Writing Essays and Compositions
Students too often put off a written
assignment, considering it a chore too formidable to approach until the last minute.
As a result, grades inevitably suffer. Writing is not a talent reserved for a select
few, it is a skill that can be learned. Planning and organization are its essentials.
With a knowledge of these, the student can through effort and practice improve his
writing ability. Suggested below is a guide to organized writing. Use this outline
in writing class assignments, essay tests, and term papers.
INTRODUCTION - OPENING PARAGRAPH
- Begin with a general statement.
- Narrow it down to the controlling
idea (for thesis statement).
BODY - THREE DEVELOPING PARAGRAPHS
In each paragraph:
- Use transitions (repetition of
key words and ideas) to connect paragraphs together.
- Develop the topic sentence with
details, definitions, illustrations, comparisons, and contrasts.
- Conclude the paragraph with a
summary of the main idea.
CONCLUSION - FINISHING PARAGRAPH
- Restate the thesis.
- End with a general statement
finalizing the discussion