3V Essay Basics

Essay 101:
The basics of writing an essay
To do this lesson:
  •  Pay attention
  • Ask for clarification if needed
  • Take notes 
1 / 15
next
Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvwoLeerjaar 3

This lesson contains 15 slides, with text slides.

Items in this lesson

Essay 101:
The basics of writing an essay
To do this lesson:
  •  Pay attention
  • Ask for clarification if needed
  • Take notes 

Slide 1 - Slide

Disclaimer
I'm an essay noob. This is only the basics; follow the steps and look up online examples. Also, write your own essays on the topics at the end. This will help you undestand the process better.

Slide 2 - Slide

Slide 3 - Slide

Paragraphs
  • An essay consists of multiple paragraphs.​
  • A paragraph can be seen as a mini-essay (elaborates on 1 idea/point).​
  • Writing a cohesive paragraph can be difficult.​
  • PEAL can give a paragraph structure.

Slide 4 - Slide

Why do you have to learn this?
Throughout your academic career, you will often be asked to write theses, essays or papers. You may have to work on an assigned essay for class, write a thesis for your graduation or write essays for college admissions.

Slide 5 - Slide

PEAL
  • A structure in a paragraph that contains 4 elements:​
  • Point​
  • Evidence​
  • Analysis​
  • Link​
  • PEAL paragraphs should always contain these four elements. The point is introduced in the first sentence, followed by the evidence and analysis and concluded with the link.​

Slide 6 - Slide

1. Point
  • The point or claim being made in the whole paragraph.​
  • The point/claim being made is never a question, but a statement.​
  • What is this paragraph about (topic)?​ If you can answer this question, then that is your Point.​
  • Also known as: topic sentence.​

Slide 7 - Slide

2. Evidence
  • Specific information, data, experiences, or other factual material used to support the point.​
  • Use quotes from the documentary to underline your point made.​

Slide 8 - Slide

3. Analysis
  • The analysis is the elaboration, evaluation of the evidence given.​
  • Link the evidence to the point; how does the evidence link to the point made? ​​

Slide 9 - Slide

4. Link
  • Mini conclusion to body of paragraph.​
  • Links all your analyses to the thesis statement.​

Slide 10 - Slide

Scaffold
In reality it should look a bit like this:​
Firstly, [… Point ...]. The following example supports this idea [... Evidence ...]. This quote/example (etc) clearly shows that [...Analysis...]. So, [... Link ...].​

Slide 11 - Slide

Slide 12 - Slide

Important general rules
  • No contractions (can’t →cannot / don’t → do not).​
  • Never start a sentence with: but/and/or.​
  • When quoting use quotation marks “…quote…” 
  • Point (=topic sentence) is never a question and never starts with ‘yes/no’.​
  • Use lots of linking words and phrases

Slide 13 - Slide

Always start with an outline
Outline contains: 
  • Statement (officially called a thesis statement)
  • Topic sentences for each paragraph (introduction-body-conclusion)
  • Other ideas (linking words/evidence/quotes)

Slide 14 - Slide

Write a practice essay
 Choose one of the following prompts, decide which standpoint you will take and start writing an outline.
  • The legal drinking age should (not) be lowered.
  • Social media has(n't got) a negative influence on teenagers.
  • Schools should(n't) have dress codes

Slide 15 - Slide