Aldrick

Developing an Effective Essay

• Good intro, conclusion, body paragraphs
• Cite sources well
• Makes sure you’re answering the right question!
• Make lots of commentary throughout the essay
• Fully develop your argument
• Remember to use a clear control of language
• Choose the examples you use to support your argument carefully
• Clear transitions

 Mistakes

• Forget to use sources
• Use knowledge from a source without citing it
• Leans toward compare/contrast instead of a synthesis
• Argument not well developed
• Summarize the information
• Answer the wrong question
• Bad transitions
• Poor handwriting

Strategy

• Read passages & sources carefully
• Plan ahead
• Pre-write
• Write essay using skills discussed in this quide
• Re-read
• Breathe