How to write great essays

Strategies of Writing Essays

Parts of an essay

      Introduction

      Body

      Conclusion

The Introduction

The introduction opens the essay. It is a short paragraph – usually about THREE sentences. In an argument essay, it usually describes or summarizes both sides of the present situation and says what you are going to do in your essay.

The Body

The Body is the main part of the essay. In an argument essay, it is divided into two or three paragraphs, giving your opinion and reasons. Each paragraph in the body is between FIVE and SEVEN sentences long. 

Conclusion

The Conclusion is the end of the essay. It is a short paragraph – about THREE sentences. It often has the same idea as the Introduction, only in different words.

There are many elements that must come together to create a good essay:

•       The topic should be clear and interesting

•       The author’s voice should come through, but not be a distraction

•       There should be no errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or capitalization

•       Organization is good

Without Organization:

•       Essays can become confusing

•       The main idea can get lost

So you should take a few minutes to outline your essay before you begin writing:

•        Easy to write

•       Easy  to understand for readers

•       Ideas are clear and not repeated

•       Essays become good, clear, focused, logical and effective.

 Outline and Organizing of an assay

Organization:

      Organization has to do with the order in which body paragraphs appear.

      Everything located between the first paragraph and last paragraph is a body paragraph.

      Essays are mostly made up of body paragraphs.

      Organization is how the information is ordered. In your essay you make a number of claims and provide much information that supports those claims. How you order claims and information is organization.

Organization: It is how you order the information.

The First Paragraph:

      Begins with a topic sentence that introduces a general topic or theme.

      Follows the topic sentence with sentences that narrow the focus of the topic or theme, so that it is less general.

      Introduces the author of the text you are writing about (If applicable. If not, move on to the next bullet point).

      Introduces the title of that text (If applicable. If not, move on to the next bullet point).

      Narrows the discussion of the topic by identifying an issue or problem.

      Finishes with a thesis statement, which must be the final sentence of the introductory paragraph. Students will be graded on the quality of the thesis statement, and whether it is in its proper location—the final sentence of the introductory paragraph.

Three Body Paragraphs:

      Begin with topic sentences that clearly relate to the topic, or issue, or problem, that was identified in the introductory paragraph.

      Sentences that elaborate on the focus laid out in the introductory paragraph, and demonstrate a clear connection to the thesis statement.

      A focus that consistently reflects the focus that was promised in the thesis statement, and an analysis that actually engages in comparison-contrast, or cause-effect, depending on what type of paper the student has been assigned to write.

Conclusion Paragraph:

      Avoid phrases like "In conclusion, . . . ."

      Begins with a topic sentence that clearly relates to the topic, or issue, or problem, that was identified in the introductory paragraph.

      Sentences that make connections with, or revisit, points from the introductory paragraph and the body paragraphs. These points now serve to close the paper's argument.

      A final comment, or intellectual conclusion of sorts that points out the larger significance of your argument.