Introduction to English Composi-

tionSUMMER 2015

Essay types

There are many types of essay.

In this lesson we will review each one of them.

Descriptive:   Examples: A descriptive essay could describe . . . * a tree in my backyard; * a visit to the children's ward of a hospital; * a hot fudge sundae; * what an athlete did in order to make it to the Olympics. The descriptive essay provides details about how something looks,

feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds. It can also describe what something is, or how something happened. These essays generally use a lot of sensory details. The essay could be a list-like description that provides point by point details. Or, it could function as a story, keeping the reader interested in the plot and theme of the event described.

Definition:   Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . . * the meaning of an abstract concept, like love; * the true meaning and importance of honesty; * how the meaning of family goes deeper than just your blood

relatives. A definition essay attempts to define a specific term. It could try to

pin down the meaning of a specific word, or define an abstract concept. The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition; it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such. It could define the term directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term. Or, it could imply the definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Compare/Contrast:   Examples: A compare/contrast essay may discuss . . . * the likenesses and differences between two places, like New York City and Los

Angeles; * the similarities and differences between two religions, like Christianity and

Judaism; * two people, like my brother and myself. The compare/contrast essay discusses the similarities and differences

between two things, people, concepts, places, etc. The essay could be an unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince the reader of the benefits of one thing, person, or concept. It could also be written simply to entertain the reader, or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it could just focus on one or the other. A comparison essay usually discusses the similarities between two things, while the contrast essay discusses the differences.

Cause/Effect:   Examples: A cause/effect essay may explain . . . * why a volcano erupts, and what happens afterwards; * what happens after a loved one's death. The cause/effect essay explains why or how some event

happened, and what resulted from the event. This essay is a study of the relationship between two or more events or experiences. The essay could discuss both causes and effects, or it could simply address one or the other. A cause essay usually discusses the reasons why something happened. An effect essay discusses what happens after a specific event or circumstance.

Narrative:   Examples: A narrative essay could tell of . . . * my brother's and my fishing trips; * a boring trip to the grocery store; * my near-death experience at the beach. The narrative essay tells a story. It can also be called a "short

story." Generally the narrative essay is conversational in style, and tells of a personal experience. It is most commonly written in the first person (uses I). This essay could tell of a single, life-shaping event, or simply a mundane daily experience.

Process:   Examples: A process essay may explain . . . * how to properly re-pot a plant; * how an individual came to appreciate hard work. A process essay describes how something is done. It

generally explains actions that should be performed in a series. It can explain in detail how to accomplish a specific task, or it can show how an individual came to a certain personal awareness. The essay could be in the form of step-by-step instructions, or in story form, with the instructions/explanations subtly given along the way.

Argumentative:   Examples: An argumentative essay may persuade a reader

that . . . * he or she should use public transportation instead of

driving. * cats are better than dogs. An argumentative essay is one that attempts to persuade

the reader to the writer's point of view. The writer can either be serious or funny, but always tries to convince the reader of the validity of his or her opinion. The essay may argue openly, or it may attempt to subtly persuade the reader by using irony or sarcasm.

Critical:   A critical essay analyzes the strengths, weaknesses and methods of

someone else's work. Generally these essays begin with a brief overview of the main points of the text, movie, or piece of art, followed by an analysis of the work's meaning. It should then discuss how well the author/creator accomplishes his/her goals and makes his/her points. A critical essay can be written about another essay, story, book, poem, movie, or work of art.

Examples: A critical essay may analyze . . . * how Shakespeare presents the character, Othello, in his play, Othello; * the strengths and weaknesses of the movie, Children of a Lesser God; * the use of color in Monet's painting, Sunflowers.

Essay types.

Have a look at these questions, what kind of essay question are they?

Was Van Gogh the greatest painter ever?

Essay types.

Have a look at these questions, what kind of essay question are they?

How George Washington defeated the British.

Essay types.

Have a look at these questions, what kind of essay question are they?

How to write and make a movie in 6 months.

Essay types.

Have a look at these questions, what kind of essay question are they?

The beauty of Gyeongbokgung palace.

Essay types.

Have a look at these questions, what kind of essay question are they?

Cycle to work to save the planet.

Essay Structure In this lesson we will focus on the standard essay

structure.

This structure may vary from essay to essay, but the basic format is the same.

The basic structure for an essay is:IntroductionBodyConclusion

Essay Structure Introduction

The introduction is the first part of the essay. I will be no

more than 20% of your essay.

The first step is to orientate the reader, this means that we want to help them understand the topics and why they

are relevant or being discussed.

Essay Structure Introduction

The next step is to identify the focus or purpose.

This means saying what part of the topic you will be looking to answer the question.

Essay Structure Introduction

The next step is Outlining the scope.. This means to summarize the points you will be cover-

ing in your essay

Essay Structure Introduction

The final step is to state your thesis.

Your thesis statement is a summary of your answer to the question.

Essay Structure Introduction.

The final step is to state your thesis.

Your thesis statement is a summary of your answer to the question.

Essay Structure Introduction

Check list:Orientate the readerIdentify the focus or purpose of your essayOutline the scopeState your thesis.

Essay Structure Introduction

Orientating the reader.-The reader must understand all the terms and the top-

ics being discussed. -Therefore the author must explain these terms and

topics in a way that engages the reader.

Essay Structure Introduction

Orientating the reader.Let’s look at this essay question:

‘Industry in developing countries has a negative effect on the environment.’

(Discuss)

Essay structure In 2005, hurricane Katrina swept across New

Orleans causing multiple deaths and millions of dollars in damage.

Many believe that global warming, an environmental problem caused by green house gasses, was the cause of the disaster.

Industry such as factories in developing countries like China, produces much of these green house gasses.

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

Laws that violate privacy are justified to fight terrorism.

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

Should same sex parents be allowed to adopt same sex children?

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

Should first time offenders be given prison sentences of community service?

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

Immigrants make an economy stronger, not weaker.

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

Is eating meat murder?

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

The Eiffel Tower as an engineering masterpiece.

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

A Korean students average day.

Essay structure

You will now practice writing a few paragraphs that orientate the reader.

Here is the essay question:

How to lose weight in 30 days.

Essay structure

Defining the purpose or focus:

A topic like global warming is extremely complex and you can never cover everything in one essay.

Therefore you need to say specifically what you will be looking at.

Essay structure

Defining the purpose or focus:

Think of the environment. Write down as many ideas as you can think of regarding this topic.

i.e. recycling, deforestation.You have three minutes starting now.

Time’s up!Share your ideas with the class. Write down each other’s ideas.

Essay structure

Defining the purpose or focus:

Think of these question.

Is the rise in the temperature of the oceans is causing the extinction of many marine species.

Essay structure

Defining the purpose or focus:

We can state the purpose by saying…

‘The topic of________ is broad and complex. This essay will focus on___________.

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Postmodernism created some of the best American Novels.

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

The birth-rate in Korea has had a negative impact on the economy.

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Some say democracy is an elective dictatorship.

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Does social media make us more or less social?

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Globalization is the spread of western values.

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Does socialism make an economy stronger?

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Things to do in Japan.

Essay structure ‘The topic of________ is broad and complex.

This essay will focus on___________.

Using the above sentence, define the focus and topic of this question:

Women’s rights have advanced in Korea.

Essay structureDefining the scope.The scope is a summary of the points you intend to

make. It can be anywhere from 5 to 20 points.Try to make your points balanced If some of the points are connected then they can

be said together as one sentence in the introduction.

1. Greenhouse gasses melt the ice-caps.2. Green house gasses causes the oceans to rise.

Essay structure

Look at these questions and research five points.

Essay structure

Look at these questions and research five points.

Will South Korea be stronger or weaker if North and South Korea become one nation?

Essay structure

Look at these questions and research five points.

Recycling paper is a waste of time.

Essay structure

Look at these questions and research five points.

Higher education should be free to everyone.

Essay structure

Thesis statement:

A thesis statement starts with:

‘The aim of this paper is to show/discuss/explain…’

The thesis statement can be your answer to the essay question or just a repeat of the essay question if there is no room for debate.

Essay structure

‘The aim of this paper is to show/discuss/explain…’

Write a thesis statement for this essay question:

Should North and South Korea be reunified?

Remember, your thesis needs to reflect the facts presented in your essay.

Essay structure

‘The aim of this paper is to show/discuss/explain…’

Write a thesis statement for this essay question:

Electric cars can save the environment.

Remember, your thesis needs to reflect the facts presented in your essay.

Essay structure

‘The aim of this paper is to show/discuss/explain…’

Write a thesis statement for this essay question:

Are countries with low foreign populations are more prejudice?

Remember, your thesis needs to reflect the facts presented in your essay.

Essay structure

No we will put everything we have learned together.

Write an introduction for this essay question:

Does Dokdo belong to Japan or Korea?