King Abdul Aziz University
Writing I/ LANE 213
Department of European Languages and Literature
Section: AE
Lecturer: Haifa Alroqi
Essay Writing - Revision
What is an essay?
An essay is a group of paragraphs that talk about one main idea.
What are the main parts of an essay?
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
________________________________________________________________________
1. Introduction:
The introduction has two main parts:
A. Background information
B. Thesis statement
A. Background information:
Example:
From an essay titled Advantages of Being the Oldest and Only Child in the Family:
When I was younger, I didn't feel that it is a good idea to be the oldest and the only child in
my family. I always told my parents that I wished to be the youngest. However, I am very happy
that I am the oldest and the only boy in the family.
B. Thesis statement:
Example:
Being the oldest and the only child in the family has several advantages, the most important of
which are getting special treatment, becoming amateur, and being prepared for my own family in
the future.
1
Notes:

Thesis statement – core part: “Being the oldest and the only child in the family has several
advantages,”

Plan of development:
1. “getting special treatment”
(Body paragraph no. 1)
2. “becoming amateur”
(Body paragraph no. 2)
3. “being prepared for my own family in the future”
(Body paragraph no. 3)
________________________________________________________________________
2. Body:
-
Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence.
-
Each topic sentence should be supported by supporting ideas.
-
Each supporting idea should be supported by details (e.g. examples)
-
Body paragraphs should appear in the text in the same order they do in the introduction.
Example
One advantage of being the oldest and the only boy in the family is getting special
treatment. My sisters and parents treat me as a prince. For example, I have my own room, my
own T.V. set and my own car. Also, I punish my sisters when they make mistakes at home.
Really, I didn't feel that I was a prince when I was a child.
Another benefit is that I have developed myself as an amateur person. Through
experience, I learned to be responsible. For example, when my parents get out for shopping or
visits, they leave me to taking care of my sisters and be responsible for them. In addition, I have
learned to be dependable. For instance, my parents always ask me to go shopping by myself, and
my sisters always ask me to help them with their school work.
One other advantage of being the oldest and the only son in the family is that it trained
me to be ready for my own family in the future. In many ways, I am the father figure. For
example, when my father travels, I receive guests instead of him. Also, I look after my sisters and
usually take them to school when my father is busy. Furthermore, when my sisters need help with
something, I am always ready to help them
2
Notes:
1. Body Paragraph No. 1:

The topic sentence: “One advantage of being the oldest and the only boy in the family is
getting special treatment.”

Supporting idea: “My sisters and parents treat me as a prince.”

Supporting details:

-
“I have my own room, my own T.V. set and my own car.”
-
“I punish my sisters when they make mistakes at home.”
Closing (optional): “Really, I didn't feel that I was a prince when I was a child.”
2. Body Paragraph No. 2:

The topic sentence: “Another benefit is that I have developed myself as an amateur
person.”

Supporting ideas:
1. Supporting idea no. 1: “Through experience, I learned to be responsible.”
-
Supporting details:
- “when my parents get out for shopping or visits, they leave me to taking
care of my sisters and be responsible for them.”
2. Supporting idea no. 2: “In addition, I have learned to be dependable.”
-
Supporting details:
1. “my parents always ask me to go shopping by myself,”
2. “and my sisters always ask me to help them with their school work.”
3. Body Paragraph No. 3:

The topic sentence: “One other advantage of being the oldest and the only son in the
family is that it trained me to be ready for my own family in the future.”

Supporting idea: “In many ways, I am the father figure.”

Supporting details:
1. “when my father travels, I receive guests instead of him.”
2. “I look after my sisters and usually take them to school when my father is busy”
3. “when my sisters need help with something, I am always ready to help them.”
________________________________________________________________________
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3. Conclusion:
-
Closing remarks
Restating the thesis statement
Restating the plan of development
Summary and final thoughts
Recommendation
Prediction
Example:
In conclusion, I didn't choose to be the oldest and the only son in my family. I was born to
be in this position. I have succeeded in making this position useful to me. I feel that my life will
be great because of this experience.
________________________________________________________________________
4
Advantages of Being the Oldest and Only Child in the Family
When I was younger, I didn't feel that it is a good idea to be the oldest and the only child
in my family. I always told my parents that I wished to be the youngest. However, I am very
happy that I am the oldest and the only boy in the family. Being the oldest and the only child in
the family has several advantages, the most important of which are getting special treatment,
becoming amateur, and being prepared for my own family in the future.
One advantage of being the oldest and the only boy in the family is getting special treatment. My
sisters and parents treat me as a prince. For example, I have my own room, my own T.V. set and
my own car. Also, I punish my sisters when they make mistakes at home. Really, I didn't feel that
I was a prince when I was a child.
Another benefit is that I have developed myself as an amateur person. Through
experience, I learned to be responsible. For example, when my parents get out for shopping or
visits, they leave me to taking care of my sisters and be responsible for them. In addition, I have
learned to be dependable. For instance, my parents always ask me to go shopping by myself, and
my sisters always ask me to help them with their school work.
One other advantage of being the oldest and the only son in the family is that it trained
me to be ready for my own family in the future. In many ways, I am the father figure. For
example, when my father travels, I receive guests instead of him. Also, I look after my sisters and
usually take them to school when my father is busy. Furthermore, when my sisters need help with
something, I am always ready to help them.
In conclusion, I didn't choose to be the oldest and the only son in my family. I was born to
be in this position. I have succeeded in making this position useful to me. I feel that my life will
be great because of this experience.
5