I am going to
reassure that writing a good essay is a literally assigned process which is
composed of 3 dishtinguished parts, the opening, the main body and the conclusion.
The opening paragraph is the generalized-
focus survey structure. It should both include a summary of your argument and be
clear from reading the first paragraph where you stand on the essay question. Try to make sure there is one
sentence in the introduction that absolutely sums up what you are trying to
say. Using evidence, you have to convince the readers of your point of view.
Your argument will be prompted by your personal take on the essay question. Before you even
think about starting writing, you need to make sure that you know exactly what your point of view is and you know the text really well. Keep in mind that what you will write about is obvious from the title.
The main body is where most of your
evidence and exploration of the text will come. It is essentially a series of points that flow into each other. To flow
from one point to another, you had better apply some interesting connectives that show the
relationship of one point to the next. For example: on the other hand, however,
still, it follows that, consequently, additionally, furthermore and moreover.
Avoid just using these
connectives. There are dozens more: but, despite, likewise, therefore, in sum, in
conclusion, yet, also, indeed, thus, importantly etc.
Point-
Example- Explanation combination is a classic “framework” to structure your
points. First, you make a point, then you use a quote to back it up, then talk
in more detail about your point you are making and how it relates to your argument.
It is a rough guide and you don’t have to stick to it rigidly. In fact, your essay
might become a bit repetitive if it is what you do. However, many people find
it useful as a general method to work with.
Quotations are one of the most
important parts of an essay. They are an opportunity for you to prove your
point by using words straight from “the horse’s mouth”. Avoid starting a
paragraph with a quotation – instead, use them after you have just made a point
to back up what you have just said. What makes a good quotation? It varies but
usually it should be relevant to the point you are making, and supporting your argument. It should only be used
if it proves your point in some way.
It should also be rich. There should be lots
for you to talk about. How many quotations is a good amount? As many as you
feel you need to use. The important thing is not to go overboard and use lots
of unnecessary quotes. It is all about quality, not quantity.
Finally, the conclusion. You
should summarise your argument by linking all the points you have made
together, but do not simply make it a long, dull repetition of what you have just
already said. This is an opportunity for you to mention new ideas that you get, “once all the points you have raised are considered
together”. Remember,
this is the last thing that will be read, so it is worth making sure it is
clear, concise and really supports your view. Some people like to make the last
sentence a quotation that sums up their argument, but if you are going to do
this you need to choose it very carefully.
As I have described, certain points and
rules must be applied. While writing a good essay, keep in mind that it is
better to write simply and correctly than to try to write eloquently but make
mistakes.
RG, Mar 2, 2016
Thanh Luong
