What is an essay?

An examination and analysis of ideas.

Provide a developed thought about a thesis idea.

Four Basics of Effective Writing

Exposure Motivation

Practice
Feedback

Exposure
Reading informative essays.
Examine the essays you are reading.

-Look for: Thesis statements Supporting thoughts Supporting evidence Critical Analysis If you only expose yourself to incorrect forms of writing you will develop improper habits

Motivation
To write well you have to want to write well!
When you have the choice pick topics that interest

you. When you are assigned topics search for something within the topic that makes it relevant for you.

Practice
Practice makes perfect Proof read

Learn from your own mistakes

Feedback
Learn to take constructive feedback. Do not feel like you are being criticized or put down

accept the feedback as informative. Learn to give constructive feedback. If you do not like something explain why.

3 Essentials for Success

Believe in yourself! Use big words when theyre the right words, not to

impress your reader! Write something you want to read!

Decide type of writing

Informal- opinion based, writing what you see or

know
You are the main authority in an informal writing Ex: Infant circumcision is sexist

Formal- Analytical writing Experts are the main authority in a formal writing Never use the first person I or you in formal writing Ex: Routine infant circumcision is brutal, has no demonstrable medical or health benefit, and should be discontinued

Find your purpose

Papers are only written for one of three reasons.
Entertain Inform

Convince
Ask yourself why are you writing your paper? Once you identify the why you will be able to choose

the proper tone

Tone
The tone of your paper will reflect to the reader your

feelings on the topic The tone can be: Serious Logical Emotional All formal writings should have an overriding tone of professionalism

Analyze your audience

Who are you writing to?
If your audience is a general population than your

word choice should represent their understanding of the material If your audience is people involved in the field you are writing about than the language used may reflect their deeper level of understanding

Preparing to Write
Thinking- brainstorm ideas
Planning- organize ideas Writing a thesis statement- tell your reading exactly

what you plan to write about.

Writing
Developing body paragraphs
Organizing the essay Writing the introduction, conclusion

Revising
Thesis statement- make sure it is parallel
Basic elements- does your paper support the thesis? Unity- do you use transitions and does the flow from

one topic to the next? Organization- did you organize your material from weakest to strongest? MLA format

Editing
Sentences- subject verb agreement
Punctuation and Mechanics Word Choice and Spelling

MLA Formatting
1 inch margins 12pt New Times Romans

Double Spaced
Indent paragraphs one tab

Heading
Upper left hand corner
Name Topic

Date
Class