The elements of an essay include unity and coherence. A good essay must meet the two requirements.
1. Unity
Unity means that each paragraph has only one main idea (expressed in the topic sentences) and that all other sentences and details in that paragraph revolve around that main idea.
If a sentence or detail does not adhere closely to the central idea expressed in the topic sentence, it does not belong in that paragraph. Unity is the idea that all parts of the writing work to achieve the same goal: proving the thesis. Just as the content of a paragraph should focus on a topic sentence, the content of an essay must focus on the thesis. The introduction paragraph introduces the thesis, the body paragraphs each have a proof point (topic sentence) with content that proves the thesis, and the concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis.
Unity means that the entire points made are related to the main point; they are unified in support of the main point (Anker, 2010, p. 107). In an essay, topic sentences usually begin the body paragraphs and generally reflect the major divisions of the outline. Here we can use the transitional signal. There are points about unity: (a) Maintain a definite physical point of view and mood. (b) Choose details carefully.
Make sure that the sentences in each paragraph relate to the topic sentence. Also make certain that each paragraph relates back to the introductory paragraph. (c) Use the word ‘however’
to show opposite points of view.
2. Coherence
An essay must have coherence. The sentences must flow smoothly and logically from one to the next as they support the purpose of each paragraph in proving the thesis. Coherence in writing means that all of the support connects to form a whole. In other words, even when the points and details are assembled in an order that makes sense, they still need
‘glue’ to connect them. Coherence in writing helps readers see how one point leads to another. Individual ideas should be connected to make a clear whole. A coherent paragraph flows smoothly from beginning to end. Three ways to give paragraph coherence are using nouns and pronouns consistently throughout a paragraph, using transition signals to show relationships among ideas, and setting ideas into some kind of logical order, such as logical division.
Transitional signals are connecting words or phrases that strengthen the internal cohesion and coherence in our writing. They show the relationships between the parts of a sentence, between the sentences in a paragraph, or between the paragraphs in a longer piece of writing. Not only that, transitional signals are connecting words and phrases that link
sentences and paragraphs together so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between the ideas. A good way to improve coherence is to use transitions (Anker, 2010, p. 111).
The transitional signals are usually placed at or near the beginning of a sentence to indicate the relationship between the new sentence and the one preceding it. Usually, such words or phrases are set off with commas. Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that act like bridges between parts of the writing. They link the sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. Transition signals act like signposts to indicate to the reader the order and flow of the writing and ideas.
They strengthen the internal cohesion of writing. A good essay should be cohesive.
Coherence is the logical arrangement of ideas. The supporting ideas and sentences in a paper must be organized so that they cohere or stick together. Coherence is achieved through the logical arrangement of ideas. If the readers are expected to be able to follow our ideas and understand our arguments, we should compose our sentences in paragraphs smoothly and logically connect to each other.
Here, coherence can be increased through three devices.
First, we can repeat key words to carry concepts from one sentence to another and to relate important terms. Second, we can use pronouns to refer back to key nouns in previous sentences. Third, we can use transitional expressions to show chronological sequence (then, next, afterward, and so forth), cause and effect (as a result, therefore), addition (first, second, third, furthermore), and contrast (however, but, nevertheless).
6 Underlying Theory On Expository Essay
E
xposition is one of the four basic types of essays (narration, description, and argumentation are the three). The purpose of exposition is to clarify, explain and inform. Expository writing explains and informs. It presents information and does not argue for or against a point or seek to defend an opinion. Encyclopedia articles are examples of expository writing.The expository essay mind map is illustrated in Figure 9.
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Figure 9. The expository essay mind map
The study will focus on expository essays, which is developed in five types of developments: illustration exposition,
Source: https://studentsacademichelp.quora.com Figure 9. The expository essay mind map
The study will focus on expository essays, which is developed in five types of developments: illustration exposition, classification exposition, cause effect exposition, process exposition, and comparison and contrast exposition.
There are general characteristics of expository writing: (a) it
117 seeks to inform readers about a specific subject. (b) It presents information efficiently. Consider who your audience is and what they will already know about the subject and thus what you still need to explain. You do not want to bore or overwhelm your reader. (c) It tries to engage the reader’s interest. Although the main point of an expository essay is not to entertain, but rather to instruct and inform, you cannot do that if your reader is so bored s/he is asleep. (d) It relies almost exclusively on established information. Don’t forget to acknowledge your sources, use quotation marks correctly and document all of your sources. (e) It does not include the author’s experiences or feelings. f) It does not express an opinion to be defined. The material is presented in a direct and unbiased way. Many believe that choosing the topic of the essay is the first and most important step in the process.
The first step that the author should make is to determine the type of essay he/she is going to write.
Here, the writers should determine the patterns of development in essay writing, as illustrated in Figure 10.
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Figure 10. The patterns of development in essay writing There are, at least, five models of pattern developed in this study: illustration, classification, process, cause effect, and comparison and contrast essays, as described below.
1. The Illustration Essay
An illustration essay is a kind of informative writing, whose purpose is to demonstrate that particular thing exists and acts in a certain way (https://edubirdie.com/blog/illustration-essay).
An illustration essay is also known as exemplification essay. It means that an author needs to summarize empirical data and include their definition. An illustration essay is structured around the goal of using examples to make a point in an essay.
The writers may use various examples to support the essay, but they must make sure that their examples are relevant, strong, and properly used. It is not a discovery of something brand-new, just a summary of experiences by providing vivid examples that clarify the issue.
Source: https://pressbooks.pub Figure 10. The patterns of development in essay writing
There are, at least, five models of pattern developed in this study: illustration, classification, process, cause effect, and comparison and contrast essays, as described below.