EL 3E WA1 Notes

Part 1: Essay Writing Theory Introduction An exposition is a piece of writing that explains and conveys information while being reflective requires us to ponder over a matter. Thus, in a reflective exposition, you describe and evaluate your experiences and then explain how you draw lessons from them. Format Paragraph 1 Introduction Paragraph 2 Rising Action Paragraph 3 Climax Paragraph 4 Post-Climax / Reflection Paragraph 5 Conclusion / Reflection Reflecting & Evaluating Life Experiences ● Ask yourself the following questions as you consider your experiences: 1. What have I done right? 2. What mistakes have I made? 3. What could I have done differently? 4. What other perspectives are there to this issue? 5. What are my strengths and weaknesses? 6. What do I truly cherish in life? 7. What are my goals? 8. How do I feel about what I am going through? ● We usually evaluate our experiences in light of our personal values and that of the society that we are in. Personal values are deep-seated beliefs we hold about life and its purpose. Values provide an internal reference to what is good, important and beneficial to guide decision making. The table below gives some examples of personal values. Self Health Esteem Recognition Joyfulness Fun Contentment Exercise Self-discipline Beauty Purpose Passion Happiness Calmness Tranquility Freedom Safety Comfort Adventure Others Love Family Connection

Intimacy Teamwork Respect Friendship Belonging Relationships Praise Tolerance Forgiveness Environment Conservation Nature Sacredness Permaculture Self-sufficiency Awe Recycling Tidiness Sustainability Harmony Wonder Care Learning Lifelong learning Stimulation Challenge Education Consciousness Discovery Curiosity Variety Critical thinking Growth Insightfulness Skillfulness Achieving Achieving goals Financial security Have a go Persistence Confidence Goal setting Faith Make a difference Security Lateral thinking Excellence Creativity Community Humanity Peace Contribution Responsibility Honesty Integrity Usefulness Legacy Charity Justice Fairness Freedom General Guidelines 1 Write from a first-person point of view 2 Use twists and unexpected events to engage the readers 3 Personal feelings and resolutions must be included in the essay 4 Storylines must be original and have a sense of maturity and realism 5 Avoid run-out-of-the-mill storylines that sound like primary school essays Introductory Paragraph - Thesis Statement

Thesis statement should be at the end of your introduction to signpost where you are going with your essay. ● Tell readers what the composition is about ● Responds directly to the topic ● Be formulated in a sentence ● Be given in the opening paragraph 4 Ways The Thesis Statement Responds to the Topic Answers the question and states the main idea of the composition Topic: What problems do young people like you face? (Personal expository composition) Problems are part and parcel of life. We all faced various problems in different phases of our lives. Adults have their own set of problems and so do young people. Some say youth is the most difficult phase one has to go through. Indeed, a host of problems awaits the youngsters straddled between childhood and adulthood. Topic: What are the advantages and disadvantages of large families? (Factual expository composition) Large families are generally a thing of the past, especially in modern societies like Singapore. The idea of having more than three children is typically shunned here because of the high cost of raising children and the harried pace of life. Just as there are two sides to every coin, there are advantages and disadvantages to large families. Answers the composition topic by stating your stand Topic: ‘Everyone should sometimes do things that he does not enjoy doing’. Do you agree with this statement? (Argumentative composition) Some things ensure our emotional and physical well- being and we ought to do them though they may not be fun. Even if something may seem boring and meaningless, we should try it at least once to find out for ourselves what it can teach us. The recent Secondary three camp is a perfect example of an event that some of us might not enjoy but it is definitely meaningful and memorable for all of us. BLANK Reiterates the topic and tells Topic: Write about some kinds of books you enjoy reading. (Personal expository composition)

readers what the composition is about When one is lonely, the perfect companion is a book. A book can fill your hours with delight as you escape into other worlds and vicariously live the lives of the characters within the pages. Amidst the bustle and hustle of daily living, a book can ease our minds and offer escape from the noise of the world. I love reading. The kinds of books I most enjoy are fantasy, thrillers and science fiction. Topic: Describe your favourite place in your house. (Descriptive composition) When I started studying in Secondary one, my family decided to convert the guest room into a study for me. Since then, I have spent most of my time there and I have developed strong feeling for this sanctuary of mine. When I return home from school, I go to the study right away. As soon as I enter this room, I feel myself leaving behind the stress of the day and entering a realm of tranquillity. The study is truly my favourite place in my house. Shows how you interpret the topic, how you will approach it and what aspects you will cover Topic: Write about an important gift in your life. We all receive gifts every now and then. We sometimes receive gifts on special occasions like a birthday. When we do well for an examination, we may also receive a present from our parents. Then there are holidays such as Christmas when we shower our friends and family with gifts to show our love for them. Few of us forget the special gifts we have received, for gifts have a significant place in our hearts. One such gift was my favourite teddy bear from my late maternal grandmother. Variation in Thesis Statements General VS Comprehensive thesis statement General Thesis Statement Problems are parts and parcels of life. We all faced various problems in different phases of our lives. Adults have their own set of problems and so do young people. Some say youth is the most difficult phase one has to go through. Indeed, a host of problems awaits the youngsters straddled between childhood and adulthood. Comprehensive Thesis Statement Problems are part and parcel of life. We all faced various

problems in different phases of our lives. Adults have their own set of problems and so do young people. Some say youth is the most difficult phase one has to go through. The problems that beset the young centre around generation gap, school and peer pressure issues. Two-sentence Thesis statements A thesis statement is usually given in one sentence. But a two sentence thesis may help narrow the focus further. This example names three specific areas the writer wants to address in the composition. Problems are parts and parcels of life. We all faced various problems in different phases of our lives. Adults have their own set of problems and so do young people. Some say youth is the most difficult phase one has to go through. Some problems young people face centre around generation gap between them and their parents. School-related difficulties also beset youngsters as does peer pressure. This example gives a broad thesis statement first and then gives a sneak preview of the main points. Problems are parts and parcels of life. We all faced various problems in different phases of our lives. Adults have their own set of problems and so do young people. Some say youth is the most difficult phase one has to go through. Indeed, a host