Lesson 4: Writing Strategies for Academic and Professional Texts

Exigere

Essay is derived from a Latin Verb, which means to examine, test, drive out.

Essay

A piece of writing that informs or persuades its audience by reasoned discourse.

Introduction, Body, Conclusion

Three-Part Essay Structure

Introduction

Provides the reader with a clear idea of the focus and aim of the text. Presents the topic of the essay or article. Often accompanied by a thesis statement. Provides the context or background of the argument. Introduces the theoretical perspectives, terminology, etc. that will be used. Explains how the writing will be organized.

Thesis statement

The claim that the writer wishes to make.

Body

Where the essay’s or article’s argument, ideas, and results are developed and discussed.

Conclusion

Should not contain any new facts or ideas, but rather function as a brief restatement of the main arguments and facts that have been treated in the essay/article.

Read and Research; Brainstorm ideas; Develop a Working Thesis and outline; Write a Rough Draft; Review Content, Grammar, and Mechanics; Revise

The Writing Process

Point, Illustration, Explanation

PIE

Point

The main idea you want to make

Illustration

A quote or paraphrase from a text

Explanation

An explanation of the meaning or details your illustration.