HUMSS6_Module2

MODULE 2 Basic Essay Structure

HUMSS6 CREATIVE NONFICTION

Activity

• Choose one picture from the three provided as the subject of your short essay.

• Write an impressive opening statement regarding your chosen picture on 1/2 crosswise yellow paper.

BASIC ESSAY STRUCTURE

Elements of Narrative Structure

• Fictional Work (Plot)

• Narrative Poetry

• Drama (One-Act-Play)

• Drama (Three-Act-Play)

• Drama (Five-Act-Play)

• Essay

• Common narrative framework includes the following:

  • Beginning: Introduction (Exposition)

  • Middle: Body (Rising Action to Climax)

  • End: Conclusion (Falling Action/Denouement)

Writing an Essay - Question Analysis

Assessing Your Essay's Focus

• Question 1:

  • Do you want to vividly describe a person, object, place, experience, or situation?

• Question 2:

  • Do you want to write a creative and stirring personal, experiential, or anecdotal story?

• Question 3:

  • Are you investigating and evaluating evidence, analyzing cause and effect?

• Question 4:

  • Are you comparing and contrasting an idea with traditional and published ideas using research?

Essay Type Determination

• If you answer “YES”:

  • Descriptive Essay: if YES to Question 1

  • Narrative Essay: if YES to Question 2

  • Expository Essay: if YES to Question 3

  • Argumentative/Persuasive Essay: if YES to Question 4

Crafting an Effective Introduction

Key Components

• Develop a strong opening to attract viewers immediately.

• Thesis statement can be provided at the start or at the end.

• Keep it concise; avoid clutter and uninteresting words.

STRATEGIES IN WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

1. Start with Questions

• Example:

  • What if we treated mental health with the same urgency as physical health?

  • Discuss stigma and the growing movement for awareness.

2. Start with a Quote

• Example:

  • “Mental health is not a destination, but a process.