Writing an essay

1. Writing an essay Year 10 Sociology

2. Writing an essay Introduction E Engage your audience S State your contention P Preface your arguments

3. Writing an essay Introduction We live in a world that is fast-paced, ever-changing and adaptable. Some would say this is a good thing. But in this modern world, our traditional values are being compromised. Our ideas about family are changing and not for the better. There is wide debate about whether the nuclear family ideal should remain our single most important family structure. I believe it should. The nuclear family is by no means dead – it is alive and well and we need to preserve it. We need to ensure we honor this institution for generations to come by pointing out the long tradition attached to marriage and children, that economically our country benefits from the nuclear family structure and that traditional families have a positive impact on broader Australian society as a whole.

4. Writing an essay Body Paragraphs T Topic sentence E Evidence E Explanation L Link to contention

5. Writing an essay Body Paragraphs Since industrial times, we have aspired to the nuclear ideal because it is logical to organise ourselves in nuclear family units. Thompson (2005) says that ‘nuclear families are the single most important sociological institution of our time. Without the nuclear family, Australian society would lack both identity and character.’ What Thompson means is that our sense of identity as Australians is shaped most fundamentally by growing up in families with a mother and father present, and with siblings. Australian culture is very much about families and the traditional household. Without this, we are not just changed individuals but a changed nation. Therefore, the future of Australian society relies on continuing the family tradition and keeping the nuclear ideal strong.

6. Writing an essay Conclusion R Re-state your contention S Sum up your arguments L Lasting impression

7. Writing an essay Conclusion The nuclear family is the single-most important family structure in Modern Australia. We need the nuclear family to endure, despite our changing attitudes and diverse views. For the economic benefits it brings to Australia, nuclear families must remain fundamentally important. Marriage and children are essential to our happiness as individuals and as part of the nation. These traditions give us identity and dreams to aspire to, and help us to give back. We need to forget our modern obsession with technology, change and pace and just remember how important the traditional idea of ‘family’ is.

8. Writing an essay Linking words When introducing a speaker;eg. [Thompson] says that…, comments that…, makes the point that…, points out that…, argues that…, states that…, asserts that…, suggests that…, puts forward the idea that…, shows that… When explaining what a speaker has said;eg. What [Thompson] is saying is that…, What [he] means is…, In other words…, To put this simply…, This comment suggests…, This shows how…

9. Writing an essay Linking words To link sentences [and in some cases, paragraphs]; Yet…, however…, while…, on the other hand…, in contrast to…, similarly…, Consequently…, subsequently…, as a result of…, owing to…, because of…, Additionally…, in addition to…, also…, furthermore…, moreover…, Finally…, on a final note…, in summary…, in conclusion…,