Page 107 - DENG201_ENGLISH_II

Digvijay Pandya, Lovely Professional University Unit 7: Essay Writing (Short Essays)

Unit: 7 Essay Writing (Short Essays) Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
7.1 Types of Essays
7.2 Modal Essays
7.3 Review Questions
7.4 Further Readings
Objectives

After reading this unit students will be able to
• Introduce methods of essay writing.
• Discuss the types of essays.
Introduction

Of all areas of studying and learning, the most challenging is writing. The reason why writing is
especially demanding is that it forces a very deep and powerful type of learning to take place. When
making the effort to use the ideas of the subject that you are studying and saying something for
yourself, then it may be said that you are learning. The ideas only become a functioning part of your
thought processes when you can call on them in expressing yourself to other people.
What is an essay?
You are no longer in high school, so most study at a tertiary level requires an analytical, not a
descriptive, approach. Written work must present an argument. Essays are generally answers to
questions which ask whether or not you agree with a certain statement, or which ask you to discuss
something critically, to assess a statement, or to make a choice. University essays are therefore
arguments for or against certain propositions.
An argument is a series of generalizations or propositions, supported by evidence or reasoning and
connected in a logical manner, that lead to a justified conclusion. You must sustain your argument by
giving evidence and reasons.
Assertions do not constitute an argument. You must support your opinions with good evidence and
valid reasoning. What counts as good evidence and valid reasoning you will learn by experience,
and by consulting your lecturers. Being critical may mean determining whether or not the evidence
available justifies the conclusions that are drawn from it; or it may mean uncovering and questioning
the assumptions which underlie theories.
Essays give you a chance to show what you can do: that you understand the question asked; that you
understand the issues involved; that you have done the appropriate amount of reading. Having got
that far, you must then show that you can communicate your understanding to others.
For writing a good essay, one needs discipline of mind and regimentation of thought. It requires the
framework within which an essay should be written.
It has often been observed that many good speakers find it difficult to put down their thoughts on
paper. The reason is, they have never practised the craft of writing. They have never analysed,
synthesised, or organised their thoughts to express them in writing.
Look at the following points that are relevant to all kinds of essays and should be kept in mind while
writing an essay.
1. An essay is divided into Introduction, Body and Conclusion. It is essential to build a background
to the essay in the Introduction, because otherwise, the starting of the essay will be rather abrupt.
Introduction to an essay can be compared to the face of an individual. A striking Introduction
favourably disposes the reader towards the whole essay.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 101