Getting started
means getting organized:
Analyze the assignment; determine what is required.
With a highlighter, note important words that define the topic.
Then organize your plan
With a highlighter, note important words that define the topic.
Then organize your plan
For example, you
have been given this writing prompt:
You have a present
that was really memorable. It could have been given for an important occasion
or just for no reason at all. Tell us about the present and why it was
memorable. Include the reason it was given, a description of it, and how you
felt when you got it.
The objective is to
write a narrative essay about a present you were given
The subject is a memorable
present
The three main subtopics are:
The three main subtopics are:
·
the reason it was given
·
a description of it
·
and how you felt when you got it
Outline your five paragraph essay; include these elements:
Introductory Paragraph
General Topic Sentence: memorable present
(Transition)
|
||
First Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic One
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition
|
Second Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Two
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition
|
Third Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Three
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition
|
Closing or Summary Paragraph
Synthesis and conclusion of the thesis
rephrasing main topic and subtopics. |
||
Write the essay!
Think small; build the full essay gradually.
Divide your essay into sections and develop each piece separately and incrementally.
Divide your essay into sections and develop each piece separately and incrementally.
The Introductory Paragraph
·
The opening paragraph sets the tone
It not only introduces the topic, but where you are going with it (the thesis). If you do a good job in the opening, you will draw your reader into your "experience." Put effort up front, and you will reap rewards.
It not only introduces the topic, but where you are going with it (the thesis). If you do a good job in the opening, you will draw your reader into your "experience." Put effort up front, and you will reap rewards.
·
Write in the active voice
It is much more powerful. Do that for each sentence in the introductory essay. Unless you are writing a personal narrative, do not use the pronoun "I."
It is much more powerful. Do that for each sentence in the introductory essay. Unless you are writing a personal narrative, do not use the pronoun "I."
·
Varying sentence structure
Review to avoid the same dull pattern of always starting with the subject of the sentence.
Review to avoid the same dull pattern of always starting with the subject of the sentence.
·
Brainstorm to find the best
supporting ideas
The best supporting ideas are the ones about which you have some knowledge. If you do not know about them, you cannot do a good job writing about them. Don't weaken the essay with ineffective argument.
The best supporting ideas are the ones about which you have some knowledge. If you do not know about them, you cannot do a good job writing about them. Don't weaken the essay with ineffective argument.
·
Practice writing introductory
paragraphs on various topics
Even if you do not use them, they can be compared with the type of writing you are doing now. It is rewarding to see a pattern of progress.
Even if you do not use them, they can be compared with the type of writing you are doing now. It is rewarding to see a pattern of progress.
Supporting Paragraphs
·
Write a transition to establish the
sub-topic
Each paragraph has to flow, one to the next.
Each paragraph has to flow, one to the next.
·
Write the topic sentence
The transition can be included in the topic sentence.
The transition can be included in the topic sentence.
·
Supporting ideas, examples, details
must be specific to the sub-topic
The tendency in supporting paragraphs is to put in just about anything.
Avoid this: the work you have made above with details and examples will help you keep focused.
The tendency in supporting paragraphs is to put in just about anything.
Avoid this: the work you have made above with details and examples will help you keep focused.
·
Vary sentence structure
Avoid repetitious pronouns and lists
Avoid beginning sentences the same way (subject + verb + direct object).
Avoid repetitious pronouns and lists
Avoid beginning sentences the same way (subject + verb + direct object).
The Ending or Summary Paragraph
This is a difficult paragraph to write effectively.
You cannot assume that the reader sees your point
This is a difficult paragraph to write effectively.
You cannot assume that the reader sees your point
·
Restate the introductory
thesis/paragraph with originality
Do not simply copy the first paragraph
Do not simply copy the first paragraph
·
Summarize your argument with some degree of authority
this paragraph should leave your reader with no doubt as to your position or conclusion of logic
this paragraph should leave your reader with no doubt as to your position or conclusion of logic
·
Be powerful as this is the last thought that you are leaving with the reader.
Edit and revise your essay
Check your spelling and grammar
Subjects and verbs agree, and verb tenses are consistent
Subjects and verbs agree, and verb tenses are consistent
Examine your whole essay for logic
Thought builds and flows?
Avoid gaps in logic, or too much detail.
Thought builds and flows?
Avoid gaps in logic, or too much detail.
Review individual sentences
·
Use active verbs to be more
descriptive
Avoid passive constructions and the verb "to be"
Avoid passive constructions and the verb "to be"
·
Use transitional words and phrases
Avoid sentences beginning with pronouns, constructions as "There are....,"
Example: "There is a need to proofread all works" becomes "Proofreading is a must."
Avoid sentences beginning with pronouns, constructions as "There are....,"
Example: "There is a need to proofread all works" becomes "Proofreading is a must."
·
Be concise
though vary the length and structure of sentences
though vary the length and structure of sentences
Ask a knowledgeable friend to review and comment on your
essay
and to repeat back what you are trying to say. You may be surprised.
and to repeat back what you are trying to say. You may be surprised.
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