essay

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=Essay Writing=

The Essay Writing Process
> What do the key instruction words mean? > What content is required?
 * **First think about the question.**

> Jot down ideas and key points in logical order. > These points will become the skeleton of the finished essay.
 * **Next, plan your answer.**

> Can you support or illustrate them with examples? > Jot down a few additional supporting details.
 * **Now think about evidence for each of these points.**

> Remember this should introduce and overview the whole question. > Its style is important as it sets the tone for the rest of the essay and makes the reader want to read further.
 * **Then, write your introduction in one or two paragraphs.**

> Add 'flesh' (details, evidence, examples, comparisons) to that skeleton. > Remember to be grammatical, formal, 'un-waffly' and concise. > Think about literary style carefully.
 * **Next, build up each planned point into a paragraph.**

> What was the most important point? > What do you think about the question?
 * **Finally, having presented your key points, come back to the question as a whole and sum up your argument in a concluding paragraph.**


 * **Now, if you've got some time, revise your essay.**

A Well Written Paragraph

 * Should contain a topic sentence which expresses the main idea of the paragraph.
 * This first sentence should flow on from the previous paragraph.
 * The rest of the paragraph should contain further relevant information and examples that support the main idea.

The revision process

 * Go over your last draft with a red pen. Alternatively, discuss it with a fellow student, a parent or a teacher.
 * Tidy up grammar, spelling and punctuation.
 * Have you chosen effective words and phrases? Eliminate extra words or 'padding'.
 * Eliminate irrelevant content. Does your essay answer the question set?
 * Check sentences and paragraphs are carefully constructed and organised.
 * Are your essay's ideas clear and logical?
 * Does your essay show originality of thought?
 * Your teacher may have given you a list of the criteria on which your essay will be marked. Examine these. Does your essay measure up? Think about what particular skills you find most difficult.
 * Remember - although going through this process every time you write an essay may seem time consuming, it will soon pay dividends. The secret of successful essay writing is practice.

A Good Essay

 * Has an impact on the reader
 * Presents a fresh or new approach to an issue
 * Has a clear purpose
 * Is supported by strong arguments
 * Has correct spelling, punctuation and sentence structure

Essay Writing Guides
[|Guide to Writing a Basic Essay] [|Essay Info : Essay Writing Center]

Argumentative Essay Writing Guides
[|Writing Persuasive/Argumentative Essays] [|Guidelines for Writing Argumentative Essays] [|Writing Argumentative Essays]

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