Essay Writing
Essay Notes
A good essay plan helps you arrange your ideas logically and stay on track during the writing process.
Your plan should state how you're going to prove your argument, including the evidence you're going to use. Structure your plan around the different parts of an essay. To do this: * Write your argument in one sentence at the top of the page – you'll flesh this out into your introduction. * Write three or four key points that you think will support your argument. Try to write each point in one sentence. These will become your topic sentences. * Under each point, write down one or two examples from your research that support your point. These can be quotes, paraphrased text from reliable authors, etc. Remember to reference your examples when you write up your essay. * Finally, write the main point you want to leave in your reader's mind – that's your conclusion. Your introduction should: * establish and explain your argument * define any complex words in the question * give any background information needed for your argument to make sense
For example
You need to include any information your reader needs to understand what you are going to discuss. Think about: * plot summaries * definitions of key terms from the question * any limits you have decided to give the essay.
As long as you explain what you are going to talk about in your introduction and still answer the question, you'll be on track. * be one or two paragraphs long.
The best introductions quickly establish the argument and grab the reader's attention. Although all introductions need to follow a similar formula, there are ways to make your introduction a bit different and more interesting.
Starting with a quote
Starting your introduction with a dramatic quote illustrates your argument and makes your reader want to keep reading. It also helps set the tone or the historical context, and establishes key figures for discussion.
A good essay plan helps you arrange your ideas logically and stay on track during the writing process.
Your plan should state how you're going to prove your argument, including the evidence you're going to use. Structure your plan around the different parts of an essay. To do this: * Write your argument in one sentence at the top of the page – you'll flesh this out into your introduction. * Write three or four key points that you think will support your argument. Try to write each point in one sentence. These will become your topic sentences. * Under each point, write down one or two examples from your research that support your point. These can be quotes, paraphrased text from reliable authors, etc. Remember to reference your examples when you write up your essay. * Finally, write the main point you want to leave in your reader's mind – that's your conclusion. Your introduction should: * establish and explain your argument * define any complex words in the question * give any background information needed for your argument to make sense
For example
You need to include any information your reader needs to understand what you are going to discuss. Think about: * plot summaries * definitions of key terms from the question * any limits you have decided to give the essay.
As long as you explain what you are going to talk about in your introduction and still answer the question, you'll be on track. * be one or two paragraphs long.
The best introductions quickly establish the argument and grab the reader's attention. Although all introductions need to follow a similar formula, there are ways to make your introduction a bit different and more interesting.
Starting with a quote
Starting your introduction with a dramatic quote illustrates your argument and makes your reader want to keep reading. It also helps set the tone or the historical context, and establishes key figures for discussion.