Practical Tips on Essay Writing
“how to score that elusive 6 or 7”, or
for some just to pass well.
Understand the question.
• Look at the command terms. Let them guide
you
analyse
discuss
explain
investigate
compare or contrast
describe
evaluate
examine
explore
interpret
justify
to what extent
Plan beforehand
Organize your structure
Simple Essay Outline
Topic of Essay ____________________________________
Major Assertions (make as many of these as you need)
1. _____________________________________________________________
Supporting Evidence / Argument
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
Supporting Evidence / Argument
a.___________________________________________________________
b.___________________________________________________________
c.___________________________________________________________
Paragraphs
• Topic sentence clearly states topic
• Quotes, and explanation.
Linking Words
• These words help you to structure your essay..
• You have two hand-outs
In conclusion, furthermore,
Yet another, in contrast,
as a result, in addition,
another, for instance
Introduction
• Start with title of book/books, in italics, and
author.
• Optional: Catchy opening, anecdote, startling
statement, question, quotation
• Compulsory: Thesis statement
(All major assertions + conclusion)
Find the errors
• I think both Victor Frankenstein and the
monster are the real monsters in
Frankenstein. They both end of hurting and
destroying their friends like Henry Clerval,
Justine and their father like Monsieur
Frankenstein. In this essay I will show how
they are the monsters.
• Frankenstein, the gothic novel written by Mary
Shelly confronts the reader with the question
what the definition of a monster is. Young
Victor Frankenstein creates a being, whom he
calls Monster, yet …..
Conclusion
• Not a simple sentence
• Return to beginning (answer, refer to your
thesis statement) da capo
• One step further: your thinking has changed
• Personal opinion; your essay is analytical, own
personal response might be appropriate here
Criteria
• Look at the criteria, so you know where you
should place your focus.
• These essays will be marked according to
written assignment: Criterion B – E. P 41 – 42
in literature guide.
PITFALLs
• Informal Language
• This includes using the personal: I think, so
we see, this leads us to believe.
• Remove the personal almost completely
• Informal expression, guys, kids,
• Vague words like stuff, nice
• Wordiness, it should be clear ( Grade 6 must
understand!)
NARRATION
• The single most difficult aspect to avoid.
• Don’t retell, but analyse.
• This is where the PEE structure helps you.
• You do not have to give context.
• This is the single point on which most students
loose marks
Present Tense
• Always use the present tense when you write.
• Frankenstein is a gothic novel.
Stylistic Problems
• Citing.
• In English we use MLA style. This means
mostly that if you use only one book, only
write the page number after the quote.
• Frankenstein foreshadows Clerval’s murder
when he refuses to leave him as he fears that
the monster would ”murder his companion”
(167)
Do do
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Double spacing
Your name on every page
12 – 14 point in a decent font
Paragraphing: either block or indented
Title: Capitalize in correct places.
Bibliography – name the book you have used
to write about.