Example of a short essay
Conclusion
Academic writing requires critical thinking skills, an understanding of the topic, high level vocabulary, and correct grammar. Having these skills is empowering since it has made me a better communicator and student. I have come a long way since I started college, and I am now proud of the writing that I produce.
Underline the topic sentence of the body paragraph. What makes it the topic sentence?
As soon as I started to write for college, I realized that college writing was different from the writing I was used to doing. It is the topic sentence because it states what the body paragraph is about.
Body paragraph
As soon as I started to write for college, I realized that college writing was different from the writing I was used to doing. In high school, most of my writing dealt with my personal experiences. I wrote mainly about my family, childhood, and friends. In contrast, college writing focused on a variety of issues that I was unfamiliar with, such as reacting to a piece of literature or writing about the community. Therefore, the most important thing for me was to understand the assigned topic before attempting my first draft. Moreover, I realized that I had to improve my understanding of grammar in order to write for college. Consequently, I made grammar my second priority. I reviewed the basic grammatical structures such as subjects and verbs, and checked all my work for verb tense consistency and punctuation. Lastly, because I was accustomed to writing letters and informal essays, I usually wrote the way I spoke with my family and friends. I soon realized that academic writing required a much more sophisticated vocabulary. Thus, I bought a new dictionary and thesaurus to help expand my vocabulary.
Underline the topic sentences of the body paragraphs. How do the topic sentences relate to the thesis statement?
Each topic sentence supports the thesis statement. First body paragraph topic sentence: "As soon as I started to write for college, I realized that college writing was different from the writing I was used to doing." Second body paragraph topic sentence: "I realized I had to improve my understanding of grammar in order to write for college." Third body paragraph topic sentence: "I soon realized that academic writing required a much more sophisticated vocabulary."
Underline the thesis statement in the introduction. Is it different from the thesis of the short essay ?
Thesis statement: "To achieve this goal, I focused on three points: the content of an essay, correct grammar, and advanced level vocabulary." No, the thesis statement is not different from the thesis statement of the short essay.
In what way does the conclusion complete the essay?
It sums up the ideas of the essay, and it brings it to a close.
Introduction
Learning how to write an academic essay is essential for students who are planning to attend college. Most professors require critiques of books and films, research papers, and formal reports related to the content of their courses. When I first started college, I was excited about facing these challenges and pursuing my major, media and communications. I was determined to improve my writing. To achieve this goal, I focused on three points: the content of an essay, correct grammar, and advanced level vocabulary.
Is the conclusion different from that of the short essay?
No, the conclusion in the five-paragraph essay is not different from that of the short essay.
How do the three body paragraphs of the five-paragraph essay expand on the information provided in the single body paragraph of the short essay?
The body paragraphs of the five-paragraph essay expand on the information provided in the single body paragraph of the short essay by giving examples and anecdotes. The body paragraphs of the five-paragraph essay are more analytical in nature.
In what way do the details in the body paragraph support the topic sentence?_
The details in the body paragraph give explanations and examples to support the topic sentence.
Underline the thesis statement in the introduction. Why is it the thesis of the essay?
To achieve this goal, I focused on three points: the content of an essay, correct grammar, and advanced level vocabulary. It is the thesis of the essay because it states what the entire essay is about.
