How to start an essay

1. Let’s Write an Essay
• What does it take to write
an essay?
• It starts like a paragraph.
• It has an introduction, a
body, and a conclusion.
• It is just a bit longer---usually
500-750 words.
• It will follow the writing
process.
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

2. Writing Process
• Prewrite– this is anything and
everything you do to begin
writing.
• Write– best to get it down in
one sitting.
• Revision– look at it again for
content
• Edit-
spelling/grammar/punctuation
• Publish
• http://www.angelfire.com/wi/w
ritingprocess/
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

3. How to start:
• Pick a topic. Always try to
find one that appeals to
you (not the one you think
your teacher will like).
• Determine who your
audience will be (that may
save some embarrassment
when you write something
personal in your essay).
• Determine what they know
about the topic.
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

4. continued
• Find out what you know
about the topic before you
start writing.
• Try to come up with some
ideas which can support
your topic.
• Three or four supporting
details is usually enough
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

5. Let’s Write a Thesis Statement Using a
Formula
Take a stand on your topic: We should
allow smoking in public places.
Add the work “because” with 3
supporting reasons. … because we
can chose where we want to eat,
most restaurants have smoking
areas, and most people don’t smoke
anymore.
Add the word “although” with the
oppositions assertion…
… although it is unsafe for people
who work there.
4. Clean it up.
Marilyn Lantz/ TYCA-SE/ February
04/04/132007 Bonnie Startt 2009

6. Now it is time to write
• If possible, try to write it in
one sitting. It helps your
ideas flow better.
• Don’t stop to look for
spelling or a better word– it
distracts your train of
thought.
• DO NOT proof read right
away- wait 24 hours (48 is
better).
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

7. Continued
• On your first review- do not
look for spelling and
grammar----- we are
looking for content.
• Would the opening
encourage someone to
read it?
• Is it detailed correctly for
your audience?
• This is a good time to
“phone a friend” for help.
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

8. Continued
• Once you feel you are on
the right track, it is time to
do another draft.
• Let it cool – helps you see
what you actually wrote
not what you meant to
write.
• Read your paper from the
bottom to the top for
grammatical errors. If you
have problems with RO–
look for those FANBOYS.
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

9. Continued
• One more revision– after a
cooling period, review for
grammar, punctuation,
and spelling.
• Have someone look at it
for you.
• FINALLY– turn it in. It will
never be exactly what you
want; it is just due.
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009

10. Continued
• One more revision– after a
cooling period, review for
grammar, punctuation,
and spelling.
• Have someone look at it
for you.
• FINALLY– turn it in. It will
never be exactly what you
want; it is just due.
04/04/13 Bonnie Startt 2009