How to Write Great Essays

HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
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S S AY S
Put all of the information covered in this chapter to use by taking at least one practice exam.
Arm yourself with a few topics, paper, pen, and a timer, and write an essay. The timer will
help you to see how well you do under pressure, and how well you budgeted your time. When
evaluating your practice essay, ask yourself:
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Did I finish the essay?
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Did I spend an appropriate amount of time planning and revising?
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Is the essay well-organized?
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Were there many errors in mechanics?
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Did I use examples to support my argument?
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Is the topic addressed directly and thoroughly?
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How could it be improved?
HINTS FOR TAKING THE EXAM
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Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good meal before the exam.
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Bring all required items (such as writing instruments, identification, and/or a
receipt).
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If there is a choice, read through the topics quickly to find the one you will write
best on. Don’t change your mind after making your selection.
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Underline the key words in your topic.
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Write legibly. You won’t get points for neatness, but if they can’t read it, they can’t
score it.
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Double space your essay to make it easier to read, and allow room to make cor-
rections and additions if necessary.
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Wear a watch, and make a plan for budgeting your time.
F
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Y
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Use what you learned in this chapter to make a checklist for studying for and taking your
exam.
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Research your exam, determining how much time you will be given to write,
sample topics, and what readers will be looking for.
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Understand the difference between expository and persuasive essays, and be
able to locate key words that determine which kind the topic calls for.

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