Life of the Writer Essay-Writing Workshop
Writing a Personal-Academic Essay
Nuts and Bolts
1. Be clear and organised.
2. Research your topic.
3. Read and analyse well-written essays — personal essays and academic essays.
4. Jot down your preliminary ideas. Think about them. Take a walk. Have a cup of tea.
5. What’s at stake? Set out your argument — make it yours; don’t be afraid to be controversial.
Are you ready to persuade your reader? That’s the purpose of this essay.
6. It's often a good idea to find a question first. E.g.:

Question: What is truth in literature?

Answer (or argument): truth in literature is emotional or human truth, rather than factual
truth
7. So, in trying to find your argument, start with a question, answer it, and there it is
8. Construct an outline — at least 3 supporting points or pieces of evidence to support your
argument.
Write your Essay
1. Introduction (one paragraph):

Hook: get your reader’s attention with a general statement of your subject

Introduce your reader to the author you're writing about

Set out your question and your argument

Set out your proofs: i.e. the points you are going to make to support your
thesis/argument
2. Body (as many paragraphs as points or proofs you need to make):

In each of these body paragraphs you deal with one of your proofs

Present your proofs/paragraphs in ascending order of persuasiveness (e.g., save
your clincher for the last body paragraph)

Each body paragraph should have:
◦
A sentence that states sets out the point/proof you're dealing with
◦
Evidence to support your proof (quotation or item of personal experience)
◦
Explanation/interpretation of how your evidence supports your proof
◦
A concluding sentence linking this proof back to your argument
3. Conclusion (one paragraph):

Restate your argument.
Liane Strauss & Luke Williams

Restate your various points.

Finish with a broad, concluding sentence about your topic.

Go to bed; go to work; eat your dinner; reread your essay.

Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Are your statements clear?

Remove repetitive or unnecessary words.

Does it flow? Are your transitions elegant and clear?

Cut what is not necessary to the argument.

Rewrite anything that sounds awkward.

Give your essay a great title
Tips
1. Avoid summary and description, but be detailed and as specific as possible, and defend your
points through critical analysis and synthesis (the way you make something new of your
findings, e.g.).
2. Make sure your thoughts are connected by using transitions.
Further reading
Phillip Lopate, The Art of the Personal Essay: An Anthology from the Classical Era to the Present,
(Anchor Books, 1995)
Wendy Maples & Peter Redman, Good Essay Writing: A Social Sciences Guide, (The Open
University, 2011)
Liane Strauss & Luke Williams