Transcript Your Quick Guide to Essay Writing Success

Your Quick Guide to
Essay Writing Success
Overcoming the Essay Challenge
The first step is to personalize the topic.
Then you will be ready for a fast start.
Write about either yourself or
someone you know. Use a model.
• But remember, do not
begin with “in my
opinion”
• Do not begin with,
“My name is John
Doe or Jane Doe and
I will be writing
about….”
Begin, instead, in one of the
following ways.
• Begin anecdotally by offering a very short
or interesting story about the topic---while
actually writing about yourself or someone
you know.
• Begin by giving historical background.
• Simply begin with a strong thesis
statement.
Now that you are on the clock, this
is what you can do.
• Remember, make the topic relate to you or
someone you know.
• Take a position whether it is pro, con or
both.
• Take a few minutes to brainstorm using
whatever technique you desire. I would
recommend outlining.
You are getting there . A brainstorming
outline could appear as follows:
•
I.
II
Title (centered)
Introduction
A. Premise/Thesis
B. Statement of Points
Body
A. Point 1
Supporting Information
Supporting Information
B. Point 2
Supporting
Information
Supporting
Information
C. Point 3
Supporting
Information
Supporting
Information
You are almost there!
III Conclusion/Summary
A. Summary of supporting information
B. Conclusion reached ( restatement of
premise)
Avoid the following pitfalls of
writing.
Run on Sentences
Sentence Fragments
Improper Capitalization
Failure to Indent Each Paragraph
Lack of Support for Your Topic/Premise
Misuse of Common Words (homonyms
and homophones)
Pitfalls of Writing Continued
Faulty Verb Tense (You can only have one
verb tense per sentence).
All Very Short and Choppy Sentences
(Write sentences of various lengths which
means writing some longer and shorter
sentences.)
Concluding Tips
• Write with confidence. Don’t start and
restart.
• Write within your own comfort zone, but do
not hesitate to sound original.
• Make sure your essay sounds complete.
• Use some transitional words.
Feel good and write well!
Have confidence that you will be able to
finish your essay.
Remember, organize your essay completely
before you begin to write.
Primary Reasons Why One Writes
•
•
•
•
to entertain
to persuade
to convince
Inform
Note: These reasons are also debatable.
The End
• Copr. 2014 Floyd Bibbs