Writing In Class Essays: Tips Pamela Fox Instructor

Essay Prompts GWAR Format In this format, you will be presented with two quotes. Choose the quote you can respond to the best. You do not have to agree with the quote. Persuasive Format In this format, you with be presented with one or more controversial issues. Choose the issue you can respond to most effectively. Do not research.

How to Begin Paraphrase the prompt and/or summarize the quote. Always refer to the author of the quote and/or the key people in the prompt. Decide whether or not the argument in the prompt or in the quote is valid.

Brainstorm Think about reasons the argument presented in the prompt or in the quote might be weak. Make a list of the reasons. Think about reasons the argument is strong.

Thesis Statement Choose a position; you MUST argue one side or the other, not both. You have three options: 1. He or she is right because….. 2. He or she is wrong because…. 3. He or she is right/wrong within limits. Clearly define the limits.

Sample Prompt Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. New-made friendships, like new wine, Age will mellow and refine. ~ Joseph Parry Do you agree or disagree with Parry? Why? Write an essay in which you discuss the ideas in this prompt. Include a clearly articulated thesis statement and one or more well developed supporting reasons. Include a separate conclusion.

Focus Identify the essential ideas the quote or the prompt presents. You will be using these ideas in your introduction. Identify key words. Do not become distracted with examples that may be in the prompt. Use the key words to summarize the prompt or the quote. 1. Describe the relationships between the ideas in the prompt. 2. Preface each of your introductory statements by referring to author: Ralph Waldo Emerson believes, claims, contends, argues……… According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, ………………..

Organizing the Argument Use the reasons you brainstormed to support your thesis statement. Organize the reasons in a logical manner. 1. Informal outline 2. Graphic organizer Develop the reasons on your outline or graphic with examples, details, definitions, and other types of supporting evidence. Use RENNS. Refer to Quick Access.

Introduction Summarize/paraphrase the quote or prompt. Refer to the author or source. Include your thesis statement as the last sentence in the paragraph. Do not ask questions. Use the information from your “focus” brainstorming to write the introduction.

Body Paragraphs Use each reason as a topic sentence for a new paragraph. You should have two or three reasons that support your position. Each reason should be fully developed with adequate supporting evidence. Do not ask rhetorical questions. Discuss only one reason per paragraph. Use transitional words and phrases to show relationship between ideas (p. 54 in QA).

Conclusion Your essay must have a conclusion, which is contained in a separate paragraph. Summarize your overall argument. Sometimes, anecdotes can make conclusions interesting. Do not present any new evidence. Do not end with a question.

Checklist Does your introduction include a summary of the quote or prompt? Does your introduction include a thesis statement that agrees, that disagrees, or that contains a qualified argument? Have you referred to the author/source throughout the argument? The first time you referred to the author, did you use the author’s entire name? Only his/her last name thereafter? Does each paragraph have ONE specific idea supported with adequate and appropriate evidence, such as examples, details, and explanations? Does your conclusion refer to the original quote or prompt, and does it summarize your argument?

Proofread Have you checked for sentence structure errors: comma splices, fragments, fused sentences, confusing sentences? Have you check for subject/verb agreement and other verb errors? Have you checked for punctuation, capitalization, and other mechanical errors? Have you used transitional words and phrases? Have you eliminated all contractions, slang, and other inappropriate words?