Essay Writing
Workshop
The Essentials of
Essay Writing
What is an Essay?

An essay is an academic piece
of writing which is often
written from an author’s
viewpoint to characterize a
certain topic
What does an Essay consist of?

An essay consists of several
different components
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
Sample Essay Outline
Introduction Paragraph
First Body Paragraph
Should be attention grabbing,
include the thesis statement, &
transition smoothly into the
first body paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting Statement
Supporting Statement
Supporting Statement
Second Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting Statement
Supporting Statement
Supporting Statement
Third Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting Statement
Supporting Statement
Supporting Statement
Concluding Paragraph
Should summarize the main
points, Restate the thesis, &
close the essay
The Introduction Paragraph

The Introductory paragraph is the first paragraph
of your essay
• Captures the interest of the reader
• Tells why the topic is important
• Introduces the main idea
• The main idea of the essay is known as the thesis statement
• Most important sentence of the essay
• Explicitly identifies the purpose of the paper
The Introduction Paragraph
Cont’d

EXAMPLE:
"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain
some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship
people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog
lovers may believe, cats make excellent housepets as they are good
companions, are civilized members of the household, and are easy to care
for.
**Thesis statement in Red
The Body

The body of the essay explains, describes, or argues the
chosen topic

Each body paragraph will be headed by a topic sentence
• The strongest and most relevant topic should be presented first
• Every sentence that follows will support the topic sentence
• The final sentence of the paragraph should close the paragraph and smoothly
transition into the next paragraph
• The transitioning sentence provides a clear transition to the next point
The Body Cont’d
Transition words
To show addition:
In addition, moreover, next, also, besides, further,
furthermore
To give examples:
For example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to
illustrate
To compare:
Also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly
To contrast:
However, although, despite, on the other hand, yet
To summarize or
conclude:
In conclusion, in summary, therefore, all in all, therefore, to
sum up
To show time:
As soon as, subsequently, earlier, during, before, as soon as, at
last, after, afterward, immediately, since, thereafter
To show place or
direction:
above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, father on, here,
nearby, opposite
To indicate logical
relationship:
Accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this
reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus
The Body Cont’d

EXAMPLE (1st Body Paragraph)
First, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats
are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or
scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they're
not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to
chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a
string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are
participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be
trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat
can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats
will even fetch!
**Topic Sentence
**Supporting Statements
The Body Cont’d

EXAMPLE (2nd Body Paragraph)
Second, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike
dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even
meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't
often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter
box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even
stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and
will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must make
provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of the
house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a
last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.
**Topic Sentence
**Supporting Statement
The Body Cont’d

EXAMPLE (3rd Body Paragraph)
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as
housepets is their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They
get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and they do their
business in the litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless
procedure. Cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is
almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats
clean themselves. Cats are more particular about personal
cleanliness than people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone
for a few hours without fear. Unlike some pets, most cats will not
destroy the furnishings when left alone. They are content to go
about their usual activities until their owners return.
**Topic Sentence
**Supporting Statement
The Conclusion

The main purpose of the Conclusion is to restate the main
argument
• Reminds the readers of the strengths of the argument
• Reiterates the most important evidence supporting the argument
• Provides a forum for writer to persuade the readers to his/her viewpoint
Conclusion Cont’d
EXAMPLE:
Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions.
People who have small living quarters or less time for
pet care should appreciate these characteristics of
cats. However, many people who have plenty of space
and time still opt to have a cat because they love the
cat personality. In many ways, cats are the ideal
house pet.
**Summary of Essay
Proofreading and Revisions


Read your essay aloud upon completion
Ask yourself questions
- Is my essay in order?
- Do I need to add sentences?
- Are there any ideas I’d like to add?
- Do I like my intro, body, and conclusion?



Re-read any revisions made
Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar
Re-read essay until you’re comfortable
enough to submit it