4-Paragraph-Essay 5H Kern 2022-2023 2
4-Paragraph-Essay 5H Kern 2022-2023 2
4-Paragraph-Essay 5H Kern 2022-2023 2
Teacher:
An essay is:
people usually organise their ideas before they start writing, by means of a mind map and/or
an outline
Each of the underlined aspects represent course goals and will be dealt with in the coming
lessons, so at the end you will understand them perfectly. For now, we will start with an activity
about the structure of essays.
1
Structure
Title
Introduction
Body
2 paragraphs
each paragraph has a topic sentence
Conclusion
A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
In the first paragraph of your essay, you should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general
way. Next you explain why the topic is important or why readers should care about the issue.
Lastly, you present the thesis statement.
Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical
progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will
collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that
is to follow in the next section.
A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence
provided.
This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the
reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the
conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the
topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis.
Make sure you have a clear plan or outline before you start writing your essay.
2
A 4-paragraph essay – characteristics
There is a statement, one-sided or controversial, which you have to discuss. An example: The
world would be a better place without cars.
You have to agree or disagree with the statement and justify the position you take. You should
give good reasons for your point of view.
It’s important that the reader (your teacher) gets an idea of what you think about the topic and why
you think that
You need to show that you are able to use appropriate phrases and vocabulary (linking words).
Each paragraph has more or less the same length and contains at least 3 or 4 sentences.
The introduction may contain an example, to draw the attention of the reader.
You will need at least 220 words and a maximum of 275 words to write your composition.
Transitional devices
Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to
interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from
one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally,
transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or
breaks between ideas.
There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make certain
connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea or thought,
while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.
Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a given way. Make
your own shortlist.
To Add:
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's
more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.),
To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where,
compared to, up against, balanced against, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast,
although this may be true
To Prove:
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in
fact, in addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception:
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes
To Show Time:
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second,
etc.), next, and then
To Repeat:
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted
To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly,
always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly,
undeniably, without reservation
To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this
point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously,
concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon, In the first place, to start with, to begin with,
first of all, secondly, thirdly,
3
To Give an Example:
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of,
to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate
To Summarize or Conclude:
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence,
therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently
First of all...
One advantage/ disadvantage of (...) is ...
Another point in favour of / against (...) is ...
A further argument in favour of / against (...) is ...
The biggest advantage/disadvantage is ...
One objection to this argument is ...
No doubt ..., however ...
This is not always the case ...
Take for instance (to present an example) ...
In my opinion, ... (only in paragraph 5)
I think ... (only in paragraph 5)
I believe … (only in paragraph 5)
If ...., then ...
It’s important/true/necessary to remember/ to point out that ...
Bearing this in mind/ considering this, I think ...
It’s worth remembering that ...
To sum up/In conclusion I would say that ...
On the one hand travelling by air is very fast; on the other hand, it has several disadvantages.
But
There are many advantages in owning a dog, but there are one or two disadvantages too.
In contrast
Cats are rather independent. Dogs, in contrast, provide real companionship (much more usual is “on the
other hand”)
Besides
Besides this problem, there is the question of exercise for dogs.
Besides providing financial help for old people, the government should build more special houses.
Whereas; while
Dogs are fairly expensive to keep, whereas/while cats cost very little.
Dogs must be taken for walks, while/whereas cats can look after themselves.
4
Exercise
Using the ways of linking points, expressing opinions or reasons complete the following:
England/monarchy-Portugal/republic
England has a monarchy, whereas __________________________________
5
EXERCISE 1: Classify the following linking words / phrases according to list below.
Living in the country is often the secret dream of certain city-dwellers. ……………(1), in reality it has both
its advantages and disadvantages.
There are many advantages to living in the country. ……………….(2), you are much closer to nature and
can enjoy more peace and quiet. …………(3), life in the country is much slower and people tend to be
more open and friendly. A further advantage is that there is much less traffic, and as a result it is much
safer place to bring up young children.
……………….(4), there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. ……………….(5), because there are
fewer people, one has a smaller number of friends. ……………….(6) entertainment, particularly in the
evening, is difficult to find. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services often means that
there are fewer employment opportunities. ……………….(7), one may have to travel long distances to
work elsewhere, and this can be extremely expensive.
……………….(8), it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some than others. ……………….(9),
it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children, ……………….(10), young,
single people who are following a career and who want some excitement are better provided for by life in
the city.
(Success at First Certificate-Robert O’Neill)
6
EXERCISE 3: Replace the words underlined with one of the following. Some may have more than
one alternative.
7
EXERCISE 4: –Transitions- Complete the composition by using given transitions.
Some countries still have the death penalty …1… it no longer exists in Britain. ……2……, after a
particularly violent murder, British people sometimes call for it to be brought back. …….3…….my opinion,
the death penalty cannot be defended for a number of reason.
………4…… and most important reason is that one can never be entirely certain that the accused
person is guilty. In the ………5…, people have been sentenced to death and later it is discovered that
they were completely innocent.
It is often ……6…… that the death penalty prevents crime and that the risk of death acts as
a deterrent. ……7…, many serious crimes are caused by a sudden and very powerful emotion. In these
cases, the individual is not thinking sensibly and does not stop to consider the risks.
One final ……8……… against the death penalty is that it sets a bad example. The laws of society
should reflect its values. If it is wrong for one individual to murder another …9…… it is also wrong for the
state to execute an individual.
………10…. I believe the death penalty cannot defended. There are other ways of punishing
criminals and these ways should always be tried.
A.
1- A and B despite C although D moreover
2- A In addition B also C Nevertheless D In contrast
3 A In B for C About D With
4- A Firstly B The first C The one D Initially
5- A future B present C beginning D past
6- A told B heard C spoken D suggested
7- A Therefore B However C Moreover D Despite
8- A Reason B view C argument D opinion
9- A then B as C and D too
10- A In contrast B To sum up C At last D Fourthly
8
Writing Four Paragraph PERSUASIVE ESSAYS
Persuade means to move by argument
A persuasive essay is written to make the reader agree with your point of view. When you write this kind
of essay you must decide if you are for or against an issue. For example, on the issue of abortion you
would be either for legal abortions or against legal abortions.
You should NOT show both sides of an issue.
PARAGRAPH 1 = Introduction
INCLUDES:
“THESIS STATEMENT” (your point of view) (often ‘should’ is used in the thesis statement)
It clarifies what the essay is about. Don’t use I / my here, except in an example/anecdote.
PARAGRAPH 4 = Conclusion
INCLUDES:
Transitional words (In conclusion,)
REITERATION OF POINT OF VIEW (restate viewpoint again)
Brief summary of the three reasons listed in the body paragraphs
Your own opinion clearly and elaborately stated
CALL TO ACTION (tell reader to do something to support your view)
* SUPPORTING DETAILS may include: facts, personal observations, expert’s opinion, and statistics.
They should NOT include EMOTIONAL APPEALS or the opinion of someone who is not an expert.
NB: Your own opinion is only given in paragraph 4! So, no I or my in paragraphs 1-3!.
9
Example of 4 –paragraph essay
"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but
dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many
people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make
excellent house pets.
Firstly, cats are wonderful house pets because people enjoy the companionship of
cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or
scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they are not feeling
affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers,
or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when
their owners are participating in the game.
Secondly, cats are great house pets because they are civilized members of the
household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats do
not even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also do not
often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most
cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the
concept when shown the box and will use it regularly.
In conclusion, cats make excellent house pets as they are wonderful company
and civilized companions. I have always enjoyed spending time with my cat,
cuddling and playing chase. Also, my cat is quiet and uses the litter box
appropriately. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pets.
In this exercise, to make the organization clearer, try to work backwards and fill in
the grid below to make a writing plan.
10
Topic:
Thesis:
11
Assignment 2: Practise essay about eating meat
Title: ______________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
___________________________It should be forbidden for people to eat meat.
Firstly, eating meat should no longer be permitted for the sake of the animals.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
12
Hokje 1: Bedenk een goede anekdote of goede achtergrondinformatie. Zorg ervoor dat de
Thesis Statement een logisch vervolg hierop is! Let op: geen argumenten in de
inleiding!
Hokje 2: Argument 1. Werk deze uit d.m.v. uitleg en/of voorbeelden.
Hokje 3: Argument 2. Werk deze uit d.m.v. uitleg en/of voorbeelden.
Hokje 4: Conclusie. Deze begint met de Thesis statement (rephrase) en wordt aangevuld
met de twee argumenten. Probeer deze zo kort mogelijk te formuleren en net
anders geformuleerd t.o.v. alinea’s 2 en 3. Na deze beknopte samenvatting sluit je
af met een pakkende slotzin waarin je mening duidelijk wordt: I think/I believe/in my
opinion
Titel: Deze bedenk je pas wanneer je hele essay af is. Je titel mag geen hele zin of de
Thesis Statement zijn!
Let op:
Zoals je ziet komt de TS terug in de eerste zin van elke body paragraph en de conclusie,
maar is deze steeds anders verwoord. Dit moet je ook doen in de toets!
Maak gebruik van voegwoorden (Also, furthermore, however, nevertheless, yet, moreover,
for example/instance, despite, etc.) Gebruik nooit de woorden ‘and’, ‘so’ en ‘but’ aan het
begin van een zin! Deze woorden kunnen alleen in het midden van een zin staan!
Gebruik geen contractions (samentrekkingen) zoals ‘don’t, shouldn’t, I’m, can’t’, maar
schrijf alle woorden uit, dus ‘do not, should not, I am, cannot.’
Maak gebruik van je woordenboek! Niet alleen om woorden te vertalen, maar ook om
voorbeeldzinnen te vinden. Hieruit leer je namelijk hoe dit woord grammaticaal gebruikt
moet worden. Voorbeeld: je zoekt op ‘feliciteren’ in je woordenboek Ne-En. Hierin staat
niet alleen de vertaling ‘congratulate’, maar ook de grammaticale regel dat je het
voorzetsel ‘on’ moet gebruiken, en niet ‘with’: She congratulated him on his new job.
Gebruik ca. 55 - 65 woorden per alinea!
13
Assignment 3: Practise essay assignment about mobile phones
14
Example essay: Gun Laws
No Second Amendment
The history of the United States is riddled with violent skirmishes in which arms had
a prominent role. In the Wild West, the only way of protection for settlers was to
employ firearms. However, nowadays gun violence has turned out to be a serious
problem in society. Therefore, gun laws in the USA should be reformed.
First of all, gun laws in the USA should be reformed because the current legislation
allows mentally unstable people to carry arms and to cause unnecessary
damage to public life. The countless examples of gun violence in malls and school
are a good example. Furthermore, last year around 10,000 people died of gun
violence in the US alone, while the rest of the world saw fatalities ranging in the
numbers of 5,000 in total. This is a shocking discrepancy.
Lastly, gun laws in the USA should be reformed as the US police forces are more
than capable of defending the citizens. Undeniably, ever since the unification of the
US, police forces have been provided with ample means to protect and defend the
population. Consequently, they have no need for guns anymore.
Words: 245
15
Example essay: Homework in Schools
Unnecessary Homework
All over the world, teachers set assignments for students, to reinforce the learning
process. However, after primary school, the onset of puberty has a strong negative
effect on independent learning. Hence, setting homework tasks in secondary
education should be abolished for two reasons.
Lastly, homework should be forbidden because the time that students spend in
school is long enough for all necessary learning to occur. Starting at 08:30 and
ending at 17:00 on average, the learning days are long and intensive, and, indeed,
many schoolchildren are tired at the end of a long school day. Consequently, it is
unfair to demand even more of these hard-working teenagers, as they also deserve
play time.
Words: 220
16