Part 1 - The Essay Structure - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Part 1 - The Essay Structure

Essay Writing SkillsSlide2

Part 1 - Lecture Outline

General structure of an essay

Introduction of

c

ommon terms

Writing arguments

A

chieving balance

Sign-posting and

distancing

l

anguage

Possible essay structuresSlide3

General Structure of an Essay

Introduction

Contains the foundation to your subsequent arguments

State your stand clearly and unambiguously towards the end of your introduction

Main Body

–

Support your stand by

Writing arguments (reasons for believing in your stand)

Writing counter-arguments and rebutting them (

ie

providing a

balanced

response)

Conclusion

– Restate your stand and sum up your essay Slide4

Introduction to Common Terms

Stand

– the position which the writer takes

Argument

– a reason the writer has taken to support a particular stand

Examples

– significant events or trends which illustrate the argument which the writer is makingSlide5

Introduction to Common Terms

Counter-argument

: An opposing viewpoint or argument which does not support the stand that you are taking

Rebuttal

: An argument which invalidates (make something invalid) or tries to point out the flaws in a counter-argument.

Balance

: A consideration and discussion of alternative perspectives (

ie

counter-arguments) and rebutting themSlide6

General Structure of an Essay

6

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

(at least 4-5

points)

1

2

3

4

5Slide7

General Structure of an Essay

‘

Press censorship is unnecessary.’ Comment

.

Task 1:

On the right hand column under the headings A, B and C, label the sections of the essay (

I

ntroduction

,

Body

and

Conclusion).

What is the writer’s stand?7Slide8

Writing Arguments

When writing an argument,

you have to

persuade the

reader

to

agree or be

convinced with

your

argument or opinion.

A

clear

and coherent

explanation as well as the use of relevant and current examples are therefore necessary to strengthen your argument.

8Slide9

Task 2 – Refer to Paragraph 6 in the Sample Essay

Identify the writer’s argument (

A

) in this paragraph.

What example(s) (

EG

) does she use to reinforce her ideas?

9Slide10

Example of an Argument (A) (Paragraph 6)

Furthermore

, press censorship is necessary because the national press is taken by the world as an expression of the country’s views.

Hence

it is crucial for the government to act as a censor to the press as it has an obligation to its people to choose the peace and harmony of the society over individual freedom.

This is precisely

the point of a state—to look out for society’s well-being even if it means forsaking some individual interests.

Since this is so

, it is only natural that the government disallows dangerous comments to be made in the press, which is not just open for the interpretation of the nation’s citizens, but also a world-wide readership.

Therefore

,

censorship becomes an issue of national security if the opinions in the press are perceived as offensive to another country. By not censoring the press, the government may have well drawn its country to war.

ASlide11

Use of Examples (EG) in Paragraph 6

This

can be seen specifically

in Japan, where the press has published several articles about Japan’s reluctance to apologize for war-time atrocities, much to the displeasure of China and Korea, its neighbours.

Needless

to say, such discord amongst countries

can only be detrimental

and

this only proves that censorship is necessary

in our highly efficient world where word gets around at the speed of light.

11

EG

Evalua-tion

of EG Slide12

Achieving Balance

Balance:

A

consideration and discussion of

counter-arguments

and rebutting them

Counter-arguments

need to be

included

and

evaluated

.

Readers

are persuaded to take your view when you show that you haveconsidered opposing views and are able to rebut them.

12Slide13

How to Incorporate Counter-arguments

Anticipate

alternative

viewpoints

Who

may disagree with my views? Why?

What evidence do they have to support their views?

Possible reasons why some may hold an opposing

view

Present

these

viewpoints

objectively

13Slide14

Sign-posting and Distancing Language

To avoid contradicting yourself, use

sign-posting or distancing phrases to indicate your discussion of counter-arguments.

Such phrases include:

Some may hold a different view. They insist that…

While some may claim that…

Although some may argue that…

An opposing viewpoint is that…

It might seem that…

One may object here that…

14Slide15

Rebutting Counter-arguments

Why do you need to rebut counter-arguments?

Different

ways

to rebut:

Show how and/or why

it is mistaken

Acknowledge its validity but suggest why it is relatively less important or less likely than what you have proposed

15Slide16

Task 3 – Refer to Paragraph 2 in the Sample Essay.

Identify the

opposing viewpoint / counter-argument (

CA

).

Identify the

rebuttal (

R

).

How does the writer show she is discussing the counter-argument and then the rebuttal? What sign-posting devices does she use?

16Slide17

Sign-posting Rebuttals

Use sign-posting words or phrases to indicate that you are rebutting the counter-argument.

Such words or phrases may include:

However …

However, I disagree with this view because…

However, this opinion is fallacious because …

But I will argue that …

Despite these claims / criticisms …

17Slide18

Example of a Counter-argument (CA) in Paragraph 2

People who disagree with censorship claim that

censorship limits expression to what the government or society allows the individual to say. Indeed it is a common argument that press censorship, as well as any other media censorship, eliminates freedom of expression.

This can be stifling, because

the channels of expression and subsequently perimeters of thought have been defined and limited. As a result, people will become aware and wary of taboos, and be fearful to speak out.

18

CASlide19

Example of a Rebuttal (R) in Paragraph 2

However,

these people are forgetting that censorship only applies to extreme views that may be detrimental to the well-being of society. Such views, if aired on national press could spark outrage and perhaps ruin a country, leading to unrest, or even a civil war. Therefore, censorship in this case actually safeguards the freedom of expression of more moderate views, which can only aid healthy discussion, instead of inciting hate.

19

RSlide20

Some Possible Structures

A

B

Introduction

Introduction

Your Point

Counter-Argument

Your Point

Rebuttal

Your Point

Counter-Argument

Counter-Argument

Rebuttal

Rebuttal

Your Point

Counter-Argument

Your Point

Rebuttal

Your PointConclusion Conclusion Slide21

Concluding Words

There is no one correct way to write the essay.

It depends on

the nature of the question

your own writing style

what you think is the most effective way to present and discuss the issues in the question you have chosenSlide22

Part 2 - Question Analysis

& Brainstorming

Essay Writing SkillsSlide23

Aim of Part

2 (

Question

Analysis

&

Brainstorming)

Careful examination and analysis

of the essay question in order to:

Decide what the

scope / boundaries

of the question are

(i.e. What should/can I talk about in this essay?)

Decide what is

important

in the question (i.e. What should I focus on in this essay?)

Decide what the question actually wants you to do (i.e. What do I need to address in this essay?) Slide24

Part 2 - Lecture Outline

1. Classification of Questions

2. Word Analysis

3

. Question Analysis

Clarifying Key Terms

Identifying assumptions

4

. Brainstorming for Arguments Slide25

1. Classification of Essay Types

Essay Type is

identified

as :

Argumentative

Eg

. The book has no place in modern society.

Discuss.

(2010

)

Expository

Eg

.

How important are dreams ? (2008)

Eg

. Consider the view that most work these days could and should not be done from

home. (2010) Reflective / Philosophical

Eg. Can humour ever be serious? (2012) Slide26

Part 2 - Lecture Outline

1. Classification of Questions

2. Word Analysis

3

. Question Analysis

Clarifying

KeyTerms

Identifying assumptions

4

. Brainstorming for Arguments Slide27

A.

Look

Out For

M

odal

W

ords

What do these

modals

imply?

Should

people be allowed to have children by artificial means ?

(2012)

Can

humour ever be serious ? (2012)

Consider most work these days could and should be done from home. (2012).Slide28

B. Look Out For Words With Absolutes

/ E

xtremes

All, everybody

Nothing, nobody, none

Never, ever

Slide29

B. Look Out For Words With Absolutes

/

Extremes

‘The most influential individuals in history are those who have caused the most harm.’ How far would you accept this view? (2012)

How far is it acceptable for technology to be used only for financial benefit? (2012)

Is violence ever justified? (2012)

Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (2012)

Does modern technology always improve the quality of people’s lives? (2007)Slide30

C. Look Out For Words Which Are

Relative

Or

Comparative

Or

Degree-indicative

Is there any value in preserving minority languages in the world? (2012)

How effective are international efforts to ease the problem of global hunger? (2010)

‘People in the Arts, living or dead, receive far more recognition than those in the Sciences, even though it is less deserved.’ Consider this claim. (2012)

The key to good health is lifestyle rather than medicine.’ How far do you agree? (2010)Slide31

D. Look Out For Words Which Indicate

Context

Meaning of ‘context’ –

..consider the related factors and characteristics that impact something so that it can be properly understood or explained.

In GP, there are

two main contexts

–

Place / Location

Time Slide32

D. Look Out For Words Which Indicate

Context – Place

Or

Time

Is there any value in preserving minority languages in the world ? (2012)

To what extent are the rights of animals protected in your society ? (2012)

The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2010)

Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in today’s world. How far is this true of your society ? (2011)

In this digital age, do newspapers still have a role in your society ? (2012)

Can space research be justified nowadays ? (2011)

Can mathematics be seen as anything more than a useful tool in everyday life ? (2010)

 Slide33

E

. Look Out

F

or Topic

v

s. Issue

For any question, distinguish between

1. ‘Topic / Subject Matter’

2. ‘Issue / Contention’

Eg

. Do awards and prizes serve any useful purpose? (2011)

Topic 1 :

Topic 2 :

Issue : Slide34

E.

Look Out

F

or

Topic v

s

. Issue

The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2010)

topic

(

ISSUE) contextSlide35

E.

Look

O

ut For

Topic vs. Issue

In this digital age, do newspapers still

context

topic

context

have a role in your society ? (2012

)

(ISSUE)

contextSlide36

Part 2 - Lecture Outline

1. Classification of Questions

2. Word Analysis

3

.

Question Analysis

Clarifying

KeyTerms

Identifying assumptions

4

. Brainstorming for Arguments Slide37

A

. Clarify Key Terms

Clarify meanings of

key

terms by

defining

or re-defining keywords or phrases

interpreting

paraphrasing

How far can an individual be held responsible for crimes against humanity ? (2010)

Correct interpretation of ‘crimes against humanity’.

Consider the view that mathematics possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty. (2012)

Defining

meanings of ‘ truth’ and ‘supreme beauty’.Slide38

A. Clarify Key Terms

3.

Do awards and prizes serve any useful

purpose?

Paraphrase meaning of ‘useful’.

4. Young people are slaves to fashion. Do you

agree?

Interpret meaning of ‘slaves to fashion’Slide39

B. Identify Assumptions in the Question

What is an

Assumption?

Something

believed to be true without

proof.

1. In this digital age, do newspapers still have a role in your

society?

(2012

)

Assumptions

:

Newspapers had and still have a role to play in Singapore

The advent of the digital age could possibly affect this role

2. The book has no place in modern society. Discuss. (2012)

Assumptions

:

There is no need for the book in modern society

The book is not compatible with the characteristics of a modern society

Slide40

Question Analysis : Putting It A

ll

T

ogether

Eg

. ‘Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in today’s world.’ How true is this of your society? (2011)

Essay Type

:

Contexts

:

Topic

:

Issue

:

Value / Degree

:

Key Term

: Have a place - presence

recognised

or valuedAssumption : Ancient / classical architecture

and art have no place in today’s modern world. Slide41

Part 2 - Lecture Outline

1. Classification of Questions

2. Word Analysis

3

. Question Analysis

Clarifying

KeyTerms

Identifying assumptions

4

. Brainstorming Ideas for Arguments Slide42

Brainstorming Ideas

F

or

A

rguments

Brainstorm for ideas for arguments / points that explain your stand / position / opinion /

t

hesis

Brainstorm for

c

ounter-arguments for rebuttal’s sake Slide43

Brainstorming Tools

SPECTRAL

GRACE

SPICE

LEVELS

PLAYERS

PAST

PRESENT

FUTURE

WAYS TO RESOLVE ISSUES

TRENDS/CONTEXT

Tools

S – Social, Scientific

P – Political

E – Economic, Environmental, Educational, Ethical (moral)

C – Cultural

T – Technological

R – Racial, Religious

A – Artistic, Aesthetic

L – Legal

G – Gender

R – Race

A – Age

C – Culture

E - Education

S – Spiritual

P – Psychological

I – Intellectual

C – Cognitive, Cultural

E – Emotional

Individual

Community/Societal

National

International

NGOs

IOs

Crime

Syndicates

Religious Leaders

Government

Individual

Past vs Present vs Future

Short-run vs Long-run

Ideal vs Pragmatic

Change or no change

Individual vs Group

Modern World

Information driven

Technologically driven

Politically globalised

Economically globalised

Liberalised

Democratisation

Secularisation

Individualism

Purpose

Identifying the implications on different sectors

Dependent Factors

Identifying different aspects of impact on an individual

Branching out to different levels of impact

Identifying different stakeholders and points of view

Showing an awareness of how the world has changed

Examining the impact and the feasibility of the solution

Showing sensitivity to today’s society

Always ask at the start of the question: Why is this question set? What is happening in the world that has resulted in the examiner asking this question?

Why is the examiner asking this question now? Is there any trend that I should be looking out for?

Brainstorming toolsSlide44

B

rainstorming Tools

S

.

P

.

E

.

C

.

T

.

R

.A.L Social, Scientific; Political;

Economic, Environment, Education, Ethical, E

ducation; Cultural; Technological;

Religious, Racial; Artistic, Aesthetic; LegalIdentifying the implications on different sectors / domains / parametersSlide45

Brainstorming Tools

Eg

. Can prejudice ever be eliminated ? (2011)

Use

SPECTRAL

to generate

domains

or

parameters

to determine the scope of coverage.

Prejudice

…Social, Economic, Educational, Cultural, Religious, Racial.

Before exploring

reasons for possibility of elimination of each type of prejudiceSlide46

B

rainstorming Tool – Context-related

Characteristics of the

Modern

W

orld

/ Trends

Information driven

Technologically driven

Politically

globalised

Economically

globalised

Culturally globalisedLiberalisedDemocratisationSecularisation

IndividualismShowing sensitivity to today’s society Slide47

Brainstorming

T

ool –

Context-related

Eg

. Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the needs of the disadvantaged. How far is this true in

Singapore

? (2008)

Characteristics of

Singapore

Pragmatic

Conservative

Individualistic?

Result driven Focus on academic achievementMulticultural society Secular Showing awareness of Singapore’s culture Slide48

Review – Lecture Outline

The Essay Structure

General

structure of an essay

Introduction of common terms

Writing arguments

Achieving balance

Sign-posting and d

istancing language

Possible essay

structures

Question Analysis and Brainstorming

Classification of Questions

Word Analysis

Question Analysis

Clarifying

Key

Terms

Identifying assumptions

Brainstorming for Arguments Slide49

What Next

A

fter Question Analysis?

If you have done a

proper question analysis

and

brainstormed for ideas for your arguments (and counter-arguments)…

You are

NOW READY

to start writing your essay

First, you have to learn how to

write an effective introductory paragraph

during the

NEXT skills lecture