 An essay requires you to really think about the material you have been studying.  An essay is often the best evaluation of how well you understand the material.

 Answers to essay questions are always written in paragraph form. › You must give more than a one-word answer. › You must give more than a series of sentences that answer the questions.

 Sometimes an essay question will ask for facts.  Other times it will ask for your interpretation of facts.

 The key to knowing exactly what type of answer you should give is to look at the verb used in the question.

CCompare CContrast DDiscuss DDefine EExplain DDescribe TTrace PProve

 Compare: Show how two things are alike.

 Contrast: Show how two things are different.

 Discuss: Give the facts and tell how they relate to one another.

 Define: Give the meaning of a term.

 Explain: Tell how or why something is done.

 Describe: Give a word picture of something.

 Trace: Give all the events in sequential order and tell how they are related.

 Prove: Give evidence to show that something is true.

 It is important to analyze each essay question that you are given in order to determine what kind of information is being asked of you.

› Two key words: list; explain  List – a signal that factual information is being requested  Explain – indicates that a personal interpretation is also required › Facts:  Three services performed by monasteries of the Middle Ages. › Interpretation  How did those services help people of the Middle Ages?

› Provide a topic sentence so that the reader knows that you are addressing the question.  Three services performed by the monasteries of the Middle Ages were 1.caring for the sick 2.copying manuscripts 3.and providing lodging for travelers and pilgrims.

› Study the question to find out what it asks you to do. › Decide if the answer is factual, interpretive, or both. › Map or outline your answer, making sure all information is related to the question. › Restate what is asked in the question and make it the topic sentence, which is often the opening sentence. › Give your information in a well-constructed paragraph and using appropriate transition words. › Reread your paragraph to make sure you have given the information that the question requires

› Read the question quickly to get its general idea. › Reread the question to find out what you are being asked to do. › Underline words that give directions, like explain or compare. › Reread the question to make sure you understand what it is asking you to do. › Circle key words like World War II or gravity.

› You may need to gather information from notes you may have taken while preparing for the assignment. › Make a word map to record the ideas and facts from your notes and also any that you remember that you did not write down. › There are several ways to do this.

› An essay always begins with a topic sentence. › Always use the key words in your topic sentence. › Imagine that your reader has not seen the question.

› The details in the body of your essay are the most important part of your answer.  They prove that your topic sentence is true.  The number and quality of your details show that you understand what you learned. › Complete your essay answer with a sentence that restates the idea in your topic sentence and sums up your ideas.

› Write the first draft quickly. › Write your draft while all your prewriting ideas are fresh in your mind. › Keep your notes in front of you.

› Don’t worry about correct spelling or punctuation at this point. › Do not be afraid to add things to your draft that are not in your notes. You can always take them out later. › Remember: Your draft should not be perfect. The point of a first draft is to get your ideas down on paper quickly.

› After writing your draft, put it away for several hours or a day. › Reread it and make edits. › You may also have someone else read it and give feedback. › You should make edits first, however, before seeking another opinion.

› Write a second draft. › Reread it several hours or a day later. › If you are satisfied, then that will be your final copy. › Make sure it is in proper form for a final copy and that it is neatly written.

› If you are not satisfied, revise the essay again until you are satisfied. › You may make as many revisions as you like, but don’t overdo it.

 Do not hand in work that you have not put effort into.  It takes time to write a good essay.  As you write more essays, you will get better at it and essay-writing will become easier.  And maybe even………………………..

WWait for it……….. WWait for it……….. WWait for it……….. You might have FUN!!!!!!!!!

FUN!!!!!!!!!

 As a class we will write this practice essay.  List three services performed by monasteries of the Middle Ages, and explain why these services were important to the people of that time.