Developing an Essay: The Basics
By Jessie
- Read the prompt carefully and thoroughly address each point.
- Plan the structure of your essay giving each point at least a paragraph.
- Identify the main concept of the prompt.
- Identify suggestions within the prompt.
- Have a clear title and contents page.
- Provide a concise introduction with thesis.
- It is okay to state the obvious.
- Be clear as to what your essay will discuss.
- Demonstrate intimate knowledge and understanding of the text.
- Remain on topic.
- Use creative thinking and give new ideas.
- Show an extended vocabulary.
- Ask who, what, when, where, why, and how.
- Use references wherever appropriate.
- Demonstrate understanding of structure and transition.
- Organize your ideas logically.
- Do not repeat yourself.
- Conclude the essay.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the text.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the prompt.
- Do not make moral statements or state anything as fact.