How to Write Great Essays

HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
CHAPTER 8
Sample Essay Prompts and Essays
102
According to Brown’s communication experts, statements like, “This was a
great report, but there are mistakes in it” are taboo. The positive part sets the
listener up for a compliment and makes him or her feel good, but the negative
part comes like an unexpected slap in the face. A better way to handle these
situations is to point out specifically that which is good about someone’s work
and that which needs improvement.
Brown noticed that once people were better at using words, they were also
better at doing their work. There were fewer arguments; there was less confu-
sion, and work was done more quickly and at a higher level of quality. Accord-
ing to Brown, this has helped to make his company successful. The power of
language is something we should all take into consideration every time we open
our mouths to speak.
EVALUATION
This essay is fully developed with a broad range of information and student commentary.
Specific details from the speech are accurately and appropriately given throughout. The main
idea of the essay is clear: Language has the power to build up and destroy; good commu-
nication skills seek to build up, and are important in all aspects of life.
There is a logical order, with a clear introduction, a well-developed body, and a strong
conclusion. The writer’s use of language is sophisticated, particularly in his or her use of
vocabulary (“refined,” “prominent,” “taboo”), which is intelligent without sounding “the-
saurized.” Varied sentence structure is also an indication of a sure grasp of writing skills.
There are essentially no errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, or spelling even when
the writer used sophisticated language.
UNTIMED PROMPT 4
Write a critical essay in which you discuss two works of literature you have read from the par-
ticular perspective of the statement that is provided for you below. In your essay, provide a valid
interpretation of the statement, agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted
it, and support your opinion using specific references to appropriate literary elements from the
two works.
“To be a writer, one has to tell the truth, and one has to tell
the hardest truth that is available to one. One has to tell one’s
own truth.”
—Gordon Lish
Guidelines:
Provide a valid interpretation of the quotation that clearly establishes the criteria for analysis.
Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it.