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.