Seven Steps in Essay Writing

Step 1—Analyzing the question Without a clear understanding of what the question is, you can not write an adequate answer It is crucial that you develop the habit of analyzing every question in detail to be certain you understand: 1. the words used 2. the evidence needed 3. and the question asked

Once you understand what the question is asking, you must start to collect and sort your information As you collect information and sort through the facts be sure that you: 1. Write an informal outline 2. Group ideas by letters to provide structure Step 2—Collect and Sort the Information

Step 3--Developing your thesis Your thesis is your personal opinion on the given topic. The thesis should be included in the opening paragraph

Step 4—Writing the Introduction In many ways the introductory paragraph is the most important one of the essay An effective introduction is one in which the writer: 1. Identifies the topic 2. States a personal opinion 3. (WITHOUT USING THE WORD “I”) 4. Catches the reader’s attention 5. Starting broad enough in scope to get the reader’s attention and pulling attention to your thesis

Step 5—Writing the body of the essay The factual information to prove your thesis is presented in this section of the essay The body of the essay consists of paragraphs that are connected and contains information that proves the thesis

Step 6—Writing the Conclusion 2 nd most important paragraph of the essay Reread your introduction BEFORE you write the conclusion to be certain both paragraphs agree DO NOT SIMPLY SUMMARIZE THE ESSAY DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW IDEAS or INFORMATION IN THE CONCLUSION When writing a conclusion, you should: 1. Restate the ideas in the introductory paragraph 2. Put a tight “cap” on the essay

Step 7—Reading over the essay Check the essay for spelling, style and consistency Often when a writer did not fully analyze the prompt or has an underdeveloped thesis, the introduction and conclusion paragraphs will contradict each other Your proof reading and editing should produce: 1. Agreement between opinion expressed in the opening and conclusion paragraphs 2. Clarity of expression 3. Spelling and grammar 4. Links between paragraphs

Your essay is like a flashlight Thesis—light Body paragraphs—batteries Conclusion—the end cap Casing—the facts that give your essay structure and holdsit together