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An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. You may be writing an essay
to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to
complete a task.
Either way, your essay will have
the same basic format.
If you follow a few simple steps,
you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only
for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
Don't let the thought of putting
pen to paper daunt you.
Well Focused
Be sure to answer the question completely, that is, answer all parts of the question. Avoid "padding." A lot of rambling and ranting is a sure sign that the writer doesn't really know what the right answer is and hopes that somehow, something in that overgrown jungle of words was the correct answer.
Well Organized
Don't write in a haphazard "think-as-you-go" manner. Do some planning and be sure that what you write has a clearly marked introduction which both states the point(s) you are going to make and also, if possible, how you are going to proceed. In addition, the essay should have a clearly indicated conclusion which summarizes the material covered and emphasizes your
thesis or main point.
Well Supported
Do not just assert something is true, prove it. What facts, figures, examples, tests, etc. prove your point? In many cases, the difference between an A and a B as a grade is due to the effective use of supporting evidence.
Well Packaged
People who do not use conventions of language are thought of by their readers as less competent and less educated. If you need help with these or other writing skills, come to the Writing Course!
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