Notes on Essay Writing

WASHT method

While,

Although,

Since,

However,

Therefore,


Argumentative method - OREO

Opinion

Reasons

Examples

(Restate) Opinion


An academic essay is a structured piece of writing used to explore and communicate ideas. It presents an argument or analysis on a specific topic, backed by research, evidence, and reasoning.

Features

  • Purpose: to explain or argue a point about a topic

  • Structure: Introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion

  • Thesis statement: Central idea or claim that guides the essay

  • Evidence: Facts, examples, and research back up the writer’s ideas

  • Formal tone: Uses formal language and avoids slang

  • Critical thinking: Demonstrates in-depth thinking and evaluation

Types and Structures

Narrative essay - Shares a story or personal experience. Written like a story: has beginning, middle, and end. Uses descriptive details.

Persuasive essay - Convinces the reader to adopt a viewpoint. Presents a clear argument supported by evidence. Uses reasoning and emotional appeal to persuade

Expository essay - explains or informs about a topic. Focuses on the facts, and explains ideas clearly. Avoids personal opinions.

Descriptive essay - describes something in detail. Free to use creative writing; uses imagery or sensory details. Focuses on creating an impression


Cheat Sheet

Introduction

Hook - opening statement to capture attention

Context - background information

Thesis statement - topic, argument, points.

Example: music is good for the brain, because it improves memory, reduces anxiety, and boosts mood

Body paragraphs

Point - From thesis statement (improves memory)

Evidence - proof of point

Explanation how evidence proves point and thesis

Link - connect to the next body paragraph

Conclusion

Thesis statement - repeat thesis statement

Summary - summarize body paragraphs

Unhook - closing statement to release attention

*Include your topic and argument in the title of your essay. Example: The Benefits of Music for the Brain

Thesis Statement Builder

A thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the main point of an argument of an essay. It must include your overall topic, the argument you will making in relation to that topic, and the points you will use to support that argument.

Topic - Identify the topic of your essay (Music)

Argument - Decide on your argument or position regarding that topic (Music is good for the brain)

Points - Provide the point you will discuss that support your argument (improves memory, reduces anxiety, and boosts mood)

Then put it all together.

How to analyze an essay

Skim - Skim the entire essay

  • Read the title, headings, introduction, and conclusion

  • Determine the type of essay

  • Identify the thesis and examine the first sentence of each body paragraph

Read the supporting evidence

  • Determine how the author supports their claims in each paragraph (stats, facts, quotes, logical reasoning)

Evaluate the arguments

  • Determine how convincing each body paragraph’s argument. Are you convinced?

Summarize the strengths and weaknesses

  • What do you think the other did well and what do you think the author could have done better?

  • Consider how effective the essay’s structure and style are.


Essay Prompts and Brainstorming

The writing process is a roadmap for creating an essay.

Thinking — Planning — Writing — Editing

Thinking - Read the prompt and brainstorm

Planning - Write your thesis statement and outline your essay

Writing - Write your first draft, make changes as necessary

Editing - Big edit: Revise, Small edit: proofread

*Don’t skip steps, it will make it difficult to write and give you enough time

When you are assigned an essay prompt it is important to figure out what is expected from you. Follow the acronym RRTT to interpret the prompt accurately

Read the prompt and highlight key words that stand out

Rephrase the prompt in your own words

Topic - Determine the subject or topic of the prompt

Task - Identify what the prompt wants you to do

Example: Does music positively or negatively impact cognitive functions and mental health? Assess both perspectives and explain your opinion.

Rephrase: Is music good or bad for the brain and mental health? Look and both sides and explain your opinion.

Topic: Music’s effect on the brain and mental health

Task: Look at both positive and negative impacts. Share your opinions on whether the positive or negative effects are stronger

Brainstorming is a way to quickly come up with ideas by letting your thoughts flow freely. The goal is to think creatively and generate as many ideas as possible without knowing if they are “good” or not

Mind-mapping

  • Write a broad topic in the middle of the paper

  • Draw branches that stem from the topic: keywords, experiences, and questions. You can link ideas or stem more from each idea

Free writing

Just down all ideas about specific topic in no specific order. You can write in full sentences or dot jots.

  • Set a timer for 5-10 minutes

  • Pick a general topic

  • Jot down all your ideas

  • Review any interesting ideas