Essay Writing Help

What is an Essay? Simply put, an essay is an organized collection of your thoughts on

a particular topic. For instance, this article is, in fact, an essay on What is an Essay?
In academia, essay topics are often assigned. Yet, just as frequently, topics are chosen
because the writer has interest or expertise in the subject.
Writers use essays to:
Describe or define a subject (What is an Essay?)
Compare related items in a subject (The Difference
Between Apples and Oranges)
Show cause and effect (If You Write It, They Will Read)
Write a narrative (My Summer Vacation)
Explain a process (How to Write an Essay)
Deliver an argument (The Case Against Essay Questions)
Critique (My Least Favorite Movie)
Essays can be either long or short, serious or humorous, formal or informal. It can
describe your opinions or be a synopsis of expert opinions. The trick to writing a good
one is to stay on topic. Because the essay title is the topic, in an index of essays the
reader should be able to choose an essay based on the title, but then thats another
topic!
Start with the Essay Writing Guide
Essay Writing Guide
1. Essay Writing Process
2. Writing a Thesis Statement
3. Essay Outline
4. Essay Writing Format
5. Final Steps to Writing an Essay
Essay Writing Articles

Essay Citations | The Five-Paragraph Essay | Essay Writing Tips | Essay Test
Strategies
Essay Types
Persuasive | Critical | Narrative/Personal | Descriptive | Reflective | Argumentative | C
ompare and Contrast
Cause and Effect | Research | Expository/Informational | College Admissions

Essay Writing Process

Your essay will lead your reader through your organized thoughts on a single topic.
Before you begin writing your essay, it's a good idea to understand the nuts and bolts
of essay writing. Learn about the different steps of essay writing and how to both
outline and format your essay. Knowing the basics makes the essay writing process
easier.
Brainstorming Your Essay
Whether the topic is your choice or it is assigned, a good
way to begin the essay writing process is to brainstorm.
An easy way to start brainstorming is to use a list or a tree
(example below). Another popular brainstorming
technique is to radiate your ideas out from the center of a circle. Start with a title. If
the topic was assigned, use the topic as your brainstorming title, such as "Essay on
Advertising" or "Essay on Logical Thinking". If you need to choose a topic, use the
reason you are writing the essay as your brainstorming title, such as "Personal
Experience Essay" or "Essay for History".
Brainstorming is creating a list of whatever comes to mind. For instance, a list on
"Essay on Advertising" might look like this:
Essay on Advertising
Common definitions/synonyms
- Persuasion
- Getting the word out
- Promoting products/services
Typical related concepts/words
- Marketing companies
- Targeted campaigning
- Target audiences

Tactics
- Fear associations
- Nonequivalent emotional associations
- Happiness
- Health
- Security
- Love/Companionship
- Popularity
- Success/Wealth
- Status/Fame
- Adventure
- Patriotism
- Bandwagon
- Build of cultural perspective
Used by
- Companies
- Organizations
- Politicians
- Any supplier
Methods
- Product placement
- TV ads
- Merchandising
- Word of mouth
- Social networking pages
- YouTube ads
- Sponsorships: Athletic, good cause, community event
Ethics
- Influencing children
- Negative personal attacks
- Create a society that confuses needs and wants
After you have brainstormed your essay, choose an idea and ask yourself:
1. How is this idea in line with the subject matter? Advertisers use many
psychological tactics to persuade viewers.
2. Can I create an interesting title and strong thesis/premise from this idea?
"Advertising: What You Dont Realize"

3. Where can I find the evidence I need to support this idea? Internet sites, books
about advertisement trends, marketing blogs/forums, watching television
commercials, movie trailers.
4. What type of evidence might support my premise? Marketing critics, awards in
best advertisements, advertisement news articles.
5. What conclusion can I draw from this idea? What techniques audiences should
be aware of while viewing advertisements.
6. Which type of essay would work best with this idea?
o A description
o A comparison
o Cause and effect
o A narrative
o Explaining a process
o An argument
o A critique
Start writing an essay with an outline, using the different elements of your essay
as a template.
Title: Your topic (e.g. "Advertising: What You Dont Realize?")
Introduction: Premise and Supporting Points.
Body
o Point 1: Supporting Evidence
o Point 2: Supporting Evidence
o Point 3: Supporting Evidence
Conclusion: How your evidence led you to your conclusion

 Works Cited
The Essay Introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay and introduces the essay topic to
your reader. Although your essay topic serves as your title, it isn't necessary to repeat
it in your essay introduction. The essay introduction presents your topic and tells the
reader what supporting points follow within the essay body.
For example:
Advertising influences many decisions people make in modern society, yet people
rarely stop to consider the affects of its influence. A passive TV viewer is told how to
live life from television ads, but a smart consumer holds the power over their own
decisions. Advertisers use many tactics that tell audiences that they need more
products and services. By understanding advertising techniques, passive viewers can
turn into smart consumers and decide for themselves where their hard earned money
is spent.
The Essay Body
The body is where you develop the topic that you introduced in your introduction.
Start a new paragraph every time you discuss a new point. Make the body "flow" by
introducing the next paragraph of your essay at the end of the previous one. When
you're satisfied that you have made your points, move on to the essay conclusion.
If you are using outside sources, cite your sources and add them to your works cited
page as you use them.
The Essay Conclusion
Although it's often overlooked, the conclusion is an important part of your essay. It's
the last paragraph of your essay and your last chance to drive home your point of view
as well as an indicator of how well you've organized your thoughts. Generally the
conclusion is a summary of your essay body and/or any closing thoughts or ideas.
Once you are sure that your essay "makes your point" and that you have caught and
corrected any errors in formatting, spelling, punctuation, and grammar, your "first
draft" magically becomes your finished essay.

Writing a Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis Statement?
Although every well-written essay has an introduction, a thesis statement not only
introduces your topic but also alerts the reader to your conclusion. An essay
introduction may be an announcement, a statement of fact, or just an observation,

while a thesis statement is an assertion that defines the point (or argument) of your
essay. A thesis statement is your answer to the question your
essay explores.
For example, think of a thesis statement as the opening
statement in a trial. The question is "who done it?" As the
prosecuting attorney, your thesis statement lays out your
case for your reader, the jury. The defendant had motive,
opportunity, and access to the weapon or method used to commit the crime. Your
opening statement or thesis introduces this evidence to your reader. The trial (body of
your essay) supports your evidence and proves the validity of your argument.
A Good Thesis Statement Follows Certain Criteria:
It is easily identifiable: It clearly defines what follows in the essay body and
tells the reader what to expect from the rest of your essay.
It is narrow: It brings focus to the central point of your essay.
It is an assertion: It "takes a stand" on a certain subject and shows the strength
of your argument.
It is specific: It is the conclusion that is supported point by point in the body of
your essay.
Advantages of Using a Thesis Statement
Just as a thesis statement puts your paper into focus for the reader, it can also help you
to organize and develop your argument by describing the main point of your paper in
one or two sentences. As you write your paper, your thesis statement can serve as a
reference that keeps your paper on topic.
A thesis statement can serve as a short outline of your topic. It asks the question, gives
the answer, and introduces your evidence in the order it will be presented.
Exploring the Thesis Statement
Example 1: "Miss Rose, who is a notorious criminal and a three-time loser, mugged
Professor Plum in the library with the bookends."
Example 1 is not a thesis statement. Although it is an assertion, it does not clearly
define what is to follow in the body of the essay and it is unsupported by any
evidence.

Example 2: "Although Miss Rose appears clueless, her nail file and stiletto heels are
the evidence that it was she who broke into the library and literally put her enemy,
Professor Plum, in between two heavy copper book-ends.
Example 2 is a well-structured thesis statement that:
1. Identifies your argument
2. Is specific
3. Is narrow (stays on topic)
4. Is an assertion
Also, note that example 2 uses an introductory clause to acknowledge that there is
another "side" to the argument (Miss Rose appears to be clueless). This is a frequently
employed technique that both identifies and attempts to negate an alternative theory,
even using it to make your argument appear stronger.
The body of this essay would provide the details that connect Miss Rose's nail file and
shoes to the crime, thereby proving that she was the culprit.
Thesis Statement Misconceptions
Although a thesis statement is typically at the end of the first paragraph of the essay
introduction, it can be presented in the opening sentences of your essay or it may need
one or more paragraphs of introduction. In addition, although some thesis statements
may be presented in a single sentence, others may need two or more sentences to state
your position. More important than length or position is that it is easily identifiable
and clearly states your position.
While it's always great to have three or more points to support your argument, if you
can do it in two... well, less is more sometimes. Just be sure that whatever evidence
you present, relates directly to your thesis statement and clearly supports your
conclusion.
A thesis statement can frustrate many writers because they believe the thesis must be
definitive before the paper is written. However, more often than not you'll find that as
you write the arguments that support your position, your thesis will evolve. In some
cases, you may find that in writing the arguments, your position will be completely
reversed! Pat yourself on the back for being so persuasive and redefine your thesis
statement to express your new position! Use a thesis statement to organize your essay
for yourself and your readers. Let it be the guide that focuses your thoughts,
introduces your argument and your evidence and helps prove your case beyond a
reasonable doubt!
Essay Outline

Have you ever told a joke and just before coming to the punch line,
remembered the part in the middle that makes the punch line
funny? Using an essay outline helps you organize your thoughts so
that you don't make that mistake. In addition, you'll find the more
structured your outline is, the better organized and easier to write
your essay will be. A well-structured essay outline helps you travel
from point to point in your composition, creating a natural flow for
the reader until you bring the "punch line" home in the summary or
conclusion.
Begin your outline by deciding whether to use the more traditional I, II, III, and IV
outline markers, use headings w/o any markers or a combination of both. The title
should be at the top of your paper and everything else will fall below it.
I. The Introduction - why you chose this topic or your premise /thesis and/or the
conclusion you hope to prove in the body (A). Enter the points you will cover (B).
Essay Outline Layout
Title (Centered or left-aligned)

I. Introduction
A. Premise/Thesis
B. Statement of points
II. Body
A. Point 1
1. Supporting Information
2. Supporting Information
B. Point 2
Supporting Information
Supporting Information
III. Conclusion/Summary
A. Summary of supporting
information
B. Conclusion reached
(Restatement of premise)
IV. Citations

in the blanks.

II. The Body - Use the points as

subheadings. (A, B, C, etc.) Under
each point, list the information that
supports or elaborates on each point
(1, 2). This information will make up
your essay body.
III. The Conclusion - The summary of your
supporting information (A) should show how
you reached your (B) conclusion.
IV. Citations - List your citations. (If you used
outside sources of information)
In addition to helping you organize your
thoughts, an essay outline also helps you plan
the length of your paper. In fact, a good outline
can make writing an essay as simple as filling

An essay outline can even help you determine the length of each paragraph.
Especially in cases where you are limited to a number of pages or assigned a word
count, you can use an essay outline to break the structure into percentages or words.
Writing an essay outline can be as easy as you want to make it. Using an essay outline
helps you organize your thoughts from beginning to end and makes sure you don't
leave any important parts out of the middle!

Essay Format
Frequently, the formatting of your essay may be nearly as important to a teacher as the
content is. If your teacher or professor gives you specific formatting guidelines, you
should follow them. However, if no guidelines are set, you have several different
options for formatting your paper.
The Essay Title
Although the topic of your essay serves as the title, the title section of your essay
contains several additional elements. You have two options for the title section:
1. Display the title at the top of the first page.
2. Use a separate title page for the title section of your essay.
When you're not using a title page, generally your name, the course name, professor
or teacher's name and the due date are placed at the upper left hand corner of the first
page. Below that should be your title centered. Your essay begins after skipping one
line below the title.
Example:
John Brown
English Literature
Professor William Lear
December 5, 2005
When using a separate title page, the title is the first information on the page and
horizontally centered at about the top third of the page. Other title elements (your
name, the course name, teacher's name and the due date...) may be double or singlespaced and may be either centered or left aligned in the final third of your title page.
Title Page Layout

Advertising: What You Dont Realize

By John Brown

English Literature
Professor William Lear
December 5, 2005

Note: The essay title should be in the same font type and size as the rest of your essay
and should not be bolded, italicized or underlined.
Tips for Formatting Essay Text
1. Use the standard margins of 1" on the top and bottom margins and 1.25" on the
left and right margins.
2. Double spaced text is standard in essay writing and provides room for your
editor or teacher to circle or underline errors or add arrows connecting their
comments to your text.
3. Unless otherwise specified, essay text is left aligned. In cases where your essay
is hand written instead of typed, it's "handy" to use a straight edge to keep
vertical alignments at a 90-degree angle.
4. Use a standard font such as "Times New Roman" size 12.
5. Print your essay on only one side of paper.
6. Use standard white paper (8.5" X 11").
7. Paragraphs are identified by an indentation of five spaces (a tab), do not make
extra spaces between paragraphs.
Page Numbers
When used, a separate title page is not numbered. The first page of text is page 1 and

may be numbered at the bottom center, in the upper right hand corner, or left
unnumbered. Number subsequent pages in the upper right hand corner of each page.
Page numbers should be numbers only. Abbreviations like "p. 3" or indicators like
"page 2 of 5" are usually inappropriate for essays.
In the MLA style, the page number is preceded by your last name spaces, i.e. Brown
1. Also in the MLA style all pages that contain the essay text are numbered in the
upper right hand corner.
Works Cited
If you have used outside sources to gain information on your essay, you need to
include a works cited page of the sources you used at the end of your paper. The
appropriate method of listing your sources depends on the type of publications (e.g.
book, article, web page, etc.) you used in researching your topic. The format of the
works cited page also varies according to the style of citation used within your text.

Final Steps to Writing an Essay

Once you have finished writing the conclusion and listed your sources, you have
completed the first draft of your essay. However, you haven't finished the essay until
you have edited and proofread it. Keep the following points in mind as you begin to
proofread your paper.
Make sure your sentences are necessary, clear, and
concise.
Make sure paragraphs are positioned to work towards
your conclusion.
Words aren't golden. If you used ten words to say it,
but six will do, cut the other four. Alternatively, if an extra word or phrase helps
to clarify a thought or idea, add it.
Once you are content with the structure of your essay, the next step is to ensure that
the formatting, spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct.
Be sure to check that you have put your pages in order.
Do use a spellchecker. However, don't rely on it to find every error. Many
spellcheckers won't differentiate between homonyms such as their and there,

misuse of words like using then instead of than, cant instead of can't, or
transposed letters such as form instead of from.
Be sure proper nouns are capitalized, abbreviations are correct and end with
periods in the proper places (e. g. U.S., MN, Inc.)
Check for punctuation mistakes such as an orphaned parenthesis, extra spaces
between words, and inconsistencies in using commas.
Read through your essay again to be sure your thoughts are clearly stated. Try
reading it aloud or let someone else read it to you.
Are citations clear and correct? Have your correctly listed all sources you used?
After you have proofread and made the necessary changes to your essay, leave it for at
least one-half hour and then read it again. Errors you missed the first time through will
frequently catch your attention! Another good final check is to print your essay as a
draft. Draft outputs print with minimal formatting and make small errors much easier
to spot.
Serif fonts (those with the little legs on the letters) make printed material much easier
to read. If you typed your essay on a computer using a sans-serif font (one with no
little legs on the letters), change it to a serif font before you print it. Print a copy of
your essay and read it again, checking the size and readability of the text.
Once you're satisfied with your printed copy, you're finished! Good job! It's time to
hand in your essay!

Essay Citations
In-Text Citations
Use in-text essay citations when you:
1. Add a direct quote to your essay.
2. Paraphrase an idea from a source.
3. Summarize information from a single source.
Several citation systems exist, but one of the most commonly used is the author-page
system. The MLA (Modern Language Association) is the recognized standard for the
author-page system of citation and is used widely in the humanities. MLA citations

include the author's surname and page number in parenthesis. If you reference the
author's name in the text of your essay, it's necessary to include only the page number.
EX: In picture books, such as coffee table photography books, the author
usually pays for the photographs or permissions to use them. (Bykofsky and
Sander, 141).
EX: According to Bykofsky and Sander, in books containing a majority of
photos, like coffee table picture books, the author purchases the photos. (141).
Notice, that when there are two authors, both of their surnames are mentioned. When
there are more than two authors, they are referenced as such: (Smith, Jones, et al,
179). Reference pages by number only. (i.e. p.179 is not be used)
The MLA system is an in-text method of citing sources and includes just enough
information to help your reader find the information in the works cited page.
Although a quote from an expert can add impact to your essay, in most cases you
should try to either paraphrase or summarize the information, using citation to
reference your source. However, when you do use direct quotations, follow these
rules:
1. Insert the quotation exactly as it was written, errors and all. Directly after a
spelling error in a quote insert the word [sic]. EX: "Directly after a spelling
errer [sic]... "
2. If you don't use the whole quotation, use an ellipses followed by trailing
quotation marks (..." ) to signify that it isn't the whole quotation.
3. If you make a change in the quotation, such as an underline or bold text in part
of the quotation, note it in parentheses after the quotation. EX: "Directly after a
spelling error [sic] (my underline).
4. Use parenthesis ( ) for information that you add after a quote and square
brackets [ ] for information you add within the quotation.
5. Cite your source. Usually, when you use a quotation, it's appropriate to cite the
author's name within the text. In that case, you need only to reference the page
number of the quotation.
Works Cited
The works cited section goes on a new page after the end of your essay. Put the text
"Works Cited" at the top center of the page. Generally the woks cited should include

the name of the author, the name of the article used (if applicable), the name of the
publication, the city of publication, and the year of publication of all the references
that you used to write your essay.
Hints
List your sources in alphabetical order based on the first word in each citation
(ignore words such as "the" and "a").
Double space your works cited page.
If the citation spans across multiple lines, indent all lines after the first line.
The following are formats of how to cite common sources (in MLA format).
Books
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name and Middle Name/Initial. Title of Book.
Place of Publication: Publishing Company Name, Year of Publishing.
Encyclopedias
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name and Middle Name/Initial. "Article
Name." Title of Encyclopedia. Year of Edition or Edition Number ed.
Magazines
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name and Middle Name/Initial. "Article
Name." Title of Magazine Day of Month (If applicable) Month Year: Page Number(s)
of article.
Websites
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name and Middle Name/Initial. "Title of
Article/Document." Title of Site. Ed. Name of Editor (First Name Last Name). Date of
publication or most recent update. Name of organization associated with site. Date of
when you accessed the document. <http://www.websiteaddress.com>
(If information is not available then leave that section out)
The Five-Paragraph Essay

The five-paragraph essay is used in all areas of academia and

throughout the business world as well. In addition to improving your
skills in written communication, the five-paragraph essay also helps
to develop a system of organized thought. This system not only

assists in scoring well on academic tests, but also is an asset

throughout an individual's lifetime.
The five-paragraph essay is also called the "classic" essay and as such has a traditional
structure. Although like other essays, the five-paragraph essay contains a title,
introduction, body and conclusion, each paragraph also ends and/or begins with
a transitionthat links one paragraph to the next.
Note About Transitions
A transition is a word, a phrase or a
sentence that helps your reader
understand your thought process
and maintains your reader's interest
from point to point in your essay.

Transitions create a bridge from one

paragraph to the next. In addition,
effective use of transitions adds continuity
to your writing and cohesion to your essay
as a whole.

The Introduction: The first paragraph introduces your thesis/topic

to your readers and directs them to the points you'll develop in the
body of your essay. Carefully craft your first sentence to capture
your reader's attention. Introduce your thesis and, in sequence, list
your three supporting points. Like all parts of a five-paragraph
essay, the sequence of supporting points follows a particular format.
The Body: Each of the three paragraphs of the body of a five-paragraph essay is
devoted to examining one of the three points that support your thesis. In addition, the
paragraph that supports each of your points has a specific position within the body.
In writing the body, begin each paragraph with a restatement of the supporting point
and follow it with your evidence. Make sure your evidence is detailed and specific to
the point it supports. Although each supporting point needs at least three pieces of
evidentiary information to support it, use as much evidence as is necessary to make
your viewpoint clear to your reader.
The body of your five-paragraph essay is the "meat" of your essay. The first bite needs
to be very tasty!

Body Paragraph #1: Begin your first paragraph with a

"reverse hook", a transition that alludes to your thesis as a
whole. As in paragraph numbers two and three of the body, be
sure to restate your point in the first or second sentence.
Follow the restatement of your supporting point with your best
evidence, your strongest point and/or most interesting
example. End the first paragraph with a transitional word,
phrase, or statement that progresses to your second
paragraph.
Body Paragraph #2: Connect your bridge at both ends. Begin the second
paragraph with a transition that alludes to the information in the body
paragraph #1. State your second point in the first or second sentence of this
paragraph. The supporting point and evidence presented in the second
paragraph is the second most important evidence that supports your overall
thesis. Conclude the second paragraph with a transition to the third.
Body Paragraph #3: The final paragraph of your essay body contains your
weakest argument and evidence. Strengthen this paragraph by again beginning
it with a transition that connects it to body paragraph #2 and your thesis as a
whole. Use a transition at the end of this paragraph to connect the three points
of the body in leading to the conclusion of your essay.
The Conclusion: Your essay conclusion is the fifth and final
paragraph of your essay. Use it to strongly restate your thesis, now
backing it up with your three supporting points (again in sequence)
and important evidence your essay brought to light. In writing your
conclusion, try to grasp the feelings you have evoked in your reader
and end your essay by using those feelings to add the final "sway"
to your argument.
In retrospect, this final part of your essay should restate both your thesis and the
points that support it in a way that unmistakably shows the reader how your reached
the conclusions you've drawn.

Essay Writing Tips

1. Get started early, you don't want to wait to the last minute and have to rush
through your essay.

2. Whatever your essay says, how it looks creates your reader's first impression.
Format your essay for easy reading, paying strict attention to unity in tab
spaces, indents, and proper margins.
3. Knowing the different types of essays helps not only in the essay writing
process, but can also help you choose a topic.
4. Keep a dictionary handy or put an online dictionary in your Internet Favorites.
Your spell checker won't know the difference between words like complement
(number) and compliment (praise). If you aren't sure of the spelling of a word
and don't have access to a dictionary (for instance while taking a college boards
test), replace it with a different word.
5. Use an outline whenever possible.
6. Create your works cited page as you write/research your essay. In addition to
reminding you where to find relevant information, adding citations as you use
them prevents forgetting one in your list.
7. Don't over-quote. Consider paraphrasing before using direct quotations. Yet,
remember to cite your source even when paraphrasing another person's thought.
8. Transitions create a bridge from one paragraph to the next. In addition,
effective use of transitions adds continuity to your writing and cohesion to your
essay as a whole.
9. Always type your essay on a computer (unless otherwise instructed) and make
backup copies of your essay, just in case.
10.Thesis statements benefit your readers by creating a roadmap that guides them
through your essay. Creating a strong thesis statement and identifying
supporting points helps you stay on topic as you write.
11. Know your subject. Collect two to three times more information than you
intend to use. Researching a variety of sources also helps ensure that facts are
accurately represented.
12.Don't' overlook primary resources. If you're writing about Hamlet, read the play
and form your own opinions. If you're writing about Mel Gibson's Hamlet, read
the play, watch the movie and form your own opinions.

13.Be assertive in your essay, avoid using lines such as, "I think..." or "In my
opinion...".
14.Print a copy of your essay and read it aloud to find hidden errors and weak
areas that need editing. As you read, ask yourself what opinions your reader
might form as they read. Better yet, have a friend read your printed essay back
to you.
15.Proofread, revise and edit your essay before you submit your final copy.

Essay Test Taking Strategies

Essay tests are one of the most dreaded types of tests, but if you combine some
general test taking strategies with specific essay test taking strategies, the essay test
may prove to be one of the most interesting types of exams you take!
General Test Taking Strategies
Before the test - The most important test taking strategy is to know your subject.
1. Stay up to date on your assignments.
2. Take notes and spend some time each day reviewing. Review all related notes
upon completion of each chapter or unit, making sure you understand the
material.
3. Use memory tricks, (like rhymes, anagrams, alphabetizing) for lists, definitions,
and other hard to remember kinds of information.
4. Don't be afraid to ask your instructor about material that will be emphasized on
the test.
5. Get a good night's sleep before tests.
Be early to class on the day of the test. Use the extra time to get organized and
relaxed. Make sure you have the supplies you need like pencils, scratch paper, and any
permitted reference materials.
During the test Stay relaxed. If you feel your stomach knotting up, take a couple of deep breaths,
clear your thoughts and begin again.

Read the directions carefully. Pay attention to last minute verbal instructions, listening
especially for changes to written directions. Ask questions if you need to clarify
directions. Example: A key instruction might be that you only have to answer three
out of five essay questions. Find out if answering the final two is worth extra credit or
no credit.
Essay Test Taking Strategies
Review the whole test before you begin writing.
You may find partial answers to some questions hidden in others.
Find which questions will be easy and which will be more difficult.
Some questions may be worth more points than others may.
As you review the test, jot down any ideas that come to mind.
Budget your time equally for each question. Include time to review and finish difficult
questions, make corrections or changes, and time to proofread your essay(s),
Try to write as neatly as possible.
Each question will have a central idea. Try to answer the questions from the
instructor's point of view, remembering what was most emphasized during class.
Look for directional terms found in keywords such as:
Analyze: Examine and clarify an idea.
Compare: Identify similarities and differences, pros and cons.
Evaluate: Come to a conclusion based on facts.
Outline: Describe the main points of a topic. If you're unsure, ask if this
keyword means to use an outline format (i.e. I, II, III,) or an essay format
(descriptions in the body paragraphs).
Define: Explain the exact meaning and support your definition with facts.
Describe: Go into detail. Use examples, verbal illustrations, and lists to connect
ideas.

 Summarize: Give a short account of the topic, still using the essay format but
sticking to facts and excluding unnecessary details. Circle any directional terms
you find in each question to be sure your essay stays on course.
Begin with the easiest question and move on to the more difficult ones.
Make a simple outline of ideas for each essay question.
Remember the essay format is with the three "tells":
Tell them what you're going to tell them (introduction): Use the introduction to
repeat the question in your own words to let your teacher see both your
understanding of the question and a short description of your answer.
Tell them (body):
o Answer the question in detail, using your outline for your main points
and adding the details to each point.
o Numbers or bullets make for easier reading and let your teacher easily
find each point.
o If you aren't sure about an exact date or number, use approximations that
you are sure of such as "the early 21srt century" or "over a dozen".
Tell them what you told them (conclusion): Don't overlook the conclusion to
your essay. A strong conclusion can provide extra clarity to your essay by
restating your point of view and defining how you reached it by summarizing
your major points.
Proofread your essay. Even if they don't add points, correct spelling, grammar, and
punctuation makes reading easier and keeps your teacher focused on your essay
instead of mechanical mistakes.
After Test Strategies
Every test is good practice for the next test! Analyze your test, paying equal attention
to your strong points and weak points. Build on your strengths and work to make
weak areas stronger.
If your score was low, ask your teacher what you could have done to improve it.

Although essay test taking strategies are important, learning some general test taking
strategies for before, during, and after essay test taking is also valuable to getting good
essay test grades.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay (also known as the argument essay) has one of two objectives:
1. To convince your reader to adopt your point of view
2. To convince your reader to take a specific course of action
A good persuasive essay argues one side of a very narrow topic. Although the
persuasive essay only addresses one side of the issue, the topic must be debatable.
Simply put, the persuasive essay recognizes that there are two sides to every question,
but only presents one side to the reader. Still, it's important for you to understand both
sides of the debate in order to promote your viewpoint effectively.
Choosing the Topic for a Persuasive Essay
The persuasive essay is an objective composition. In choosing your topic for a
persuasive essay, although you should select one about which you feel strongly, be
sure that you can find solid evidence that supports your position.
Refrain from choosing a topic where arguments are based on opinion or belief. Don't
confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is a majority-held belief or opinion that is
unproven and unsubstantiated by fact. Develop your argument using facts, logical
reasoning, relevant examples, quotations from recognized experts, and/or statistics.
Avoid arguing indisputable facts. Start your essay draft by proving your thesis. Write
the question, your position, and then write a thesis statement that directly opposes
your viewpoint. This ensures that you have chosen a debatable question. Examine the
other side of the argument and determine whether your evidence is strong enough to
disprove the opposing viewpoint. Look for contrasting evidence, mistakes, and
inconsistencies in logic.
Define Your Topic
In addition to a statement of the question, your persuasive essay title is also a
statement of your position on the question. However, since your essay is objective,
your title should be, too. For instance:
Cable Internet vs. Fios Internet - This is unacceptable since it doesn't state your
position.

 Why I Chose Cable Internet Over Fios Internet - This is also unacceptable since
use of first person makes it subjective rather than objective and suggests
personal choice rather than factual evidence.
Reasons Why Cable Internet Rules Over Fios Internet - This is acceptable. It
defines the topic, objectively states your position, and relates that your
argument is based on evidence (reasons).
Introducing the Persuasive Essay
Use your thesis in your persuasive essay introduction. In addition to putting your topic
and position into a sentence, the introduction to your persuasive essay should be a
clear definition of the points that support your thesis. Present them in the same order
that you'll use in the body of your essay to help the reader see that your position is
supported in a way that comes to a logical conclusion.
Organizing the Persuasive Essay Body
The easiest way to organize the body of a persuasive essay is to think of your points as
pointing towards your conclusion. Each sentence in the body should be closely related
to your topic and to the sentence that precedes it.
Begin each paragraph with a point from your introduction, following the same
sequence you presented in the introduction. Support it with your evidence. As
you finish each paragraph, examine it as you did the opposing point of view.
Look for mistakes, inconsistencies in logic, and truths masquerading as facts.
Be sure your evidence is specific. Stay away from using broad generalizations
and personal opinions. Especially refrain from using words like all (as in all
people), always, every, and never.
Check to see that you have accurately cited any sources you used in examples
and quotations.
Help your reader see the logical progression of your argument by concluding
each paragraph with a transitional sentence that leads to your next point.
Before you begin writing your conclusion, check all paragraphs of your essay body to
ensure that
1. Your evidence is strong and relevant to the point you addressed in the
paragraph

2. The essay progresses logically to your conclusion

3. Both your points and supporting evidence are on topic and foused towards the
conclusion
In Conclusion
Redefine your topic and summarize your essay by restating your most powerful
evidence, again preserving the sequence of your presentation. The conclusion of your
persuasive essay is your last chance to remind your readers of your position and
persuade them to accept your point of view.

How to Write a Critical Essay

What is a Critical Essay?
A critical essay is a critique or review of another work, usually one which is arts
related (i.e. book, play, movie, painting). However, the critical essay is more than just
a summary of the contents of the other work or your opinion of its value. The critical
essay is an objective analysis of the work, examining both its positive and negative
aspects.
The critical essay is informative and stresses the work rather than your opinion. You
need to support any observations or claims you make with evidence. For this reason,
in writing a critical essay, you don't use the first person.
Following the general essay format of title, introduction, body, and conclusion is
helpful in writing the critical essay.
Formatting Your Critical Essay
Title: An essay is an examination of a single topic. Because critical essays must back
each point with solid evidence, it's much easier to focus on a single aspect of a work
rather than an entire work. Remember this when choosing your essay title.
For instance, rather than trying to examine the movie "Star Wars", examine "The Use
of Dialogue in Star Wars". In a critical essay, even this topic may be too broad.
Narrow it further to a topic like how Yoda's odd dialogue contributes to the movie or
how the voice of James Earl Jones adds to the character of Darth Vader.
Introduction: The introduction of a critical essay introduces the topic, including the
name of the work that you're analyzing and the author or artist of the work. It also
states your position on the work and briefly outlines the questions that led you to
develop the arguments you'll detail in the body of your essay.

Tip: Use relevant background or historical information to show the importance

of the work and the reason for your evaluation.
Body: The body of a critical essay contains information that supports your position on
the topic.
Develop your arguments through using facts that explain your position, compare it to
the opinions of experts, and evaluate the work. Directly follow each statement of
opinion with supporting evidence.
1. The critical essay should briefly examine other opinions of the work, using
them to strengthen your position. Use both the views of experts that are
contrary to your viewpoint as well as those in agreement with your position.
2. Use your evidence to show why your conclusion is stronger than opposing
views, examining the strength of others' reasoning and the quality of their
conclusions in contrast to yours.
3. As well as comparisons, include examples, statistics, and anecdotes.
4. Find supporting evidence within the work itself, in other critical discussions of
the work, and through external sources such as a biography of the author or
artist.
Tips:
Using paragraphs for each point you analyze and including transitions from
point to point improves the flow of your essay.
As well as from paragraph to paragraph, check to see that the entire essay is
well organized and that the information within each paragraph is well ordered.
Conclusion: The conclusion of your critical essay restates your position and
summarizes how your evidence supports your point of view. Remember to restate the
title and author of the work in the conclusion.
Final Touches for the Critical Essay
The critical essay is an informative review based on authoritative and expert evidence.
Completing the essay with the appropriate final touches adds an authoritative look to
your composition.
1. Since much of the information in a critical essay is based on the opinions and
viewpoints of others, it is crucial to properly cite your sources within the body

of the essay and include a list of sources at the end of the paper. The critical
essay normally uses the MLA format of citation.
2. Remember to proofread your essay. Mechanical errors (spelling, grammar,
punctuation) erase your credibility as an expert on your topic.
Although finding the supporting evidence for a critical essay takes some effort,
because you support your position with facts the critical essay results in making you
look like an expert on your topic. Overall, it may be easier to write than a first-person
essay!
How to Write a Narrative Essay

About
The narrative essay offers the writer to do what many of us like to
do best talk about him or her self! Each of us has experiences that
we enjoy sharing with others and the narrative gives us the tools to
communicate our story in a way that is easily understood by others.
The narrative essay is usually a story about your own life. You may
tell about a memorable person or event from the past or the
present. Some narrative essays also tell a family tale about a
parent, grandparent, other relative or close friend.
Writing
Although usually you want to refrain from beginning a composition
with I, in writing the first draft of your narrative essay, it may be
the easiest way to start your creativity flowing. Another rule in
writing the narrative essay is to put events in chronological order.
However, rules were made to be broken, and sometimes a tale isnt
best told moment by moment. Get the story on paper. Afterwards,
youll go back and put it into essay form.
As you write, remember that using descriptive language is an excellent tool to draw
the reader into your experience. Use vivid verbs and colorful adjectives and adverbs
that involve all five of the senses. Make your reader see, hear, feel, taste, and touch
your point of view.
Keep your writing conversational as if you were telling your tale instead of writing it.
Use anecdotes, metaphors, and tales within tales. In fact, write your story in the way
you would be most comfortable telling it. Once you have finished your first draft, you
can begin forming it into an essay.

Like most narrative tales, the narrative essay is usually told in the first person. Yet, if
your story is about what happened to a friend, a relative, or a pet, use he or she.
However, be consistent in your point of view. If you begin in the first person, stick to
it. If you begin in the third person, stick to that.
Most important about the narrative essay is that it is based on a real story. Second in
importance is that the narrative essay takes the shape of an essay and not just a story.
Introduce your narrative essay by introducing the topic and your characters. Also,
include your essays basic premise in your introduction. This doesnt have to be earth
shattering, but it should indicate that you learned something from the experience or at
least why your story is important to you.
Look at your draft and choose the points that not only best describe and enhance your
story but also are most related to your premise. As you develop your narrative essay,
use descriptive test that creates a dominant impression in support of each point and
your premise.
Like any essay, the final paragraph of your narrative essay is your conclusion. Repeat
your premise and summarize how the story led you to your conclusion. The
descriptive language and premise of a narrative essay makes your experience
interesting to your reader. Putting a story into a narrative essay form helps you relate
an important event in your life in a way that is easily understood by any reader.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The next time you get a chance, pick up an apple. Feel the weight of it in your hand.
Examine it for blemishes. What caused that little black spot? Did the apple
tenaciously hang onto the wind-whipped tree branch as a storm dashed it into a
neighboring twig? Did a peckish bird sample the apple for ripeness? Look at the
apple again and feel it as it warms in your hand. Anticipate the burst of flavor as your
teeth crunch through the rich redness of its thin skin.
The above is a sample of descriptive writing and a hint of some of the ways you can
take an ordinary object and change it into the extraordinary using words. Writing a
descriptive essay is a chance to explore your own creativity as you use the senses to
draw a picture in words.
1. Could you feel the weight and temperature of the apple?
2. Did you see the blemish and visualize the windstorm or the bird?

3. Could you hear the crunch as you bit through the skin?
4. Could you taste the explosion of flavor?
Actually, there is more than one way to write a descriptive essay. Some descriptive
essays are written objectively, using only the facts:
Ex: The apple was fully ripe, a fact supported by its deep red color and the ease
with which its dry brown stem separated from the tree.
Tip: Keep your essay on topic by applying descriptive text to your subject only.
Notice above that no description is applied to the tree.
Other descriptive writing, like the first example, is subjective in that it intends to paint
a vivid picture that elicits sensations or arouses emotion in the reader. However, in
either form, descriptive writing adds strength to your essay by adding interesting and
specific details to your composition.
Although the first example is a descriptive paragraph, be sure to follow the standard
essay writing format of introduction, body, and conclusion when writing your
descriptive essay. Use your introduction to both present your subject and to tell your
reader why you found it interesting.
Choose your details carefully. In writing a descriptive essay, your objective is to leave
your reader with just one impression.
For instance, if the apple was grass green instead of rosy red, you might take some
poetic license and leave that fact out, selecting only the details that support your
description and convey the impression or a ripe and juicy apple.
When writing a descriptive essay, start building your description by brainstorming the
facts
Red Apple
Brown Stem
Small black blemish near the top
Thin skin
Juicy
Crunchy

 Round
Heavy and solid
By the time you finish this process, youll probably have written an objective
description and only need to put it into sentences and insert them into appropriate
paragraphs of your descriptive essay. In writing a subjective description, youll want
to build on the facts by adding adjectives to some of them and using synonyms that
are more descriptive for others. (e.g. rosy red as opposed to red or weighty as opposed
to heavy).
Choose two or three of the descriptions youve built and use them as the focal points
of your descriptive essay body, with supporting information that describes why they
are important to your overall view. (In this example, the ripeness of the apple.)
Conclude your descriptive essay with a summary of your points and restate the
impression you meant to create.
How to Write a Reflective Essay

Look into a mirror. The first thing you probably see is yourself
looking back at you. Keep looking though and youll also see whats
behind you. Writing a reflective essay is similar to looking into a
mirror except that instead of seeing objects reflected in the room
behind you, you see reflections of a past experience. Reflective
essays are usually written at the completion of a milestone. For
instance, a scientist may write a reflective essay at the completion
of an experiment or a student may be asked to write a reflective
essay at the end of a course of study or the completion of an
individual or class project.
An essay on My Summer Vacation could be a reflective essay.
However, a reflective essay is not to be confused with an
informative essay. While an informative essay relates facts like
where you went, what you did, and how much things cost, a
reflective essay is an evaluation. Its a record of your feelings and
findings from the beginning of your experience until the end. In
addition to concluding with a summary of your subject, the
conclusion to a reflective essay usually also includes what you
learned from the experience.

The essay format of introduction, body, and conclusion is at its strongest when used to
write a reflective essay. Begin writing your essay by describing your subject, your
feelings and/or expectations at the beginning of the project and by partly disclosing or
hinting at your conclusion.
Ex: I didnt want to go to South Dakota last summer, but by
the end of our summer vacation I learned that the Black Hills
are really more green than black and the Badlands really arent
so bad at all.
Your essay body would go on to describe your Black Hills vacation,
examining not just the points of interest but also why you found
them interesting. This particular essay might conclude with the trip's
highlights and the reasons you came away feeling that, the
Badlands really arent so bad at all.
In most reflective essays, as well as describing what went right, youll also want to
describe what went wrong or what could be improved and how. For instance, in the
example you might describe attractions you didnt visit that you would like to see
and/or side trips that disappointed you and why. Alternatively, you might describe
things you packed that you didnt need and things you didnt pack that you wished
you had brought with you.
The most important factor to remember in writing a reflective essay is that your
opinions and conclusions should directly relate to the experiences you examine in the
essay body.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay

The argumentative essay, although bearing many similarities to the

persuasive (argument) essay, has several very distinct differences.
Basic Essay Format
I. Introduction

II. Body
A. First point and supporting info
B. Second point and supporting info
C. Third point and supporting info
III. Conclusion

The objective of a persuasive essay is to win the reader over to

your side of an argument, while the primary objective of an
argumentative essay is just to show that you have a valid argument,
allowing the reader either to adopt your position or to agree to
disagree.
Another difference between the two types of essay is that in the persuasive essay,
although you acknowledge the opposing view, only one side of the issue is debated.
An important part of the argumentative essay is to use evidence both to substantiate
ones own position and to refute the opposing argument.
The final difference between the argumentative essay and the argument (persuasive)
essay is the organization of the composition. The persuasive essay follows the basic
essay format as displayed in the example.
The argumentative essay may be formatted in several ways:
Example 1: Claim/Counter Claim
Introduce the topic and state or
explain the question. State both the
claim (your position) and the counter
claim (the opposing position).

I. Introduction (Claim and counter claim

statement)

II. Body Part I

A. First counter point and refuting
Start building a strong case by
information
refuting or disproving the opposing
B. Second counter point and refuting
position.
information
C. Third counter point and refuting
Use one paragraph to state each
counter point, following your statement information
with related evidence that refutes the
point.

III Body Part II

A. First point and supporting information
Present your case in the second
B. Second point and supporting
section of the body.
information
Use one paragraph to state each of
C. Third point and supporting information
your points, following your statement
with the evidence that proves or
supports your point.
The conclusion of this format is a
restatement of your claim and a
summary of the information that
supports it.

IV Conclusion Restatement of claim and

summary of the main ideas

Example 2: The Cluster Format

Introduce the topic and state or
explain the question.

I. Introduction (Claim and counter claim

statement)

Start the first section of the body

with your statement of claim or
position.

II. Body Part I Presenting the Case

A. Statement of the claim
B. First point and supporting information
C. First point opposition and refuting
evidence
D. Second point and supporting
information
E. Second point opposition and refuting
evidence
F. Third point and supporting information
G. Third point opposition and refuting
evidence

In this format, you begin by stating

and supporting your points. Use one
paragraph to state each of your points,
following your statement with the
evidence that proves or supports your
point.

Follow each point with an opposing

view related to that point and evidence
that supports the objection. Use one
paragraph for each counter point and
III. Body Part II Authors rebuttal
its evidence.

A. First point rebuttal

After you have finished presenting

B. Second point rebuttal
all points, counter points and evidence,
C. Third point rebuttal
start the second section of the body
with your rebuttals to each of the
IV Conclusion
counter points.
Back your rebuttals with evidence
and logic that shows why the
objections are invalid. If the opposing
view is valid, acknowledge it as so but
use your evidence to show that its
somehow unattractive and that your
position is the more desirable of the
two.
Use one paragraph to rebut each
counter claim.
The conclusion of this format is a
restatement of your claim, a summary
of supporting information and an
assessment of rebuttals.

Example 3: The Alternating Format

Introduce the topic and state or
explain the question.

I. Introduction (Claim and counter claim

statement)

Start the body with your statement II. Body

of claim or position.
A. Statement of the claim

B. First point and supporting information

In this format, you begin by stating
C. First point opposition and refuting
and supporting your points. Use one
evidence
paragraph to state each of your points,
D. First rebuttal and supporting
following your statement with the
evidence that proves or supports your information
point.
E. Second point and supporting
information

Follow each point with an opposing

F. Second point opposition and refuting
view related to that point and evidence
evidence
that supports the objection. Use one
G. Second rebuttal and supporting
paragraph for each counter point and
information
its evidence.
Follow each objection with your
rebuttal. Use one paragraph to rebut
each counter claim.

III Conclusion

The conclusion of this format is a

restatement of your claim, a summary
of supporting information and an
assessment of rebuttals.

Writing the Argumentative Essay

Now that you know how to format an argumentative essay, its time
to begin writing.
Again, as in the persuasive essay, state your thesis objectively. Dont use first person.
Instead of saying, I dont think global warming is worth worrying about, you might
say, A two degree rise in temperature over the last hundred years makes global
warming a trivial problem.
Now that you have put the gloves on be prepared to back up your thesis with facts.
Use statistics, expert quotations, and other evidence in support of your thesis and in
rebuttal of counter claims. In addition, all counter claims should be backed with solid
evidence as well.

As you research your material, anticipate objections and be prepared to make

concessions. This will help you to research and write your thesis as if you were
debating a real person instead of a piece of paper!
Perhaps the biggest mistake people make in writing an argumentative essay is to
substitute their opinions for facts. Remember that each claim you make must be
supported by solid evidence if your argument is to hold up to counter claims and
objections.
Although in an argumentative essay you dont have to win the reader over to your
side, your objective at the least should be to persuade them to agree to disagree with
your position and accept it as another point of view that merits further thought and
discussion.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

Apples and oranges. All you need do in writing a compare and contrast essay is take
two subjects and show their similarities and their differences. When writing a compare
and contrast essay, the basic essay form of title, introduction, three paragraph body,
and conclusion makes it one of the easiest essays to write.
Before you begin writing, brainstorm to find similarities and differences between your
subjects.
Subject

Apples & Oranges

Similarities

Differences

Both are tree fruits, grown

commercially in large orchards

Oranges tropical, apples

temperate

Apple juice and orange juice

Apple juice has no pulp. Orange

juice has pulp.

Sauce

Pulp and peeling from oranges is

used in sauce. Applesauce
contains only the pulp of the
pared apple.

Use your essay introduction to introduce both subjects and present the points you
intend to make.
Ex: However, although apples and oranges are both fruits, they are each ripe
with differences, some of which are shown in the way they are grown and
processed.
Format the body of your compare and contrast essay in one of several ways:

1. You can compare and contrast different elements of each subject in each
paragraph of your essay body. This is also called point by point comparison
and contrast.
Example 1:
1. (Compare) Apples and oranges are both tree fruits often grown
commercially in large orchards. (Contrast) However, apples grow in
every climate and oranges need tropical temperatures to produce fruit.
2. (compare) Although both fruits can be juiced, (contrast) apples are
pressed and only the juice is bottled while both pulp and juice is
squeezed from oranges.
3. (Compare) Again, while fruit sauce is made from both apples and
oranges, usually applesauce comes from the pared and pureed apple
(contrast) while orange sauce may contain both the rind and the pulp of
the orange.
2. You can use one paragraph to discuss one subject, the second paragraph to
discuss the other and the final paragraph of the body to compare and contrast
the two subjects.
Example 2:
1. Apples are a tree fruit that is often grown commercially in large
orchards. As well as eaten from the tree, apples are also both pressed into
apple juice or pureed and processed into applesauce.
2. Oranges are also a tree fruit, often grown commercially in large
orchards. Like apples, they can be eaten from the tree, squeezed into
juices or processed into orange sauce.
3. (Compare and contrast points discussed in paragraphs one and two.) One
big difference between apples and oranges is the way they are processed.
Notice that while apples are pressed for juice, orange juice is squeezed
from the orange. Another difference is that while apple juice contains
only the liquid pressed from the apple, orange juice may also contain the
pulp from the orange. Although applesauce contains the pureed pulp of
the pared apple, orange sauce may contain bits of orange rind as well as
the pulp of the fruit.

3. You can also limit your essay to discuss only one similarity and one difference
between the two subjects.
4. You can structure you essay to compare only similarities or to contrast only
differences between your two subjects.
Note: To avoid confusing your reader, its best to follow the same order of
representation in each paragraph. For instance, in example one notice that the order is
subject one (apples,) comparison, and then contrast and followed by subject two
(oranges,) comparison, and then contrast.
You may want to try a couple of different formats for your topic in order to choose
which best suits your subject. In addition, using appropriate transitions between
paragraphs is very important in writing the compare and contrast essay. Transitions
help your essay flow smoothly from point to point yet keep your essay on topic.
Cue Words
Another technique in writing the compare and contrast essay is to use cue words that
links one paragraph to the next.cue words. Cue words are clues to whether you are
comparing your subjects or contrasting them and make it easier for your reader to
understand your points.
Cue Words
Similarities
Is similar to
Both
Also
Too
As well
Like

Differences
On the other
hand
However
But
Although
Unlike
While

Like in any essay, finish your essay by summarizing the points you made in the body.
Ex: Although each is a commercially grown tree fruit, growing temperatures
and differences in processing apples and oranges clearly makes a distinction
between the two fruits.
Appropriate use of transitions and cue words help make your essay conclusion easy to
summarize. Writing a contrast and compare and essay is as easy as comparing apples
and oranges!

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

Defining Cause and Effect

The easiest way to define cause and effect is one thing leads to another. The one
thing is the cause that leads to (or results in) another, the effect.
Although you can focus on one cause and effect, frequently youll find that a single
cause generates many effects or that one effect is the result of multiple unrelated
causes.
Example: Smoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer, and emphysema or
heart disease may be caused by smoking, obesity, and genetics. In addition,
smoking can be a contributing factor in an individual with all three diseases or
an individual with heart disease may smoke, be obese, and have a family
history of heart disease.
In addition, often an effect is brought about by a chain reaction of causes.
Example: Smoking can cause emphysema, which causes a person to slow
down, which leads to weight gain, resulting in heart disease.
As you can see, defining some causes and effects gives you a number of possible
essay topics. Remembering that an essay is a discussion of a single topic, choose
either a cause or effect as your topic and examine the subject topic to primary
point or topic to multiple points.
1. The Effect of Cigarettes on Your Heart (one cause to one effect)
2. Three Deadly Effects of Smoking (three effects to a cause)
3. Three Major Causes of Heart Disease (three causes to one effect)
When you intend to discuss multiple effects or causes, brainstorm to identify them.
Ask questions about each cause or effect you identify.
Why did this happen?
What happened before or after this?
What were the results of this?
Keep asking questions until you are satisfied that you have identified all the causes or
effects that are related to your topic. After you have a list, check causes and effects to
be sure that your relationships are logical and valid.
Develop Your Cause and Effect Essay
The thesis should clearly state the focus of your cause and effect essay. Alert your

reader to the focus of your cause and effect essay by using the words cause and/or
effect in your essay thesis. Along with the thesis, your essay introduction should also
state the major points your essay will discuss.
The purpose of the cause and effect essay may be either to analyze or inform.
Generally, the cause and effect essay is organized either chronologically or in order of
importance. Keep causes and effects clearly defined by using keywords for causes
such as because of, due to, since, and leads to. For effects use words like
consequently, as a result of, thus, resulting in, and, therefore.
Support each point with evidence that clearly shows its relation to your topic. In cases
where your facts dont clearly support your argument, qualify your statements with
phrases like, the evidence suggests, it seems likely, or the apparent cause and
words like possibly, probably,perhaps, and maybe.

How to Write a Research Essay

The research essay is also called the research paper and the term paper. Along with
being one of the most frequently assigned compositions, it is also one that strikes
terror in the hearts of many students. However, once you know how to research and
organize a research essay, it can be one of the most satisfying papers to write.
A major part of writing the research essay is compiling and organizing the information
you need to write the paper. The best way to begin researching is to start fresh.
Whether the topic is assigned or one of your own choice, clear your mind of all
opinions and ideas on the topic until you have reviewed expert information on the
topic. Then decide if your paper will be expository or argumentative in nature.
Like all essays, the research essay has three main parts: It begins with the introduction
followed by the body and, of course, concludes with the conclusion. Yet, the body of
the research essay usually has several distinct sections that are unique in either type or
placement when compared to other types of essays.
Parts of the research essay include:
The Introduction: Like every essay, the introduction to a research essay introduces the
topic. It may also include your statement of interest in the topic. How you introduce
the topic is a matter of your personal choice. Some examples are:
Start with an anecdote about the topic
Talk about the work of an expert that led you to become interested in the topic

 Disclose an unanswered question that led you to choose the topic. The question
may also be the basis for your essay thesis.
The Thesis: While your thesis should appear as early as you can fit it into your
research essay, it may be placed either in the introduction or in the first paragraph of
the body, depending on the subject and depth of the information your essay explores.
The thesis should be clear and concise. A rule of thumb says that if your thesis extends
beyond a single sentence, you may need to redefine your argument. As usual, the
supporting points of your thesis directly follow it.
Argument and Documentation: The meat of your research essay, the argument and
documentation section presents your case. How you develop your points depends on
whether your essay format is expository or argumentative.
The Historiography: The historiography is an overview of other works written on the
same topic, those that share your point of view as well those opposing your argument.
Although often addressed only in footnotes or endnotes, you may place the
historiography within the body if it is important to the development of your essay. For
instance, you might use the historiography to acknowledge a contradicting position
and explain why its invalid or to introduce an expert source that agrees with your
viewpoint.
Discussion of Sources: Different from the usual list of cited sources, the research
essay takes time to discuss sources of information. The discussion of sources takes
into account the biases and weaknesses of your sources as well as their strengths and
the value they add to your argument. Furthermore, in a discussion of sources you may
also include sources that you didnt use and the reasons why you omitted them from
your paper.
Although the discussion of sources also is most often found in footnotes, its placement
depends upon its importance to your topic and to the development of your article.
Conclusion: Again, the conclusion of a research essay differs from the standard essay
format. Although youll redefine your thesis and summarize the supporting points,
you may choose to add some pertinent information. For instance, the conclusion of a
research essay is the only place in your paper where its appropriate to express your
personal opinion. Furthermore, you might add information that connects your topic to
a contemporary issue such as how it brought about some significant change. You may
also provide avenues for further research.
How to Write an Expository Essay

What is an Expository Essay?

While expository is just a synonym for information, strict guidelines
of the expository essay ensure that the information it contains is
clear and concise. An easy way to get off on the right foot in writing
an expository essay is to remember that the root of expository is
expose. The writers job is to totally expose the topic in a way that
makes the information unmistakably clear to his/her audience.
However, the expository essay is a totally objective composition. Differing from many
other types of essay, the writers job is to explain and inform without offering an
opinion or developing an argument. To that end, the expository essay is an impartial
analysis of facts and evidence. Further evidence of its impartiality is that the
expository essay is always written in the third person.
Know Your Audience
More so than in any other type of essay, when composing an
expository essay its important to write to your audience. Judge how
much background information youll need by asking yourself if your
readers are familiar with your topic. Its as important not to
"overstate the case as it is to provide all the relevant information
on your topic. In other words, although you want to fully inform your
audience, you dont want to patronize your readers by filling your
essay with general information.
The goal of an expository essay is provide the reader with a full understanding of a
complex process or situation.
The Expository Essay Format
The expository essay follows the standard essay format of Introduction, Body, and
Conclusion. Although it is distinctly different from other types of essay, it may use the
techniques of compare and contrast, cause and effect, divide and categorize, use
examples, statistics and or definitions in order to meet its goal.
The expository essay introduction is a statement of the essays thesis and the subtopics that will be developed within the essay body. The expository essay is generally
a short composition that attempts to completely cover a narrow topic. To achieve this
objective, the essay thesis needs to be well defined and narrow.

Each paragraph of the body of the expository essay must have a dominant point that
directly relates to the essay thesis. All supporting sentences within each body
paragraph must have a direct and factual relationship to the dominant point.
Appropriate use of transitions is also crucial to a good expository essay. Transitions
confirm the organization and the logic of your composition as they allow the reader to
move smoothly from point to point of your essay.
Keep sentence structures simple and clear in anticipation of potential
misunderstandings. Stay away from slang and colloquialisms. Be sure to use technical
terms in context and accurately. Explain acronyms and those terms that may be
unfamiliar to your reader.
Conclude your expository essay by restating your thesis and summarizing the points
that lead to your conclusion.
Concluding the Expository Essay
After youve finished your first draft, along with checking for mechanical errors,
check your essay to see if you have explained your topic thoroughly. Be sure that your
thesis relates to every paragraph and that supporting sentences directly relate to your
dominant points.
Reorganize your essay as needed to keep your logic clear and you information in an
appropriate sequence. The real conclusion of your expository essay is when your
composition is a well-ordered, easy-to-understand analysis of your topic.

How to Write a College Admissions Essay

The college admissions essay is a personal statement that puts your essay writing
skills to the test. In writing a college admissions essay youll combine narrative,
persuasive, cause and effect, descriptive, and reflective essay forms into one cohesive
self-portrait.
Although a large part of your essay will be autobiographical, the college admissions
essay must do more than look at your past. The college admissions board wants to see
that you have a well formed vision of where you are now and what you hope to
accomplish in the future both during and beyond college.
Your First College Examination - Yourself
Before you begin writing a college admissions essay, consider who will read it.

College admissions boards read hundreds of essays each year, many that are almost
carbon copies of the next. Your essay will need to stand out from the crowd and
impress the admissions board with the unique individual that is you.
The most frequent criticism of college admissions essays is that the writer isnt
specific in answering the individual questions asked, especially in tailoring his/her
response to the school. You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions
by answering a few questions about yourself.
What is the most impressive characteristic of your personality?
What is the most distinctive element of your life story?
What about your life most influenced your choices and the goals you have set
for your future.
What influenced you to choose your field of interest? Why are you well suited
to the course of study you have chosen?
What are your real goals for the future? What milestones have you passed and
what milestones must you pass in order to achieve your goals?
Have you left anything out that might be relevant to your personal statement?
Keep thinking of questions to answer that relate to your course of study, your
goals, and the school(s) to which you are applying.
As you answer your questions, dont write descriptive paragraphs. Just write down the
information. Your answers are evidence that youll use in your responses to specific
questions.
Your College Admissions Essay Topic
Like any essay, the introduction of your college admissions essay should introduce
your topic and the main points that support your topic. Dont make the mistake of
thinking your topic is either an overview or a long-winded dissertation on your life.
The college admissions board wants to see what events in your life led you to an
interest in your course of study and what makes you believe that attending their school
will best help you achieve your goals. The first paragraph should be the framework
and set the scene for your entire college admissions essay.
Use each paragraph of the body to elaborate on a single point with statements that
both support the point and relate to the essay topic.

Example: What is the most impressive characteristic of your personality?

Wrong answer: My sense of humor is my most impressive characteristic.
Wrong answer: I was always the class clown and frequently broke up the class
with my antics.
Better answer (There are no real right answers!): A strong sense of humor helps
me keep an optimistic viewpoint. Although Im not an incurable optimist,
humor also helps keeps problems in perspective. My sense of humor has often
been an essential tool in finding the solution to a problem. (You might follow
with an example of a problem that your sense of humor helped you solve.)
Looking at the questions above, if the question was What is the most distinctive
event of your life story? Your answer might be that solving a particular problem was
the most distinctive event and include how your most impressive characteristic, your
sense of humor, helped you find the solution.
Remember: Tailor your college admissions essay to answer the specific questions
asked. This is the most important thing you can do in writing a good college
admissions essay.
Turn Obstacles to Your Advantage
Although we all probably would like to sweep past mistakes under the rug, in writing
a college admissions essay its essential to face them head on. However, just
acknowledging mistakes isnt enough. For instance, if you have discrepancies in your
academic record, do disclose them at some point in your personal statement. Also,
explain them, not just with an excuse but with the reason for them. In addition,
explain what you did or are doing to make corrections.
Have you made some wrong choices in your life that led you to change your path
and were instrumental in setting your current goals?
Have you overcome some obstacle (physical, financial, social) that makes you a better
candidate for your course of study?
Remember: Make whatever you write relevant to your course of study and your
choice of school.
Know your school and be prepared to explain why you chose it with substantial, yet
honest reasons.

 What about its program appeals to you?

What does it offer that other schools do not?
What are your expectations in choosing the school?
Conclude Your Essay The Logical Choice
Conclude your college admissions essay by fashioning a summary that shows how
this school is the logical choice. Of course, youll check your essay for mechanical
errors, but also check your essay to be sure that:
1. All points relate to your topic
2. All points are well supported
3. All points lead to a logical conclusion your application to this school!
Argumentative Essay Topics

Abolish Homework
Butter Isn't Better (Than Margarine)
Social Security - R.I.P.
Tap Water As Good as Bottled Water
Exercise: Walk - Don't Run
One World - One Currency: The Euro
Fit Insurance to the Vehicle, Not to the Driver
My Diary My Property
Stay Out of My Room
Progressive Taxation is an Unfair System
People Should Eat Healthy Foods
Boys Better than Girls

Animals Shouldn't be Used When Testing New Drugs and Products

Students have it Tougher than Teachers.
No More Curfews
Cause and Effect Essay Topics

The Effects of Suntanning on Your Skin

How Massage Relieves Muscle Aches
What Floats Your Boat?
Why is the Sky Blue?
Why Hot Air Balloons Fly
How Yeast Makes Bread Rise
What Does a Spark Plug Do?
What Makes a Firefly Glow?
How Does Magma Turn Into Lava?
Where Does Pond Scum Come From?
What Makes Your Hair Curl?
Greasy Food and Your Health
Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Frogs and Toads

North Pole and South Pole
Koala Bears and Pandas
Mammals and Marsupials
Fruits and Vegetables

Binary and Ascii

Home School and Public School
Hardwood and Softwood
Annual Plants and Perennial Plants
Stalin and Lenin
Apples and Oranges
Renting vs Home Ownership
George to George W: Bush to Bush
Ale and Beer
Eagles and Hawks
Comedy and Drama
Unicorns and Pegasus
Greek Gods and Roman Gods
Tap Water and Bottled Water
Butter and Margarine
Country music and Rap
Arranged Marriage and Love Marriage
Online Instrucction and Classroom Instruction
Eating Out vs Cooking
Cats and Dogs
Religion and Atheism

College and High School

Wine and Beer
Moths and Butterflies
Crocodiles and Alligators
Controversial Essay Topics

Breeding Animals for Research

Sparing the Rod and Spoiling the Child
Don't Save the Planet Save Yourself!
Cloning
Who Should Help the Homeless?
Too Many People on the Planet
A Teen's Right to Privacy
Save the Whales (Trees, Eagles, etc)
Recycling Why Bother?
One Country One Language: Speak American
Globalization
Nature vs. Nurture
Abortion Should be Banned
Racial Profiling is Okay
Are Teens Respected Enough?
Informative Essay Topics

Organize Your Space (i.e. room, desk, locker)

How to Bake ( your favorite recipe)

Learn How to Listen
Taking Good Notes
Planting a Tree
Taking Care of Your (pet)
What to Know: Getting Your First Tattoo (or piercing)
Collecting (i.e. stamps,coins, dolls)
Plan a Garage Sale
Raise Money for (i.e. charity, group trip )
How to Cook Pasta
How to Ride a Bike
Home Improvement
Recycling
Time Management
How to Change a Tire
World Hunger
arrative Essay Topics

My First Computer
Buying My First Car
Christmas at Our House
My Favorite Holiday
My (Pet) (Name)

My Most Embarassing Moment

My Favorite Relative
The Best Day of My Life
My Best Friend
My Biggest Mistake
An Embarrassing Moment
My Summer Vacation
My Favorite Sport
My Favorite Class
My Favorite Subject
My Role Model
A Joke That Went Wrong
Pet Peeves
My Hero is...
Persuasive Essay Topics

White Rice is Better than Potatoes

Why Apple Computers are Better than PCs
Why You Should Quit Smoking
Drink Soy Milk
Don't take Vitamins, Eat Natural foods
Why You Should Quit Drinking
Why Cable Internet is better than DSL

Why Laser Printers are better than Inkjets

Pythons Make the Best Pet!
You Need a Cell Phone!
Persuade your friend to...
Progressive Taxation is the Best System
Alcohol Should be Legal for People of All Ages
Gambling is an addiction
Everyone should become a vegetarian.
Smoking Should be Illegal
Adopt a pet
Recycle
School uniforms are Necessary in School.
There Should be No TV in Kids' Bderooms.
Our Tomorrow Will Be Better Than Today
School Uniforms are Necessary in School
You Should Wear a Seat Belt
Tap water - As good as bottled water