Structure of an essay (1 Viewer)
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counterman
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Well, only link between texts if they support your thesis. That's why it is important to find texts that can be related to each other i.e. by comparison and contrast, producing the same ideas, etc.
An ideal essay structure for 3 texts would be:
Paragraph 1: Thesis + naming the texts
Paragraph 2: Introducing text 1 and explaining
Paragraph 3: Linking text 1 to text 2
Paragraph 4: Introducing text 2 and explaining
Paragraph 5: Linking text 2 to text 3
Paragraph 6: Introducing text 3 and explaining
Paragraph 7 (optional): Linking text 3 to text 1
Paragraph 8: Conclusion, reintroducing thesis and the texts
As you can see, the subsequent linking between each explanation of your three texts creates a smooth, flowing essay - which is easier for the marker to read and understand what you are trying to argue. This essay structure has always worked for me but, by all means, it is NOT the only structure. You can chop and change to see which suits your style.
Only link if it relates to your thesis i.e. if it supports the point you are trying to make.
General rule of thumb: it's not the number of links that matter but rather the significance of the link. So, if you have a substantial link which supports your thesis completely and is well established and explained, it is better than having two links which are mediocre and do not support your essay . I would normally aim for two links if possible.
You will gain marks by linking and explaining how the link effectively supports your essay. You will lose mark if you just provide the link and not explain it; irrelevant.
An ideal essay structure for 3 texts would be:
Paragraph 1: Thesis + naming the texts
Paragraph 2: Introducing text 1 and explaining
Paragraph 3: Linking text 1 to text 2
Paragraph 4: Introducing text 2 and explaining
Paragraph 5: Linking text 2 to text 3
Paragraph 6: Introducing text 3 and explaining
Paragraph 7 (optional): Linking text 3 to text 1
Paragraph 8: Conclusion, reintroducing thesis and the texts
As you can see, the subsequent linking between each explanation of your three texts creates a smooth, flowing essay - which is easier for the marker to read and understand what you are trying to argue. This essay structure has always worked for me but, by all means, it is NOT the only structure. You can chop and change to see which suits your style.
Only link if it relates to your thesis i.e. if it supports the point you are trying to make.
General rule of thumb: it's not the number of links that matter but rather the significance of the link. So, if you have a substantial link which supports your thesis completely and is well established and explained, it is better than having two links which are mediocre and do not support your essay . I would normally aim for two links if possible.
You will gain marks by linking and explaining how the link effectively supports your essay. You will lose mark if you just provide the link and not explain it; irrelevant.
Kirsty Xx
That's the price we pay
http://community.boredofstudies.org/44/english-area-study/195908/essay-structure.html
Just follow my link in the thread above. Even though I wrote it in a SC thread it was taken from an Advanced English HSC book.
Just follow my link in the thread above. Even though I wrote it in a SC thread it was taken from an Advanced English HSC book.
Sorry i'm a bit confussed.. does that mean that any structure will work as long as you make some links? say i just have 1st text and link that to additional material. Then have 2nd text and link that to another related material? will that link be good enough?
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counterman
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Well, I wouldn't say ANY structure will work; your essay has to be properly structured e.g. it can't jump from one text to another then back to the first text etc.
If I understand your question right, that should be good enough - as long as you explain you links thoroughly and they are relevant.
If you have any issues, just ask your English teacher for an opinion as she probably has a good idea of your writing ability and the different structures that work.
If I understand your question right, that should be good enough - as long as you explain you links thoroughly and they are relevant.
If you have any issues, just ask your English teacher for an opinion as she probably has a good idea of your writing ability and the different structures that work.
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