Essay Writing Skills. General structure of an essay Introduction of common terms Writing...

Part 1 - The Essay Structure

Essay Writing Skills

Part 1 - Lecture Outline

General structure of an essayIntroduction of common terms

Writing arguments Achieving balance Sign-posting and distancing language

Possible essay structures

General Structure of an Essay

Introduction Contains the foundation to your subsequent

arguments State your stand clearly and unambiguously

towards the end of your introduction

Main Body – Support your stand by Writing arguments (reasons for believing in

your stand) Writing counter-arguments and rebutting

them (ie providing a balanced response)

Conclusion – Restate your stand and sum up your essay

Introduction to Common TermsStand – the position which the

writer takes

Argument – a reason the writer has taken to support a particular stand

Examples – significant events or trends which illustrate the argument which the writer is making

Introduction to Common TermsCounter-argument: An opposing

viewpoint or argument which does not support the stand that you are taking

Rebuttal: An argument which invalidates (make something invalid) or tries to point out the flaws in a counter-argument.

Balance: A consideration and discussion of alternative perspectives (ie counter-arguments) and rebutting them

General Structure of an Essay

6

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

(at least 4-5 points)

12345

General Structure of an Essay ‘Press censorship is unnecessary.’

Comment.

Task 1: On the right hand column under

the headings A, B and C, label the sections of the essay (Introduction, Body and Conclusion).

What is the writer’s stand?7

Writing Arguments

When writing an argument, you have to persuade the reader to agree or be convinced with your argument or opinion.

A clear and coherent explanation as well as the use of relevant and current examples are therefore necessary to strengthen your argument.

8

Task 2 – Refer to Paragraph 6 in the Sample Essay

Identify the writer’s argument (A) in this paragraph.

What example(s) (EG) does she use to reinforce her ideas?

9

Example of an Argument (A) (Paragraph 6)

Furthermore, press censorship is necessary because the national press is taken by the world as an expression of the country’s views. Hence it is crucial for the government to act as a censor to the press as it has an obligation to its people to choose the peace and harmony of the society over individual freedom. This is precisely the point of a state—to look out for society’s well-being even if it means forsaking some individual interests. Since this is so, it is only natural that the government disallows dangerous comments to be made in the press, which is not just open for the interpretation of the nation’s citizens, but also a world-wide readership. Therefore, censorship becomes an issue of national security if the opinions in the press are perceived as offensive to another country. By not censoring the press, the government may have well drawn its country to war.

A

Use of Examples (EG) in Paragraph 6

This can be seen specifically in Japan, where the press has published several articles about Japan’s reluctance to apologize for war-time atrocities, much to the displeasure of China and Korea, its neighbours.

Needless to say, such discord amongst countries can only be detrimental and this only proves that censorship is necessary in our highly efficient world where word gets around at the speed of light.

11

EG

Evalua-tion of EG

Achieving Balance

Balance: A consideration and discussion of counter-arguments and rebutting them

Counter-arguments need to be included and evaluated.

Readers are persuaded to take your view when you show that you have considered opposing views and are able to rebut them. 12

How to Incorporate Counter-arguments

Anticipate alternative viewpoints Who may disagree with my views?

Why? What evidence do they have to

support their views? Possible reasons why some may

hold an opposing view

Present these viewpoints objectively

13

Sign-posting and Distancing Language To avoid contradicting yourself, use sign-

posting or distancing phrases to indicate your discussion of counter-arguments.

Such phrases include: Some may hold a different view. They

insist that… While some may claim that… Although some may argue that… An opposing viewpoint is that… It might seem that… One may object here that… 14

Rebutting Counter-arguments

Why do you need to rebut counter-arguments?

Different ways to rebut: Show how and/or why it is mistaken Acknowledge its validity but suggest why it is relatively less important or less likely than what you have proposed

15

Task 3 – Refer to Paragraph 2 in the Sample Essay.

Identify the opposing viewpoint / counter-argument (CA).

Identify the rebuttal (R).

How does the writer show she is discussing the counter-argument and then the rebuttal? What sign-posting devices does she use?

16

Sign-posting Rebuttals

Use sign-posting words or phrases to indicate that you are rebutting the counter-argument.

Such words or phrases may include: However … However, I disagree with this view

because… However, this opinion is fallacious because

… But I will argue that … Despite these claims / criticisms …

17

Example of a Counter-argument (CA) in Paragraph 2

People who disagree with censorship claim that censorship limits expression to what the government or society allows the individual to say. Indeed it is a common argument that press censorship, as well as any other media censorship, eliminates freedom of expression. This can be stifling, because the channels of expression and subsequently perimeters of thought have been defined and limited. As a result, people will become aware and wary of taboos, and be fearful to speak out.

18

CA

Example of a Rebuttal (R) in Paragraph 2

However, these people are forgetting that censorship only applies to extreme views that may be detrimental to the well-being of society. Such views, if aired on national press could spark outrage and perhaps ruin a country, leading to unrest, or even a civil war. Therefore, censorship in this case actually safeguards the freedom of expression of more moderate views, which can only aid healthy discussion, instead of inciting hate. 19

R

Some Possible Structures A B

Introduction Introduction

Your Point Counter-Argument

Your Point Rebuttal

Your Point Counter-Argument

Counter-Argument Rebuttal

Rebuttal Your Point

Counter-Argument Your Point

Rebuttal Your Point

Conclusion Conclusion

Concluding Words

There is no one correct way to write the essay.

It depends on the nature of the question your own writing style what you think is the most effective

way to present and discuss the issues in the question you have chosen

Part 2 - Question Analysis & Brainstorming

Essay Writing Skills

Aim of Part 2 (Question Analysis & Brainstorming)

Careful examination and analysis of the essay question in order to: Decide what the scope / boundaries

of the question are (i.e. What should/can I talk about in this

essay?)Decide what is important in the

question (i.e. What should I focus on in this essay?)

Decide what the question actually wants you to do (i.e. What do I need to address in this

essay?)


1. Classification of Questions

2. Word Analysis

3. Question Analysis Clarifying Key Terms Identifying assumptions

4. Brainstorming for Arguments

1. Classification of Essay Types

Essay Type is identified as :

• Argumentative Eg. The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2010)• Expository Eg. How important are dreams ? (2008) Eg. Consider the view that most work these days could and should not be done from home. (2010) • Reflective / Philosophical Eg. Can humour ever be serious? (2012)



2. Word Analysis

3. Question Analysis Clarifying KeyTerms Identifying assumptions


A. Look Out For Modal Words

What do these modals imply?

• Should people be allowed to have children by artificial means ? (2012)

• Can humour ever be serious ? (2012)

• Consider most work these days could and should be done from home. (2012).

B. Look Out For Words With Absolutes / ExtremesAll, everybodyNothing, nobody, noneNever, ever

B. Look Out For Words With Absolutes / Extremes1.‘The most influential individuals in history are

those who have caused the most harm.’ How far would you accept this view? (2012)

2.How far is it acceptable for technology to be used only for financial benefit? (2012)

3.Is violence ever justified? (2012)4.Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (2012)5.Does modern technology always improve the

quality of people’s lives? (2007)

C. Look Out For Words Which Are Relative Or Comparative Or Degree-indicative

1.Is there any value in preserving minority languages in the world? (2012)

2.How effective are international efforts to ease the problem of global hunger? (2010)

3.‘People in the Arts, living or dead, receive far more recognition than those in the Sciences, even though it is less deserved.’ Consider this claim. (2012)

4.The key to good health is lifestyle rather than medicine.’ How far do you agree? (2010)

D. Look Out For Words Which Indicate Context

Meaning of ‘context’ – ..consider the related factors and characteristics that impact something so that it can be properly understood or explained.

In GP, there are two main contexts –• Place / Location• Time

D. Look Out For Words Which Indicate Context – Place Or Time

1. Is there any value in preserving minority languages in the world ? (2012)

2. To what extent are the rights of animals protected in your society ? (2012)

3. The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2010)4. Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in

today’s world. How far is this true of your society ? (2011)5. In this digital age, do newspapers still have a role in your

society ? (2012)6. Can space research be justified nowadays ? (2011)7. Can mathematics be seen as anything more than a useful tool

in everyday life ? (2010)

E. Look Out For Topic vs. Issue

For any question, distinguish between1. ‘Topic / Subject Matter’ 2. ‘Issue / Contention’

Eg. Do awards and prizes serve any useful purpose? (2011)Topic 1 : Topic 2 : Issue :


The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2010)

topic (ISSUE) context


In this digital age, do newspapers still

context topic context

have a role in your society ? (2012)

(ISSUE) context



2. Word Analysis



A. Clarify Key Terms

Clarify meanings of key terms by• defining or re-defining keywords or phrases• interpreting • paraphrasing

1. How far can an individual be held responsible for crimes against humanity ? (2010)

Correct interpretation of ‘crimes against humanity’.

2. Consider the view that mathematics possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty. (2012)

Defining meanings of ‘ truth’ and ‘supreme beauty’.

A. Clarify Key Terms

3. Do awards and prizes serve any useful purpose? Paraphrase meaning of ‘useful’.

4. Young people are slaves to fashion. Do you agree? Interpret meaning of ‘slaves to fashion’

B. Identify Assumptions in the Question

What is an Assumption? Something believed to be true without proof.

1. In this digital age, do newspapers still have a role in your society? (2012)Assumptions :• Newspapers had and still have a role to play in Singapore• The advent of the digital age could possibly affect this role

2. The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2012)Assumptions :• There is no need for the book in modern society• The book is not compatible with the characteristics of a modern

society

Question Analysis : Putting It All Together

Eg. ‘Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in today’s world.’ How true is this of your society? (2011)

Essay Type : Contexts : Topic : Issue : Value / Degree : Key Term : Have a place - presence recognised or valuedAssumption : Ancient / classical architecture and art have no place in today’s modern world.



2. Word Analysis


4. Brainstorming Ideas for Arguments

Brainstorming Ideas For Arguments

A. Brainstorm for ideas for arguments / points that explain your stand / position / opinion / thesis

B. Brainstorm for counter-arguments for rebuttal’s sake

Brainstorming Tools SPECTRAL GRACE SPICE LEVELS PLAYERS PAST PRESENT

FUTURE

WAYS TO RESOLVE ISSUES

TRENDS/CONTEXT

Tools S – Social, Scientific

P – Political

E – Economic, Environmental, Educational, Ethical (moral)

C – Cultural

T – Technological

R – Racial, Religious

A – Artistic, Aesthetic

L – Legal

G – Gender

R – Race

A – Age

C – Culture

E - Education

S – Spiritual

P – Psychological

I – Intellectual

C – Cognitive, Cultural

E – Emotional

Individual

Community/Societal

National

International

NGOs

IOs

Crime Syndicates

Religious Leaders

Government

Individual

Past vs Present vs Future

Short-run vs Long-run

Ideal vs Pragmatic

Change or no change

Individual vs Group

Modern World

Information driven

Technologically driven

Politically globalised

Economically globalised

Liberalised

Democratisation

Secularisation

Individualism

Purpose Identifying the implications on different sectors

Dependent Factors

Identifying different aspects of impact on an individual

Branching out to different levels of impact

Identifying different stakeholders and points of view

Showing an awareness of how the world has changed

Examining the impact and the feasibility of the solution

Showing sensitivity to today’s society

Always ask at the start of the question: Why is this question set? What is happening in the world that has resulted in the examiner asking this question? Why is the examiner asking this question now? Is there any trend that I should be looking out for?

Brainstorming tools

Brainstorming Tools

S.P.E.C.T.R.A.L Social, Scientific; Political;Economic, Environment, Education, Ethical, Education; Cultural; Technological; Religious, Racial; Artistic, Aesthetic; LegalIdentifying the implications on different sectors / domains / parameters

Brainstorming Tools

Eg. Can prejudice ever be eliminated ? (2011)

Use SPECTRAL to generate domains or parameters to determine the scope of coverage.

Prejudice …Social, Economic, Educational, Cultural, Religious, Racial.

Before exploring reasons for possibility of elimination of each type of prejudice

Brainstorming Tool – Context-related

Characteristics of the Modern World / Trends

Information driven Technologically driven Politically globalised Economically globalised Culturally globalised Liberalised Democratisation Secularisation Individualism

Showing sensitivity to today’s society

Brainstorming Tool – Context-related

Eg. Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the needs of the disadvantaged. How far is this true in Singapore ? (2008) Characteristics of Singapore

Pragmatic Conservative Individualistic? Result driven Focus on academic achievement Multicultural society Secular

Showing awareness of Singapore’s culture

Review – Lecture Outline

The Essay Structure General structure of

an essay Introduction of

common terms Writing arguments Achieving balance Sign-posting and

distancing language Possible essay

structures

Question Analysis and Brainstorming Classification of

Questions Word Analysis Question Analysis ▪ Clarifying Key Terms▪ Identifying

assumptions Brainstorming for

Arguments

What Next After Question Analysis?

If you have done a proper question analysis and brainstormed for ideas for your arguments (and counter-arguments)…

You are NOW READY to start writing your essay

First, you have to learn how to write an effective introductory paragraph during the NEXT skills lecture

Essay Writing Skills. General structure of an essay Introduction of common terms Writing...

Documents

Transcript of Essay Writing Skills. General structure of an essay Introduction of common terms Writing...