The Essay writing process

Having an essay plan will make writing your essay much easier. Put the right information in the right section and you're on your way to a great first draft. In this section you'll find out about: 1).writing introductions 2).topic sentences 3).paragraph structure 4).using examples as evidence 5).writing conclusions. 1).The introduction Your introduction should: - establish and explain your argument - define any complex words in the question - give any background information - such as plot summaries - necessary for your argument to make sense - be one or two paragraphs long. The best introductions quickly establish the argument and grab the reader's attention. Although all introductions need to follow a similar formula, there are ways to make your introduction a bit different and more interesting. 2).Topic sentences The first sentence in each paragraph is called a topic sentence. Topic sentences: - explain the point you're going to make in the paragraph - are clear and concise - link back to your argument and introduction - build on the points made in the previous paragraphs - when read together, summarize your argument. If you recorded your key points in your essay plan, you've already written your topic sentences. Take your key points, write them in a single sentence and then write a paragraph discussing each one. 3).Paragraph structure There are usually 3–6 paragraphs in the body of an essay, and each paragraph should: - present one new idea that adds to your argument - start with a topic sentence summarizing the main idea for discussion - follow with an example and a brief explanation of how the point adds to your argument - be connected by a linking sentence describing the relationship between the two paragraphs. 4).Examples as evidence Providing examples to support your point is crucial to making a convincing argument. Depending on what you're studying, examples could be: - quotes from a literary text - quotes from primary sources - quotes from websites, blogs or forums - images, paintings or photographs - charts, graphs or statistics - quotes or summaries from the media, like news articles, films, or documentaries - a personal experience. 5).The conclusion Your conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay and the last thing your reader will read, so it needs to be memorable. A conclusion: - links back to the introduction - summarizes your key points - restates your main idea - should never contain any new information. Once you've covered these basic elements, think about the ‘So what?' factor – whether your essay stands out from the crowd. Ask yourself: - Why should anyone care about what I've written in this essay? - How do my ideas add to what we know about the topic? If you can answer these questions, you're on your way to a great essay.

Leadership Training