WRITING
Where does a good essay begin?
A good essay is made up of good paragraphs.
Good paragraphs are made of good sentences.
Good sentences are comprised of well-chosen words.
Good readers are good writers; they know how to choose good words.
All good writing needs an introduction. Keep the introduction general as the
general is greater than the particular. The particular will be each of the paragraphs
in the body of the essay.
Presidents- General
Washington
Jefferson
Lincoln- all specific
Ask if the sentence is true- Is the general greater than the parts? Is the word
President greater than the Presidents? Yes
What is the order of this paragraph? Order of the presidents as they served
What is a misfit sentence? A sentence that is off topic in the paragraph
In writing introductions and endings are very important. The introduction is
general and the ending is the result. In the ending as well as the introduction,
know that the composition is finished and end as you began, on a general note.
Write simply- avoid arrogance is writing. Some arrogant words are “my” and
“you”- don’t use them when writing.
When is it acceptable to use the word “you”? The word can be used in
works of fiction, when it is used in a direct quote, or in a letter.
What about pronouns? Never use the word “it” in your writing. It is a
pronoun and a pronoun takes the place of a noun. What is the noun? Use
the noun.
“He” and “She” or any variation of these pronouns should be used only
when necessary. The less often you have to rely on these words the
stronger your essay will be.
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Are “In my opinion” or “To me” acceptable in writing? Only if the
assignment states that your opinion should be included in the essay.
However, “To me” is not a very good way to begin a sentence. And the
word “I” should only be used in opinion essays.
What makes a good writer? A good reader is a good writer. Read and read
as much as possible. Read your own writing and read it often. When
reading your own writing, read what is on the paper not what you think
is on the paper. If the words don’t make sense to you they won’t make
sense to me either.
What can I do to help my writing? Write often. No work is ever written
perfectly. Remember that Mary Shelley rewrote Frankenstein three
times. Revision is a good thing. Frankenstein is great.
What makes an interesting essay? Use a good attention- grabber when
writing a great essay. Read your essay and ask yourself if it holds your
attention. Realize that any writing that does not hold your attention will
not hold your reader’s attention. Too many simple sentences make a
writing very boring.
What is important when writing an essay? Remember that your final copy is
perfect. Never bring an excuse to the teacher, bring a perfect paper. A
perfect paper means a paper that contains no scratch outs or simple
errors. A perfect paper is achieved by reading your essay many times
and making corrections as you go along.
Final Thought
Topic Sentence- The topic sentence will introduce the paragraph in a very
general way.
Order of Events- Make certain that events are in the best possible order.
Mis-fit Sentences- Make certain that every sentence in the paragraph stays
on the given topic.
Ending Sentence- The ending sentence is the result of sentences 2, 3, 4, 5
and 6. It ends the paragraph in a general way.
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Composition Plan
Topic Paragraph- 5 sentences
3 Body Paragraphs- 7 sentences each
Ending paragraph- 5 sentences
The topic sentence will introduce the composition in a general way.
The ending paragraph is the result of paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. It ends the composition
in a general way,
Composition Outline
 Introduction
 Presidents of the United States
1) George Washington
a) Birth
b) Education
c) Family
d) Contributions
e) Ending Sentence
2) Thomas Jefferson
a) Birth
b) Education
c) Family
d) Contributions
e) Ending Sentence
3) Abraham Lincoln
a) Birth
b) Education
c) Family
d) Contributions
e) Ending Sentence
 Ending paragraph
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