Part 6

The Body

Writing style is not easily taught, but develops. We speak before we learn to write and this is where our thoughts changes slightly into complete prose that is intended to communicate to another. Another person might not read what we put into writing right away, so it must be sustained until it is read, or reread at another time.

Start with a writing style that feels natural but a little more formal than ordinary speech. Avoid incomplete thoughts and dialogue. Stay on topic and avoid slang, generalizations or exaggerations, sarcasm, jokes or humor that are too casual and likely not necessary. Use a slightly authoritative tone and you will feel more like an expert on what you are trying to convey.

Try to be original as you express your thoughts; not just the summarizing of the ideas of a book or someone else. Use the quotes or references of other sufficiently but not too copiously. They are backing up your thoughts, not reiterating someone else’s. No more than a few per page.

Paragraphs

The body of your essay is the paragraphs. Every paragraph should develop from one of your headings or subheadings.

Paragraphs need to be concise. (Use this document as an example.) Each paragraph is not too lengthy and each topic deserves its own new paragraph. Each paragraph is constructed with a topic sentence followed by three to five points that explain or further discuss the point of the topic sentence.

In a new paragraph, the first sentence should be linked to, or contrasted with the last thought of the previous paragraph. Don’t hesitate to use a variety of sentence styles. Variety keeps the reader alert and helps with overall attention. Pepper the essay with references and quotes only as they apply.

Best tip! A good assessor will easily recognize what is “filler” in an essay, parts that were added to make the overall essay longer or to meet a required length. If it is not relevant information or discussion about the topic, don’t use it!

Introductions and Conclusions

A strong essay is well crafted, concise and engaging. This is best done by putting the reader first. In particular, if the reader is a teacher or instructor, and your essay is one of a pile they have to work through, a high mark will be given to an essay that is:

• relevant and interesting

• authentic and accurate

• thought provoking

• free of technical errors and distractions

Your ideas matter, but if they are not frame in a presentable way, they will not get communicated effectively to the reader, and ultimately someone who will evaluate and grade it.

The introduction to an essay is critical. Think of it the same way you might think of an opportunity for a first impression upon meeting a new person. It must attract the reader’s attention, pique their interest and keep them engaged.

A few strategies that might do this are:

• lead with a quote to be argued

• provide a startling statement

• use an anecdote or narration to illustrate a point

When using a quote choose one that is fresh and current, and ideally from someone well known in the field of study your essay entails. A well-known person or personality with something to say is a good place to start.

If you intend to start with something shocking, be sure to be true, factual and verifiable in your choice. It could be as simple as a pertinent fact that will be a strong launching point for you to you to continue with a discussion that will illustrate the points you wish to make.

In the anecdote style of introduction, a short but thought- provoking story can be effective. This can be a rather casual approach so care must be taken if the essay is to be more formal.

The conclusion or closing to an essay is the last thing the reader absorbs so it is very important that it leaves the reader with just the right tone and opinions. A degree of satisfaction is necessary.

A strong conclusion actually refers to the thesis statement said or implied in the introduction. This brings closure to the reader. It is done with a summing up of the major point(s). It provides a final, and strong, perspective.

An effective conclusion should not be too long – just three or four well-crafted statements. A review of the main points, not exactly replicated, concludes the essay with your strong feelings about the topic of the paper.