Both your writing style and content will determine the evaluation of your essays. Write in a formal style, with no contractions or slang. The outline below shows how to achieve a clear, concise and organized essay. Its purpose is not to restrict your writing, but to enhance it through better organization.
How well you write is just as important as what you write. Style is inseparable from substance.
I. Introduction: Tell the reader what you are going to say.
A. Exordium: What is the general topic? Introduce and ease into your subject. Perhaps provide background.
B. Purpose: What is the point of the essay? State a clear thesis.
C. Direction: How are you going to achieve your purpose? Clearly state the specific major points you will use for support.
In a short paper (under 6 pages), each point might correspond to a paragraph.
II. Body: Say it.
A. Unity: Each paragraph forms a coherent point or thought about the thesis. The topic sentence defines the main idea within that paragraph.
B. Support: Give enough specific details, facts, names, or events to prove your topic sentence's point. Three is a good number; a paragraph usually should contain three sentences.
C. Quotations: If you are allowed to quote, do so sparingly; using your own words shows your mastery of the material. Be sure to explain the relevance of each quote and detail in your own words. Long quotes, over three lines, must be single-spaced and indented.
D. Citations: When you do quote, or borrow another's original idea or information which is not part of general knowledge, use a footnote, endnote
[Turabian Format] or cite the author and page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence, depending on the instructions.
For more on plagiarism,
click here.
E. Continuity: Try to plan so that the points flow smoothly from one to the next. Use transitions between ideas and to connect your paragraphs.
III. Conclusion: Tell the reader what you said.
A. Closure: Have all important points been considered? Tie up any loose ends or questions.
B. Summary: What were your main points and how do they prove your thesis? [Reformulate the given argument, but do not use the same words and phrases.]
C. Significance: What have you learned? Comment on any general lessons from your essay.
Special thanks to Teri McBee Wiechart |
URL: http://brianpavlac.org/teach/thEssay.html |
