Essay help.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 7/8/2005, 3:52 pm

Well, basically all I need is advice on how to write a good essay. Essay writing has generally been a weak area for me so any help is appriciated.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » 7/8/2005, 4:59 pm

It's pretty simple format.

Your thesis which is the point you are trying to prove is always the last sentence in your introductory paragraph. You start with with a hook. Which is a sentence that will grab the readers attention and make them want to read more. Then you can add a little background information in on your topic, just a few sentences. Then state your arguments. Make each one a seperate sentence, it works better that way i find. Then once you are done listing them, you write your thesis.

Then you begin your first body paragraph. It should be the first argument you listed in your intro para. Say everything you want to say about that argument in here, and repeat for every argument in a new para.

The conclusion is simple as well. You start by re-stating your thesis first, then you restate your arguments (change the wording so what you write means the same thing but has a fresh sound to it). Then you can throw a few more facts in there. Remember this is your last chance to prove your point, so make it good. Finall end it with a strong powerful sentence. Either ask the reader a question, that will cause them to think about it and reflect upon it. Or give a powerful sentence that will make the reader go "wow" and again cause them to reflect on what you just said.

happening fish · Post by **happening fish** » 7/8/2005, 5:25 pm

to anyone else reading this, make note of the fact that rusty's reply is the standby format for high school essays, but if you're writing for post-secondary it won't be well received.

nelison · Post by **nelison** » 7/8/2005, 5:27 pm

The thesis does not necessarily have to go at the end of the first paragraph. A lot of university profs/teaching assistants don't like to read the filler that people usually put into their introductions and would much rather see...

1. an opening sentence about the topic or issue
2. thesis statement
3. run down of your main arguments.

The only time they like to see the filler stuff is if there are specific terms or history that needs to be discussed that is necessary for the reader to comprehend the essay.

The easiest way to write an essay is to start off in pointform. This is what I do. (PT = point (your argument that supports your thesis, PR = Proof (proof supporting your argument), C = Comment (why it supports))

Let's say my thesis was OLP is a good band. This is the point form I would use.
1st argument
PT - They have a large following in Canada and around the world
PR - record sales
C - High record sales tend to mean bands have more fans and supporters.
PR - Message boards/fan clubs
C - Having X amount of member on X amount of message boards means that OLP is well supported

2nd argument
PT - They create artistic and thought provoking music
PR - Lyrics
C - The poetic nature of Raine's lyrics are comparable to great poets and story tellers that we often consider successful.
PR - The music
C - People consider that bands who sound differently on consecutive albums, and are consistently moving forward indicates that they are a good band

3rd argument
PT - Awards
PR - Junos
C - Recognition from the public, media and the industry indicates that OLP has been successful in Canada.
PR - MMVA's
C - Recognition from the public, media and the industry indicates that OLP has been successful in Canada. (This is just laziness on my part... I'd figure out something better if it was a real essay)

So what you would then do is cut and paste each point into paragraph form and elaborate on each sentence. Before you know it you'd have a simple 5 paragraph essay completed. Do what Rusty said about the conclusion, and you'll have a good finish to your essay. Quotes and references are key as well. Find articles that support your argument and include them in your paper. It'll make your argument stronger because the reader will know that it's supported by people who know what they are talking about.

happening fish · Post by **happening fish** » 7/8/2005, 5:27 pm

he's looking for a HS format.

nelison · Post by **nelison** » 7/8/2005, 5:35 pm

that's what I used in HS

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » 7/8/2005, 5:38 pm

In higher grades of highschool, the 5 paragraph essay is kinda frowned upon, unless you're in english. Make as many or as little paragraphs as you need to make your point, or make it the appropriate length.

happening fish · Post by **happening fish** » 7/8/2005, 10:45 pm

J-Neli wrote:that's what I used in HS

J-Neli wrote:A lot of university profs/teaching assistants ... would much rather see...