Day Three: Basic EAP Essay Structure

For stability, you need structure. This is just as true in writing as it is in architecture or atomic structure. To give something structure means to arrange it or organize it based on a plan. In writing, planning leads to a more logical presentation of a central idea and its support. Today, we will be talking about the most basic EAP essay structure: the five paragraph essay. An outline can be found below: 

Day Four: EAP Essay Structure

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Describe and implement a basic five paragraph EAP essay structure
2. Describe the features of an effective EAP introduction and conclusion
3. Use the PIE-C technique to promote coherence and cohesion in their EAP writing
4. Use lexical signposts in their EAP writing to guide their readers 

I. Introduction

We will begin today's class by you telling me what you already know about EAP essay structure. With a partner, complete this short overview assignment activity. We will discuss the answers afterwards together as a class. 

II. Five Paragraph Essay

The five paragraph essay is the most basic form of EAP writing. It is taught in Freshman rhetoric/composition classes all over the U.S. This presentation provides a brief overview of the components of this type of essay. 

III. Practice Activities

In order to review the principles discussed in the overview PPT, I've created a few practice activities. I don't think we will have enough time to get through all of these activities in class today, but I wanted to put them up on the course website for any ambitious students interested in continuing there EAP writing practice outside of class! The links include: 

1. Thesis Statement Writing Practice (found here)
2. PIE-C Technique Practice (found here)
3. Characteristics of Effective EAP Essay Intros & Conclusions (found here)
4. Rewriting the Thesis Statement (found here)

-> New! This link takes you to an excellent resource filled with essential academic phrases and terms (organized by function and/or part of essay). 

Homework

To demonstrate your understanding of five paragraph essay structure, please write a brief (~250-500 words), five paragraph essay on the following topic: 

"Is drinking and driving a problem for teenagers?"

Your essay should: 

• Choose a side ("yes" or "no") and provide reasons to support your stance
• Include an appropriate introduction and conclusion
• Follow the five paragraph format
• Use formal academic tone
• Be proofread for errors before turning in

When you finish, title your essay, "TeenDrinking_YourName" and email it to me before class next Tuesday.