N124: Task 3 Project - Essay types (themes)
Most essay types contain an introduction, body, and conclusion. The
body usually contains 2 or 3 paragraphs. Here are some possible
outlines. Each box equals a separate paragraph.
Compare-contrast (similarities & differences)
Model essays: www.admc.hct.ac.ae/hd1/english/compare/index.htm
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
One side - similarities(topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each point, and
linking words. ~7 sentences.)
The other side – differences (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each
point, and linking words. ~7 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Cause-Effect
Model essays: www.admc.hct.ac.ae/hd1/english/cause/index.htm
Introduction (2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay)
Causes (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each point, and linking words.
~7 sentences.)
Effects (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each point, and linking words.
~7 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Problem-Solution
Model essays: www.admc.hct.ac.ae/hd1/english/probsoln/index.htm
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
Problems (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each point, and linking words.
~7 sentences.)
Solutions (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each point, and linking words.
~7 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Balanced argument (like advantage-disadvantage)
Model essays: www.admc.hct.ac.ae/hd1/english/argument/index.htm
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
One side - advantages (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for each point,
and linking words. ~7 sentences.)
The other side - disadvantages (topic sentence + 3 main points, extra information for
each point, and linking words. ~7 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
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One-sided argument (advantages only)
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
Advantage 1 (Main point with extra information and linking words. 3-4 sentences.)
Advantage 2 (Main point with extra information and linking words. 3-4 sentences.)
Advantage 3 (Main point with extra information and linking words. 3-4 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
One-sided argument (disadvantages only)
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
Disadvantage 1 (Main point with extra information and linking words. 3-4 sentences.)
Disadvantage 2 (Main point with extra information and linking words. 3-4 sentences.)
Disadvantage 3 (Main point with extra information and linking words. 3-4 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Classification 1 (comparing 3+ things)
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
Item “A” (2-3 features with extra information and linking words. 4-6 sentences.)
Item “B” (2-3 features with extra information and linking words. 4-6 sentences.)
Item “C” (2-3 features with extra information and linking words. 4-6 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Classification 2 (comparing 3+ things)
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
Similarities among A, B, C (topic sentence + 2-3 main points, extra information for each
point, and linking words. ~7-9 sentences.)
Differences among A, B, C (topic sentence + 2-3 main points, extra information for each
point, and linking words. ~7-9 sentences.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Historical event
Introduction [2-4 sentences, including general sentence(s) and topic sentence for the essay]
Several body paragraphs (each one for a new event, time period, or movement. 3-6
sentences per paragraph.)
Conclusion (2-4 sentences, with general first sentence referring to information in the body)
Note: It may be possible to organize your essay in a different way. Ask
your teacher if you can’t match your topic with one of these essay types.
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