Essays
Introduction
In this module, you will learn how to arrange your ideas and paragraphs into an essay. An essay is usually a written, non-fiction composition that discusses a central topic, and there are many types and sizes of essays. While some essays are quite short, like the five-paragraph essay (300–500 words), some, like university research essays, can be long (1500–2500 words or more). Just like the paragraphs, essays can have different purposes; some may try to persuade the reader to a certain point of view while others may narrate, compare, etc. Essentially, an essay is a format and structure for writing in an organized manner with a certain predictability.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the overall structure and components of an essay.
- Identify different types of essays (expository, persuasive, and narrative).
- Write a strong and clear thesis statement.
- Write body, introductory, and concluding paragraphs.
- Create a detailed essay outline.
- Write a five-paragraph essay using the seven (7) steps of the writing process.
To Do List
- Read “Expository Essays” in Writing for Success – 1st Canadian H5P Edition
- Explore three types of common writing types: expository, persuasive, and narrative.
- Read and take notes about “Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement” in Communications Essentials for College.
- Complete the Thesis Statement Assignment in Blackboard.
- Read “Writing Body Paragraphs” in Communications Essentials for College.
- Complete the Body Paragraph Assignment in Blackboard.
- Read “Creating an Outline for an Essay” in Communications Essentials for College.
- Create an outline using the template in Blackboard.
- Complete the Short Essay Assignment (without research) in Blackboard.
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, “Essays” by Academic and Career Preparation, Georgian College, is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
