Essay Writing Suggestions
There
are a lot of ways to write a good essay. Some people write a sloppy first
draft and then fill in the evidence and fix the grammar and structure later.
Others outline their essay, collect the quotes and evidence they'll use, and
then begin writing. Obviously, there are a lot of ways in between these two
versions. Only a few things REALLY count when writing an essay:
1. specific evidence, examples, and quotes to back up your ideas,
2. a clear structure and sense of transition from point to point so your reader
doesn't get lost,
3. readable grammar and spelling, and
4. some sense of what point you are trying to make (the thesis!).
Intro Paragraph
* catchy 1st sentence - The first sentence should relate to the essay,
but it should also be interesting. "In this essay…" is a very weak start.
* warns of main points - The introductory paragraph should warn the
reader what main points the essay will cover. Think of this as a road map.
Without getting too specific, you want to explain the few key ideas that your
essay hangs around.
* clear thesis statement - You should have a thesis statement that will serve as the center of your entire essay. This should be a strong statement that can be proven.
Body Structure
* paragraphs have intros - Each paragraph in the body should have
an introductory sentence that sums up the paragraph. This sentence should
be general, but should somehow point to the significance of the paragraph.
Importantly, you should avoid putting anything into that paragraph that is
not hinted at in the introductory sentence.
* paragraph conclusion sentences - Each paragraph should have a conclusion
sentence that, at least, sums up the point of the paragraph. Even better,
the conclusions sentence should serve as an opportunity to provide analysis
and commentary on the point of the paragraph. This sentence is also often
useful for explaining how the paragraph helps to prove your thesis statement.
* one idea per paragraph - There should be one main idea to each paragraph,
no more. Do not cram a bunch of separate ideas into the same paragraph. Length
is an issue in deciding when to break up a paragraph, but the most important
thing is simply that there should be one idea per paragraph.
* similar ideas in same paragraph - Make sure that you group like
ideas together. It is disconcerting to the reader to find related ideas scattered
throughout the essay. Put each idea in a nice little paragraph packet.
* paragraph order logical - The reader should have some idea why one
idea follows another one. Often, writers create disconnected thought-packet
paragraphs. Transitional words and a solid introductory paragraph will keep
the reader on track.
* transition words used - This goes with the previous idea. Use transitional
words in the introductory and conclusion sentences of your paragraphs to show
how the paragraphs fit together.
* thesis in whole essay - It should be clear to the reader how all the parts of the essay match the thesis statement. Conclusion sentences are especially useful for tying everything back to the thesis.
Conclusion Paragraph
* summarizes points made - Your conclusion should "tell 'em what you
told 'em". Remind the reader what main points you just proved.
* reminds of thesis - Restate your thesis. Make sure the reader knows
exactly what your main point was.
* "goes beyond" or ends on an interesting note - This is the most vague part of any essay. Your last few sentences should take the ideas of your essay to some new and exciting point. One way to do it is to think of what your next essay on the same point would be as a result of what you now know. Another way is to find something that your essay relates to and explain that.
General Argument & Ideas
* essay actually answers Q - A simple point: Does your essay actually
answer the assigned question? A great essay on a topic that was not assigned
does not exactly yeild a great grade. You can stretch a topic, but you can't
break it completely.
* covers all relevant issues - Does your essay hit all the points
assigned in the essay? Did you leave out any obvious relevant issues? Your
essay should cover all of the issues that the essay question raises. Often,
a writer will avoid issues that they did not study or which undermine the
thesis they are trying to prove. Make sure that you cover all relevant issues.
This may mean that you have to toss in paragraphs explaining why some issues
are unimportant or false. Basically, you must anticipate your reader's criticisms
and address them before your reader complains. Make sure you know the essay
question well. Most have sub-points that you must prove on the way to answering
the main question.
* thesis is complex - When you choose a thesis statement, look for
something that is controversial, complex, or interesting. Avoid theses that
are purely descriptive. For example, don't waste your time proving that the
US Constitution explains the ideals of American politics. That is obvious.
You are telling your reader that you are going to tell them what is in the
Constitution. Why shouldn't they just read the Constitution itself? To avoid
boring your reader, look for an argument, for something you will have to prove.
Try to find an edge or an angle that is not obvious or that is important to
yourself or your reader.
* use of quotes/evidence - Each body paragraph must contain proof
or evidence to back up the points made therein. Your essay should use all
the facts that fit your case. This is a two-way street. Make sure to give
all of the facts that support your point, but also work with troublesome or
annoying facts. If a fact stands in the way or your point, you must still
present it and explain why it is not really a problem. This quotes and evidence
section also covers whether you explained the quotes after you put them in.
Don't just toss in a quote without explaining why it is important.
* ideas are clear - Do you express your ideas in an understandable
manner? Make sure not to leave key points in your head. Don't assume that
your reader can make the same logical leaps that you do. This is especially
a problem for sophisticated thinkers. They tend to leave out the connecting
threads from one point to another. Assume your reader is of moderate intelligence
and needs most everything explained to them. Also, if you don't understand
a point, study, ask questions, or find another point to make. Don't just throw
a bunch of high-sounding phrases in the face of your reader in an attempt
to snow them. Be precise. Be only as complicated as necessary.
* ideas are sophisticated - Make sure that you aim for ideas that are sufficiently complex for your grade and class level. You might write a fine essay about a too-simple idea. That would not be good (although it would be better than no essay at all). If anything, it is better to overextend yourself than under-extend yourself.
Bonuses
* varied sentence struct. - A good writer will vary the types of sentences
they use. If all of the sentences are subject-verb, it gets very boring. Mixing
up your sentence style makes you sound smarter.
* complex vocabulary - Hard words are both interesting and, usually, more precise. Readers become bored or unimpressed when all of your thoughts are expressed in prosaic, short words. Complex vocabulary well used will make your writing more lively and intriguing.
* good use of humor - Irony, sarcasm, and puns are often helpful in
driving a point home. Humor is not always appropriate, but it can be useful.
Be careful not to be funny in an annoying or inappropriate way.
* style voodoo grade - I reserve the right to decide that you simply write well in some way that I have not listed. Look for marginal notes that explain how you did something well.
* appropriate use of graphics/images - Essays need not contain just world. Illustrations, graphs, charts, and the like can often spice up an essay. In history essays in particular, charts, graphs, maps, and the like are often as important as text. Make sure that your graphics have a connection to the text, but if they are useful, go with them. Avoid tossing in silly pictures just because you can draw or cut and paste. Also, since graphics are so available on the web, make sure that you have important ones. Find the best images, and don't just toss on random clip art. Also, be sure to note the source of your images.
* poetic wording - A really good essayist will play with language.
Rhyme, word sounds, and imagery can all be useful tools in even the most straightforward
essay. Poetics not only can convey meaning, they can pull the reader into
the essay. Sometimes they are just fun. If you have these tools, use them
appropriately.
* passion - A reader likes a writer who appears to care about their subject. Passion is hard to communicate, but it usually comes out when the writer has a strong opinion.
* good tone - Every subject can be dealt with in an endless array of possible manners. You can write a completely appropriate humorous essay about death and destruction. Similarly, happy occasions may summon melancholy. However, make sure that your essay's tone is consistent and appropriate. This is always a judgment call, but tone can be either true or jarring.
* genius flashes - This is sort of like the "style voodoo grade," but is more flattering. At times, even occasionally in a poor essay, someone will say something so interesting and unexpected (but on-topic) that it shines out. So, if you can think your way out of a paper bag, way out in fact, please do so. Besides, you'll smile all day if I actually circle this one. That is what essays should be about.