Summary of Essay Writing Guidelines and Techniques

Essay Writing Criteria and Structure

• Overview of Essay Structure:

  • Introduction and thesis statement should present a clear perspective on the topic.

  • Avoid using 'They Say, I Say' moves directly in the introduction.

• Essays are Not Response Essays:

  • Focus on the given topic rather than merely responding to existing arguments.

  • Read opposing viewpoints solely to develop a distinctive argument.

• Body Paragraphs:

  • Persuasively argue the thesis with personal knowledge and experiences as evidence.

  • Incorporate meta commentary and naysayers to enhance the depth of the discussion.

• Conclusion Requirements:

  • Identify the audience who should care about the essay's argument.

  • Clearly articulate the broader implications of the essay's insights.

MLA Format Guidelines

• In Class Essays:

  • MLA citation practices are required, but detailed formatting (like double spacing) is not critical during in-class writing.

  • Use simple parenthetical references, citing only the last name of the sources.

Navigating Technology in Exams

• Technical Issues:

  • Ensure connection to stable campus WiFi (like UPC secure) to avoid disconnections during online exams.

  • In case of disconnection, perform a hard reboot and reconnect without worries about lost progress.

Naysayers and Meta Commentary

• Naysayer's Role:

  • Introduce and address potential objections in body paragraphs to further clarify and support your argument.

  • Use naysayers to transition between ideas or to explore other perspectives in a seamless manner.

• Meta Commentary:

  • Utilize it to guide and clarify your argument for the reader by addressing potential misinterpretations or emphasizing key points.

  • Examples include stating what you are not claiming or putting a point into greater context.

Importance of Narrative Mechanisms

• Narrative as Pedagogy:

  • Recognizes that narratives contribute to social learning and can affect the way we perceive realities, both positively and negatively.

  • Important to explore a range of narratives to elevate different voices and experiences.

• Creative Non-Fiction:

  • Engage deeply with the 'how' of storytelling to analyze narratives effectively.

Final Thoughts

• Argument Clarity:

  • Always redirect focus back to the thesis after discussing opposing viewpoints.

  • Ensure arguments demonstrate originality and contribute new insights to ongoing discussions.