Essay Organization Presentation

Reading and Writing I

Essay Organization

Essay Organization  Definition  Organization: – – –

Introduction Developmental Paragraphs Conclusion

Essay The essay is a formal composition whose paragraphs have designated functions: to introduce, to develop, and to conclude. The length of an essay depends entirely on the complexity of the topic. However, for the purpose of this course, five paragraphs will be enough.

Essay Organization Television—Harmful to Children Over the past forty years, television sets have become standard pieces of equipment in most homes, and watching television has become a standard activity for most families. Children in our culture grow up watching television in the morning, in the afternoon, and often in the evening as well. Although there are many excellent programs for children, many people feel that television may not be good for children. In fact, television may be a bad influence on children for three main reasons. First of all, some programs are not good for children to see. For example, there are many police stories on television. People are killed with guns, knives, and even cars. Some children might think that these things could happen to them at any time. Therefore, they can become frightened. In addition, some youngsters might begin to think that violence is a normal part of life because they see it so often on television. They may begin to act out the violence they see and hurt themselves or their playmates.

Introduction

Developing Paragraphs

Second, television can affect children's reading ability. Reading requires skills and brain processes that watching television does not. If children watch television too many hours each day, they do not practice the skills they need to learn how to read. Finally, television may affect children's schoolwork in other ways. If they spend too much time watching television, they may get behind in their homework. Also, if they stay up to watch a late movie, they may fall asleep in class the next day. Consequently, they will not learn their lessons, and they could even fail in school. In conclusion, if children watch too much television or watch the wrong programs, their personalities can be harmed. Furthermore, their progress in school can be affected. Therefore, parents should know what programs their children are watching. They should also turn off the television so that their children will study.

Conclusion

The Introductory Paragraph  It

introduces the topic  It indicates how the topic is going to be developed  It should contain a thesis statement  It should be inviting

The Introductory Paragraph

General Statements Sections

Thesis Statement

The Introductory Paragraph The General Statements

The general statements introduce the thesis statement. It provides background information about the topic of the essay. They should be interesting enough to keep the resder’s attention.

The Introductory Paragraph The General Statements General

Specific

Over the past forty years, television sets have become standard pieces off equipment in most homes, and watching television has become a standard activity for most families. Children in our culture grow up watching television in the morning, in the afternoon, and oftenin the evening as well. Althoughthere are excellent programs for children, many people feel that television may not be good for children. In fact, television may be a bad influence on children for three main reasons

The Introductory Paragraph The Thesis Statement

     

It states the main topic of the essay It may list the subtopics of the main topic. It may also mention the method of organization. It should be expressed in a complete sentence It should express one idea about the topic It is usually the last sentence of the introduction

Developmental Paragraphs

 They

are also called Body paragraphs.  It discusses an aspect of the main topic of the essay.  It is made up of two or three paragraphs

The Concluding Paragraph

 It

signals the end of the essay  It summarizes the main points  It leaves the reader with the writer’s final thought.

The Concluding Paragraph Sections Conclusion Concluding Paragraph Final thought

The Concluding Paragraph Conclusion  It signals the end of the essay.  It starts with a transition signal such as in conclusion, in summary, to summarize.  It restates the thesis statement.  It does not add new ideas because it is the end of the essay.

The Concluding Paragraph Final Thought  It is the second part of the concluding paragraph.  It logically follow the ideas in the body of the essay.  It may give suggestions fron the author.  It does not bring up a new topic.

Back to Essay Index