1. PES/ENG/XI/126
(Please show animations relating the topics)
A PUNJAB EDUSAT SOCIETY PRODUCTION
Subject English
Class XII
Module Essay Writing
Chapter Essay Writing -1
ANCHOR
Good morning students.
How you all are doing?
How is your practice of essay writing going on?
Did you face any difficulty? If so, you can ask your queries.
Well children always remember that to master any language you need to be skillful in 4
aspects i.e.
• Writing
• Reading
• Listening and
• Speaking
Here our concern is writing.
But you can only be a good writer if you have knowledge of that language that means
 If you are good in expressing yourself,
 If you read lot of content in that language
 If you speak that language quite regularly
 And if you listen things in that language.
This all is necessary to enhance your understanding power in that language.
For example, you get essay to write on politics in India
You can write it but if you have read it further somewhere then it will be easier to write
for you. Thus, to be a good writer try and keep yourself surrounded by that particular
language.
Well let us begin our studies now.
First we will see our learning objectives.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In the following module
• Students will be given recapitulation of the previous classes.
• They will talk about
1. What is essay writing?
2. Why is it written?
3. How is it useful?
4. What is its structure?
JILIT -1-

2. PES/ENG/XI/126
5. How the content is selected?
6. What are its different types?
7. What is the difference between them?
• Students will go through some more examples not as proper essays but only
small parts of it to identify different types of essay.
• Through various questions they will also tell whether these lines are to be written
in the main content or no.
ANCHOR
Well students let us recall what we have studied in the previous class.
SUPER
What is essay writing?
ANCHOR
Essay writing is to express one’s ideas on a given subject. If you have ideas, half the
battle is won. To make our essay impressive, we have to organize our ideas. First of all
you should remember that
SUPDER
An essay has three main parts:
1. Introduction
2. Body / middle
3. Conclusion
1. Introduction:
It is the index of your ideas on the topic which you are going to discuss in the body of
the essay. It gives the fore taste of what is to come later. It can be started with
quotation, a question or a proverb.
2. Body / middle
This is the part where you discuss or explain your ideas on the subject. Each idea
should be expressed in a different paragraph. If the material is less two related ideas
can be packed in one paragraph.
3. Conclusion
It comes at the end. In this part you write down the conclusion of the subject which you
have discussed.
SUPER
What are key points to remember for writing an essay?
ANCHOR
When writing an essay, follow these basic steps:
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
• Select a topic: Be sure that you have enough ideas about the topic.
• Write Introducing lines
JILIT -2-

3. PES/ENG/XI/126
• Write all the ideas in points or out lines.
• Use simple, short and crisp sentences.
• Arrange the sentences systematically.
• New paragraph should be given to a new idea.
• A concluding paragraph should restate the thesis and divisions of the essay
bring the essay to an appropriate and effective close without digressing into new
issues.
ANCHOR
Well I expect that all the points would have come back in your mind.
First crucial step is to think about the topic for sometime. Then start writing your rough
notes.
Well students you need to understand the topic carefully. You have to decide what the
topic is expecting out of you. The basis of good writing is a clear understanding of what
you are trying to achieve.
If you have been given a specific question, you should begin by analyzing the
information it contains.
To do this, you will need to carefully examine the words of the question.
There are three kinds of words you should look for:
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
 content words which indicate the subject matter with which the essay should
deal;
 limiting words which specify the particular aspect or aspects of the subject on
which the essay should focus;
 Instruction words which tell you how to approach the topic.
ANCHOR
The following table lists some common instruction words and their meaning.
 analyse to separate and examine the main ideas and issues
 compare to look at, and identify similarities
 contrast to look at, and identify differences
 define explain the exact meaning of a word, term, theory, concept
or idea, using examples where helpful
 describe give details about something so that it can be understood
 discuss examine key points and possible interpretations; give
arguments for and against, and draw a conclusion
 evaluate give an opinion, supported by evidence, on the worth or
value of something
 examine similar to analyse
 explain give a detailed account of; give reasons for
 illustrate make something clear by providing details and examples
 interpret explain the meaning of something
 justify provide reasons and evidence for something; show that it is
reasonable
JILIT -3-

4. PES/ENG/XI/126
 outline indicate the principal features
 show demonstrate by examples
ANCHOR
To help you to understand how the process works in practice here are two examples.
Example One - Sports Studies
VOWITH TEXT ON SCREEN
Topic: Discuss the benefits and problems associated with exercise in the
elderly, children, and spinal cord injured.
Content word: exercise. This word indicates the main subject of your essay.
Limiting words: benefits, problems, elderly, children, spinal cord injured. These
words narrow the scope of the topic. They tell you that you should
concentrate on the benefits and problems of exercise and that you
should focus your attention on three groups: the elderly, children
and the spinal cord injured.
Instruction word: discuss. This word implies that there are different views on the
subject of exercise, and asks you to use your judgment to assess
the extent to which exercise benefits the groups mentioned and the
extent to which it poses problems for them.
ANCHOR
Example Two - Nursing Practice
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
Topic: There is a body of opinion which holds that the only way in which
nursing practice can advance will be to encroach into some areas
of medical practice.
Discuss.
Content words: nursing practice, medical practice and body of opinion. These
indicate that you will be expected to look at nursing practice within
the wider context of medical practice, and that you will need to
locate and examine the literature containing the body of opinion
referred to.
Limiting words: only way, advance and encroach. These indicate that you should
focus on a particular aspect of the topic which is the view that the
only way that progress can take place in nursing practice is if
nurses take on a more "medical" role.
Instruction word: discuss. This indicates that you are expected to examine the pros
and cons of this view and not merely to look for evidence to support
it.
ANCHOR
JILIT -4-

5. PES/ENG/XI/126
Well students these two examples will help you in writing your essay on the basis of
these two examples.
Now I am going to SHOW YOU ESSAY WITH DIFFERENT TYPE OF TOPIC.
If you could go back to some time and…
VOWITH TEXT ON SCREEN
…place in the past, when and where would you go? Why? Use specific reasons and
details to support your choice .
If time travel were possible, I would certainly want to go back to the year that I
graduated high school. This time was filled with excitement, carelessness, and hope for
the future.
The prospect of graduating high school and becoming one of the elite was definitely a
magical period of time. Most of my high school classes were complete and preparations
were being made for the prom. My friends and I though we could conquer the world. All
of the responsibilities of adulthood certainly lay in our future.
After graduation, that carefree summer was filled with amusement. Daily trips to the
beach and hanging out with friends at different bars at night, made me wish this time
would never end. My buddies and I often talked about our plans for college and how
easy life would be once we graduated with a degree. There would be time enough to
deal with life’s problems later on.
Looking towards the future probably wasn’t the best thing to do at the time. Stepping
back and enjoying the present would have made more sense. If only I knew then what I
know now, with age comes wisdom and with memories comes nostalgia.
Finally, that marvelous age of transition from youth to adulthood would be the period I
would most like to return to. Show me the way to the time machine!
ANCHOR
Students can you tell which type of essay is it?
Try and think about it.
Now next we will see one essay which is quite contrary to the first image of the topic.
Topic is PARENTS.
Now you must be expecting that here writer is going to talk about missing his parents,
will appreciate his parents for their love and support, will talk about their daily life etc.
Let us see whether writer writes according to our expectation or no.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
“Parents”. I consider mine as my flat mates these days because we do not spend
much time together. We are four people living in a house together but we even eat our
dinners separately because everybody comes home at different times and we are busy
JILIT -5-

6. PES/ENG/XI/126
all the time. What I remember from the old days is my two grown up flat mates are two
different characters. I have no idea why they still live together.
They are pretty much the same in physical appearance. They both have fair
complexions which is typical of Caucasians. They should be thin if we consider this
“type” but they are not. Actually they were but I can’t remember those days.
They have different personalities. My father is moody and pretty much aggressive just
like me. He has obsessions, like everything should be perfect. On the other hand, my
mother never cares about what she is doing and she has what we will call the patience
of a saint. Whenever my father gets angry and starts shouting, my mother goes, “Ergun,
why are you shouting?” with a very calm voice.
What they really can’t get along about is their tastes in life. My mother loves
spending money. She can spend her whole day going around the stores shopping while
my father is sitting at home reading newspapers and books or watching documentaries
on TV.
Although my parents are very different from each other, they came to an agreement and
that is not being a parent for me any more. They never worry about me when I am
late and they never interfere in my choices. I think from now on they will work on my
brother, my poor little brother.
ANCHOR
Children can you feel agony of the writer. How easily he has written about his pain. He
is trying to keep himself normal whereas his writing is so perfect that it is evoking all
emotions.
This should be the way to write the correct essay.
Now children there are some special tips for you to remember which you don’t have to
do.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
: Helpful Essay Hints -- Mistakes to avoid
ANCHOR
Students make a variety of errors in their writing. What follows is a list of things to avoid
that weaken your essays, and are actually considered wrong in essay writing.
1. DON’T MENTION THE ESSAY ITSELF.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
eg. “After reading this essay…” or “In my essay…” or “In this essay…”
ANCHOR
JILIT -6-

7. PES/ENG/XI/126
2. DON’T MENTION ANY PART OF THE ESSAY.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
eg. “In this paragraph…” or “This paragraph will discuss…” or “In the next
paragraph” or “The body of this essay…”
ANCHOR
3. DON'T USE "LIKE" IN YOUR ESSAY WHEN YOU INTEND TO PROVIDE AN
EXAMPLE OR CLARIFY SOMETHING.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
e.g. This happens many times throughout the novel like when...
Use "for example" or "for instance" or "such as"
e.g. This happens many times throughout the novel; for instance, when...
*Note punctuation.
ANCHOR
4. DON’T JUST STATE A FACT IN YOUR THESIS STATEMENT; DIRECT YOUR
ESSAY.
VOWITH TEXT ON SCREEN
eg. “Golf is the best sport.” This thesis statement doesn’t direct your
essay. “Golf is the best sport for a variety of reasons” does. (see exercise
4 "writing thesis statements")
ANCHOR
5. DON’T START YOUR ESSAY WITH ONLY A THESIS STATEMENT. YOU MUST
HAVE AN INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH.
ANCHOR
6. MAKE SURE EACH PARAGRAPH HAS A MINIMUM OF 3 SENTENCES IN IT.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
Each sentence should relate only to whatever “reason” or “evidence” you are presenting
in that paragraph. (Don't confuse sentences with lines!)
ANCHOR
7. MAKE SURE YOUR ESSAY HAS A MINIMUM OF FIVE PARAGRAPHS TOTAL.
SUPER
We will see few more examples to further go through essay writing.
ANCHOR
TOPIC
If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would
you
Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
JILIT -7-

8. PES/ENG/XI/126
Everyone has some fond memories of their past. Each one of us wish to go back in
time to enjoy those days again, though we know that it is not practically possible.
I would love to go back in time and place and try to relive the days before I got
married. I would want to spend more time with my parents and sister. Enjoy the
freedom I had in taking some decisions. I would enjoy doing the same things I used to
do,like going to the college, having fun with my friends without having the pressure of
going back home soon and look after my husband and kids. I used to enjoy the cool
breeze of the small town, where I come from. There was no pollution, no traffic. The
flowers would be in full bloom at this time of the year.The night skies would be clear with
twinkling stars and the bright moon.
Right now, though I enjoy my life to the fullest, I am the one who is taking care of
everyone at home, with no time left for myself. In the days before my marriage, I had
my mother to take care of me, when I was sick she would sit beside me, rubbing my
forehead and soothing me. I would immediately feel better. These days, even if I am
sick,I have to cook and clean and there is no one to even share my pain with. I had
some financial burden then too but it was not as it is now. I have this constant feeling of
pressure to work hard and earn more so that tomorrow my children pursue whatever
they want to without thinking about money and if they can afford it or not. And the busy
city life, the roads filled with dirt, the polluted air that gets into my? lungs cloaking me at
times. I don’t have many friends here as I moved here recently and people are so that
no one finds time to socialize.
But realistically, I am a more confident person than I was in those days. I don’t feel I
am being watched upon by my mother. I love the house I have now, which is my own,
my children and my husband. I am content with the success I have in my career. It is
only when I am tired of the monotony and the pressure of adult life that I would like to go
back in time and place to the days before my marriage and to my home town, relax
under a tree and enjoy the cool pure breeze.
ANCHOR
Well children I have highlighted main idea for you so that it is easy for you to understand
the essay.
ANCHOR
EXAMPLE2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Dancing plays an important role in a culture
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
VO WITH TEXT ON SCREEN
Every nation has typical customs and habits. They preserve its origin and keep the
traditions alive trough the years. Each country has a national dance and typical
national music. I can say that the dance is the most common art form in the world.
JILIT -8-

9. PES/ENG/XI/126
In old times people used to do special rituals to make bad spirits and forces go away.
In the beginning they were just strange movements, which were later conducted by a
rhythm and grew up in to dances. In my country we have a special custom called
“Kukeri”. It takes part every year on a particular day during the spring: people with
strange costumes and ugly, scary masks dance and sing for fertility and health. As far
as I know, there are similar customs also in other countries.
In the past, people used to dance also for fun. They just got together and amused
themselves with group dances, which later became national dances, part of the so
called national culture. Bulgarian national dances are called “horo” and “ruchenica”.
Our dancers are famous all around the world with them. Dancing really plays a
special role in culture not only because it is a special way to preserve it, but also
because of the marvelous way that it puts so many art forms together. For
example: for dancing we need music, for music we need singers and players, the
national dances are usually performed with special national costumes?
We can easily observe how elegant and without any notion dance makes people
develop their imagination and creativity, which later reflect into their national culture.
Nowadays people continue using the dance for amusement. Modern music makes for
instance the rap and techno dancing fashion almost everywhere around the world.
This is a product of the globalization. However, people continue dancing their
national dances at special occasions and this keeps their culture alive.
ANCHOR
This essay talks about keeping our heritage alive by dance.
Students you can disagree with the statement also and write what you feel.
Well by now I expect from all of you to understand how to attempt essay writing.
Well best of luck for your writing.
JILIT -9-