The concept of shaping all the material into a unified and coherent whole is very important in the writing process. Simply put, this process is referred to as drafting, which may be best understood through elaborating on the following questions:
These are also some of the same questions you will ask when you outline your essay. It is important when outlining your essay, but before drafting your essay, to have an idea of where you want to go. An essay outline helps to provide the backbone that will lead to your first draft. And, of course, it ensures a sense of organization that is carried through the writing process and informs the basic structure of any essay. Here, we mean the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
The overall shape of an essay is characterized by the presence of an introductory paragraph (featuring a thesis), body or support paragraphs (featuring topic statements), and a concluding paragraph. As a writer, you should treat the body paragraphs as the heart of your essay, the place where ideas come to life - by way of clarifying, expanding on, and illustrating them whether the thesis is stated or. If you state that your stay with your grandma over the summer was a disaster, the body of your essay would attempt to answer this basic question: In what ways was it a disaster? Each “way” needs to be stated, developed with explanations and examples, and concluded.
You see, the body paragraph mimics the standard shape of the essay because it has the following:
The body/support paragraphs will give not only shape to the essay, but they give it life, as well. The ideas in each paragraph come alive with clarifications and targeted and relevant illustrations. A topic sentence/statement for each body/support paragraph creates a framework for both you as the writer and your readers. Your reading audience and purpose determine the focus of your essay.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines for an essay. The style and organization of each paragraph may have other specifics depending on the purpose of the essay. Academic, creative, journalistic, business, and technical writing may have different specificities. Similarly, argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays may also have their nuances. However, as an overview, essays follow a basic general structure.
*Reminder: You want to keep your audience and purpose in mind as you go through the writing process, because it will help you make decisions while you write. Such decisions should include what voice you use, what words you choose, the kind of syntax you use, and the approach/style you use. Thinking critically about your audience and purpose helps facilitate the planning process to create a cohesive essay that is written in the most appropriate format, manner, and style.
Attribution:
English Composition I. Schoolcraft College.
Reading every day offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond just improving vocabulary. In a fast-paced world full of distractions, daily reading is a simple habit that enhances mental stimulation, reduces stress, and increases knowledge. Whether a person reads for five minutes or fifty, the long-term effects can be significant.
One major benefit of daily reading is that it stimulates the brain. Studies have shown that staying mentally engaged can slow the progress of cognitive decline as we age. Reading encourages the brain to process information, make connections, and improve focus—much like a workout for the mind. Just like physical exercise keeps the body healthy, mental activity such as reading helps keep the brain sharp.
Another advantage is that reading helps reduce stress. When people become absorbed in a good book, they often forget about their worries, even if only for a short time. This mental escape can lower heart rate and relax muscles. Fiction can transport readers to new worlds, while nonfiction can offer practical advice or calming insights.
Finally, reading expands knowledge and comprehension. Each book, article, or essay introduces new ideas, perspectives, and vocabulary. Over time, this builds a broader understanding of the world and improves communication skills. This can benefit both academic performance and everyday interactions.
In conclusion, reading daily is a powerful habit that supports mental, emotional, and intellectual well-being. Whether for pleasure, information, or self-improvement, taking time each day to read is an investment in a healthier, more informed life.
Attribution:
Writing For Success. Horkoff, Tara.
The basic structure of the essay have been identified below. Feel free to revisit this after fully reviewing Unit 4.
KEY:
introduction
body
conclusion
Reading every day offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond just improving vocabulary. In a fast-paced world full of distractions, daily reading is a simple habit that enhances mental stimulation, reduces stress, and increases knowledge. Whether a person reads for five minutes or fifty, the long-term effects can be significant.
One major benefit of daily reading is that it stimulates the brain. Studies have shown that staying mentally engaged can slow the progress of cognitive decline as we age. Reading encourages the brain to process information, make connections, and improve focus—much like a workout for the mind. Just like physical exercise keeps the body healthy, mental activity such as reading helps keep the brain sharp.
Another advantage is that reading helps reduce stress. When people become absorbed in a good book, they often forget about their worries, even if only for a short time. This mental escape can lower heart rate and relax muscles. Fiction can transport readers to new worlds, while nonfiction can offer practical advice or calming insights.
Finally, reading expands knowledge and comprehension. Each book, article, or essay introduces new ideas, perspectives, and vocabulary. Over time, this builds a broader understanding of the world and improves communication skills. This can benefit both academic performance and everyday interactions.
In conclusion, reading daily is a powerful habit that supports mental, emotional, and intellectual well-being. Whether for pleasure, information, or self-improvement, taking time each day to read is an investment in a healthier, more informed life.
Attribution:
Writing For Success. Horkoff, Tara.
