How to Respond Tactically to an Essay Question.

A Slapdash Production

Before You Begin Writing:

1. Circle the important words in the question

2. Briefly write down ideas, details, or words from the text that will help you flesh out your essay.

3. Look for patterns, connections and relations in those notes to help organize your essay. Group related ideas.

If you get stuck while writing, Go back to your notes to help jumpstart your pen.

4. Use the question to structure your thesis.

Um, Excuse me. What do you mean by “thesis”?

I’m glad you asked.

Simply put, a thesis is an essay’s central idea Simply put, a thesis is an essay’s central idea. A thesis statement is a statement that asserts an essay’s central idea.

A Strong Thesis Statement does the following: It fits the purpose of the assignment. It makes a specific point about the topic and gives readers a sense of the direction of the paper. It asserts something that could make a difference in what readers know, understand, or believe.

Example: Step 1. Joan Didion, in her essay “Marrying Absurd,” describes in detail the Las Vegas marriage industry . Using specific details from the essay, explain Didion’s reaction to, and opinions , the people encounters.

Joan Didion, in her essay “Marrying Absurd,” describes in detail the Las Vegas marriage industry . Using specific details from the essay, explain Didion’s reaction to, and opinions of, the people encounters.

Tips and Conventions Always assume that your audience has read the text. That means that summary is unnecessary. Quote, paraphrase, or describe parts of the text which you need to back up your thesis.

Tips and Conventions In the typical in class essay, an extended introductory paragraph is not necessary. 3 to 4 sentences are enough. Identify the author and title of text you will write about. Introduce the topic and formulate a strong and specific thesis statement.

Tips and Conventions No matter how much you know about an author, you are not on a first name basis. On your first mention of the author, use his/her full name (e.g. Joan Didion, George Orwell). Use the last name thereafter.