1. Essay Writing Tips

2. Getting Started Look closely at what the question is asking you
Determine what type of essay you are required to write e.g. analytical, expository, persuasive
Brainstorm ideas and plan
Collect quotes/examples
Discuss = talk about in depth, look at all aspects of an idea

3. Essay Structure
Introduction
Body (3 - 5 paragraphs)
Conclusion

4. Introduction
Start with a famous quote related to the topic. It can be something said about the text in media or something from the text itself.
Use key words in the question to start your essay.
Mention the name of the text/genre and author’s name.
Briefly write your main points that you are going to discuss in your body paragraphs.

5. Paragraph Structure- reminder
Topic sentence
Expand
Evidence
Explain
Link
Need at least three specific examples/quotes. Need to explain each

6. Paragraph Structure (paragraph 1)
Topic Sentence – the last point from your introduction
Expand - explain how the point is relevant to the question.
Evidence- at least three specific examples and one quote
Explain your evidence (1-2 sentences)
Link back to topic/prompt using one sentence.

7. Paragraphs (2-5)
Topic Sentence – the next point from your introduction BUT start it with a connecting word or idea so it links to the previous paragraph. This creates coherence)
Expand - explain how the point is relevant to the question.
Evidence- at least three specific examples and one quote
Explain your evidence (1-2 sentences)
Link back to topic/prompt using one sentence.

8. Quotes Why quotes are used? 1. To prove that your ideas are correct
2. To illustrate your point of view
3. To demonstrate how you arrived at an original idea of your own
Quotations can never stand by themselves. They must be introduced and explained.

9. Integrate Quotes
Quotes must be integrated in your writing to maintain cohesiveness. Use an introducing phrase or orienter plus the quotation. After Frank has been arrested by his own brother and locked away in the basement, Julian again uses family power to try and break Frank out, yelling at Wes “you don’t lock up your brother. A respected man. A war hero.”

10. Integrate Quotes
Use your own assertion and a colon plus the quotation. Julian’s responsibilities were to ensure safety for people in Montana but instead Julian uses this power for personal gain, going against the law and going by his rules: “they couldn’t arrest us, we are the law”.

11. Integrate Quotes
Use your own assertion with quoted material integrated.
Wes believes that “in this world, people must pay for their crimes”.
Use key words.
The Indians contemptuously referred to as “red meat” by Julian are classified as second-class citizens and are given a reservation which was the “sandiest, least arable land in the region”.

12. Conclusion
Write an overview of the essay- general statements about the points made in the body of the essay.
Don’t just repeat what you have already stated.

13. Key Points to remember for T E E E E E E L
Start with broad ideas in the Topic Sentence
Expand the ideas in the Expansion Sentence
No characters or evidence until sentence 3
3 examples, minimum, per paragraph
Explain how each example demonstrates the idea
Link back to the essay question

14. Dos Do answer the question (focus) Do integrate quotes
Do use relevant, specific examples
Do follow the structure
Do proof read for spelling and grammar
Do use conjunctions to make your ideas coherent. (see connecting words sheet)
Do use present tense, not the past tense, when writing about a work of fiction (including plays and films). For example: Wes Hayden struggles between family and duty.

15. Do Not Do not use personal pronouns. ( I think/I believe)
Do not use long quotes.
Do not use abbreviations, slang, conversational language.
Do not use brackets
Do not refer to the author by his first name only
Do not refer to the text as a book. Mention the correct genre e.g. play, novel, film etc.