The Essay: Content & Structure

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Objectives

Define the essay & Emphasize the Illustrate the essay’s

discuss writing importance of structure with a
techniques research & content basic outline
Essay
[Noun] /ˈes·eɪ/

❖a short literary composition on a particular theme or

subject, usually in prose and generally analytic,
speculative, or interpretative.
❖an effort to perform or accomplish something; attempt.
❖Example sentence:
▪ Yourassignment is to write a 500-word essay on one of
Shakespeare's sonnets.
The Basics

TOPIC RESEARCH THESIS SUPPORTING SOURCES

STATEMENT
SENTENCES
Choosing a Topic
❖ IF you have the freedom to choose,
brainstorm what interests YOU (always
make sure your topic has been approved by
“Like the novel, the
the professor):
❖ What do you like? essay is a literary
❖ What ignites your curiosity? device for saying
almost everything
❖ If you do not have the freedom to choose about almost anything.”
and a specific topic was assigned:
❖ How do you link the topic to your life or expertise? –Aldous Huxley
❖ How does this topic affect your life or those
around you?
 Topic, Text & Thesis Statement
❖ A topic is a general subject or Example
issue to be written about.
❖ A literary text is a work that is Topic: Colors & Personalities
written for a purpose. It typically
includes a wide range of topics
that the author uses to Text: “Color Me Pink”
contextualize his or her
message. Thesis: Colors can help us
❖ A thesis statement is the point of understand ourselves and others by
view, argument or posture you learning about the effects they have on
take as a scholar with regards to people.
the literary text or topic.
If you’re lost or uninspired,Prewriting PHASE
these techniques can help you find
and organize your ideas!

FREE WRITING BRAINSTORM CLUSTER

Let your thoughts flow Generate a list of ideas and Write down different terms
& remember to take possible focuses. Explore or phrases randomly, then
note of whatever concepts related to your topic link them together into a
comes to mind! in a free & relaxed manner. sort of web. From the chaos
you can create order!
CLOSE READING
❖SLOW DOWN! Writing about literature involves ACTIVE READING and
CRITICAL THINKING, take in the text word for word & use the dictionary
when necessary!
❖A close reading “develops an understanding of the text and investigates how
the text makes meaning”. When reading the text assigned observe closely
the content (themes), the form (structure) and the way these two express a
message. For this you will need to read the text more than once!
✓ SUMMARIZE: What is this text about and what does it mean?
✓ ANALYZE: Can you relate to the text? Develop an opinion by questioning the text.
✓ SYNTHESIZE: What do other critics have to say about it? Do you agree?

❖A strategy to cover your bases is diligent NOTETAKING, write down key

details and insights you find while reading.
KEY QUESTIONS (CLOSE READING)

Who? Where? When? Why?

• Who is the • Where • When was • Why is this

author? does the it written? topic
• Who has story take • When did important?
talked place? it happen? • Why is the
about it • Where is title
before? this a relevant to
problem? the topic?
Research, Research & Research
Start your engines!
❖ Ifyou don’t know about
the text or issue you were
assigned, you will need to
research from the start.
❖ Investigating will help you The psychology of colors
find a thesis statement
about the subject and aid
you in “choosing an
angle”.
❖ Use scholarly databases
and finders.
❖ Learn about:
❖ Biographical facts about
the author
❖ Major and minor themes
within the text
❖ Previous analysis of the
text by other authors
Research, Research & Research
Start your engines!
❖ Ifyou don’t know about
the text or issue you were
assigned, you will need to
research from the start.
❖ Investigating will help you
find a thesis statement
about the subject and aid
you in “choosing an
angle”.
❖ Use scholarly databases
and finders.
❖ Learn about:
❖ Biographical facts about
the author
❖ Major and minor themes
within the text
❖ Previous analysis of the
text by other authors
Research, Research & Research
To back up your
point, you always
need secondary
sources:
❖ Findsources that support
your perspective.
❖ When you find sources that
contradict it, make sure you
choose those that
strengthen your argument. The psychology of colors

❖ The more information you The catcher in the rye

have, the easier it will be to
understand the topic and to
talk about it.
Research, Research & Research
To back up your
point, you always
need secondary
sources:
❖ Findsources that support
your perspective.
❖ When you find sources that
contradict it, make sure you
choose those that
strengthen your argument.
❖ The more information you
have, the easier it will be to
understand the topic and to
talk about it.
 Thesis Statement
• A thesis statement is expressed in one sentence that summarizes the main
point or claim discussed in the essay. It contains a topic sentence and a
controlling idea (your point of view on the subject).
• There are two types of thesis statements: direct & indirect.
• The direct thesis statement declares an explicit main idea, clearly defined in
the introductory paragraph.
• Ex. I love orange because it reminds me of the autumn leaves, poppies and
Halloween, my favorite holiday.
• The indirect thesis statement isn’t as explicit as the direct, and it requires
further development throughout the essay’s body.
• Ex. I love orange for three reasons.
The Basic Outline
Introduction Body Conclusion
(Background info & (Topic Sentence & (Brief Summary &
Thesis Statement) Supporting Details) Restatement)

• This is the first • The body or • The conclusion is

paragraph of your developmental
essay. It functions as paragraphs is where meant to restate
a guide for your most of your content your main thesis, it
will be located. This
reader by introducing is your chance to should summarize
the topic and main explain and justify your main points.
thesis that will be the point you are
developed trying to make.
throughout the text. Expand on your
thesis statement by
• Present your topic by providing additional
providing details and
background supporting
arguments.
information related to
it.
 Designing your
outline & first draft
You can use tools like this
one to organize your content
and main ideas.

Remember: Each paragraph

should have a point of
development, a topic
sentence and supporting
details.
Introduction:

EXPOSE YOUR TOPIC

 Include a “Hook” statement to appeal your reader and invite them to keep
reading (optional).
Introduction
 Include basic information (title, author, place, time, etc.)
 Establish the topic and main points you’re going to discuss.
 Present your thesis statement:
 What are you going to prove in this essay?
 Body:
DEVELOP YOUR THESIS
▪ Write supporting sentences that prove your point by including:
▪ Statistics
▪ Direct quotes by other researchers
▪ Reference to the source material
▪ Paraphrases or indirect quotations
▪ Analyze and establish the connection between your content and thesis
statement to prove your main arguments.
 Conclusion:
RESTATE YOUR ARGUMENT
 Summarize

▪ Restate the points of development without being repetitive.

▪ When permitted, include your point of view about the main idea and the
direct correlation it has with the literary works you’ve read and researched
in a final comment.
 Essay Do’s and Dont’s
• DON’T LEAVE FLOATING QUOTATIONS: It’s important to support your direct quotes
by summarizing and indicating their function in your text. In other words, avoid
dropping quotes in the essay without explaining and justifying their presence. Write
one to three sentences before and after the quote to connect it to your thesis.
• DON’T PLAGIARIZE: Make sure you are using a manual of style and every source
you use is being referenced. Don’t repeat what your sources say without giving them
the credit they are due.
• DO REVIEW: Before handing in your essay it’s important to spell check verb tenses
or typos you didn’t notice and reread in a thorough manner. If you have a peer, friend
or family member, ask if they can read the essay and provide feedback.
• DO USE THE DICTIONARY: This is an essential tool for any writer. It helps us learn
unknown terms but also it helps us vary our vocabulary in order to avoid sounding
redundant or repetitive.
 Title:
Puerto Rico and its Colors
(Example Essay Outline)
(Sample outline)
• Introduction
• Topic: Pastel-colored homes in P.R. and their meaning
• Thesis Statement: The brightly pastel-colored houses of Old San Juan are iconic elements of
the Puerto Rican spirit, culture and lifestyle.
• Development
• Point of development #1: The Puerto Rican spirit
• Topic sentence: Throughout the island Puerto Ricans use color to express their emotions
and desires, as well as to enlighten their spirits with celebrations and festivals.
• Supporting details:
• In addition, one of the most popular and colorful Puerto Rican arts are the “vejigante
masks” used in festivals celebrated in Loíza to represent malignant spirits in the island’s
folklore.
• Traditionally, these costumes would be made in black, white and yellow, but today they are
made in all sorts of brightly colored textures.
• The rich chromatic fabrics used in their confection resemble the colorful streets of Old San
Juan and they both reflect the spirit of a lively and joyful people.
• Development (Cont.)
• Point of development #2: The Puerto Rican culture
• Topic sentence: The explosion of colors in the capital city also symbolizes the
importance of the preservation of Puerto Rican culture.
• Supporting details:
• During the 1940s the colonial houses of Old San Juan were nearly destroyed.
• Luckily, the Puerto Rican anthropologist Ricardo Alegría called for their preservation and argued
the buildings were a cultural expression of the island’s history.
• Thanks to his initiative, today the rehabilitated historic buildings shine like gems on the coastal
capital.
• Point of development #3: The Puerto Rican lifestyle
• Topic sentence: The Puerto Rican lifestyle is as complex as the whole spectrum of colors
we can find around the island.
• Supporting details:
• Being a colony since its foundation, Puerto Rico’s people have endured many difficulties.
• Even so, the hardships they’ve had to face hasn’t diminished their patriotic pride and sense of
nationality.
• This complexity is evidenced through their daily lives and in the richness of their food, art and
music.
 • Conclusion
Puerto rico • Restatement of three points: In conclusion, the
vividness of color in Puerto Rico’s arts and architecture
is an expression of the richness of its people spiritually
and its and culturally. The pastel-colored buildings found
around the island are a symbol of a colorful culture that
colors •
should be admired and preserved.
Final comment/point: Next time you walk around the
capital’s streets, let the rich palette of hues remind you
(Sample not only of its crystal blue beaches and vibrant flora, but
also its people!
outline)
 References
Barnet, Sylvan, et al. “How to Engage in Critical Thinking about Literature: A Crash Course.” Literature for
Composition: An Introduction to Literature. Pearson Education, 2017, pp. 12-15.
“Brainstorm for the Essay." Purdue Online Writing Lab, Purdue University,
https://owl.purdue.edu/engagement/ged_preparation/part_2_lessons_1_5/index.html. Accessed:
8 Sep. 2019.
Broukal, Milada. “Color Me Pink.” Weaving It Together: Connecting Reading and Writing, edited by Laura Le
Dréan, Fourth Edition, National Geographic Learning, 2016, pp. 5-7.
Díaz Lindsay, Darlyn. “Vejigantes”. Aquí está Puerto Rico, 28 Nov. 2019, edited by Lionel Valentín
Calderón, https://directorio.aquiestapuertorico.com/vejigantes/. Accessed: 30 Sep. 2019.
“Essay.” The Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, 2019,
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/essay. Accessed: 4 Sep. 2019.
"In-Class Writing Exercises." The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/faculty-resources/tips-on-teaching-writing/in-class-writing-exercises/.
Accessed: 8 Sep. 2019
"Introductions." The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and- tools/introductions/. Accessed: 8 Sep. 2019.
Marshall, Lillie. "Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: Must-See Colorful Buildings." Around the world with Teacher-
Traveller Lillie, 11 July 2014, https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/old-san-juan-colors/. Accessed:
31 Oct. 2019.
"Topic Sentences." Purdue Online Writing Lab, Purdue University,
https://owl.purdue.edu/engagement/ged_preparation/part_1_lessons_1_4/index.html. Accessed:
8 Sep. 2019.
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