How to Write Great Essays

HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
CHAPTER 6
Untimed Essay Writing Strategies
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If you are worried your writing is too stiff, rewrite a few paragraphs as a mock
journal entry, then compare them to your essay. What words or phrases need
toning down?
F
O R
Y
O U R
R
E V I E W
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Long-term planning will take some of the stress out of essay writing, and help
you create the best essay you are capable of, error-free, and on deadline.
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Use the prewriting strategies of journaling and inventory-taking to gather
possible subject matter for your essay.
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Study the different topics, and understand what each is asking you to write. If
you are writing a college application essay, you must keep it personal no mat-
ter the topic.
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Choose a topic after you have tested a few. Your topic should be the one that
lets you best tell your story.
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Write a compelling introduction that entices the reader to continue. Standard
introductions (those that spell out what your essay will contain) are not only
boring, but they could cause a reader to put down your essay.
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The body of your essay should follow seamlessly from one point to the next,
and use details and examples for reinforcement.
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Don’t use the thesaurus to add big words intended to impress.
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End with a dynamic, rather than a clichéd, conclusion. Leave a lasting impres-
sion on your reader by avoiding the obvious summary.
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Keep your audience in mind, and don’t include anything that might offend or
confuse.
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Use humor with caution.
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Tone and word choice should strike a balance between formality and
informality.
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