Essay Writing Tips
Things you MUST NOT do!
1) Avoid strong opinion statements that you can’t prove
Ex. John A Macdonald is the best Prime Minister, Canada has ever had.
Laziness is a major cause of homelessness
2) Avoid emotional statements
Ex. Poverty is a really big problem, with lots of people being affected, which is very
sad!
3) Avoid exclamation points in academic writing
Ex. See above #2
4) Avoid “I” statements
Ex. I think/believe that poverty is a big problem in the world. I am going to talk about it
in this essay.
5) Avoid ending paragraphs in the middle of an idea. Conclude/ Sum up your paragraph’s
main ideas in a sentence.
Remember you are trying to prove an argument and you need to give the reader the impression
that you are informed and aware of all of the issues on the topic.
You need to sound formal and persuasive.
Things You MUST Do!
1) Use logical and reasoned arguments.
2) Use specific and relevant evidence - (statistics, quotes)
3) Analyze and evaluate how your evidence proves your argument/thesis
Ex. Unemployment in Kenya is some places 50%(okay, so what? What does that tell you
about the poverty there?)
4) Qualify your statements
Ex. Alcohol abuse is a major problem on reserves in Canada. vs
Alcohol abuse is a major problem on some reserves in Canada because.... which leads to….
Language
This is a formal essay and certain words and expressions should not appear. Do not use
“I,” “I think,” “In my opinion” or “In this essay” must be avoided. Never refer to yourself in the
essay. Never use slang. Do not abbreviate unless you have used the long version first followed
by the abbreviation in brackets. Ex United Nations (UN).
The Introduction
The introduction should state your thesis (what you are trying to prove). It can include
the Essay Question. It should outline the major ideas in the essay. No proof should be
presented in the introduction. It is an overview of your argument or position.
Paragraphing
Each paragraph should be linked. Every paragraph in your essay will have a topic
sentence. Ask yourself “what am I trying to prove in this paragraph?” Your answer is likely to be
the topic sentence (remember do not say: “I am trying to prove...”) Each paragraph should
include transitions within to link ideas (ex. as well, again, in contrast) Remember your purpose
is to get across ideas that prove a point or idea. Each paragraph should be connected with a
transition sentence.
Body of Essay
The body of the essay presents the case to prove ideas/arguments presented in the
introduction. There is no set number of paragraphs needed; however a good rule is one
paragraph per major idea or argument.
Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize your essay. It should not contain new evidence or proof not
mentioned in the body of your essay. Do not start your summary with “In conclusion...” It
should be remembered that this is the last time the marker will read your essay and you want
to summarize your main ideas that prove your thesis. Stay with the topic and do not use
personal statements in closing your essay. Do write “I feel... or In my opinion...”