Essay #1: Explaining a Concept
EngL151: Academic Writing
The Essay
“Write an essay about a concept that interests you and that you want to study further. When you have a
good understanding of the concept, explain it to your readers, considering carefully what they already
know about it and how your essay might add to what they know.” “Concept explanations inform a reader
about processes, phenomena, theories, principles, or ideas.” (St. Martin’s Guide, chapter 4)
Basic Features (126-131)
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A focused concept. When the writer focuses on a particular aspect of a larger concept, the topic is
neither too broad nor too narrow.
The topic appeals to the reader with new and interesting information. The reader can be both
informed and engaged by lively writing and vivid detail.
A logical plan. The writer clearly cues the reader by strategies such as a forecasting statement,
transitions, and/or summaries.
Clear definitions. Key terms associated with the concept are defined.
Careful use of sources. Although the writer may use her/his own experience and observation,
expert sources will lend authority to the essay. Sources must be used and documented in an
appropriate standard format.
To gain insights into your issue, it will be necessary to do some research and provide at least three
reputable sources (from books or articles and only one from the Internet this time [if you are sure it is a
reputable, reliable source]) in a “Works Cited” page. Don’t just pull off any information you can find; use
sources that are from reputable sources (i.e. databases). Check your sources with me if you aren’t sure.
Your research may be a combination of educated opinions and outside, documented expertise. Remember
that you are not arguing a point, but you are presenting a concept to an intelligent but possibly
uninformed audience.
Keep in mind that you should paraphrase or quote your sources accurately and avoid plagiarism (evidence
of plagiarism may be grounds for failing this essay). The MLA style of documentation is required for both
citations and for the Works Cited page. We will discuss this extensively in class.
**Note: It is recommended that the first few essays be approximately 3-5 typed pages. Please be careful to
not go over this limit; this will demand that you are concise with your personal experience and research
information.
The Journals
**In addition to the essay, you will be required to turn in the following writing journals.
Journal #1: Concept Free-writing/Mapping/Webbing  MUST be detailed!
a. What concept(s) do you already know about?
b. Of which concept(s) might you want to learn more?
Journal #2: Complete an outline. Your outline should include an introduction with a thesis statement, a
body with three main points, and a conclusion; don’t skimp on the details. It is still expected that you
put serious thought into organizing your outline so that your paper is fluent and connected. These have
been a little sparse; more detail will be beneficial in your writing. The outline is a required element prior
to the essay being turned in.
The Concept Essay Writing Schedule:
*Note: Tentative and subject to change
**Keep in mind that you are expected to research and write during this period of time, so you will need to
do more work outside of class. This is a good opportunity for you to utilize your college pass privileges to
research during study hall in the MC.
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Essay #1 assigned (pages 126-131) / Get you thinking… Activity /
Brainstorming &Webbing
Partner Feedback and Free-writing / Example article in SMG text: “Cannibalism: It
Still Exists” (pages 132-135) / Looking at your topic (page 130-131): What will you need to
research? What will best demonstrate/show/illustrate your idea? Source analysis
Grammar practice: Comma usage
Free-writing DUE (beginning of hour) / Reliable Research Presentation (Mrs. Veenstra)
Research in lab
Research in lab
Research in lab / Analyze author, bias, relevancy, etc.
Look at example student essay(s) and critique / Read research
OUTLINE DUE
Topic sentences, transitions, cohesion, repetition, sentence structure: Pages 603-608 /
MLA Citing and In-text Citations: Practice
Writing / Citing questions? / I will check Works Cited pages today.
Student-Teacher Conferences / Peer Reviews (concurrently)
I will be gone today. Finish peer reviews / Editing and revision time
Student-Teacher Conferences
ESSAY #1 DUE / Reflect