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Argumentative essay

The term argumentative essay refers to a written attempt to present a coherent discussion of a subject with a view to defending a specific thesis. The thesis of an argumentative essay is its main conclusion: it is usually a position or point of view, but may consist of a simple statement. The key phrase in the definition is defending a specific thesis. This is what makes an essay argumentative in nature, for any attempt to defend a conclusion requires premises. An argumentative essay can thus be regarded as an extended argument.

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Admission essay

The role of the essay in the admission process

admission essay

How important is my essay in the admission decision?

It depends. Except at the most selective schools, if your GPA and SAT scores are both remarkably high, then as long as you don’t write something patently stupid or offensive in your essays, your GPA and SAT scores will probably convince the admission committee at the school to admit you. On the other hand, if a particular school is a long-shot for you then even a great admission essay will probably not in itself persuade the admission committee to admit you. The fact is this: The closer you are to the borderline, the more significant a role your essay will play in the admission decision. Continue Reading

Reason Essay Outline

Reason essay: employs reason paragraphs to explain an event, perspective, or incident

Reason Essay Outline Continue Reading

Expanded book report

Expanded book report: provides informa­tion about the book, discusses characterization and plot, and gives an opinion or a recommendation. This is the most complex type of book report.

The expanded book report increases the intri­cacy of the basic book report. It includes a comprehensive discussion of the elements of fiction: characterization, story plot, setting, and theme. The writer forms an opinion about the novel and then supports it with examples and details from the reading.

Biography book report

Biography book report: requires students to explain their perspective of the person, providing personal information that includes family and educational background in the information paragraph. Another paragraph explains the person’s significance and accomplishments, and a final paragraph gives an opinion of the book.

The biography book report follows the same process as the basic book report. Because it is a review about a work of nonfiction, the elements of fiction are not addressed. The writer’s objective is to report on a story about a real person’s life in an enlightening and engaging way. One may admire someone, be fascinated by his or her achievements, or find his or her circumstances curious.

Basic book report

Basic book report: employs three basic paragraphs that introduce the main characters, explain the overall idea and plot, and give a personal opinion of the literature.

Example Edited Basic Book Report Organizer

Basic Book Report by: Student Name

Title: The War With Grandpa Book Report

Introductory Paragraph (Information)

Topic Sentence: The practical jokes Peter Stokes and his grandfather play on each other add humor and compassion to The War With Grandpa, written by Robert Kimmel Smith.

Genre: The genre of the book is fiction.

Setting: The setting is Peter’s house somewhere in America about twenty years ago.

Main Characters: The main characters are Peter Stokes, his Grandpa Jack, and his friends, Steve and Billy. Continue Reading

Book report

Students familiar with writing the various types of expository essays and persuasive essays are ready to compose book reports. Instruction for writing book reports follows the same process used for writing essays.

The Book report requires students to state a reaction to, or opinion of, a book they have read, and support it with particulars and details. We use a traditional essay form starting with an introductory (information) paragraph, supporting paragraphs (the body), and a concluding (opinion) paragraph. The four main parts of a book are identified and discussed: the story plot, the characters, the setting, and the theme.

Basic Book Report Outline

Title:

Introductory Paragraph (Information)

A. Book Title and Author:

1. Genre: What type of story is this? Fiction (not true) or nonaction (true)

2. Setting: Where does the story take place? When?

3. Main Characters: Who are they? Does anyone change (from bad to good, etc.) In the story? Who does the “right” thing?

a. Character 1: Who/what it the most Important character?

b. Character 2: What is this character’s role in the story?

c. Character 3: What is this character’s role in the story?

B. Subject: What is the story about? General statement.

Body Paragraph (Story Plot)

A. Problem: Element/problem around which action is centered.

1. Characters Involved: Who is involved In the problem? How/why?

2. Main Conflict: What problem needs to be solved?

3. Difficulty: What/who gets In the way of solving the problem?

B. Solution: How is the conflict solved? Concluding Paragraph (Opinion)

A. Your Opinion of the Book: Did you like/dislike the story. Why/why not?

1. Interesting Characters? Did you like/dislike the characters?

2. Believable? Any surprises?

3. Your Taste? Like this genre?

B. Recommend to a Friend? Clincher sentence. Who else might like this story?

Persuasive essay

Expository essays require beginning writers to come up with a main idea that announces the paper’s theme. Persuasive essays, on the other hand, require authors to develop a thesis assertion on a meaningful subject. The writers must take a risk and develop an opinion about a topic based on their own research. Once students have successfully practiced writing the various expository essays, they are ready to compose persuasive essays.

The purpose of the persuasive essay is to present a definite opinion about a controversial issue and persuade the reader to feel likewise about the subject. Writers must clearly explain their opinions in positive terms and include compelling facts and reasons to support that point of view. The persuasive essay speaks with confidence, clarity, and sincerity. It addresses reasonable opposing arguments and points out their weaknesses. The strongest point is often saved for last in a persuasive essay to prove to skeptical readers they have something to benefit by assuming the same stance.

The persuasive essay contains an introductory paragraph that includes a thesis/focus sentence, three or more supporting body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Students use the introductory paragraph to gain the reader’s attention and identify the controversy. Each of the body paragraphs begins with the writer’s position, followed by facts, reasons, and examples to support it. Rather than simply announcing (he subject of the essay, students develop an opinion about the topic based on some research they have done. Opposing sides of the issue and their weaknesses are cited, solutions proposed, and the writer’s outlook is confirmed in the conclusion.

Expository essay

The expository essay is the academic writing assignment most often required of students, one that requires them to gather, organize, and present their thoughts about a course-related topic. Its purpose is to present information in a way that demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject. It speaks with conviction, flows logically, and uses correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. The specific purpose will vary with the assignment; it may be to explain something using reasons or examples; to identify the steps in a process; to classify, compare, or contrast; to assess cause and effect; or to argue for or against a policy or opinion. Continue Reading

5 Paragraph Essay

Five paragraph essay

Introductory Paragraph

Attention-getter Introductory comments Thesis/focus sentence Plan/sequence of three main ideas Continue Reading

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