{"id":2994,"date":"2020-04-02T20:07:36","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T20:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/coreqenglish1\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=2994"},"modified":"2025-02-05T02:26:07","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T02:26:07","slug":"common-essay-structures","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/common-essay-structures\/","title":{"raw":"Common Essay Structures","rendered":"Common Essay Structures"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Examine the structure and organization of common types of essays<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Suggested Essay Structure<\/h2>\r\nWhat are we talking about when we talk about <em>essay structures<\/em>? Depending on the assignment, you will need to utilize different ways to organize your essays. Some common layouts for essay organization are listed below, and if you are ever confused on which structure you should use for your assignment, ask your teacher for help.\r\n<h3>Argumentative Essay<\/h3>\r\nIn an argumentative essay, you are asked to take a stance about an issue.\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">One effective way to argue a point can be to present the opposing view first, usually in your introduction paragraph, then counter this view with stronger evidence in your essay.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Argumentative Essay: Block Format<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Introduction<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">provides background information on the topic<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">states of your position on the topic (thesis)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">summarizes arguments\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Body paragraphs<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">paragraph 1<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the first claim<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support the topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">paragraph 2 (or more)<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the second claim<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>paragraph 3: rebuttal\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Topic sentence outlining any possible counterarguments<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Provide evidence to refute counterarguments<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Conclusion<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Summary of the main points of the body<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Restatement of the\u00a0position<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">You can also explain your argument and claims, then address the opposing view at the end of your paper, or you could address opposing views one at a time, including the rebuttal throughout your paper.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis type of format works well for topics that have obvious pros and cons.\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Argumentative Essay: Rebuttal Throughout<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Introduction and Thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Body Paragraphs\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Paragraph 1\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Topic sentence outlining first rebuttal<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Opposing Viewpoint<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Rebuttal Argument\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Statistics and facts to support your side<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Transition<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Paragraph 2 (or more)\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Topic sentence outlining first rebuttal<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Opposing Viewpoint<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Rebuttal Argument\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Statistics and facts to support your side<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Transition<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Conclusion\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Summary of the main arguments and counterarguments\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Restatement of the\u00a0position<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3>The Comparative Essay<\/h3>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">Comparative essays\u00a0<em>compare<\/em>, <em>compare and contrast<\/em>, or <em>differentiate<\/em> between things and concepts. In this structure, the similarities and\/or differences between two or more items (for example, theories or models) are discussed paragraph by paragraph. Your assignment task may require you to make a recommendation about the suitability of the items you are comparing.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span class=\"s1\">There are two basic formats for the compare\/contrast essay: <strong>block<\/strong> or <strong>point-by-point<\/strong>. <\/span>\r\n\r\n<span class=\"s1\">Block divides the essay in half with the first set of paragraphs covering one item, the other set of paragraphs covering the other item. Let's take a look at an example about cameras. If the writer is contrasting a Nikon DSLR camera with a similarly priced Canon DSLR camera, the first set of paragraphs would cover Nikon and the next set would cover Canon.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Comparative Essay:\u00a0Block Method<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Introduction and thesis<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Body Paragraph\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Nikon D7000\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Price<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Image Quality<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shutter Speed<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Auto-focus System<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Body Paragraph\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Canon 60D\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Price<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Image Quality<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shutter Speed<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Auto-focus System<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Conclusion<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">In point-by-point, the writer would cover the two items alternating in each point of comparison.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Comparative Essay: Point-by-Point Method<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Introduction<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Body Paragraphs\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Price\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Image Quality\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shutter Speed\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Auto-focus System\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Conclusion<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3>Cause and Effect Essay<\/h3>\r\n<span class=\"s1\">Examples of cause-and-effect essays include questions that ask you to state or investigate the effects or outline the causes of the topic. This may be, for example, a historical event, the implementation of a policy, a medical condition, or a natural disaster. These essays may be structured in one of two ways: either the causes(s) of a situation may be discussed first followed by the effect(s), or the effect(s) could come first with the discussion working back to outline the cause(s). Sometimes with cause and effect essays, you are required to give an assessment of the overall effects of an event on a community, a workplace, an individual.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Cause and Effect Essay Format<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><span class=\"s1\">Introduction<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Background information on the situation under discussion<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Description of the situation<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Overview of the causes or effects to be outlined<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Body paragraphs<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Paragraph 1<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the first cause or effect<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support the topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 linking to the next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Paragraph 2 (or more)<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the second cause or effect<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 linking to the next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Following body paragraphs<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">These follow the same structure for as many causes or effects as you need to outline<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Conclusion<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Summary of the main points of the body<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Conclusion, prediction, or recommendation<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<span style=\"color: #077fab; font-size: 1.15em; font-weight: 600;\">Mixed Structure Assignment<\/span>\r\n\r\nFinally, consider that some essay assignments may ask you to combine approaches. You will rarely follow the above outlines with exactness, but can use the outlines and templates of common rhetorical patterns to help shape your essay. Remember that the ultimate goal is to construct a smooth and coherent message with information that flows nicely from one paragraph to the next.\r\n\r\nThere are several different styles to choose from when constructing a mixed-structure essay. The table below gives an idea of what different roles paragraphs can play in a mixed-structure essay assignment.\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 140px;\" border=\"1\"><caption>The Different Roles Paragraphs Play in a Mixed-structure Essay<\/caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Type of Paragraph<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px; text-align: center;\"><strong>The Roles of Paragraph<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Narration<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Introductions<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To tell a story that makes a point<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give background on people or event<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To show a sequence of events<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Process<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To show steps of action<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To explain how to do something<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Example or illustration<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To clarify a point of concept<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give a picture or specific instance<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To make the abstract real<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Analogy<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To compare scenarios<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To compare to a settled outcome<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To compare one event to another, very different one<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Definition<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To clarify meaning<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To set a foundation of an argument<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give background<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Comparison or contrast<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To draw distinctions between items<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To find common ground<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Description<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give details<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To create a picture<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Cause or effect<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To lead from one item to another<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To argue the logic of evidence of action<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Classification or division<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To put items in categories<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To clarify comparison of items in a category<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To divide items by characteristics<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<div><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/78f139ba-705c-4fb7-b7ce-0cae3d9f4c72\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Examine the structure and organization of common types of essays<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Suggested Essay Structure<\/h2>\n<p>What are we talking about when we talk about <em>essay structures<\/em>? Depending on the assignment, you will need to utilize different ways to organize your essays. Some common layouts for essay organization are listed below, and if you are ever confused on which structure you should use for your assignment, ask your teacher for help.<\/p>\n<h3>Argumentative Essay<\/h3>\n<p>In an argumentative essay, you are asked to take a stance about an issue.\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">One effective way to argue a point can be to present the opposing view first, usually in your introduction paragraph, then counter this view with stronger evidence in your essay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Argumentative Essay: Block Format<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Introduction<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">provides background information on the topic<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">states of your position on the topic (thesis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">summarizes arguments\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Body paragraphs<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">paragraph 1<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the first claim<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support the topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">paragraph 2 (or more)<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the second claim<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 link to next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>paragraph 3: rebuttal\n<ul>\n<li>Topic sentence outlining any possible counterarguments<\/li>\n<li>Provide evidence to refute counterarguments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Conclusion<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Summary of the main points of the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Restatement of the\u00a0position<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">You can also explain your argument and claims, then address the opposing view at the end of your paper, or you could address opposing views one at a time, including the rebuttal throughout your paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This type of format works well for topics that have obvious pros and cons.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Argumentative Essay: Rebuttal Throughout<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Introduction and Thesis<\/li>\n<li>Body Paragraphs\n<ol>\n<li>Paragraph 1\n<ol>\n<li>Topic sentence outlining first rebuttal<\/li>\n<li>Opposing Viewpoint<\/li>\n<li>Rebuttal Argument\n<ol>\n<li>Statistics and facts to support your side<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Transition<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Paragraph 2 (or more)\n<ol>\n<li>Topic sentence outlining first rebuttal<\/li>\n<li>Opposing Viewpoint<\/li>\n<li>Rebuttal Argument\n<ol>\n<li>Statistics and facts to support your side<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Transition<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Conclusion\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Summary of the main arguments and counterarguments\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Restatement of the\u00a0position<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Comparative Essay<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Comparative essays\u00a0<em>compare<\/em>, <em>compare and contrast<\/em>, or <em>differentiate<\/em> between things and concepts. In this structure, the similarities and\/or differences between two or more items (for example, theories or models) are discussed paragraph by paragraph. Your assignment task may require you to make a recommendation about the suitability of the items you are comparing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">There are two basic formats for the compare\/contrast essay: <strong>block<\/strong> or <strong>point-by-point<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Block divides the essay in half with the first set of paragraphs covering one item, the other set of paragraphs covering the other item. Let&#8217;s take a look at an example about cameras. If the writer is contrasting a Nikon DSLR camera with a similarly priced Canon DSLR camera, the first set of paragraphs would cover Nikon and the next set would cover Canon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Comparative Essay:\u00a0Block Method<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Introduction and thesis<\/li>\n<li>Body Paragraph\n<ol>\n<li>Nikon D7000\n<ol>\n<li>Price<\/li>\n<li>Image Quality<\/li>\n<li>Shutter Speed<\/li>\n<li>The Auto-focus System<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Body Paragraph\n<ol>\n<li>Canon 60D\n<ol>\n<li>Price<\/li>\n<li>Image Quality<\/li>\n<li>Shutter Speed<\/li>\n<li>The Auto-focus System<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Conclusion<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">In point-by-point, the writer would cover the two items alternating in each point of comparison.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Comparative Essay: Point-by-Point Method<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Introduction<\/li>\n<li>Body Paragraphs\n<ol>\n<li>Price\n<ol>\n<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\n<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Image Quality\n<ol>\n<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\n<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Shutter Speed\n<ol>\n<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\n<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>The Auto-focus System\n<ol>\n<li>Nikon D7000<\/li>\n<li>Canon 60D<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Conclusion<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Cause and Effect Essay<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Examples of cause-and-effect essays include questions that ask you to state or investigate the effects or outline the causes of the topic. This may be, for example, a historical event, the implementation of a policy, a medical condition, or a natural disaster. These essays may be structured in one of two ways: either the causes(s) of a situation may be discussed first followed by the effect(s), or the effect(s) could come first with the discussion working back to outline the cause(s). Sometimes with cause and effect essays, you are required to give an assessment of the overall effects of an event on a community, a workplace, an individual.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Cause and Effect Essay Format<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Introduction<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Background information on the situation under discussion<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Description of the situation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Overview of the causes or effects to be outlined<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Body paragraphs<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Paragraph 1<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the first cause or effect<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support the topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 linking to the next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Paragraph 2 (or more)<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Topic sentence outlining the second cause or effect<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Concluding sentence \u2013 linking to the next paragraph<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Following body paragraphs<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">These follow the same structure for as many causes or effects as you need to outline<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Conclusion<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Summary of the main points of the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Conclusion, prediction, or recommendation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #077fab; font-size: 1.15em; font-weight: 600;\">Mixed Structure Assignment<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Finally, consider that some essay assignments may ask you to combine approaches. You will rarely follow the above outlines with exactness, but can use the outlines and templates of common rhetorical patterns to help shape your essay. Remember that the ultimate goal is to construct a smooth and coherent message with information that flows nicely from one paragraph to the next.<\/p>\n<p>There are several different styles to choose from when constructing a mixed-structure essay. The table below gives an idea of what different roles paragraphs can play in a mixed-structure essay assignment.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 140px;\">\n<caption>The Different Roles Paragraphs Play in a Mixed-structure Essay<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Type of Paragraph<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px; text-align: center;\"><strong>The Roles of Paragraph<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Narration<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Introductions<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To tell a story that makes a point<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give background on people or event<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To show a sequence of events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Process<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To show steps of action<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To explain how to do something<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Example or illustration<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To clarify a point of concept<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give a picture or specific instance<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To make the abstract real<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Analogy<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To compare scenarios<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To compare to a settled outcome<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To compare one event to another, very different one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Definition<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To clarify meaning<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To set a foundation of an argument<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give background<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Comparison or contrast<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To draw distinctions between items<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To find common ground<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Description<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To give details<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To create a picture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Cause or effect<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To lead from one item to another<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To argue the logic of evidence of action<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 14px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">Classification or division<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 14px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To put items in categories<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To clarify comparison of items in a category<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To divide items by characteristics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_78f139ba-705c-4fb7-b7ce-0cae3d9f4c72\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/78f139ba-705c-4fb7-b7ce-0cae3d9f4c72?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_78f139ba-705c-4fb7-b7ce-0cae3d9f4c72\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"menu_order":14,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"d6e70fea-3b61-47dd-8d81-e57342604a20, 23925695-d27e-4fa2-b77c-b383728a047d","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-2994","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":240,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2994\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6157,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2994\/revisions\/6157"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/240"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2994\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=2994"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=2994"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=2994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}