Essay Writing

By
Mukuka J. (Mr.)
Essay Structure
 Introduction
• To clearly tell the reader about the main
themes and concepts in your assignment and
how you are going to approach them.
• Act as a signpost, or an essay map; after
reading the introduction, the reader should
understand what your essay will be about,
what you are going to say, and what
conclusion you will reach.
 Structure of an introduction
• The most common introduction structure is
the 'funnel' introduction
• It has three distinct sections (Hook,
background, and the thesis statement)
• Moves from general to specific information,
and guides the reader through your main
argument:
 Structure of the introduction
1. Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or
question to engage the reader. This could be a
surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling
anecdote.
2. Background information: Provide context and
background information to help the reader
understand the topic. This can include historical
information, definitions of key terms, or an
overview of the current state of affairs related to
your topic.
2. Thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument
or position on the topic.
 Forms of Hooks
1. The General-to-Specific Strategy (Funnel Introduction)
• Format: Start with broad, general statements about
the topic and gradually narrow the focus to your
specific thesis.
• Example: The role of social media in contemporary
society has been the subject of extensive debate.
Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have
significantly altered how individuals interact and
perceive themselves. This essay will explore the impact
of social media on mental health, particularly in
relation to self-esteem and body image.
 2. The Question Approach
• Format: Begin by posing a thought-provoking
question related to your topic, followed by
your thesis or argument that answers the
question.
• Example: How does social media influence
the self-perception of individuals, particularly
teenagers? Given the pervasive nature of
platforms like Instagram and TikTok, this essay
will examine the psychological effects of social
media on adolescent mental health.
 3. Anecdotal Introduction
• Format: Open with a brief anecdote or
example that relates to the main topic,
followed by a transition to the thesis.
• Example: A recent study found that 65% of
teenagers reported feeling inadequate after
spending time on social media.
• This reflects a growing concern about the
impact of digital platforms on adolescent
mental health, a topic that will be examined in
this essay.
 4. Definition Approach
• Format: Introduce the key terms or concepts that
will be explored in the essay by providing clear
definitions. Afterward, lead into the thesis.
• Example: Social media refers to online platforms
that facilitate communication and content sharing.
While these platforms have revolutionized
communication, they have also raised significant
concerns regarding their effects on mental health,
particularly among teenagers. This essay will assess
how social media influences adolescent self-esteem
and mental well-being.
 5. Surprising Fact or Statistic
• Format: Begin with a compelling fact or statistic
that highlights the relevance of the issue at hand,
followed by the thesis statement.
• Example: Research indicates that 58% of
teenagers report feeling worse about their
appearance after using social media. This statistic
points to a troubling trend in how digital
platforms may contribute to negative body image
and psychological distress. This essay will analyze
the relationship between social media usage and
mental health issues among adolescents.
 6. Quote Approach
• Format: Start with a relevant and thought-
provoking quote, then provide an explanation of
its significance before introducing your thesis.
• Example:"Social media is not just a way to
communicate but a way to define one's identity,"
writes digital culture expert Dr. Jane Smith. This
observation underscores the growing influence
of social media on personal identity. This essay
will explore how these platforms shape the self-
perception of adolescents and contribute to
mental health challenges.
 Historical Context Approach
• Format: Provide a brief historical or contextual
overview of the topic, then transition to the thesis
statement.
• Example: In the last two decades, social media has
transitioned from a tool for connecting friends to
a primary medium for shaping public identity. As
these platforms become increasingly integrated
into daily life, concerns have emerged about their
impact on mental health. This essay will evaluate
how social media has influenced mental health
trends, particularly among young people.
 8. Problem-Solution Approach
• Format: Start by outlining a specific problem
related to the topic and introduce the essay’s
purpose as exploring solutions or mitigation
strategies.
• Example: Teenagers today face a variety of mental
health challenges, many of which are linked to
their engagement with social media. Issues such as
depression, anxiety, and poor body image are
increasingly being reported. This essay will explore
potential strategies to mitigate these negative
effects and promote healthier social media habits
among adolescents.
 9. A Contradiction or Paradox
• Format: Start with a paradoxical statement or contradiction.
Introduce an idea that seems illogical or unexpected. Explain the
tension or confusion that arises from the paradox.
• Example: In an age where technology instantly connects people
across the globe, feelings of loneliness have reached an all-time
high. The rise of social media and digital communication tools,
which are supposed to bring people closer together, seem to have
had the opposite effect for many users. While platforms like
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer unprecedented access to
social networks, studies show that increased time spent online is
often linked to a greater sense of isolation and social disconnection.
How is it possible that people are more connected than ever, yet
many, particularly teenagers, report feeling more alone than in
previous generations? This essay will explore how social media,
despite its promise to foster connection, may contribute to feelings
of loneliness and alienation in today's digital world."