How do you write good essays?

Question

I am trying to become a good writer. My tips so far are read, listen to books, and think about my thinking. I agree but I need more tips! Most of my writing work is sucky and horrible!

Answer 1

This is a good website that shows how to write at the High School level:

How to Write an 8-Sentence Paragraph | Pop Culture Classroom

At the College level, the structure of an essay is similar, but more focused on creating 5 paragraphs:

An introduction that has for the last sentence the Thesis statement

3 separate paragraphs

A conclusion paragraph

The Thesis statement outlines what the 3 paragraphs will contain. Here's a concrete example -

In Texas we have good weather, wonderful food and amazing scenery.

The first paragraph is about the good weather, the second paragraph is about the wonderful food and the third paragraph is about the amazing scenery.

The conclusion sums up/reiterates (mentions again) the main points you wrote about.

Also important are transitions - Having the last sentence in a paragraph lead into the beginning of the next paragraph. For example: While the weather in Texas changes daily, the cuisine (food typical for the area) does not.

Outlining can help. Also useful is Googling information about your topic and IMPORTANT putting it into your own words, and or providing your perspective about it (what you think about the ideas you found.) DO NOT copy other people's work without permission and ALWAYS cite your sources (show where you read about a topic.)

I hope this is useful. Writing is like exercise, the more you can do the easier it is (because it helps your mind/thinking stay in shape.)

Cheers,

Laurette S.

Answer 2

Hi Evelyn.

Fine writing is like fine wine. It takes time to learn both. However, I will break down my own process and see if it offers you any guidance.

1. Before I begin to write, I think about where I want to take my essay/article. I might be driving the whole essay to a particular point or expanding on several key ideas. Whatever the case, I try to make my thoughts as concise as possible.
2. Once I think about my writing, I plan out each paragraph and what the main point of each paragraph will be. It also helps to have a thesis (the main point of your paper) before you begin to write.
3. Use topic sentences! They are usually the first sentence of every paragraph and express the main point. It helps clear up your writing tonnes.
4. Make your conclusion paraphrase your thesis. It brings your paper/essay/whatever full circle, and strengthens the argument.
5. Avoid filler words and be definitive and concise. Get to the meat of the sentence and try not to dance around the points you're making.
6. Proofread and edit at least twice. Writing can always be improved.

I hope this was helpful!