating coherent narratives that vividly depict a subject, often utilizing sensory details to engage the reader. This form of writing is essential in various contexts, including education and technology. ## Characteristics of Descriptive Paragraphs - **Sensory Details**: Effective descriptive writing incorporates sensory information (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) to create a vivid picture for the reader. - **Coherence and Structure**: A well-structured paragraph maintains a logical flow, often transitioning between different aspects of the subject matter, as seen in image paragraph generation techniques that utilize convolutional auto-encoding for coherent storytelling. ## Educational Approaches - **Inquiry Learning**: Research indicates that employing inquiry-based learning methods can significantly enhance students' abilities to write descriptive texts, as demonstrated by improved performance in classroom settings. While descriptive writing is often celebrated for its creativity and engagement, some critiques suggest that an overemphasis on sensory details can detract from clarity and purpose, leading to potential ambiguity in the narrative.
To enhance students' paragraph writing skills, various effective strategies can be implemented based on the findings from different research papers. Utilizing peer assessment has shown a significant improvement in students' paragraph writing abilities, with an increase of 43.42% observed after participation . Incorporating blended learning technologies can also be beneficial, as they assist in teaching students how to compose topic sentences, develop ideas, and provide concluding sentences coherently and cohesively . Moreover, employing a process-genre approach has been proven to enhance students' use of writing strategies in paragraph writing significantly, emphasizing the importance of following this model for improved outcomes . Additionally, providing ample practice time for writing before university entry and including literature in secondary school curricula can help address grammatical and mechanical issues in students' paragraphs, ultimately improving their overall writing quality .
Translating poetry is a complex endeavor that poses significant challenges due to the intricate nature of poetic language . Poetry, being rich in the nuances and essence of a particular language, often loses some of its original qualities during translation, not solely due to metrical difficulties but inherent to the very essence of poetry itself . Poets rely heavily on the unique characteristics of their language, making each word essential, which further complicates the translation process . The act of translating poetry involves not just transferring words but capturing the music of language, the interpretation of the world, and conveying heightened awareness through metaphors and formal patterns, which are often language-specific and challenging to replicate in another language . Therefore, successful translation of poetry requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as a profound appreciation for the cultural and poetic depths of the original work .
Paragraph writing plays a crucial role in developing effective communication and argumentation skills in academic contexts. A well-structured paragraph is essential for conveying ideas clearly and cohesively . It serves as a unit of thought, focusing on a single point or component of a broader argument, aiding in the organization of complex ideas . In academic writing, paragraphs start with a topic sentence, develop with supporting ideas, and conclude by restating the main theme, enhancing the logical arrangement of thoughts and coherence . Additionally, mastering paragraph writing requires logical thinking, grammatical accuracy, and the ability to develop a main idea with supporting sentences that flow smoothly and cohesively . By honing paragraph writing skills, students can improve their ability to communicate effectively, present arguments persuasively, and enhance their overall writing proficiency in academic settings.
The use of paragraphs in writing significantly impacts reader comprehension and retention by structuring ideas into manageable chunks, aiding in the flow of information, and providing visual breaks for readers to rest and process what they have read . Well-constructed paragraphs with a clear central theme or idea enhance coherence and organization, making it easier for readers to follow the author's argument or narrative . Understanding the conjunction relationships between sentences within a paragraph helps readers grasp the text's organization and main ideas, ultimately improving comprehension . Additionally, paragraphs in medical writing play a crucial role in organizing text meaning, enhancing readability, and facilitating efficient skimming and referencing, all of which contribute to better reader retention and understanding . In essence, paragraphs serve as essential building blocks in written communication, guiding readers through the text and enhancing their overall comprehension and retention of the material.
The integration of global education into high school curricula is influenced by a variety of factors, including teachers' understanding of global concepts, their attitudes towards global education, and the support they receive from educational frameworks and policies. These factors collectively shape teachers' willingness and ability to incorporate global perspectives into their teaching practices. Below, we explore these key factors in detail. ## Understanding and Conceptualization of Global Education - Teachers' understanding of global education significantly impacts their willingness to integrate it into curricula. A study on the Global High Schools Network in Denmark found that teachers conceptualize global education in various ways, such as themes related to globalization, interconnection between global and local contexts, and respect for other cultures. This diversity in understanding can influence how teachers perceive the relevance and applicability of global education in their subjects. - Pre-service teachers often have a limited understanding of global citizenship, which can hinder their ability to effectively teach these concepts. Providing in-depth awareness and strategies for cultivating global citizenship is crucial for enabling teachers to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. ## Attitudes and Beliefs Towards Global Education - Teachers' attitudes towards global education play a crucial role in their willingness to integrate it into their teaching. A study on high school teachers' attitudes towards internationality in pedagogical studies highlights that positive attitudes towards global education can enhance teachers' motivation to incorporate global perspectives. - The perception of global citizenship as a means to raise cultural awareness and empathy among students is seen as essential by teachers. This perception encourages teachers to cover global issues in their classes, promoting open-mindedness and appreciation for cultural differences . ## Support and Resources for Global Education - The availability of practical frameworks and resources is vital for teachers to effectively integrate global education. The Global Teaching Model, which includes dimensions such as situated relevant practice and intercultural collaboration, provides a structured approach for teachers to incorporate global competence into their teaching. - Teacher preparation programs that integrate global perspectives into their curricula can significantly enhance teachers' readiness to teach global education. These programs help raise the profile of global education and align pre-service teachers' learning directions with global education principles. ## Challenges and Barriers - Despite the recognized importance of global education, teachers often face challenges in integrating it into their curricula. These challenges include a lack of practical direction, limited understanding of global concepts, and insufficient support from educational policies . - The subject matter can also influence teachers' willingness to integrate global education. For instance, science teachers may find it more challenging to incorporate global perspectives compared to teachers of other subjects. In conclusion, while there is a strong recognition of the importance of global education, several factors influence teachers' willingness to integrate it into high school curricula. These include their understanding and attitudes towards global education, the support they receive from educational frameworks, and the challenges they face in practice. Addressing these factors through comprehensive teacher education programs and supportive policies can enhance the integration of global education in schools. However, it is also important to consider the diverse contexts and subject-specific challenges that teachers may encounter, ensuring that global education is accessible and relevant across different educational settings.
Writing is often regarded as the most challenging language skill due to its multifaceted nature, requiring mastery of various components simultaneously. This complexity is compounded by cognitive and social factors that influence both teaching and learning processes. ## Complexity of Writing Skills - Writing necessitates control over content and form, demanding that learners know what to write and how to express it effectively. - It involves multiple stages: planning, drafting, editing, and revising, which are not easily taught or learned. ## Cognitive and Motivational Challenges - Many students struggle with generating ideas and organizing their thoughts, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement in writing tasks. - The disparity between a learner's native language and the target language adds another layer of difficulty, as students must navigate different grammatical and structural rules. ## Teaching Difficulties - Teachers often find it challenging to impart writing skills effectively, particularly in environments where writing is taught last in the sequence of language skills. Despite these challenges, some educators advocate for innovative teaching methods, such as mind mapping, to enhance students' writing abilities and engagement. However, the inherent complexities of writing continue to pose significant hurdles for both learners and educators.
Document analysis employs various methods to extract relevant information from complex documents, particularly in the context of unstructured data. The most common techniques include layout detection, information extraction, and machine learning approaches. ## Layout Detection - Document analysis often begins with physical layout detection, which organizes content into a structured format, identifying components like columns, paragraphs, and figures. - This structured representation aids in understanding the logical flow of information within documents, facilitating further analysis. ## Information Extraction Techniques - Information extraction (IE) is crucial for transforming unstructured text into structured data. Two primary approaches are heuristic-based searching and data-driven learning, each with its strengths depending on document genre and length. - Named entity recognition (NER) and semantic role labeling (SRL) are specific tasks within IE that benefit from these methods, with data-driven approaches generally outperforming heuristic methods in short texts. ## Machine Learning Applications - Machine learning algorithms, particularly those utilizing context vectors, are increasingly employed for automatic classification and feature selection in document analysis. - Latent Semantic Analysis is highlighted as a trending method that enhances the retrieval of relevant information from documents. While these methods are effective, challenges remain, such as the varying performance of techniques based on document characteristics, indicating a need for continued research and development in this field.
Green education encompasses various dimensions that are essential for promoting sustainable development. It equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values to address environmental challenges effectively. ## Key Dimensions of Green Education - **Awareness and Understanding**: Green education raises awareness about critical environmental issues such as climate change and resource depletion, fostering a deeper understanding of their interconnectedness. - **Behavior Change**: It encourages individuals to adopt sustainable practices, such as energy conservation and waste reduction, leading to positive behavioral shifts that support sustainability. - **Ethical Considerations**: The ethical dimensions of sustainable development highlight the moral responsibilities associated with climate change education, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making in policy and education. - **Critical Thinking and Decision-Making**: Green education promotes critical thinking skills necessary for addressing environmental quality issues, particularly in educational settings like green schools. - **Ecological Awareness**: Training individuals to develop eco-consciousness and sustainable culture is vital for addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. While green education is pivotal for sustainable development, some argue that its effectiveness can be hindered by a lack of awareness and resources, which may limit its impact on broader societal change.
Student-written questions can be a powerful tool for promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach encourages students to engage deeply with the material, fostering a more active learning environment. By generating their own questions, students are prompted to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, which are key components of critical thinking. The following sections explore how student-generated questions can enhance these skills, supported by insights from recent research. ## Enhancing Critical Thinking through Question Generation - **Active Learning and Engagement**: Encouraging students to create their own questions can significantly increase engagement and promote critical thinking. Riggs et al. found that active-learning exercises, such as generating exam questions, enhance student engagement and critical-thinking skills. This process requires students to think deeply about the material, leading to a better understanding and retention of knowledge. - **Writing and Critical Thinking**: Riwayatiningsih's study highlights the role of questioning in improving writing skills, which are closely linked to critical thinking. By formulating questions, students develop a more coherent and connected writing style, which reflects their ability to think critically about the content. - **Argumentation and Evaluation**: Nussbaum et al. demonstrated that using critical questions in argumentation helps students evaluate written and oral arguments more effectively. This approach provides a structured way for students to assess arguments, enhancing their critical thinking abilities. ## Problem-Solving Skills Development - **Collaborative Problem Solving**: Xu et al. conducted a meta-analysis showing that collaborative problem-solving is effective in fostering critical thinking, particularly in enhancing students' attitudinal tendencies towards problem-solving. This collaborative approach encourages students to generate questions that lead to deeper exploration and understanding of complex problems. - **Problem-Based Learning (PBL)**: Anggraeni et al. found that PBL models, which often involve student-generated questions, are effective in developing critical thinking skills. This method encourages students to identify and solve real-world problems, promoting both critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ## Literacy and Comprehension - **Literacy Education**: Maplethorpe et al. explored the relationship between student-generated questions and literacy skills. Their study found that the quality of questions students generate is linked to their reading comprehension and writing abilities, suggesting that this practice can enhance critical thinking in literacy education. - **Question Taxonomy**: Tofade et al. emphasized the importance of using higher-order, divergent questions to stimulate critical thinking. By encouraging students to ask such questions, educators can promote deeper exploration and understanding of the subject matter. ## Broader Educational Implications While student-generated questions are a valuable tool for promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it is important to consider the broader educational context. For instance, collaborative learning environments and problem-based learning models can further enhance these skills by providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the integration of questioning techniques into various subjects, such as literacy and science, can help students develop a more comprehensive set of critical thinking skills. However, it is crucial to ensure that questions are well-crafted to avoid confusion and promote meaningful learning experiences.
A comprehensive guide to crafting a successful comparison essay.
Comparison essays are a common assignment in academic settings, requiring students to analyze and contrast two or more subjects, concepts, or ideas. Writing a comparison essay can be challenging, but with the right approach and guidance, you can craft a compelling and informative piece of writing.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you master the art of comparison essay writing. Whether you’re comparing two literary works, historical events, scientific theories, or any other topics, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to create a well-structured and persuasive essay.
From choosing a suitable topic and developing a strong thesis statement to organizing your arguments and incorporating effective evidence, this guide will walk you through each step of the writing process. By following the advice and examples provided here, you’ll be able to produce a top-notch comparison essay that showcases your analytical skills and critical thinking abilities.
Before diving into writing a comparison essay, it’s essential to understand the basics of comparison writing. A comparison essay, also known as a comparative essay, requires you to analyze two or more subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences. This type of essay aims to show how these subjects are similar or different in various aspects.
When writing a comparison essay, you should have a clear thesis statement that identifies the subjects you are comparing and the main points of comparison. It’s essential to structure your essay effectively by organizing your ideas logically. You can use different methods of organization, such as the block method or point-by-point method, to present your comparisons.
Additionally, make sure to include evidence and examples to support your comparisons. Use specific details and examples to strengthen your arguments and clarify the similarities and differences between the subjects. Lastly, remember to provide a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces the significance of your comparison.
When selecting a topic for your comparison essay, it’s essential to choose two subjects that have some similarities and differences to explore. You can compare two books, two movies, two historical figures, two theories, or any other pair of related subjects.
Consider selecting topics that interest you or that you are familiar with to make the writing process more engaging and manageable. Additionally, ensure that the subjects you choose are suitable for comparison and have enough material for analysis.
It’s also helpful to brainstorm ideas and create a list of potential topics before making a final decision. Once you have a few options in mind, evaluate them based on the relevance of the comparison, the availability of credible sources, and your own interest in the subjects.
Remember that a well-chosen topic is one of the keys to writing a successful comparison essay, so take your time to select subjects that will allow you to explore meaningful connections and differences in a compelling way.
When writing a comparison essay, it’s crucial to find the right pairing of subjects to compare. Choose subjects that have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. Consider the audience and purpose of your essay to determine what pairing will be most effective.
Look for subjects that you are passionate about or have a deep understanding of. This will make the writing process easier and more engaging. Additionally, consider choosing subjects that are relevant and timely, as this will make your essay more interesting to readers.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when finding the right pairing. Sometimes unexpected combinations can lead to the most compelling comparisons. Conduct thorough research on both subjects to ensure you have enough material to work with and present a balanced comparison.
When writing a comparison essay, it is essential to organize your ideas in a clear and logical manner. One effective way to structure your essay is to use a point-by-point comparison or a block comparison format.
Point-by-Point Comparison | Block Comparison |
---|---|
In this format, you will discuss one point of comparison between the two subjects before moving on to the next point. | In this format, you will discuss all the points related to one subject before moving on to the next subject. |
Allows for a more detailed analysis of each point of comparison. | Provides a clear and structured comparison of the two subjects. |
Can be helpful when the subjects have multiple similarities and differences to explore. | May be easier to follow for readers who prefer a side-by-side comparison of the subjects. |
Whichever format you choose, make sure to introduce your subjects, present your points of comparison, provide evidence or examples to support your comparisons, and conclude by summarizing the main points and highlighting the significance of your comparison.
Before you start writing your comparison essay, it’s essential to create a clear outline. An outline serves as a roadmap that helps you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process. Here are some steps to create an effective outline:
1. Identify the subjects of comparison: Start by determining the two subjects you will be comparing in your essay. Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison.
2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject.
3. Organize your points: Arrange your key points in a logical order. You can choose to compare similar points side by side or alternate between the two subjects to highlight differences.
4. Develop a thesis statement: Based on your key points, develop a clear thesis statement that states the main purpose of your comparison essay. This statement should guide the rest of your writing and provide a clear direction for your argument.
5. Create a structure: Divide your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should serve a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of your essay.
By creating a clear outline, you can ensure that your comparison essay flows smoothly and effectively communicates your ideas to the reader.
When writing a comparison essay, it is crucial to engage the reader right from the beginning. You want to hook their attention and make them want to keep reading. Here are some tips to engage your reader:
By engaging the reader from the start, you set the stage for a successful and impactful comparison essay that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
When writing a comparison essay, you have two main options for structuring your content: the point-by-point method and the block method. Each method has its own advantages and may be more suitable depending on the type of comparison you are making.
Ultimately, the choice between the point-by-point and block methods depends on the complexity of your comparison and the level of detail you want to explore. Experiment with both methods to see which one best suits your writing style and the specific requirements of your comparison essay.
When it comes to writing a comparison essay, selecting the best approach is crucial to ensure a successful and effective comparison. There are several approaches you can take when comparing two subjects, including the block method and the point-by-point method.
The block method: This approach involves discussing all the similarities and differences of one subject first, followed by a thorough discussion of the second subject. This method is useful when the two subjects being compared are quite different or when the reader may not be familiar with one of the subjects.
The point-by-point method: This approach involves alternating between discussing the similarities and differences of the two subjects in each paragraph. This method allows for a more in-depth comparison of specific points and is often preferred when the two subjects have many similarities and differences.
Before selecting an approach, consider the nature of the subjects being compared and the purpose of your comparison essay. Choose the approach that will best serve your purpose and allow for a clear, organized, and engaging comparison.
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Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.
“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.
Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .
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When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.
In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.
Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.
The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.
Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.
An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).
The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .
A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.
Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.
In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.
It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.
Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.
The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.
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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.
Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.
The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.
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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.
Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.
You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.
An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.
Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.
An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.
An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.
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Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/expository-essay/
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Matt Ellis. Updated on June 2, 2022 Students. A compare-and-contrast essay is a style of essay that points out the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It's ideal for showing what separates and unites related things or concepts, particularly if the subjects are often confused for each other or unjustly lumped together.
Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it's not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments. Prevent plagiarism.
Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. 2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject. 3.
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn't about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person ("I" or "you"). The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your ...