College Prep: Writing a Strong Essay

with Leigh Ann Chow

Review: What Works and What Doesn’t Work

So let’s review. Here’s a chart of everything we’ve talked about in this chapter, both at the sentence level
and the essay level.

At the sentence level:

What Works What Doesn’t Work Refer to Movie(s)/

Exercise File(s)

Appropriate word choice Overly formal vocabulary (big 04-05

words), slang, or writing like you talk

Varied sentence structure, Lack of control of language 04-06

proper grammar, and usage

Active, direct, and precise verbs “To be” verbs 04-04

At the essay level:

What Works What Doesn’t Work Refer to College Prep: Writing a

Strong Essay/ Exercise File(s)

Showing Telling 03-02

Starting strong with an Blah opening: restating the 03-01

engaging opening prompt

Providing specific details Vague generalities 03-03

Succinct, to-the-point writing Overly wordy, bloated 03-06

responses

College Prep: Writing a Strong Essay with Leigh Ann Chow