1. From Dr. Steven Van Zoost
Writing Tips
From Dr. Steven Van Zoost

2. Essay Introductions (they are short, and designed to interest the reader)
Anecdote – a brief story, usually of a humorous or dramatic incident
Quotation or Allusion – the words of a philosopher, etc., to break the ice.
Sense Images – vivid descriptions
A striking comparison or contrast – showing how things are like or unlike each other
A poem
Narrative – telling a story upon which the writing is based
Unusual or puzzling statement – such an opening appeals to the reader’s curiosity
Figures of speech – a striking metaphor, simile, or personification, etc.

3. The Body (you may use more than one form at a time – let the topic choose the form)
Narration – from first event to last, tell a story
Example – give in-depth example, or several short that explain the point (personal experience, experience of others, what if…, quotes, statistics)
Description – recreate a vivid experience with a point
Cause and effect – explain by showing how one situation causes another
Comparison and contrast – explain by showing a likeness or unlikeness
Analogy – in comparing, use one to explain the other
Classification – parts of your subject fitted into categories
Process analysis – show how something happens or is done
Extended Definition – explain your topic in detail what it is

4. The Closing (tells the reader that you have not just run out of time or ideas, but that you’ve chosen to stop here)
Reference to the opening
Contrast or reversal – ironic device exploits the dramatic
Quotation – prose or poetry
Question – for the reader to answer
Transition signals – words, phrases, or sentences of transition commonly signal the closing
Revealing the significance – showing implications or importance of the subject
Summary – make sure it’s short
Conclusion – the drawing of a conclusion from the discussion in the essay
Prediction – a look at the subject’s future

5. Pointers
Outline, yes, but leave room for creative and exploring and writing
Do more than one draft. Replace weak words with strong, vague with exact
Writing is not speaking – follow all the rules
Long, big words aren’t better, remembering that your reader is your alli, not your enemy
We like to write, starting is hard
Write for communication to others, always write about something that matters to you
Keep ONE topic – a thesis statement – one message
Remember who you’re writing for

6. After the writing…
If you suspect something is bad, scrap it or change it
If your best efforts will not improve a stubborn passage, scrap it and begin again
If something is highly emotional, it might fall apart when looked upon with reason
Reread out loud
Proofread slowly
Leave time between writing, rewriting, editing, and proofreading – it helps to pick it apart