Core Essay Overview
ENGLISH 151
Dr. Amy Berry October 2012
Essay 1 Explain a Concept
 Essay 1 is an informative essay. You will not argue
any point of view in this essay.
 You will explore the facts, concepts, and theories that
form the basis of the topic using some basic
questions and techniques
 The most essential question is ‘What is X?” What is
the Death Penalty? You can develop the essay by
beginning to answer this question. A definition,
factual content, and examples are the best way to
start.
 What is the importance of this topic? College essays
are written on topics of importance
Essay 1 Inquiry
 What is the scope of the issue or topic? How large an
impact does the issue or topic have on American
society? How many people are affected by the issue
or topic? How seriously or strongly are they
affected? Who is affected—demographics
 What are the important facts, concepts, and ideas
related to the topic?
 What are the factual, legal, and ethical details that
are important to know about the topic?
 Your goal is to first educate yourself and then to
inform your reader about the topic.
Essay 2 Explain Opposing Positions
 Essay 1 is an informative essay. You will not argue
any point of view in this essay
 The purpose of this essay is to explore two
diametrically opposed points of view on the
debatable issue topic and to explain those two points
of view to your reader. It is well to use block style
organization
 The essential question is, What are the two most
important opposing positions on the topic of X?
Essay 2 Inquiry
 What facts, concepts, opinions, logical arguments,
ethical arguments, and legal arguments support
these two opposing viewpoints?
Essay 3 Annotated Bibliography
 You will create an annotated bibliography of 7 to 10
sources with content and application to the essay
notes
 The annotated bibliography is a record of your
scholarship and proof of your ability to frame
academic inquiry and to conduct academic research
at the university level
 The annotated bibliography is evidence to your
professor and to the university discourse community
of your efforts in conducting research and
supporting expository and persuasive essays with
university credible library sources
Essay 4 Taking a Stand on an Issue
 Essay 4 is a persuasive essay in which you take a
stand on an issue and express your opinion
supported by academic research to convince your
reader to agree with your point of view
 The persuasive essay is driven by a an
affirmative/negative question that states the case
 For example, ‘The Death Penalty in the United States
Constitutes Cruel and Unusual Punishment and
should be Abolished’ is an affirmative/negative
question
Essay 5 Bringing it Home
 Essay 5 is a problem statement essay that places the
debatable issue topic in the context of one’s family,
neighborhood, community, state, or nation
 The informing question positions the topic as a
problem that affects your family or community
 The informing question is, “How does the death
penalty affect my family (neighborhood, town/city,
state, etc.)
“Essay” 6
 Daily assignments, formal and informal casual
assignments including essay planning documents
and essays reflecting on the research and writing
process and product