1. The Basics of the Short Essay
Part One
The Basics of the Short Essay

2. Chapter One
Prewriting

3. Getting Started Start early Find your best space
Procrastination is the enemy of good writing
Set deadlines for each step of writing
Find your best space
Turn off the TV; you don’t need to check your phone ad infinitum; your room doesn’t need rearranged, and your unfolded laundry can wait…
Select something in which you have a strong interest
Bored writers write boring essays
Narrow a large subject

4. Finding Your Essay’s Purpose and Focus
Purpose – Why are you writing the essay?
Focus – What is the main point you are trying to make?
Example: You can’t inform your readers about every aspect of running. Instead, you must decide on a particular part of the sport, and then determine the main point of that

5. Pump-Primer Techniques
A Pump-Primer Technique will help you find purpose and focus.
Listing
Freewriting
The Boomerang
Clustering
Interviewing
The Cross Examination
Sketching
Cluster demonstration

6. Discovering Your Audience
Who will be reading your essay and why?
Even if it’s for a class, you know what the instructor expects
Which voice should you use to adopt an appropriate tone?
Tone is a writer’s attitude toward a topic.
See examples, pages

7. Identify Your Readers
Does your assignment specify a particular audience?
What do these readers want to learn or hope to gain?
Do they need your information to make a decision, formulate a plan, or design a new project?
What action do you want them to take?
What terms need to be defined?

8. Identify Your Readers Do they have any special qualities?
Are they older or younger than your peers?
Do they share similar education or training?
Are they from a particular part of the world or place?
Are they in positions of authority?

9. Identify Your Readers Readers don’t like to be bored
Readers hate confusion and disorder
Readers want to think and learn
Readers want to see what you see and feel what you feel
Readers are turned off by phony, pretentious voices

10. After You’ve Found Your Focus, Audience, etc. …
Compose a working thesis statement.
Should effectively guide or help you plan your essay and outline
Can be adjusted as you begin writing your essay

11. Chapter One Summary
Before you begin writing, remember you have valuable ideas to tell your readers.
Your single most important goal is to communicate those ideas clearly to your reader.
Select a subject that is of interest, and give yourself more time than you think you will need.
Try a variety of prewriting strategies to help you find your essay’s purpose and a narrowed focus.
Review your audience’s knowledge and attitudes towards a topic before you begin your first draft.
Keep a journal to help you explore good ideas and possible topics.

12. The Inverted Pyramid writing formula
Paragraph writing should begin generally and become more specific as you proceed

13. The Introduction
The LEAD-IN: The first sentence takes the reader from his/her world into the world of the essay.
The BRIDGE: Gradually build toward your thesis.
Thesis: The statement of purpose for the essay – it will guide all further writing.
INTRODUCTION RULE: Keep introduction short (4-6 sentences) and simple; save specifics for your body paragraphs. Don’t “muddy” your introduction and lose the thesis.

14. Body paragraph 1
TOPIC SENTENCE: Generally introduces the ONE topic of your paragraph, which is your strongest point.
Each successive sentence builds on the previous, with supporting details: facts, examples, quotes, research, personal experience, logic. (connect sentences with transitions).
Closure sentence: Wrap it up, and apply this paragraph to your thesis.
BODY PARAGRAPH RULE: A fully developed paragraph will have three supporting details of at least two sentences each (total sentences 8-12). Use transitions when moving from one detail to the next.

15. Body paragraph 2+
TRANSITION + TOPIC SENTENCE: Take the reader from your previous topic into your next. Generally introduce the ONE topic of your paragraph.
Each successive sentence builds on the previous, with supporting details: facts, examples, quotes, research, etc. (connect sentences with transitions).
Closure sentence: Wrap it up, and apply this paragraph to your thesis.

16. Final body paragraph
TRANSITION + TOPIC SENTENCE: Can be either (1) additional argument, or (2) counter-argument and what makes your argument stronger.
Each successive sentence builds on the previous, with supporting details: facts, examples, quotes, research, etc. (connect sentences with transitions).
Closure sentence: Wrap it up, and apply this paragraph to your thesis.

17. Conclusion REITERATE THESIS: Do not restate it word for word.
Reiterate your main points
Closure sentence: Wrap it up… with a profound thought or question, lesson learned, or come full circle from your opening sentence.
CONCLUSION RULE: Do not introduce new material in your conclusion.

18. Other Writing Rules
In formal writing, do not acknowledge yourself (“I”) or the reader (“you,” “your”).
Example: “On the first day of classes, I feel nervous and anxious, but excited to learn.”
Corrected: “On the first day of classes, students generally feel nervous and anxious, but excited to learn.”
Follow proper formatting (in this case, APA)
Edit closely and carefully; Spell-Checker and Grammar Check are not sufficient.

19. Homework for next class
1. Completed Brainstorm on the following topic:
Ten-Year Goals: What do I Want to Accomplish for My Education and Career?
Due at the beginning of the next class period.