Getting started means getting organized:
Analyze the assignment; determine what is required.
With a highlighter, note important words that define the topic.
Then organize your plan
For example, you have been given this writing
prompt:
You have a present that was really memorable. It
could have been given for an important occasion or just for no
reason at all. Tell us about the present and why it was memorable.
Include the reason it was given, a description of it, and how you
felt when you got it.
The objective is to write a narrative essay
about a present you were given
The subject is a memorable present
The three main subtopics are:
- the reason it was given
- a description of it
- and how you felt when you got it
Outline your five paragraph essay;
include these elements:
| Introductory
Paragraph
General Topic Sentence:
memorable present
- Subtopic One:
the reason it was
given
- Subtopic Two:
a description of
it
- Subtopic Three:
how you felt
when you got it
(Transition) |
|
First Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic One
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition |
Second Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Two
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition |
Third Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Three
Supporting Details or Examples
Transition |
| Closing or
Summary Paragraph
Synthesis and conclusion of the thesis
rephrasing main topic and subtopics. |
Write the essay!
Think small; build the full essay
gradually.
Divide your essay into sections and develop each piece separately and
incrementally.
The Introductory Paragraph
-
The opening paragraph sets the tone
It not only introduces the topic, but where you are going with it
(the thesis). If you do a good job in the opening, you
will draw your reader into your "experience." Put effort up front,
and you will reap rewards.
-
Write in the active voice
It is much more powerful. Do that for each sentence in the
introductory essay. Unless you are writing a personal narrative,
do not use the pronoun "I."
-
Varying sentence structure
Review to avoid the same dull pattern of always starting with the
subject of the sentence.
-
Brainstorm to find the best supporting
ideas
The best supporting ideas are the ones about which you have some
knowledge. If you do not know about them, you cannot do a good job
writing about them. Don't weaken the essay with ineffective
argument.
-
Practice writing introductory paragraphs
on various topics
Even if you do not use them, they can be compared with the type of
writing you are doing now. It is rewarding to see a pattern of
progress.
Supporting Paragraphs
-
Write a transition to establish the
sub-topic
Each paragraph has to flow, one to the next.
-
Write the topic sentence
The transition can be included in the topic sentence.
-
Supporting ideas, examples, details
must be specific to the sub-topic
The tendency in supporting paragraphs is to put in just about
anything.
Avoid this: the work you have made above with
details and examples will help you keep focused.
-
Vary sentence structure
Avoid repetitious pronouns and lists
Avoid beginning sentences the same way (subject + verb +
direct object).
The Ending or Summary Paragraph
This is a difficult paragraph to write
effectively.
You cannot assume that the reader sees your point
-
Restate the introductory
thesis/paragraph with originality
Do not simply copy the first paragraph
-
Summarize your argument
with some degree of authority
this paragraph should leave your reader with no doubt
as to your position or conclusion of logic
-
Be powerful as this
is the last thought that you are leaving with the
reader.
Edit and revise your essay
Check your spelling and
grammar
Subjects and verbs agree, and verb tenses
are consistent
Examine your whole essay
for logic
Thought builds and flows?
Avoid gaps in logic, or too much detail.
Review individual sentences
-
Use active verbs to be
more descriptive
Avoid passive constructions and the verb "to
be"
-
Use transitional words
and phrases
Avoid sentences beginning with pronouns,
constructions as "There are....,"
Example:
"There is a need to
proofread all works" becomes "Proofreading is
a must."
-
Be concise
though vary the length and structure of
sentences
Ask a knowledgeable friend to
review and comment on your essay
and to repeat back what you are
trying to say. You may be surprised.
Adapted and revised
with permission from:
Kasper, J.
The Five Paragraph Essay,
14 January,
1999, http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/eval.html
(9 June 2001)
See also:
Mindquest
Academy's free course "Writing
a Short Essay" with sections
on
A common task, Making decisions,
Mechanical model, The paragraphs, Ending your
essay.
See the
index if you wish to register with an
instructor
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