writing an essay
Steps in Writing an Essay
1) Analyze the Questions
a. Without a clear understanding of the questions, you cannot write an adequate answer
b. Understand key terms: Assess, Explain, and Etc.
c. Always write in the third person
2) Develop a Thesis
a. Thesis – Your opinion on the given topic
b. Thesis must be in the opening paragraph. The reader must know your position on the question.
3) Writing the Introduction
a. Restate the question – do not recopy the question word for word
b. State your thesis
c. Indicate major points to be discussed in body paragraphs
4) Writing the Body Paragraphs
a. Provide factual information to prove your thesis
b. Facts should be organized in logical sequence
c. Each set of facts should be in a separate paragraph
d. Refute arguments contrary to your thesis
5) Writing the Conclusion
a. Conclusion should bring the reader back to your thesis and the question
b. Do Not introduce new evidence
General Tips – Proofreading your Essay – “The Important Dozen”
1) Always write in third person
2) Avoid using the same word or phrase
3) Avoid using these words: Thing, I, the, is (to be), you, okay, that
4) Do not use abbreviations and contractions
5) Do not use slang or idiomatic expressions – Example: “It is raining like cats and dogs.”
6) Always write in the past tense
7) Do not write as it you are having a conversation
8) Do not start a sentence with “Because” or a Conjunction (Or, And, But) or end a sentence with a preposition
9) Make sure you have strong transitions between paragraphs – do not use “first, second, third, in conclusion”
10) Get Right to the Point – No Fluff!
11) Keep your information in chronological order
12) If you find it to tough to write cursive, print your response
1) Analyze the Questions
a. Without a clear understanding of the questions, you cannot write an adequate answer
b. Understand key terms: Assess, Explain, and Etc.
c. Always write in the third person
2) Develop a Thesis
a. Thesis – Your opinion on the given topic
b. Thesis must be in the opening paragraph. The reader must know your position on the question.
3) Writing the Introduction
a. Restate the question – do not recopy the question word for word
b. State your thesis
c. Indicate major points to be discussed in body paragraphs
4) Writing the Body Paragraphs
a. Provide factual information to prove your thesis
b. Facts should be organized in logical sequence
c. Each set of facts should be in a separate paragraph
d. Refute arguments contrary to your thesis
5) Writing the Conclusion
a. Conclusion should bring the reader back to your thesis and the question
b. Do Not introduce new evidence
General Tips – Proofreading your Essay – “The Important Dozen”
1) Always write in third person
2) Avoid using the same word or phrase
3) Avoid using these words: Thing, I, the, is (to be), you, okay, that
4) Do not use abbreviations and contractions
5) Do not use slang or idiomatic expressions – Example: “It is raining like cats and dogs.”
6) Always write in the past tense
7) Do not write as it you are having a conversation
8) Do not start a sentence with “Because” or a Conjunction (Or, And, But) or end a sentence with a preposition
9) Make sure you have strong transitions between paragraphs – do not use “first, second, third, in conclusion”
10) Get Right to the Point – No Fluff!
11) Keep your information in chronological order
12) If you find it to tough to write cursive, print your response