[Guide] Writing An Essay

Shin · Nov 6, 2008

Writing An Essay
by Unb4nn3d

Welcome to my 4th Guide on Sythe.
This Guide was requested by R33l2R3al (R2R)
The contents of this guide will teach you how to compose an essay.

*NOTE* Using this Guide has helped me as well, as I received a 45/40 one of my Essays. Good luck!

Let's Begin!

What is an essay?

www.dictionary.com said:

A short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative.
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What are contents of an Essay?

Unb4nn3d said:

Contents:
1. Brainstorming
2. Drafting
3. Editing
4. Thesis
5. Introduction
6. Body Paragraphs
7. Conclusion
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An essay should include an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
There should be a total of 5 of more paragraphs in an essay, and more than 5 sentences in a paragraph.

1. Brainstorming
This is where you decide on your topic that you will be writing on.
Keep asking yourself questions about the topic, in which you may find subjects to branch of the topic.
Doing this is basically like creating an Outline, which is what you should be making while brainstorming.

Keep your brainstorming organized, by writing in Roman Numerals and Sub-Articles.

2. Drafting
When finished with brainstorming, you can write your first draft.
After writing your first draft, you will want to have your Teacher / Professeur / Friend read it.
Wait a few hours, and review changes made with fresh eyes.

With this, you may continue onto more drafting, which will lead to your final draft.

3. Editing
Editing or Revising your Drafts is a crucial part in creating your final product, a final draft.
In editing, you must go through the following things:

http://www2.actden.com/Writ_Den/tips/essay/edit.htm said:

Grammar and Spelling
1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Read your essay again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. Make sure your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.

Style and Organization
1. Make sure your essay has an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a summary paragraph.
2. Check that you have a thesis statement that identifies the main idea of the essay.
3. Check that all your paragraphs follow the proper paragraph format.
4. See if your essay is interesting.
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In applying these changes, your teacher will be impressed with your final draft, and award you with an A+!

4. Thesis

www.about.com said:

The main idea of an essay or report, sometimes written as a single declarative sentence.
A thesis may be implied rather than stated directly.
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A thesis statement is basically a focal point on which you can base your entire essay on.
A thesis should be summed up in a concise fashion, and easy to understand.

MatthewGor123 said:

Thesis Statement:
For many people, the thesis statement is the hardest part of the entire essay. It's the driving force behind the essay; the quality of the thesis has a very direct correlation to the quality of the essay.

Some common problems people have with their Thesis Statement:

1) Non-arguable.

The thesis must be an argument; simply stating a fact won't cut it. An example of this would be the following:

Alcohol and Drugs are against the law, used in schools, and also sometimse used at home. This is just a fact, it is not arguable.

2) Too specific

The thesis statement should be concise, a driving force for you essay. It should not be an argument mixed with a list of facts. An example of this type of thesis could be;

Alcohol and Drugs have a very negative impact on society because people still use them even though they are against the law (and there are many problems related to this, such as gang violence), and it generally leads to insecurity and other bad things when used at home, and on top of this it also has very negative effects on people who use them at school, because of the impact on friends and GPA.

This is not only difficult to read, but it is also basically giving away your ENTIRE essay. Nobody wants to read the whole thing anymore.

3) Not specific enough

While the thesis should not be overly specific, it should not just be an argument with NO background whatsoever. Though you should have included background info in your introductory paragraph, it is not a bad idea to *very briefly* summarize them in your thesis. One example of a person not doing this at all could be:

Alcohol and Drugs have a very negative impact on society.

While this is an argument, it is a bit lacking in the thesis department because of the lack of information.

So, what is an example of a good thesis, you ask?

From the outline, the three points we want to talk about are the fact that it's against the law, and that it can be a problem in school and at home. The argument is that it has a negative impact on society. Therefore, bring these together, and a very simple but effective thesis could be:

The impact of Drugs and Alcohol on society is a negative one due to the consequences of being caught using these substances and also the negative impact it has on life at home and at school.

This thesis mentions the examples, but very briefly - it does not give away your body paragraphs, so it's not too specific. It's also an argument; drugs and alcohol have a negative impact on society. People could argue this by saying it doesn't, so you want to prove that it does in your essay.

I hope this information helps you write a better thesis!
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5. Introduction
Now, it's time to write the essay.
Based on the Outline and Thesis, you must start your essay by catching the reader's attention.
Start off with an interesting fact or statement that pertains to your topic.

Your introduction should gradually set up your argument, and lead into your thesis.
The introduction is used mainly for setting up your essay, which draws the reader on.

6. Body Paragraphs
Using your Outline, choose your sub-topics in any order that you feel works best for your essay.
These paragraphs should be supported with evidence, and represented in an easy to read form.

Body Paragraphs should consist of more than 5 sentences.

7. Conclusion
The conclusion of an essay should quickly wrap-up all the details within.
You may also include telling the reader to do something in response to the essay.
In this, be concise on what you are asking, and exactly what you want to be done.

Here is the essay I wrote for the above subject:

Unb4nn3d said:

A New Rule

Did you know the average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use can start before age 12. According to www.aacap.org, drugs and alcohol have become common in High School. Drugs and alcohol use in school or home as a minor is a rule that will never be allowed. This is because it is against the law, and the consequences brought on by using these substances in a school or house.

The usage of drugs or alcohol as a minor is clearly against the law. These substances also have limits for adults, with rules that they must abide by. Using such substances has a great amount of consequences, which may end up in jail. Drugs and alcohol also have an effect on your body, and can soon kill you as time passes. One may also be affiliated with a group, such as a gang, which may also end up with death.

Also, using drugs in or around your residence has its consequences. When using drugs or alcohol, one seems to have a sense of insecurity about them. They seem to be unsuccessful in life, and blame themselves for all negative events that occur. As a minor uses these substances, they are just creating a bridge between themselves and their parents, breaking the bond that they may have once have. As they continue usage of these substances, they must live their life with a faÃ§ade, and have two or more identities.

Another outcome, is the use of drugs and alcohol and school. Using drugs and alcohol has a terrible effect on a students GPA, in which it shall plummet to lowest achievable. One will also lose a lot of friends that they once had, and gain a new group of friends that will only lead the minor in the wrong direction. In this, one may also break any trust that they once had with their teachers, and be exploited as a new individual, who has lost their way.

In conclusion, usage of drugs and alcohol in a school or house is a rule that shall never be changed. This is because it is against the law, and the consequences brought on by using these substances in a school or house. Consequences include going to jail, a disastrous effect on one's body, and the bonds of friendship or trust that you may have had between your parents, friends, and teachers. To avoid failure in school, and lead a life of disaster, one may see that the right decision would be to avoid drugs and alcohol at any chance. Stay away from these substances, and live a life of abundance.
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Any additions your feel that are missing?

Send me a PM on Sythe or IM on MSN and it shall be added.

Thanks for reading!

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Example of an A+ Essay! Written by THE DARK himself!!!

The Dark said:

THE FISH BITES BACK

It was in the summer of 1975 that a fledgling 28-year-old director named Steven Spielberg first caused moviegoers to keep out of potentially shark-infested waters. Jaws, an adaptation and enhancement of Peter Benchley's bestselling potboiler, established Spielberg's reputation for crafting audience-pleasing entertainment.

It is hard to believe that this was only the director’s second feature film. Spielberg was known as the director of a number of TV series episodes, a trio of TV movies. So what was it about the Great White that set the pulses of cinema audience around the world racing? From where did that famous theme music surface? And how did a largely unknown director make a movie full of suspense, tension and jaw-dropping moments?

Jaws, of course, is the story of what happens to the small north-eastern resort community island of Amity ("Amity, as you know, means friendship!") when a 25 ft. great white shark sets up a feeding ground off of the island beaches. At the centre of the film is police chief Martin Brody (one of Roy Scheider's best performances), a NYC transplant who moves to an island, yet is afraid of the ocean. The shark sets up thrilling set-pieces of swimmers getting systematically attacked.

This is turn causes human drama on Amity as the town fathers, despite the deaths of a number of people, fight to keep the beaches open (they are the town's bread and butter, making them the money they need during the summer season to sustain the island throughout the year) as Brody fights to keep the people from becoming shark attack victims.

Throughout the movie, Spielberg uses classic film techniques to scare his audience. At different points in the picture, Spielberg offers examples of both surprise and suspense, expertly leading the audience on with its perceived knowledge, sometimes fulfilling its expectations, at other times teasingly frustrating them, and at other points simply shocking viewers senseless. From the very start of the opening credits the audience hears the distinctive two-note theme highlighting the unseen presence of the shark. In addition, we see the environment from the shark's point of view for the first time as well. The first human beings we see in the picture are teenagers lounging around a bonfire, drinking and necking at a night-time beach gathering. A couple strip naked and head down toward the sea, their nudity serving to remind us how vulnerable they are. The happy music and glow of their fire creates an atmosphere of warmth, which contrasts well with what happens next.

The technique that Spielberg employs throughout the first part of the film in order to create suspense is set up in this now-famous, endlessly imitated opening sequence, when the shark attacks the young female swimmer. Spielberg shows an underwater shot directly below the victim, combined with John Williams' ominous, primal two-note shark theme.

As the director ever so slowly zooms in on the swimmer treading water, the music plays to suggest the shark similarly "zooming in" on the unsuspecting victim. We in the audience know that the shark is present without seeing so much as a dorsal fin pierce the surface of the water, and Spielberg skilfully repeats this technique elsewhere in the picture, leaving the audience to contemplate what the shark actually looks like.
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EDITS
11-06-08 Updated Thread. Adding Essay, Detailed Thesis Statement, Editing.
11-08-08 Updated Thread. Added My "A New Rule" Essay. Editing Section (3) added.

The Dark · Nov 6, 2008

A very good start, and is a very nice way to start off a reformed section. I would check it over a little, it's always a good idea to proof read your work. I would consider expanding a little bit on the sections, examples are a great way for people to learn. Overall I am impressed with this and feel once complete a lot of users could find this useful

P.S. I have a copy of an A* essay if you would like it, could use it to add to the guide, use it for quotes or add it as an attachment. Let me know on MSN if you're interested.

MatthewGor123 · Nov 6, 2008

This is super helpful! I really like your outline format, and while it's quite short, it's super simple and really easy to follow! Just a few things I would add: 1) an example of a shitty, and an example of a great, thesis statement. 2) how to write good topic sentences.

That being said, don't think I don't think this is a wonderful guide. 9.5/10

Shin · Nov 6, 2008

Thread Updated.

The Dark said: ↑

A very good start, and is a very nice way to start off a reformed section. I would check it over a little, it's always a good idea to proof read your work. I would consider expanding a little bit on the sections, examples are a great way for people to learn. Overall I am impressed with this and feel once complete a lot of users could find this useful

P.S. I have a copy of an A* essay if you would like it, could use it to add to the guide, use it for quotes or add it as an attachment. Let me know on MSN if you're interested.
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Wow. Thanks for the comment TD. =D

And I have added your essay to my thread.

I will be adding more in days to come.

MatthewGor123 said: ↑

This is super helpful! I really like your outline format, and while it's quite short, it's super simple and really easy to follow! Just a few things I would add: 1) an example of a shitty, and an example of a great, thesis statement. 2) how to write good topic sentences.

That being said, don't think I don't think this is a wonderful guide. 9.5/10
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Thank you, and I have added your segment on writing a Thesis.

Maybe help me improve my guide more? We'll talk on MSN.

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Comments Appreciated! Help me improve!

chris199236 · Nov 7, 2008

very nice guide 10/10 hopefully i get a A on my essay im handing in after reading this

venom · Nov 8, 2008

Very impressive guide, you show a really good understanding of how to produce a well written essay. There is alot of detail that you have put into this piece of work, The example's and definitions really make the guide that much more appealing, as well as the use of colour and layout. This will be very helpful for most users still in school. Well Done.

Shin · Nov 8, 2008

chris199236 said: ↑

very nice guide 10/10 hopefully i get a A on my essay im handing in after reading this
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Ah, well thank you Chris!

venom1 said: ↑

Very impressive guide, you show a really good understanding of how to produce a well written essay. There is alot of detail that you have put into this piece of work, The example's and definitions really make the guide that much more appealing, as well as the use of colour and layout. This will be very helpful for most users still in school. Well Done.
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Thank you very much for your complement. =D

I need to direct R33l2R3al to this thread!! Lol.

Thanks again Venom1!

99 cooking · Nov 11, 2008

Very well written.
And yeah, all of this helps.
I got a 4 on my 10th grade writting test, and it was pretty easy.
so yeah, bro this was really good..
how about you make one about study tips?
like for big tests/exams?

zninja · Nov 13, 2008

Bookmarked, planning on using for future essays 10/10, lots of depth.

Shin · Nov 13, 2008

99 cooking said: ↑

Very well written.
And yeah, all of this helps.
I got a 4 on my 10th grade writting test, and it was pretty easy.
so yeah, bro this was really good..
how about you make one about study tips?
like for big tests/exams?
Click to expand...

I was about to write a Guide for such an assignment, but Matty beat me.

Look Here - http://sythe.org/showthread.php?t=502890

zninja said: ↑

Bookmarked, planning on using for future essays 10/10, lots of depth.
Click to expand...

Bookmarked!? Oh my! I'm super special! Lol.

Thanks for the comments. I really appreciate the feedback. ^_^

Tru3 Mast3r · Nov 13, 2008

very nice 9/10... its helped me and ive learned a few things that i didnt know.

=) thanks... I wonder if you could teach me how to me a new avatar?

Shin · Nov 13, 2008

Tru3 Mast3r said: ↑

very nice 9/10... it's helped me, and i've learned a few things that i didn't know.

=) thanks... I wonder if you could teach me how to me a new avatar?
Click to expand...

Should be this:

Unb4nn3d said:

Very Nice Guide. 9/10. It's helped me, and I've learned a few things that I didn't know.

=) Thank you. I wonder if you could teach me how to create a new Avatar?
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If you would like to become a part of UE, English is Mandatory, from my understanding.

As for the Avatar, go to "faceyourmanga.it"
-This is where mine was created.

MatthewGor123 · Nov 13, 2008

unb4nn3d said: ↑

As for the Avatar, go to "faceyourmanga.it"
-This is where mine was created.
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By me, don't forget
BTW, I took this as a request, so here's a guide on how to create an avatar like his:
http://sythe.org/showthread.php?t=504087

Nice guide ^_^

rsfroob · Nov 14, 2008

Very Nice guide, I'm a very experienced writer, this guide shows that you certainly are too Bravo.

Shin · Nov 15, 2008

MatthewGor123 said: ↑

By me, don't forget
BTW, I took this as a request, so here's a guide on how to create an avatar like his:
http://sythe.org/showthread.php?t=504087

Nice guide ^_^
Click to expand...

Yeah, yeah, yeah... >.> Just kidding, thanks for the Avatar =]

rsfroob said: ↑

Very Nice guide, I'm a very experienced writer, this guide shows that you certainly are too Bravo.
Click to expand...

Ah, thank you very much! =D

And I did write an essay shown above.. and with an Outline and Rough draft, I was given a 45/40.

=] Shows the process actually works.

Oh!! Re-read your essay before turning it in, because you might find errors with "fresh eyes"!

SolidRanqe · Nov 15, 2008

ncie lol

d3motic pker · Nov 15, 2008

very nice guide

Fromaaz · Nov 15, 2008

Very nice guide. It's useful because even though many people have learned this in the past have forgotten some basic rules of essay format.

10/10

Python · Nov 16, 2008

Great, great, great!

Continue adding and I think this should be sticky up at the general topic forum?

Shin · Nov 19, 2008

Python said: ↑

Great, great, great!

Continue adding and I think this should be sticky up at the general topic forum?
Click to expand...

Perhaps, and thank you all for the comments.

Maybe I'll suggest this to be added to General Discussion Forum, or moved to the appropriate place.

I believe that the Guide is finally finished, so thank you all to whom have helped.

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