3.1 Essay Writing
Structure and write essays.
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6 oppgaver
EssayIntroductionBodyConclusion
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Writing Essays
An essay is a structured piece of writing where you explore a topic, share your opinion, or explain something. Good essays are organized, clear, and support their points with examples.
Types of essays:
- Opinion essays - Share your view on a topic
- Descriptive essays - Describe something in detail
- Narrative essays - Tell a story
- Expository essays - Explain or inform about something
Essay Structure
A basic essay has three main parts:
1. INTRODUCTION (one paragraph)
- Hook: An interesting opening sentence
- Background: Brief context about the topic
- Thesis statement: Your main point or argument
2. BODY (2-3 paragraphs)
- Each paragraph discusses one main idea
- Each idea supports your thesis
- Include examples and evidence
3. CONCLUSION (one paragraph)
- Restate your thesis in different words
- Summarize your main points
- End with a final thought or call to action
Writing a Good Introduction
The Hook - Grab the reader's attention!
- Ask a question: "Have you ever wondered why...?"
- Use a surprising fact: "Did you know that...?"
- Share a quote: "As Einstein once said..."
- Tell a brief story: "Last summer, I discovered..."
- Ask a question: "Have you ever wondered why...?"
- Use a surprising fact: "Did you know that...?"
- Share a quote: "As Einstein once said..."
- Tell a brief story: "Last summer, I discovered..."
Background information - Give context
- What is this topic about?
- Why is it important?
Thesis statement - State your main point
- What will you argue or explain?
- This is the most important sentence!
Example thesis statements:
- "School uniforms should be required because they reduce bullying, save money, and help students focus."
- "Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our generation."
Writing Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph follows the TEEL structure:
T - Topic sentence
- States the main idea of the paragraph
- "Firstly, school uniforms reduce bullying."
E - Explanation
- Explain your point in more detail
- "When everyone wears the same clothes, no one is judged for what they wear."
E - Evidence/Example
- Support with facts, examples, or quotes
- "Studies show that schools with uniforms have 50% fewer bullying incidents."
L - Link
- Connect back to your thesis or to the next paragraph
- "This shows that uniforms help create a safer school environment."
Writing a Strong Conclusion
What to include:
- Restate your thesis (in different words)
- Summarize your main points
- End with impact (call to action, prediction, question, or final thought)
- Restate your thesis (in different words)
- Summarize your main points
- End with impact (call to action, prediction, question, or final thought)
What NOT to do:
- Don't introduce new information
- Don't say "In conclusion..." (try something more creative)
- Don't just repeat your introduction
Example conclusion:
"As we have seen, school uniforms benefit students by reducing bullying, saving money, and improving focus. Schools should seriously consider implementing uniform policies. After all, shouldn't we do everything we can to help students succeed?"
Use linking words to connect your ideas:
To add ideas:
- Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also, Additionally
To give examples:
- For example, For instance, Such as, To illustrate
To contrast:
- However, On the other hand, Although, Despite, Nevertheless
To show cause/effect:
- Therefore, As a result, Consequently, Because of this
To conclude:
- In summary, To conclude, Overall, In short, Ultimately
✏️Example: Short Opinion Essay
Write an opinion essay about whether students should have homework.
Should Students Have Homework?
[INTRODUCTION]
After a long day at school, many students dread opening their backpacks to find hours of homework waiting. But is homework really necessary? I believe that while some homework is useful, too much homework is harmful to students' health and well-being.
[BODY 1]
Firstly, moderate amounts of homework help students practice what they learn. When students do homework, they reinforce skills from class. For example, practicing math problems at home helps students remember formulas. This extra practice leads to better understanding.
[BODY 2]
However, too much homework causes stress and exhaustion. Students who spend hours on homework have no time for exercise, family, or hobbies. Studies show that students with excessive homework sleep less and feel more anxious. A stressed student cannot learn effectively.
[CONCLUSION]
In summary, homework should be balanced. Teachers should assign meaningful tasks that take no more than an hour. This way, students benefit from practice without sacrificing their health. Isn't a happy, healthy student more likely to succeed?
📝Oppgave 1
What does a thesis statement do?
📝Oppgave 2
Which is the best hook for an essay about protecting the environment?
📝Oppgave 3
Put these parts in the correct order for an essay:
a) Body paragraph with example
b) Thesis statement
c) Conclusion
d) Hook
e) Background information
📝Oppgave 4
Write a thesis statement for an essay about one of these topics:
a) Why pets are good for children
b) The best way to learn a new language
c) Why video games can be educational
📝Oppgave 5
Write a complete introduction paragraph (hook, background, thesis) for this topic: "Should students be allowed to use phones in school?"