Essay | Part of the Essay and its Functions

ESSAY WRITTING

Parts of the essay and their functions.

1. Introductory paragraph and thesis statement:

2. Concluding paragraph.

1.1. Introductory paragraph, how to formulate an effective:

1. Start with a broad and interesting first sentence: This hook can be: a rhetorical question, a quotation, or brief history/ background information on the topic. 

2. Avoid: Sentence fragments; The dictionary definition; The cliche starts « since the dawn of man »; The boring book report « in the book x by x written in 1984 … »

3. Think of your introduction as a « doorway » to the more involved analysis and evidence you provide in the rest of the essay.

4. Use the funnel method: Each sentence before coming down to thesis statement as shown in the following:

diagram:

Here is a model of an introductory paragraph written using the funnel approach: 

We live in the age of technology. Each day, new technology appearing, ranging from mini-CD's that consist entire encyclopedias to giant space telescopes that can submit photographs of distant stars back to earth. Of all the new technological marvels, personal computers have probably had the greatest influence on the daily lives of normal people. Through computers, we can immediately talk to people in any country, research any topic, work, shop, bank, and entertain ourselves. Here is a model of an introductory paragraph written using the funnel.

 

The age of technology. Each day, new technology appears, ranging CD's that contains entire encyclopedias to giant space telescopes which can submit photographs of distant stars back to earth. Of all the new technological wonder, personals have sometimes had the greatest influence on the daily lives of normal people. Throughout computers, we can immediately talk to people in any country, research any topic, work, shop, bank, and entertain ourselves. Personal computers have especially revolutionized communication and business practices in the past twenty-five years.

 

A. Opening general sentence.

B. Get more specific sentences.

C. Get even more specific.

D. Thesis statement

Here is a model of an introductory paragraph written using the funnel:

 The age of technology. Each day, new technology appears, ranging CD's that contains entire encyclopedias to giant space telescopes that can submit photographs of distant stars back to earth. Of all the new technological marvels, personals have probably had the greatest influence.