Thursday, July 24, 2008

How to Write an Essay

Most people find the task of writing an essay very difficult, but if you learn the technique, you will admit that it wasn't as unpleasant and full of problems as you thought at the beginning. The purpose of the following lines is to teach those interested how to write an essay.
First of all, you should read a lot on the topic of your essay: go to the library, search on the internet, write down words, ideas that could help you later during the writing process.
Critically analyze other writers' essays on the same topic. Take "for and against" notes, finding reasons, arguments, analyzing the strong points and the weak points of the writers' ability to sustain their ideas with relevant arguments.Do not be a passive reader of those essays! Get involved, be active, think critically! The more you read, the better thinker you become. You will develop your abilities of analyzing, organizing your ideas, thinking clearly, which will later help you in your career and personal life.
Brainstorm ideas, make a list with words related to the topic. Write down any word that comes into your mind. Ask yourself as many questions as possible connected to the topic: "Why","What","Where","Who","When" etc. The above-mentioned techniques are usually called "prewriting techniques". Their aim is to help you generate the raw material needed for writing you essay. After prewriting planning go to the next steps.
Prepare a scratch outline in which you mention your thesis, the exact point that you are going to develop in your essay and the items that will support that point. This is the moment when you organize the plan of your essay in a logical, clear, balanced manner. It is very important for you to develop the outlining skills as they help you make the difference between major and minor ideas, which is the key to successfully organizing an essay.
Start writing the essay! Write a first draft, change, add, rewrite it several times, so that you make sure you created a clear point supported by relevant details. Pay attention to the basic structure of an essay. The introductory paragraph states the topic, the central idea or thesis that you will later develop in your essay. In the first paragraph you may, or may not give your opinion, depending on the type of essay you are asked to write. In order to make the introduction as interesting as possible and get the reader's attention, you may use different techniques: address the reader directly, start with a quotation, ask a rhetorical question, etc. The main body consists of several paragraphs. Each of them presents a separate viewpoint supported by reasons, examples, and justifications. Write well-developed, balanced paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. Use transitional or linking words and phrases to help the reader follow your thoughts. In the conclusion in you may summarize the topic, making general comments or giving your opinion. It is as important as the introduction. Do not use informal style such as contracted forms(specific to oral language) or colloquial language. Avoid using strong language. Before typing your essay, check it repeatedly in order to find and correct the possible grammar, spelling, punctuation mistakes.
These are only few tips on how to write an essay. If you still have doubts and questions, you may ask for professional help at BestWriting.com

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