Understanding Essays

Study Notes

An essay takes an idea, opinion, or debate and develops it into a cohesive structure using details, evidence, facts, and analysis.
Essays can be informative or persuasive, and can vary in length depending on the situation.

Before starting an essay, ensure the goal is clear: is it to persuade or inform?
Choose a topic that is familiar or sparks passion, making it easier to write about.
Research prevents false information and is essential before outlining the essay.
Create a thesis statement, the main argument or central theme that connects the essay.
Outline the essay, providing a blueprint for the writing process.

Understand the essay prompt: re-read the prompt to clarify the outcome and intent.
A thesis statement is not the same as the prompt, but rather a central argument or point.
Examples of prompts and thesis statements:
- Prompt: During the 2020 pandemic, many businesses refused to allow customers in their door who were not wearing masks... Thesis: Privately owned businesses have the right to serve or not serve any customer.
- Prompt: Technology is replacing tasks and jobs that were once done solely by human beings... Thesis: Technology will soon have the most significant impact on the retail industry as people will lose jobs to automation.

Create an outline to build the essay structure:
- Start with the thesis statement at the top.
- Use three to five numerals for each paragraph.
- Write the topic sentence for each paragraph next to each numeral.
- Under each topic sentence, write three to six bullet points, each a detail of the paragraph's topic.

Write the introduction and conclusion last, summarizing the main body.
The introduction can be a restatement of the topic sentences from each main body paragraph, using transition words to connect them.
The conclusion summarizes the main points in a single sentence, followed by a restatement of the thesis statement.
The final sentence should leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Leave time to proofread the essay before submitting it.
Read the essay slowly, word-by-word, to look for spelling and grammar errors.
Ask questions: Does this make sense? Do these details connect? Does it support the thesis?