We've spent quality time the past two weeks reading the article by Stephen Johnson & discussing not just its content, but the qualities that make it a "good" essay. We've discussed:
- Purpose
- Audience
- Effective introduction
- Supporting elements that contributed to development
- Thoughtful conclusion
Now it's time to review a few more important aspects for writing your first essay, then it's your turn to write. Much of the information covered in class can be found online, at the Purdue OWL (just use the link on the sidebar).
- Appropriate Language (correct standard English vs. conversational, colloquial, jargon or slang)
- informal English - essays 1 &2
- formal English - argumentative essay & final essay
- MLA format
- Narrative - tell us a story, that has a point
- Description - using as much concrete, specific, sensory detail as possible, give us a purposeful description
Reminders again:
- Keep in mind that your purpose is refined--you're telling a story or describing with a point or focus in mind
- Be sure to keep your audience in mind as you consider your topic; your 2nd revision will be read by students in another class.
- Avoid opening with the thesis statement, but make sure the point/focus is clear by the end of the first paragraph
- The conclusion should leave the reader with something to think about. It can be a true conclusion; it may be an insightful reflection; it might even be a strong recommendation or suggestion, but my all means, try to make it more than a re-stated thesis or focus statement
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