Writing an Essay : Simple Basic Rules

Hello! Finally I finished my 1st edition! I should increase my eagerness cuz it took very long time to start writing, although I have promised myself to keep sharing all the-I-think-it'd be-useful-things. (>.<!) 

Ok, we're gonna talk about writing an essay. It's a very basic and common thing  but unfortunately I didn't aware of this simple basic rules. So, I'm joining a lecture called "Presentation A" , one of the lecturesin Mei-Writing Academic Writing Project. Click here for further information on it.

The lecturer (Prof.Weeks) conduct the class very very well. The participants are limited only to 20 graduate students. We're separated into pairs, and different pairs each time, so we'll have chance to know all of the participants in the end. The lecture is very interactive and I really enjoy the atmosphere itself. Always looking forward for the next meeting!

So, so, 1st  I'd like to share about the basic structure of an essay, at least it should have :

1. Introductory Paragraph

    This is where we put our Thesis Statement (The MOST IMPORTANT sentence and lighthouse for the entire of our essay)

2 Body Paragraphs 

   It's the further explanation of the introductory paragraphs. Watch the clear logical step and it must be linked up with our thesis statement in order to be easily understood. The format is like a small part of the essay itself : topic sentence, body, concluding sentence (deductive writing style)

3. Concluding Paragraphs 

This is our chance to restate the thesis and summarize the points of our essay. Keep it simple and clear.

Below is the example of a well-structured essay given by Prof.Weeks :

Alien Visitors (Expository Essay)

(Introductory Paragraphs)

Recently, extraterrestrial (ET) visitors are being seen on Earth, especially in Japan; they are aliens from the planet Qwertyiuop. Although these aliens seem quite harmless and are certainly not predators, some Earthlings are worried about their presence here. In order for us to live peacefully with them, we need to understand why they left their home planet and what made them choose Earth as a new habitat. ( the italic underlined  statement is the thesis statement, the most important! the body paragraphs below must support this sentence!)

(Body Paragraphs)

Research into Qwertopians is making it clear there are two main reasons why they decided to leave their beloved planet. Firstly, since it so close to the sun, Qwertyuiop is extremely hot all time; it is never cooler than 4800 degrees Centigrade. This heat makes the Qwertopians very sleepy. Secondly, because Qwertyuiop is a tiny planet very near the sun, the night is very short (about 40 minutes), and this makes it difficult for them to rest properly. In short, Qwertopians are tired from the heat but can't get a good night's sleep, so they have been looking for a new habitat.

The reason that Earth, in particular, has been chosen as a new home by some Qwertopians relates to their eating habits. It is well known that they eat only bananas and chocolate. We also know that the growing of both bananas and cacao to be grown almost anywhere and anytime. This will make our planet ideally suited to the Qwertopian diet. 

(Concluding Paragraph)

in conclusion, the arrival of Qwertopians on Earth is not suprising. The problems of too much heat and light on Qwertyuiop, along with the promise of a perfect climate for food production on Earth, are unmistakable factors. In other words, they have very good reasons for leaving their home planet and equally good reasons for taking up residence here with us on Earth.

For me, essay above is easy to be understood cuz it stays to be clear and in logical steps. Yeap, I agree that it's pretty interesting too :D I understand now, some years ago, I submit a research proposal to compete for scholarship or scientific award, but I failed ='< Maybe b'cuz I didn't aware of this simple basic rules. So, ready to write your essay? ^^

                                  (Picture is courtesy of recruit specialist)