ENGL117: Writing an Essay

Overview of Drafting and Organizing Material

• Focus on writing drafts in relation to planning, drafting principles, paragraphing, and organizational strategies.

• Introduction of BA Learn site for additional support.

Workshop Schedule

• This week's workshop: "Becoming My Mother's Daughter."

• Next week's workshop: Citation of sources and drafting process.

• Essential to bring quotes for integration exercises.

Time Management

• Important for success throughout university studies.

• Time management sheets available to help plan daily and weekly tasks.

• Procrastination is common, emphasizing the importance of starting tasks early.

Assignment Deadlines

• Introduction and topic sentences are due on Monday.

• Essay due by March 21 (end of week five).

• Week five: Drafting session; bring a printed copy of your draft for feedback.

Planning Your Essay

• Planning increases focus, keeps reader engaged, and simplifies writing tasks.

• Promotes a clear structure and helps avoid overwhelm.

• A plan will highlight identity and techniques; paragraphs should reflect these topics.

  • Aim for 4 paragraphs, each focusing on different techniques related to identity.

Importance of Drafting

• Drafting helps flesh out arguments based on your plan.

• Expect first drafts to be rough and imperfect; focus on getting ideas down.

• The drafting process allows for revisions and refinements to improve your essays.

Components of a Good Plan

• The plan should include:

  • Thesis statement.

  • Key points for each paragraph.

  • Sources for supporting evidence.

• First essay opportunity to showcase writing voice and structure.

Crafting Effective Paragraphs

• Each paragraph should focus on one main point and require evidence to support it.

• Starts with a clear topic sentence that sets up the paragraph’s focus.

• Use transition sentences to connect to the next paragraph.

• Indent the first line of each paragraph to signal its beginning.

• Avoid long paragraphs; stick to one point per paragraph to maintain clarity.

Writing Tips

• Keep the audience in mind and guide them through your arguments.

• Academic writing should be cohesive, clear, and logically structured.

• Choose a suitable organizational structure as per the essay requirements (textual analysis).

• Evidence from sources must be incorporated to substantiate claims.

Using Quotes in Essays

• Importance of selecting strong, relevant quotes to support arguments.

• Avoid fillers; use quotes that enhance your analysis and perspective.

• Every quote should be followed by a citation (author, page number) in MLA format.

Types of Essay Structures

• Recognize different structures based on assignment requirements,

  • For example, comparison and contrast or cause and effect.

• Define terms clearly using academic literature rather than dictionary definitions when necessary.

Importance of Vocabulary

• Expanding vocabulary improves writing fluency and effectiveness.

• Engage with jargon and academic terms relevant to your field.

Next Steps

• Week four will focus on integrating quoted material effectively.

• Emphasize the importance of continuity in writing and consistent referencing.

• Always seek help or clarification on assignment requirements when uncertain.