1. Think about the topic of your essay.
If your teacher has not already directed you to write a
narrative, descriptive, persuasive or informative essay, then you
must decide how you will approach the topic.
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Narrative: Tell a story
about a topic |
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Descriptive: Describe
something connected with the topic |
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Persuasive: persuade the
reader to agree with your point of view on the topic |
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Informative: Tell the
history of the topic |
So, first you need to know not only the topic, but how you will
approach that topic.
2. Make an outline or webbing of the topic, including what you
will bring out in your essay.
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If you are writing a
narrative, who are the characters? What is the
setting, plot, climax and conclusion? |
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If it is a descriptive
piece, in what order are you going to describe the scene?
Are you going from outside to inside, left to right,
background to foreground, most noticeable to least
noticeable? |
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If it is a persuasive
essay, what is your position? Give support for your
position; explain why the reader should agree with you. |
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If it is an informative
essay, what main points do you want to include?
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3. Write your first draft
Write an introductory paragraph that will make the reader want
to read on. Include a thesis statement (that is, a clear,
direct statement of what your essay is about.)
Write the body of the paper. This is where you will take
each item and support it with details, examples and so on.
(Use F.R.I.E.D - facts, reasons, incidents, examples and details).
Write a concluding paragraph. Summarize what you said,
maybe by rewording the thesis statement or by commenting upon it in
some way.
4. Revise your paper
Read it over and cross out or add ideas, use more specific nouns
or verbs, or add adjectives or adverbs. Make sure that the
order or coherence of your paper is well done. Use of
transitional words or phrases will help to connect your ideas and
paragraphs. Finally, read your essay to make sure you have
said exactly what you wanted to say. Having another person or
two read your essay will also let you know if you have made yourself
clear.
5. Proofread your paper
Read it carefully and check it for grammar, punctuation and
spelling errors.
6. Write your presentation (final) copy.
Be sure to check this over after you have written it, because
you might still find errors. If you do, rewrite it so that
your final copy is the very best you can do. (Note: If you are
using a computer, the revision and correction process is much easier
because you do not have to rewrite the whole thing.)
When you have done all of the above, you'll be very proud of what
you have written!
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