Writing Essays

You can reference class slides from Unit 10, Slides 91-143 for this! I will be using the following essay prompt as my example:

Now I've made some markings. The box circled in red is the most important piece of information. The highlighted section is your question, and the box with blue Xs are really only to help you make your decision on which factors to choose: THIS IS NOT YOUR EVIDENCE!

Now what do you do?

Introduction Paragraph
(THESE 3 PARTS SHOULD BE IN 1 PARAGRAPH, NOT SEPARATED)

1. React to the Question.  

What this means is that you are going to read that question (highlighted in yellow). And you are going to think about that topic: Digital and computer technology for people. Now think about everything you know about this topic-what's something relevant to today? Well, we know that In the past decade, digital and computer technology has become increasingly prevalent in life. And that is how you react to the question. (Topic Sentence!)

2. Introduce Factors. 

Now it gets more straightforward. Pick 2 factors, and then EXPLICITLY state them! Don't tell me that careful analysis distinguishes 2 factors, tell me Careful analysis distinguishes communication and information access as two major advantages of its presence. And now you've properly introduced your factors.

3. Thesis Statement.

Keep this part simple. From your 2 factors, you will choose 1 as your MOST important factor. Once again, be EXPLICIT. Don't tell me that the evidence will show that one factor is most significant, tell me  This paper will demonstrate that access to information is of the utmost importance when applied on a day-to-day basis. And there's your thesis.

Main Body 1(THESE 4 PARTS SHOULD BE IN 1 PARAGRAPH, NOT SEPARATED)

1. Point
"[Factor 1] is a major advantage/important /essential/necessary for consideration in everyday life with this generation because..."

Do NOT go overboard with the explanation here! Remember, you have an entire section for that. Focus on providing an idea of what you will talk about. Also, make sure you state what Factor 1 is.

Improved communication through computer technology is a major advantage in everyday life because humanity has spread vastly. 

2. Evidence
A lot of us have been confusing evidence and explanation. Remember: evidence is cold, hard facts. Explanation is opinion! Evidence comes DIRECTLY after the point. Do not give any other opinions until after you have presented your evidence. It can come in the form of fake surveys, tests, statistics, or general truths. Here are 2 different examples:

A UCSD sociology study showed that elderly participants who kept email correspondence with their children in foreign countries were 80% less likely to develop dementia.

It is a known fact that while physical letters sufficed for generations before this one, the speed at which the current society functions requires digital communication.

3. Explanation
What you now need to do is explain to me why you gave me this evidence. Sure, I might be able to figure it out. But that's your job! How does your evidence support your point? You included it because Web-based communication, then, not only links two people but also has creates and maintains previously-impossible international relationships.

4. Link
Now you gotta bring it back around. Link all your evidence and explanations to your original point. Something like Therefore, digital communication is a strong benefit, allowing people to connect despite being in different locations.

Main Body 2(THESE 4 PARTS SHOULD BE IN 1 PARAGRAPH, NOT SEPARATED)

Now, repeat. Remember, P.E.E.L. structure! 

Additionally, if you really want to elevate your essay to that C2 range, COMPARE AND CONTRAST the topic of body 2 with body 1. Demonstrate which one is superior to the other! Here's your example.

P: As important as communication may be, however, the ability to receive vital information is much more important on a higher scale. 

E: The Federal Cabinet of Public Safety reported that 9 out of 10 families with smartphones became aware of a national crisis within 5 minutes of its occurrence, as opposed to only 2 out of 10 without.

E: Thus, the availability of digital technology has the ability to save lives and prevent unnecessary damage, a real and physical benefit. There have also been immense improvements in national security, which is essential for human life.

L: In this, digital information transfer can be seen as a great advantage in modern life.

Conclusion(THESE 3 PARTS SHOULD BE IN 1 PARAGRAPH, NOT SEPARATED)

I cannot stress this enough when I say that your conclusion is literally a twin of your introduction. Fraternal, not identical, because then it's just copying. Basically, you're doing the same stuff all over again.

1. React to the Question

Look at the 1st sentence of your introduction. What was it again? Oh right: "In the past decade, digital and computer technology has become increasingly prevalent both at work and at home." Now rewrite it, but start off with one of your nice little lead-ins (In conclusion, To conclude, With all that said, Given the information above, Keeping all this in mind, Overall, Simply speaking, etc.) It'll look something like Simply speaking, digital and computer technology is now, more than ever, playing a crucial role in life.

2. Summary of Factors

Yep, here we go again. Something like Communication and access to information have been shown as the most advantageous contributions of this technology.

3. Final Opinion

Restate your thesis, but this time knowing that you provided some awesome body paragraphs  to back up your original opinion. That said, instant information access can determine the safety and security of the entire general public, making it the greatest advantage.

AND THAT'S IT!

Here's the full essay, once again:

In the past decade, digital and computer technology has become increasingly prevalent in life. Careful analysis distinguishes communication and information access as two major advantages of its presence. This paper will demonstrate that access to information is of the utmost importance when applied on a day-to-day basis.

Improved communication through computer technology is a major advantage in everyday life because humanity has spread vastly. A UCSD sociology study showed that elderly participants who kept email correspondence with their children in foreign countries were 80% less likely to develop dementia. Web-based communication, then, not only links two people but also has creates and maintains previously-impossible international relationships. Therefore, digital communication is a strong benefit, allowing people to connect despite being in different locations.

As important as communication may be, however, the ability to receive vital information is much more important on a higher scale. The Federal Cabinet of Public Safety reported that 9 out of 10 families with smartphones became aware of a national crisis within 5 minutes of its occurrence, as opposed to only 2 out of 10 without. Thus, the availability of digital technology has the ability to save lives and prevent unnecessary damage, a real and physical benefit. There have also been immense improvements in national security, which is essential for human life. In this, digital information transfer can be seen as a great advantage in modern life.

Simply speaking, digital and computer technology is now, more than ever, playing a crucial role in life. Communication and access to information have been shown as the most advantageous contributions of this technology. That said, instant information access can determine the safety and security of the entire general public, making it the greatest advantage.