What do you remember about essays?

The thesis consists of two components: a topic and an writer's opinion.

Developing a thesis is a fluid process. Usually you start off with a working thesis, a relatively simple statement, and then refine and strengthen it as the essay develops.

Be sure you are interested in your thesisKeep your thesis original - though it is sometimes difficult to find a new position or twist on a topic, try to avoid formulaic statements and second-hand ideasEnsure your thesis is clear. Avoid abstract termsChose a single focusNarrow your thesis so it provides a restricted or limited focusCraft the thesis so it reveals how you plan to deal with your topic - establish a path

Let's review the thesis...

Let's try to strengthen these statements...

As many critics have contended, Lady Macbeth is the villain of the play.

Although Ophelia is a fragile character, she is unprotected from the weaknesses of the characters who surround her.

Allowing pets to visit hospitals benefits the patients and provides the animals with love.

The graphic violence in movies today has a negative impact on young people.

In this paper, I will discuss the dangers or exporting water to foreign countries.

Reviewing the introduction...

Place your topic in context

Use a "funnel" approach - start by discussing things generally and then move to the specific.

Quotation - works especially well when the quotation is taken from the person or work being discussed.

Question - make it thought provoking and be sure to answer it in the essay.

Anecdote - a relevant story can grab your readers attention, but it is informal, so save it for your least formal essays.

Methods of Essay Development

Definition: An analytic structure where development is done though an explanation of important terms. Answers the question - what is it?

Example and Illustration: Specific examples are used to support a thesis or make the subject more interesting. Answers the question - For example?

Classification and Division: An analytic structure where precise definitions and explanations show the relationship between concepts or ideas. Answers the question - what kind is it? or what parts make up the whole?

Comparison or Contrast: An analytic structure where the focus is on similarities and differences. Answers the question - How are the two or more things alike or not alike?

Methods of Essay Development cont'd...

Cause and Effect: The interdependence of events is analyzed. Answers the questions: Why did it happen? and What were the results of this occurrence?

Process Analysis: A sequential (often chronological) ordering of information. Answers the question - How does it work? or How did it happen? The analysis is usually a step-by-step process.

Narration and Description: Tell a story and creating a mental picture of the subject. There is a focus on sensory details as scenes are re-created for the reader.

"Methods of Essay Development." Reference Points. Robert Dawe et al. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2001. 65 - 67. Print.

Reviewing the conclusion...

New Angle - Reintroduce the argument with a new twist. Caution: do not inject an entirely new idea that might seem off-topic with the rest of the essay.

Full Circle - If the introduction is based on an anecdote, question, or startling fact, complete the circle by referring to it again in relation to the insights revealed in the essay.

Stylistic Flourish - If you have been using long, fluid, thoughts end with something punchy. Or, come up with a striking phrase or colorful image to tie things up.

Inverse Funnel - move from the focal point outward. Restate the thesis in different words and then discuss its implications on the whole. Caution: do not embrace too much. Discuss specific implications not vague generalities.

Works Cited

Always remember to cite your sources.Use paranthetical citations throughout the paper.Create a Works Cited page at the end of your paper

Editing

Frequently, the best writer in a class is not the one who can dash off a fluent first draft, but the one who is the best editor.

Preliminary Editing Check-List:

Is the organization logical?Are all sections of the paper relevant to the topic?Are the purpose and approach evident from the beginning?Are the ideas sufficiently developed? Is there enough evidence, explanation, and illustration?Would an education person who has not read the primary material understand everything being said? Do some parts need more clarification?Are the opposing arguments taken into consideration?Do the paragraph divisions give coherence to the ideas? Are similar ideas clustered? Are idea changes transitioned?Do any parts seem disjointed? Are more transitional words needed for flow and sequencing?