Grammar Learning
www.world-english.org
www.grammar.ccc.commnet.edu
English Conversation
www.learnenglish.de
www.perfectyourenglish.com
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish
www.freeenglishnow.com
English Listening Exercises
www.listeningesl.com
www.betteratenglish.com
Speak Urdu to English
http://www.123freenet.com/english
http://www.learnpk.com/english
.
2/20/10
Useful Websites for Current Affairs
www.sananews.com.pk
www.pkcolumnist.com
www.spearheadresearch.org
www.globalresearch.ca
www.economist.com
saras.org.pk
www.southasiaanalysis.org
www.ibp.org.pk
www.crss.pk
www.asian-affairs.com
www.hrw.org
www.globalsecurity.org
www.gfmag.com
www.foreignpolicy.com
www.globalissues.org
www.pak-times.com
www.atimes.com
www.defence.pk/forums
forum.pakistanidefence.com
www.democracyjournal.org
www.journalofdemocracy.org
www.teachingterror.net
www.humansecuritygateway.com
ipripak.org
rightweb.irc-online.org
.
www.pkcolumnist.com
www.spearheadresearch.org
www.globalresearch.ca
www.economist.com
saras.org.pk
www.southasiaanalysis.org
www.ibp.org.pk
www.crss.pk
www.asian-affairs.com
www.hrw.org
www.globalsecurity.org
www.gfmag.com
www.foreignpolicy.com
www.globalissues.org
www.pak-times.com
www.atimes.com
www.defence.pk/forums
forum.pakistanidefence.com
www.democracyjournal.org
www.journalofdemocracy.org
www.teachingterror.net
www.humansecuritygateway.com
ipripak.org
rightweb.irc-online.org
.
2/15/10
How to Write an Introduction
Writing an introduction paragraph can be one of the most daunting parts of the writing process for an author, especially for students that are in the early stages of learning to write. The introduction or otherwise known as the opening paragraph of an essay is well known for telling the reader what the essay is going to be about.
An Introduction Serves Two Purposes
It gives readers an idea of what the rest of the writing will say.
It provides a reason for readers to keep reading.
The first reason is the most important. What is this about?
It may include:
A clear and specific thesis statement
Providing background or history for the topic
Defining a term, phrase, or concept central to the writing
Providing statistics
Steps in writing a good Introduction:
In order for readers to trust the writer, the introduction must be well written with strong vocabulary and good grammar. The goal is to hold the reader's attention. Remember that while you want to excite your readers' interest, you also want to sound as though you know the topic you are writing about.
1-Identify the Topic
In the first sentence, you should identify, or generally define, the topic. The topic is a broad overview of what will be discussed in the essay.
2-State Your Opinion about the Topic
The second sentence of the introduction paragraph will be slightly more specific. Here is where you can pick an angle from which to approach the topic. Are you for or against it? Are you intending to persuade or describe.
These questions can be answered when you articulate your thoughts on the broad topic.
3-Build a Bridge
The third sentence is where the transition occurs from general to specific. That is,you must build a bridge from your general topic to your specific thesis statement.
4-State the Thesis
The thesis works well as a final sentence in the introduction paragraph. By definition, a thesis is specific. It outlines the body of the essay. Writing a loose thesis before the essay is written, serves as a helpful guide , but be sure that it needs to be adapted once the essay is complete to ensure the content in the thesis is aligned with the content in the actual essay.
These tips define the purpose of each sentence in the introduction paragraph.Once you complete a first draft of your essay, go back to re-construct your introductory paragraph. Be sure to check your thesis statement to make sure it still holds true then double check your first sentence to give it some zing.
An Introduction Serves Two Purposes
It gives readers an idea of what the rest of the writing will say.
It provides a reason for readers to keep reading.
The first reason is the most important. What is this about?
It may include:
A clear and specific thesis statement
Providing background or history for the topic
Defining a term, phrase, or concept central to the writing
Providing statistics
Steps in writing a good Introduction:
In order for readers to trust the writer, the introduction must be well written with strong vocabulary and good grammar. The goal is to hold the reader's attention. Remember that while you want to excite your readers' interest, you also want to sound as though you know the topic you are writing about.
1-Identify the Topic
In the first sentence, you should identify, or generally define, the topic. The topic is a broad overview of what will be discussed in the essay.
2-State Your Opinion about the Topic
The second sentence of the introduction paragraph will be slightly more specific. Here is where you can pick an angle from which to approach the topic. Are you for or against it? Are you intending to persuade or describe.
These questions can be answered when you articulate your thoughts on the broad topic.
3-Build a Bridge
The third sentence is where the transition occurs from general to specific. That is,you must build a bridge from your general topic to your specific thesis statement.
4-State the Thesis
The thesis works well as a final sentence in the introduction paragraph. By definition, a thesis is specific. It outlines the body of the essay. Writing a loose thesis before the essay is written, serves as a helpful guide , but be sure that it needs to be adapted once the essay is complete to ensure the content in the thesis is aligned with the content in the actual essay.
These tips define the purpose of each sentence in the introduction paragraph.Once you complete a first draft of your essay, go back to re-construct your introductory paragraph. Be sure to check your thesis statement to make sure it still holds true then double check your first sentence to give it some zing.
2/13/10
Basic Guide to Essay Writing
An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what.You may be writing an
essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task. Either way, your essay will have the same basic format. If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
Don't let the thought of putting pen to paper daunt you. Get started!
These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process:
• Decide on your topic.
• Prepare an outline or diagram of your ideas.
• Write your thesis statement.
• Write the body.
• Write the main points.
• Write the subpoints.
• Elaborate on the subpoints.
• Write the introduction.
• Write the conclusion.
• Add the finishing touches.
Choose a Topic for Your Essay
Topic Has Been Assigned
You may have no choice as to your topic. If this is the case, you still may not be ready to jump to the next step.Think about the type of paper you are expected to produce. Should it be a general overview, or a specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture."
Once you have determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
Organize Your Ideas
The purpose of an outline or diagram is to put your ideas about the topic on paper, in a moderately organized format.The structure you create here may still change before the essay is complete, so don't agonize over this.
Decide whether you prefer the cut-and-dried structure of an outline or a more flowing structure. If you start one or the other and decide it isn't working for you, you can always switch later.
Diagram
1. Begin your diagram with a circle or a horizontal line or whatever shape you prefer in the middle of the
page.
2. Inside the shape or on the line, write your topic.
3. From your center shape or line, draw three or four lines out into the page. Be sure to spread them out.
4. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the center
of the page.
5. In each shape or on each line, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that
you want to make.
• If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
• If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed.
You will probably need to group these into categories.
If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
• If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information
can be divided.
6. From each of your main ideas, draw three or four lines out into the page.
7. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the center
of the page.
8. In each shape or on each line, write the facts or information that support that main idea.
When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.
Outline
1. Begin your outline by writing your topic at the top of the page.
2. Next, write the Roman numerals I, II, and III, spread apart down the left side of the page.
3. Next to each Roman numeral, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that
you want to make.
• If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
• If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed.
You will probably need to group these into categories.
If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
• If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information
can be divided.
4. Under each Roman numeral, write A, B, and C down the left side of the page.
5. Next to each letter, write the facts or information that support that main idea.
When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.
Compose a Thesis Statement
Now that you have decided, at least tentatively, what information you plan to present in your essay, you are ready to write your thesis statement.
The thesis statement tells the reader what the essay will be about, and what point you, the author, will be making.You know what the essay will be about. That was your topic. Now you must look at your outline or diagram and decide what point you will be making. What do the main ideas and supporting ideas that you listed say about your topic?
Your thesis statement will have two parts.
• The first part states the topic.
• Kenya's Culture
• Building a Model Train Set
• Public Transportation
• The second part states the point of the essay.
• has a rich and varied history
• takes time and patience
• can solve some of our city's most persistent and pressing problems
Once you have formulated a thesis statement that fits this pattern and with which you are comfortable, you are ready to continue.
Write the Body Paragraphs
In the body of the essay, all the preparation up to this point comes to fruition. The topic you have chosen must no be explained, described, or argued.
Each main idea that you wrote down in your diagram or outline will become one of the body paragraphs. If you had three or four main ideas, you will have three or four body paragraphs.
Each body paragraph will have the same basic structure.
1. Start by writing down one of your main ideas, in sentence form.
If your main idea is "reduces freeway congestion," you might say this:
Public transportation reduces freeway congestion.
2. Next, write down each of your supporting points for that main idea, but leave four or five lines in between
each point.
3. In the space under each point, write down some elaboration for that point.
Elaboration can be further description or explanation or discussion.
Supporting Point
Commuters appreciate the cost savings of taking public transportation rather than driving.
Elaboration
Less driving time means less maintenance expense, such as oil changes.
Of course, less driving time means savings on gasoline as well.
In many cases, these savings amount to more than the cost of riding public transportation.
4. If you wish, include a summary sentence for each paragraph.
This is not generally needed, however, and such sentences have a tendency to sound stilted, so be cautious
about using them.Once you have fleshed out each of your body paragraphs, one for each main point, you are ready to continue.
Write the Introduction and Conclusion
Your essay lacks only two paragraphs now: the introduction and the conclusion. These paragraphs will give the reader a point of entry to and a point of exit from your essay.
Introduction
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
1. Begin with an attention grabber.
The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:
• Startling information
This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers.
It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make.
If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.
• Anecdote
An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point.
Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective
opener for your essay, but use it carefully.
• Dialogue
An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the
point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your
point.
Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration.
• Summary Information
A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis.
Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
2. If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader
from your opening to your thesis statement.
3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.
Conclusion
The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic.Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.
Add the Finishing Touches
You have now completed all of the paragraphs of your essay. Before you can consider this a finished product,
however, you must give some thought to the formatting of your paper.
Check the order of your paragraphs.
Look at your paragraphs. Which one is the strongest? You might want to start with the strongest paragraph, end with the second strongest, and put the weakest in the middle. Whatever order you decide on, be sure it makes sense. If your paper is describing a process, you will probably need to stick to the order in which the steps must be completed.
Check the instructions for the assignment.
When you prepare a final draft, you must be sure to follow all of the instructions you have been given.
• Are your margins correct?
• Have you titled it as directed?
• What other information (name, date, etc.) must you include?
• Did you double-space your lines?
Check your writing.
Nothing can substitute for revision of your work. By reviewing what you have done, you can improve weak points that otherwise would be missed. Read and reread your paper.
• Does it make logical sense?
Leave it for a few hours and then read it again. Does it still make logical sense?
• Do the sentences flow smoothly from one another?
If not, try to add some words and phrases to help connect them. Transition words, such as "therefore" or "however," sometimes help. Also, you might refer in one sentence to a thought in the previous sentence.
This is especially useful when you move from one paragraph to another.
essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task. Either way, your essay will have the same basic format. If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
Don't let the thought of putting pen to paper daunt you. Get started!
These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process:
• Decide on your topic.
• Prepare an outline or diagram of your ideas.
• Write your thesis statement.
• Write the body.
• Write the main points.
• Write the subpoints.
• Elaborate on the subpoints.
• Write the introduction.
• Write the conclusion.
• Add the finishing touches.
Choose a Topic for Your Essay
Topic Has Been Assigned
You may have no choice as to your topic. If this is the case, you still may not be ready to jump to the next step.Think about the type of paper you are expected to produce. Should it be a general overview, or a specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture."
Once you have determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
Organize Your Ideas
The purpose of an outline or diagram is to put your ideas about the topic on paper, in a moderately organized format.The structure you create here may still change before the essay is complete, so don't agonize over this.
Decide whether you prefer the cut-and-dried structure of an outline or a more flowing structure. If you start one or the other and decide it isn't working for you, you can always switch later.
Diagram
1. Begin your diagram with a circle or a horizontal line or whatever shape you prefer in the middle of the
page.
2. Inside the shape or on the line, write your topic.
3. From your center shape or line, draw three or four lines out into the page. Be sure to spread them out.
4. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the center
of the page.
5. In each shape or on each line, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that
you want to make.
• If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
• If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed.
You will probably need to group these into categories.
If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
• If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information
can be divided.
6. From each of your main ideas, draw three or four lines out into the page.
7. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the center
of the page.
8. In each shape or on each line, write the facts or information that support that main idea.
When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.
Outline
1. Begin your outline by writing your topic at the top of the page.
2. Next, write the Roman numerals I, II, and III, spread apart down the left side of the page.
3. Next to each Roman numeral, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that
you want to make.
• If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
• If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed.
You will probably need to group these into categories.
If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
• If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information
can be divided.
4. Under each Roman numeral, write A, B, and C down the left side of the page.
5. Next to each letter, write the facts or information that support that main idea.
When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.
Compose a Thesis Statement
Now that you have decided, at least tentatively, what information you plan to present in your essay, you are ready to write your thesis statement.
The thesis statement tells the reader what the essay will be about, and what point you, the author, will be making.You know what the essay will be about. That was your topic. Now you must look at your outline or diagram and decide what point you will be making. What do the main ideas and supporting ideas that you listed say about your topic?
Your thesis statement will have two parts.
• The first part states the topic.
• Kenya's Culture
• Building a Model Train Set
• Public Transportation
• The second part states the point of the essay.
• has a rich and varied history
• takes time and patience
• can solve some of our city's most persistent and pressing problems
Once you have formulated a thesis statement that fits this pattern and with which you are comfortable, you are ready to continue.
Write the Body Paragraphs
In the body of the essay, all the preparation up to this point comes to fruition. The topic you have chosen must no be explained, described, or argued.
Each main idea that you wrote down in your diagram or outline will become one of the body paragraphs. If you had three or four main ideas, you will have three or four body paragraphs.
Each body paragraph will have the same basic structure.
1. Start by writing down one of your main ideas, in sentence form.
If your main idea is "reduces freeway congestion," you might say this:
Public transportation reduces freeway congestion.
2. Next, write down each of your supporting points for that main idea, but leave four or five lines in between
each point.
3. In the space under each point, write down some elaboration for that point.
Elaboration can be further description or explanation or discussion.
Supporting Point
Commuters appreciate the cost savings of taking public transportation rather than driving.
Elaboration
Less driving time means less maintenance expense, such as oil changes.
Of course, less driving time means savings on gasoline as well.
In many cases, these savings amount to more than the cost of riding public transportation.
4. If you wish, include a summary sentence for each paragraph.
This is not generally needed, however, and such sentences have a tendency to sound stilted, so be cautious
about using them.Once you have fleshed out each of your body paragraphs, one for each main point, you are ready to continue.
Write the Introduction and Conclusion
Your essay lacks only two paragraphs now: the introduction and the conclusion. These paragraphs will give the reader a point of entry to and a point of exit from your essay.
Introduction
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
1. Begin with an attention grabber.
The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:
• Startling information
This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers.
It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make.
If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.
• Anecdote
An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point.
Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective
opener for your essay, but use it carefully.
• Dialogue
An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the
point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your
point.
Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration.
• Summary Information
A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis.
Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
2. If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader
from your opening to your thesis statement.
3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.
Conclusion
The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic.Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.
The introduction and conclusion complete the paragraphs of your essay.
Don't stop just yet! One more step remains before your essay is truly finished.
Don't stop just yet! One more step remains before your essay is truly finished.
Add the Finishing Touches
You have now completed all of the paragraphs of your essay. Before you can consider this a finished product,
however, you must give some thought to the formatting of your paper.
Check the order of your paragraphs.
Look at your paragraphs. Which one is the strongest? You might want to start with the strongest paragraph, end with the second strongest, and put the weakest in the middle. Whatever order you decide on, be sure it makes sense. If your paper is describing a process, you will probably need to stick to the order in which the steps must be completed.
Check the instructions for the assignment.
When you prepare a final draft, you must be sure to follow all of the instructions you have been given.
• Are your margins correct?
• Have you titled it as directed?
• What other information (name, date, etc.) must you include?
• Did you double-space your lines?
Check your writing.
Nothing can substitute for revision of your work. By reviewing what you have done, you can improve weak points that otherwise would be missed. Read and reread your paper.
• Does it make logical sense?
Leave it for a few hours and then read it again. Does it still make logical sense?
• Do the sentences flow smoothly from one another?
If not, try to add some words and phrases to help connect them. Transition words, such as "therefore" or "however," sometimes help. Also, you might refer in one sentence to a thought in the previous sentence.
This is especially useful when you move from one paragraph to another.
Once you have checked your work and perfected your formatting,
your essay is finished.
Congratulations!
your essay is finished.
Congratulations!
(Basic Guide to Essay Writing
Created by Kathy Livingston (lklivingston@mindspring.com).
Created by Kathy Livingston (lklivingston@mindspring.com).
Four Main Components for Effective Outlines
Ideally, you should follow these four suggestions to create an effective outline. The examples are taken from the Sample Outline handout.
Parallelism - How do I accomplish this?
Each heading and subheading should preserve parallel structure. If the first heading is a verb, the second heading should be a verb. Example:
Choose Desired Colleges
Prepare Application
("Choose" and "Prepare" are both verbs. The present tense of the verb is usually the preferred form for an outline)
Coordination - How do I accomplish this?
All the information contained in Heading 1 should have the same significance as the information contained in Heading 2. The same goes for the subheadings (which should be less significant than the headings). Example:
1-Visit and evaluate college campuses
2-Visit and evaluate college websites
a.Note important statistics
b.Look for interesting classes
(Campus and websites visits are equally significant. They are part of the main tasks you would need to do. Finding statistics and classes found on college websites are parts of the process involved in carrying out the main heading topics.)
Subordination - How do I accomplish this?
The information in the headings should be more general, while the information in the subheadings should be more specific. Example:
1-Describe an influential person in your life
a.Favorite high school teacher
b.Grandparent
(A favorite teacher and grandparent are specific examples from the generalized category of influential people in your life.)
Division - How do I accomplish this?
Each heading should be divided into 2 or more parts. Example:
1-Compile resume
a.List relevant coursework
b.List work experience
c.List volunteer experience
(The heading "Compile resume" is divided into 3 parts.)
Technically, there is no limit to the number of subdivisions for your headings; however, if you seem to have a lot, it may be useful to see if some of the parts can be combined.
Parallelism - How do I accomplish this?
Each heading and subheading should preserve parallel structure. If the first heading is a verb, the second heading should be a verb. Example:
Choose Desired Colleges
Prepare Application
("Choose" and "Prepare" are both verbs. The present tense of the verb is usually the preferred form for an outline)
Coordination - How do I accomplish this?
All the information contained in Heading 1 should have the same significance as the information contained in Heading 2. The same goes for the subheadings (which should be less significant than the headings). Example:
1-Visit and evaluate college campuses
2-Visit and evaluate college websites
a.Note important statistics
b.Look for interesting classes
(Campus and websites visits are equally significant. They are part of the main tasks you would need to do. Finding statistics and classes found on college websites are parts of the process involved in carrying out the main heading topics.)
Subordination - How do I accomplish this?
The information in the headings should be more general, while the information in the subheadings should be more specific. Example:
1-Describe an influential person in your life
a.Favorite high school teacher
b.Grandparent
(A favorite teacher and grandparent are specific examples from the generalized category of influential people in your life.)
Division - How do I accomplish this?
Each heading should be divided into 2 or more parts. Example:
1-Compile resume
a.List relevant coursework
b.List work experience
c.List volunteer experience
(The heading "Compile resume" is divided into 3 parts.)
Technically, there is no limit to the number of subdivisions for your headings; however, if you seem to have a lot, it may be useful to see if some of the parts can be combined.
Why and How to Create a Useful Outline
Why create an outline? There are many reasons; but in general, it may be helpful to create an outline when you want to show the hierarchical relationship or logical ordering of information. For research papers, an outline may help you keep track of large amounts of information. For creative writing, an outline may help organize the various plot threads and help keep track of character traits. Many people find that organizing an oral report or presentation in outline form helps them speak more effectively in front of a crowd. Below are the primary reasons for creating an outline.
Aids in the process of writing
Helps you organize your ideas
Presents your material in a logical form
Shows the relationships among ideas in your writing
Constructs an ordered overview of your writing
Defines boundaries and groups
How do I create an outline?
Determine the purpose of your paper.
Determine the audience you are writing for.
Develop the thesis of your paper.
Then:
Brainstorm: List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper.
Organize: Group related ideas together.
Order: Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete.
Label: Create main and sub headings.
Remember: creating an outline before writing your paper will make organizing your thoughts a lot easier. Whether you follow the suggested guidelines is up to you, but making any kind of outline (even just some jotting down some main ideas) will be beneficial to your writing process.
Aids in the process of writing
Helps you organize your ideas
Presents your material in a logical form
Shows the relationships among ideas in your writing
Constructs an ordered overview of your writing
Defines boundaries and groups
How do I create an outline?
Determine the purpose of your paper.
Determine the audience you are writing for.
Develop the thesis of your paper.
Then:
Brainstorm: List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper.
Organize: Group related ideas together.
Order: Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete.
Label: Create main and sub headings.
Remember: creating an outline before writing your paper will make organizing your thoughts a lot easier. Whether you follow the suggested guidelines is up to you, but making any kind of outline (even just some jotting down some main ideas) will be beneficial to your writing process.
Essay Writing
Getting Started
Have a plan for your essay.
Exercise 1: Good / Bad (5 mins)
Divide into two groups. The first group lists characteristics of a poorly written essay. The second group lists characteristics of a well written essay. Now compare your results and come up with a set of instructions about how you are going to write your essay.
Exercise 2: Order (10 mins)
Listed below are some steps necessary to complete an assignment. Rearrange them in the most useful order:
Exercise 3: Getting Started (10 mins)
What stops you from getting started? If you find you delay starting essays try and discover why this might be (e.g. poor time management, lack of confidence, lack of motivation etc).
Brainstorm as many suggestions as possible as to how to get you started.
Discuss with the group what works for you.
Exercise 4: Writing the Essay (45 mins)
Starting Your Essay (15 mins)
What do you consider to be the most important points to include in an introduction?
This is where you have to deliver your line of argument. You need to go back to the question in order to decide on the structure of your answer. Remember to back up your ideas with solid examples.
Write down four main points you can make and place them in order of priority.
Conclusion (10 mins)
What do you need to do in the conclusion? Write some brief notes about what you would like to include in your conclusion.
Have a plan for your essay.
Exercise 1: Good / Bad (5 mins)
Divide into two groups. The first group lists characteristics of a poorly written essay. The second group lists characteristics of a well written essay. Now compare your results and come up with a set of instructions about how you are going to write your essay.
Exercise 2: Order (10 mins)
Listed below are some steps necessary to complete an assignment. Rearrange them in the most useful order:
- Write a rough draft
- Analyse the question
- Write out references
- Research the topic
- Complete a final draft
- Write out a plan
- Make a final check and proof-read
- Reflect on the research and information you have..
- Organise content..
- Check length and marking scheme
(Possible answer: 10 2 6 9 4 8 1 5 3 7)
Exercise 3: Getting Started (10 mins)
What stops you from getting started? If you find you delay starting essays try and discover why this might be (e.g. poor time management, lack of confidence, lack of motivation etc).
Brainstorm as many suggestions as possible as to how to get you started.
Discuss with the group what works for you.
(Possible answers: write down everything you can about the subject in a couple of minutes, write headings, ask questions, who? why? how? use a mind map, discuss with a friend, use a word processor, brainstorm, say to yourself you are only going to study for 15 minutes, etc)
Exercise 4: Writing the Essay (45 mins)
Starting Your Essay (15 mins)
- Examine the question carefully. Do you understand all the concepts? What is the subject? What are you expected to do with this subject? Does the way the question is phrased suggest an essay structure to you? Write out the question in your own words.
- Brainstorm the subject - write down as many points as possible on the subject. What do you think are the main issues? What do you need to find out? Ask why and how? What are the causes? What evidence do you have? (You may want to use a diagram or a mind map)
- Now begin to write up a plan. Although there are many ways to write an essay you may choose to write notes under the simple structure of: introduction, middle section and conclusion.
What do you consider to be the most important points to include in an introduction?
- Comments on the subject (what do you understand by the essay and why is it important)
- Aims, i.e. telling the reader what you intend to talk about.
- Definition of terms
- Refer to the title and how you interpret it
- Any others?
This is where you have to deliver your line of argument. You need to go back to the question in order to decide on the structure of your answer. Remember to back up your ideas with solid examples.
Write down four main points you can make and place them in order of priority.
Conclusion (10 mins)
What do you need to do in the conclusion? Write some brief notes about what you would like to include in your conclusion.
- Summarise main ideas
- Answer the original question
- Provide an overview
- Look at areas that need to be researched further
- Mention any limitations your essay may have
- Give your own opinion
- Anything else?
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