Hey everybody,
I thought that tonight I would share with you tips for writing an essay. I am not a genius or anything, I just like to share helpful tips with others.
I am sure the term "hamburger" has probably been imprinted into your mind if you have ever set foot in elementary school! No, not the food, the essay style of writing information. For grade school, essays are usually four to six pages long. University and College essays can run quite longer (8 -12+ pages)
Check the outline provided by your professor and make sure you include all the information he/she wants to see. Make sure to ask him/her questions if you do not understand a specific item on their outline. Remember the more information you have about how you are to write this essay, the better the essay content and format you will be able to provide in the finished product.
Introduction Paragraph - section 1
Start with an enticing introductory sentence...you have to capture the reader right in the beginning....regardless of the most awesome content, the intro sentence is crucial. Use action words that make your topic leap from the page. The reader has to understand what you are trying to convey (What point are you trying to make?)
Next provide three - five supporting points for what you have stated above. Add a closing sentence to finish off this paragraph. The number of supporting points depends on how long the essay has to be. For example, for an eight page essay three supporting points are sufficient.
Body Section or Paragraphs 2,3,4
The body of the essay or paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 must describe in detail points 1, 2 and 3 that you mention in the intro paragraph. Place a subtitle for each section so that your essay looks more organized. Provide any applicable statistical data from studies and research that you have done to prove your main topic in these sub paragraphs as they relate to the supporting points. For example: you state that obesity rates are increasing in young adults, well prove it! Cite it!.
Paragraph or Section 5
The final paragraph or section is the concluding section which basically restates your topic and the supporting arguments or points as well as one or more concluding sentences. Do not write more than three final summary sentences. Do not introduce new information here.
Again, the length of each paragraph or section will depend on how many words or pages you are assigned in the overall outline. This is one of the things that I notice a lot of people fail to utilize fully. Your teacher provides you with an outline for a reason, its a guide! Use it!!!!!
Remember to cite everything properly. Check the MLA or APA formatting for proper format. You don't want to be penalized because you cited works incorrectly. Cite as you go, both in text and in your references page. This way, you will not forget to cite later on.
SPELL CHECK! Check...check...check your spelling and grammar. Very important!
Lastly, after reading your paper, give it to a fresh pair of eyes to read for you! It's a common occurrence to miss minor errs because you have read the essay many times, your brain will miss certain things.
Thats all for tonight...on this topic anyway...feel free to comment away!
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