An Essay Is . . .
      The origin of the word essay comes 
     from a French form of the Latin verb 
     exigere, which means “to examine”
     The etymology shows the essence of 
     the academic essay: to encourage 
     students to test or examine their 
     ideas concerning a particular topic.
           The Purpose of an Essay 
           Descriptive  -  favorite place, an art masterpiece, your 
           gourmet dinner
           Expository (Informational) – compare/contrast two 
           government systems, explain the rules of volleyball, select the 
           greatest invention of all time and justify
           Argument/Persuade – animal testing, year-round school, 
           bans on assault weapons
                                                                             th
           Entertain (Narrative) – Halloween story, incident at 13  
           birthday
           Essays are concise and require clarity in 
           purpose and direction. There is no room for the 
           student’s thoughts to wander or stray from her purpose; she must 
           be deliberate and interesting.
        The Introduction
    Motivator/Hook to grab reader’s 
    attention
    Necessary background information
    Thesis statement to establish topic of 
    essay; to establish the claim (main point_
    Blueprint to lay out major supporting 
    body paragraphs
       Style will vary with essay genre
       Body Paragraphs
    Topic sentence (placement varies)
    Reasons, facts, and support
    Evidence of careful thought/research
    Transitional devices both within and 
    as segue to other paragraphs
    Counter claim established if writing 
    argument
               The Conclusion
       A logical ending based on essay 
       type
       Conclusions should…
        Restate Thesis – remind reader what 
         you set out to do without an exact 
         replica
        Briefly touch on some main ideas 
        End with a Clincher - leave reader with 
         something memorable