Basic steps to writing an effective essay

1. Basic steps to writing an effective essay CC200 Classical World February 1, 2012 See the Classics Department’s website on Writing in Classics

2. Purpose of assigning essays • to organize one's thinking • to respond critically and personally to a problem or issue • to select and use information to support an argument • to present this argument in a structured and sophisticated way.

3. Understanding what we mean by an “effective essay” • Argument or thesis • Coherent prose • Logical organization • Evidence • Persuasion • Summarizing conclusion

4. First steps towards an effective essay • Do all of the assigned reading • What type of assignment is it? • instructional, asking you to “discuss, compare, contrast, describe, examine”; or, • conceptual, highlighting “nationalism, classes, genders, societies, eras, etc.” • Organize your thoughts • Choose the theme • Outline the essay

5. Why outlines help • Outlining … • focuses your thoughts on the topic at hand • helps you develop your argument • helps you avoid confusion and repetition • indicates whether you are ready to being writing • If you follow this process, the outline will essentially write the essayfor you

6. Structure of an effective essay • Effective paragraphs • Topic sentence • Elaboration • Ineffective paragraphs • 1-2 sentences • 2+ main ideas • Rule of thumb • 1-2 paragraphs/page • Guide the reader • Avoid long quotations • Cite appropriately

7. Opening paragraph • “Introduction” < intro + ducere (Latin), “to lead in” • Clear and concise statement of question/issue • Appeal to reader’s interest • Appeal to writer’s interest • Outline of sources • Chronological / cultural scope of sources • Transition • You might rewrite the assignment in your own words, both to define the terms and to draw out the overall meaning of the assignment in the introduction

8. Body of paragraphs • The body of the paper should contain a number of logically connected paragraphs, which present the ideas that are relevant to the question or topic. • The order of the paragraphs should be parallel to the outline of your paper. • Paragraphs are like mini-essays • each should have an introduction which follows logically from the previous paragraph • each should contain a main point supported by evidence • each should contain a conclusion that transitions to the next

9. Final paragraph • “Conclusion” < con + claudere (Latin), “to shut together” • No new material, concepts, evidence • No simple restatement • “So what?” Why should the reader care? • Placing your ideas and the question in larger context • Considering your ideas and the question in a new way or from a new perspective

10. I’ve written a draft. Now what? Your first draft tests whether your outline works in practice. Take the time to read what you have written and then ask yourself these questions: • Have I answered the assignment? • Have I done what I said I would do in the introduction? • Does the argument progress logically and clearly? • Is there a healthy balance between discussion and detail? • Are my arguments supported by evidence? • Is anything missing? Have I left out anything important? • Does the conclusion show how I have answered the question? • Are there any errors of grammar or spelling? • Could the style be improved? Your answers to these questions will define the work to be done in your final draft

11. The final path to success • “Revision” < re- + videre(Latin), “to see again” • revisioas opposed to ἀπολογία (apologia), “defense” • reading the paper aloud after each draft • try writing an outline based on the draft • have the courage to slash and burn • align the introduction and conclusion • proofread • Essay Guidelines & Academic Integrity Checklist: