Tips for Writing Essays

1. Tips for Writing Essays

2. Thesis Statement • Typically appears at the end of the introduction • Is NOT the same as an “attention-getter” • Should explain the full scope (in terms of content) and purpose of the essay • Unless writing a personal narrative, should not be written in first person

3. Organization • Each paragraph needs a topic sentence (often taken directly from part of the thesis) • Plan your essays prior to writing them • Model of a well constructed body paragraph: Strong topic sentence with a clear connection to the thesis statement. Supporting detail #1. Supporting detail #2. Supporting detail #3. Closing sentence and transition to next paragraph. • Remember: Careful thought planning at the beginning eliminates confusion and panic at the end.

4. The Writing Process • Pre-write • Rough draft • Print • Revise • Edit • Print • Proofread • Submit

5. Introductions and Conclusions • Think of your introduction as a funnel: a general statement about your topic funnels to the specific scope and purpose of the essay • #1 rule about writing conclusions: no new information! • Introduction: Tell us what you’re going to tell us • Body paragraphs: Tell us • Conclusion: Tell us what you’ve told us

6. Final Thought • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread • Proofread again