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Essential Skills for Writing

Essential Skills for Writing . How to Write an Essay: 10 Easy Steps. How to Write an Essay: Step 1.

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Essential Skills for Writing

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  1. Essential Skills for Writing How to Write an Essay: 10 Easy Steps

  2. How to Write an Essay: Step 1 • 1. Research: Before you can write intelligently about a subject, you have to think intelligently on the subject. To think well on a subject, a student needs to have a solid knowledge base. This requires research. Investigate the internet, academic databases and the library. Investigate true experts on the area on which you are writing.

  3. How to Write an Essay: Step 2 • 2. Analysis: Once you have a working knowledge base, begin the analysis process. Break down the arguments of the selected research materials. Not all arguments are equal. List the claims being made; write out and question the evidence offered and the reasoning of the writer. Is the argument logical? Why or why not? How does the writer make an argument? Learn to write (better) by studying (better) writers.

  4. How to Write an Essay: Step 3 • 3. Brainstorming: The materials you researched are the building blocks for your essay. As the writer, you have to arrange the blocks. The final paper will reflect your thinking. Before you write, ask yourself questions. Answer them. Make lists. Take walks. Talk to yourself. Come up with new insights. Be original. Make the essay your own.

  5. How to Write an Essay: Step 4 • 4. Thesis: Your brainstorm has passed. What is the central idea that was left in your mind? Your thesis is your main point. It is the focal point of your entire essay. A good thesis is a concise, clear, focused and limited sentence. The thesis is the reader’s invitation to read further. It is also a road map for the writer and reader. (Writing a good essay without a well designed thesis is nearly impossible.)

  6. How to Write an Essay: Step 5 • 5. Outline: Briefly write out the direction of your paper. Use brief (one-line) statements to describe paragraphs/topic and bullet points to state supporting details. (You may find using index cards for each topic to be helpful; index cards allow the writer to easily move the outline’s structure, it’s placement of topics). Rearrange the cards until you are satisfied with the logic and flow of the essay. (The cards may be useful as in guiding your writing.)

  7. How to Write an Essay: Step 6 • 6. Introduction: The introduction is your first impression on the reader. Write your introduction as to grab the reader’s attention and establish the issue. The thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction. (The introduction, though the first paragraph read is often written last. Once the body and conclusion are written, the direction of the paper has been established. Seeing where your paper is going is easier after the paper has been completed. )

  8. How to Write an Essay: Step 7 • 7. Paragraphs: Each paragraph has its own single idea that supports your thesis statement. The paragraph begins with the main idea (topic sentence) and is followed by supporting details. Use the paragraphs to support your thesis statement with evidence and explanations. (The best writing flows as naturally as if you were speaking with the reader.)

  9. How to Write an Essay: Step 8 • 8. Conclusion: Finish your essay with strength and exit gracefully. Restate your thesis and summarize your argument. Ask the reader to think, feel, or do (or a combination of these) something. End with a final thought the reader can carry away.

  10. How to Write an Essay: Step 9 • 9. MLA Style: MLA is the generally preferred format for high school essay writing and citation. Check the MLA Style guide or web site for correctly citing quotations or crediting the materials you paraphrase. If the words are ideas are borrowed from another source, correctly cite the reference in the body of your text. Also cite your reference in a Works Cited (references) page listing the details of your sources.

  11. How to Write an Essay: Step 10 10. Language: Before you are ready to publish your paper, make sure that you have corrected your grammar, double checked your syntax and diction. Ask yourself the following questions: Did you write a clear and precise thesis statement? Did you consider the your audience? Did you support your thesis with sufficient evidence? (He who asserts must prove.) Did you maintain the proper formality? (Remember, the essay is a formal writing piece; it is not a letter to your friend. Your diction needs to be formal; don’t use slang or street language.) Essay writing is a skill and a process. Each essay is a new opportunity to excel. ei qui affirmat non ei qui negaincumbitprobatio. (He who asserts must prove.)

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