Essay Writing

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Questions and Answers

What is a common mistake that students make in persuasive papers?

Using the wrong approach in the paragraph

Devoting a paragraph to simply describing the issue with no actual argumentation (correct)

Including too many supporting details or examples

Failing to edit out irrelevant information

What is suggested to solve the problem of irrelevant details in a paragraph?

Edit out any information that's not central to the main point (correct)

Add more irrelevant details for clarification

Include all information to provide a comprehensive view

Change the main point of the paragraph

What might be the issue if a paragraph fails to make an argument about a topic?

Haven't used the right approach in the paragraph (correct)

Included too many persuasive statements

Used irrelevant examples

Added too many supporting details

What is advised if the descriptive information in a paragraph doesn't provide good support for arguments?

Add persuasive statements to the paragraph Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible solution if a paragraph lacks explicit arguments?

Adding a couple of sentences stating what should happen with the issue being discussed Signup and view all the answers

What mistake did the author make in the essay exam?

Didn't pay attention to the specifics of the prompt Signup and view all the answers

What does the author advise for a timed essay exam?

Pay close attention to what the prompt is asking Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author mention 'disconnected facts' in relation to essay prompts?

To highlight the importance of logical approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on writing random facts in response to a prompt?

It's not a smart approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main advice for handling essay prompts?

Look for key terms in the essay prompt Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended first step when responding to an essay prompt?

Identify the key terms to understand the approach required Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of developing a one-sentence response that aligns with the approach called for by the prompt?

To serve as the basis for the thesis of the paper Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if paragraphs have gone off track in relation to the one-sentence response and major outline points?

Assess the paragraph and determine the problem Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration for timed essay exams?

Maintaining focus and quickly revising already-written paragraphs if they have gone off track Signup and view all the answers

How should the approach to constructing an argument or evaluating specific statements be reflected in the essay?

In the thesis and major outline points Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Essay Writing Strategies: Staying on Track with the Prompt

When responding to an essay prompt, first identify the key terms to understand the approach required.
Essay prompts may be nuanced, requiring analysis, description, comparison, or argument construction based on specific source material.
Develop a one-sentence response that aligns with the approach called for by the prompt, ensuring it echoes the key terms.
This one-sentence response can also serve as the basis for the thesis of the paper.
Sketch out an outline of major points to concentrate on expressing main points effectively within a well-organized structure.
Having a plan and sticking to it can help in staying on track with the main ideas of the paper.
If straying off point, assess the paragraph, determine the problem, and ensure it aligns with the one-sentence response and major outline points.
For timed essay exams, it's essential to maintain focus and quickly revise already-written paragraphs if they have gone off track.
In handwritten exams, writing on every other line can provide space for crossing out and rewriting if needed.
The goal when straying off course is to rein oneself back in and answer the prompt as fully as possible.
The approach to constructing an argument or evaluating specific statements should be reflected in the thesis and major outline points.
Whether it's a timed exam or a long-term assignment, it's crucial to respond directly to the essay prompt and ensure that the essay stays on track with the main response.

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Description

Test your essay writing skills with this quiz on staying focused on the prompt. Learn strategies for aligning your response with the key terms, developing a thesis, creating an outline, and staying on track with the main ideas of the paper. Whether it's a timed exam or a long-term assignment, these strategies will help you construct a well-organized and focused essay.