How to organize and control your essay

Written by Hai Nguyen

Look at the essay title and plan below:

What are the different types of alternative energy? As the world looks to a future without oil more attention is being focused on alternative sources of energy The most common form of alternative energy is hydro power Another abundant energy source is the sun There is also, of course, wind power, of which the best known example is windmills As we have seen, there are many different kinds of alternative energy.
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If you examine the above plan carefully, you can see:

(i)

the focus word in the title is highlighted. This word shows the specific direction of the essay.

(ii) the focus word in the introduction is highlighted to show the direction of the essay.

(iii) each paragraph begins with a topic sentence. In each of these sentences, there is a focus word which links the paragraph to the topic sentence in the introduction and shows the direction of the paragraph. The focus words are also highlighted.
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(iv) the synonyms for the word types ; sources; form, energy source; example and kinds. These are interchangeable and help you to avoid repetition of the word types.

(v)

the underlined phrases which introduce ideas in the paragraph. Students often complain that they have ideas, but they do not know how to put them down on paper. This inability to introduce ideas is a central problem in writing and, for the most part, goes unrecognized. Compare this with the difficulties you have beginning essays, i.e. writing introductions, and putting your ideas on paper.
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(vi) you have a basic mechanism to help you control your writing.

Discuss the measures to reduce obesity in rich countries.

Obesity is a problem which is on the increase in many parts of the world, especially in affluent societies. However, several effective measures exist tackle the problem. In my opinion, the most important way is to educate the general public. Another step is to encourage parents not to buy sweets or junk food for children. Persuading people to change their life styles and take up some exercise is yet another possible course of action As we have seen, there are a number of ways to reduce obesity in rich countries.
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Euthanasia is immoral Discuss your opinion.

Whether mercy-killing is a moral act or not is an issue about which many people feel very strongly. Personally, however, I am largely against the practice of euthanasia for a number of reasons My main argument against is that human beings do not have the right to play God . Another reason I am against the practice is because one can never be sure that the patient is, in fact, terminally ill. In certain circumstances, however, there is some justification for the practice of euthanasia. AIl in all, I feel that euthanasia should be banned
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