Essay Writing

I. Question analysis/procedure before you start writing

• Read the question twice before you begin to write.

• Ask yourself, "what does the question want?"

• Think through the material that should be included in the essay to formulate a complete answer to all aspects of the question and to all implications of the question.
       *You must answer the question the way it is written--not the way you wish it had been written.

• Make an outline--or at least a list of the ideas you will cover in your answer, and then number them in the order you will use them. This procedure will ensure that you are organized for a smooth and logical answer.
       *No matter how short the time is, jot down the information you must use and organize its 
         placement--don’t skip this step, or you’ll leave out important facts and/or repeat yourself 
         and skip around in your answer.

• Do not tell a story or preach a sermon; get a theme. Decide on specific points that need to be proven and then handle those points in the paper.

II. Introduction

• Don’t just jump into the paper; wade in. Your introduction should be a few sentences which re-state the question and explain which point of view your paper will take. Explain the general information that your essay will cover to prove your point.
  
  *Question: Was Andrew Jackson one of our greatest presidents?
  
   Example:
                 Andrew Jackson was one of America’s greatest presidents. Evidence to  support the 
                 contention that he was one of our nation’s superior chief executives can be drawn
                 from an analysis of his handling of domestic issues, such as the banking crisis, and 
                 through a study of the competent way in which he conducted foreign policy.

• The introduction not only tells the reader what question you are answering, but it also provides a road map as to where the paper is going. Therefore, the reader knows in one paragraph:
       1) what the question was,
       2) what position the writer is taking on the question (whether you are for it or against it, etc.),
       3) what information/points the writer will use to prove the stated position.
  

III. The Body of the Essay

• Take the points that you said you would prove and begin to prove them one by one--in at least one paragraph each. Use transitions between ideas--have a little introduction sentence (transition) in each paragraph so the reader knows what point you are on.
  Prove your points with facts: names, dates, specific details, quotes. Remember the 5 journalistic questions: who, what, when, where, why. You must prove every point you make.
  
  Example:
  
       The claim to Jackson’s greatness can first be viewed in his handling of the financial crisis brought on by the struggle to control America’s national bank. In 1836 Jackson withdrew the country’s funds from Nicholas Biddle’s bank for three reasons. First.... He also withdrew the money because...... The President’s final reason for making the withdrawal was.... These actions created a stand-off between the nation’s President and the bank’s president. Andrew Jackson rose to greatness when he took the following actions....The result of Jackson’s courage in withdrawing the funds initially and in his later actions to resolve the stand-off with Biddle clearly indicate greatness in his ability to handle domestic policy.
       In addition to his handling of national issues, President Jackson’s claim to greatness can be confirmed by his ability to competently conduct American foreign policy. Two examples of his successes are to be evidenced by......

IV. Conclusion

• Never end an essay without a conclusion. Don’t leave your reader hanging; let him/her wade out.

• The conclusion is merely a wrap-up of what you proved. Summarize and restate your main points.
  
  Example:
  
       Therefore, by examining Andrew Jackson’s domestic policy expertise, specifically in his handling of the banking crisis, and by evaluating his foreign policy programs in Latin America and Europe, it is clear that Andrew Jackson was truly a great President.
  
       *A dynamite quote or a juicy tidbit of information sometimes makes for a powerful ending.

V. Important hints:

1. Never list items. Use complete sentences and good paragraph style.

2. Proofread your essay. Never hand a paper in early without proofreading.

3. Never use slang.

4. Never scratch out. Use white out.

5. Use ink, and write on only one side of the paper.

6. Write legibly, or double space type in a 12-point font.

7. Use a vocabulary that makes you sound intelligent, but do not use big words that are flowery and do not express your ideas precisely.

8. Never use first person.

9. Never refer to an individual by first name only; use both names or the last name.

10. Do not skip lines within a paragraph or between paragraphs.

11. Do not ask rhetorical questions.