Essay Writing Technique

Essay Writing Technique Don’t start with a dictionary definition â€" this is clichéd and boring. It should sum up the main arguments in the middle and finish with a conclusions that finally answers the essay question. The introduction usually contains background information about the topic, your position and a preview of how your ideas will be organised. If it’s a ‘compare and contrast’ kind of question, you’ll need to demonstrate both sides of the argument. You are required to develop an argument and apply critical thinking skills to analyse a range of academic sources in support of your argument. The QUT cite|write booklet contains information on critical thinking. However, even an experienced writer needs to be deliberate and thorough in order to write a well-constructed essay. Essays need to have a beginning, a middle and an end. The introduction should outline the problem, explain why it’s important, and briefly outline the main arguments. It will almost be a case of expanding what you have in note form into complete sentences, adding specific details where necessary. The introduction should identify the topic; give essential background information and/or definitions of key words where necessary; and indicate the direction and angle of your argument. As you research your essay topic, search for this story of surprise, and don’t start writing until you can find it. However, toward the end of my time as a student, I made a breakthrough. I figured out how to not only write a great essay, I learned how to have fun while doing it. I know personally how boring writing an essay can be, and also, how hard it can be to write a good one. Honestly, throughout most of high school and college, I was a mediocre essay writer. You will find a number of great books on essay writing in the Laidlaw Library, Level 1, under Skills E-5. Essays are used as assessment at University to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a topic. They are also useful tools to promote thinking and learning. If it’s a ‘define and explain’ kind of question, you’ll need to show that you have a deep understanding of the topic. If it has two parts, divide your essay into two parts to answer the question. Read widely around the topic before you even start and you’re halfway there. Following body paragraphs These follow the same structure for as many arguments as you wish to put forward in support of the topic. Examples of this type of essay include questions which ask you to take a position on a topic, such as a particular decision or policy, and present arguments which support your position. An effective way to argue a point can be to present the opposing view first then counter this view with stronger evidence. Every story is about conflict and change, and the truth is that essays are about conflict and change, too! The difference is that in an essay, the conflict is between different ideas, the change is in the way we should perceive those ideas. The body of the essay consists of a number of paragraphs in which you present your main points and evidence to support them. If you have planned and prepared appropriately, writing the body of the essay should be fairly easy.