How to Write an Effective Essay

Introduction to Writing for 5th Grader Students

First Steps: Understanding the Question

Look at the question and determine what it is actually asking

Does it want you to give your own opinion, or is it looking for a fact based essay?

How long should your essay be? Carefully dissect the important

information from the “fluff” information. Keep in mind some of that fluff may help

you write your essay

Before You Write: Plan, Organize, and Prepare

One of the most important parts of writing is planning and organizing you ideas

This allows for a better flow of thoughts

It also gives you purpose while writing because you know what comes next

Being able to connect paragraphs is often just as important as having a good argument

Now prepare to write and stay writing Getting distracted can cause a break in

style

Writing the Intoduction: Hook, Line, and Sinker

The introduction is used to get your audience interested in the essay

It also gives the audience an idea of what your are going to talk about

Make sure to say what question you are answering to clarify

Mention each of the points made in each body paragraph We will go over those points and what

they are

The Body Paragraphs: The Meat and Potatoes

You should have at least 2, but typically 3, body paragraphs

Each of these paragraphs explain in detail something about the question

Each should connect to one another but should not be the same

These should be very detailed and give important information

The Conclusion: Everything Makes Sense Now

This paragraph should wrap everything up

Repeat the question but write it in a different way

Highlight the important points made and connect them to how you came to the conclusion that you make

Close the essay with a powerful idea but not necessarily a generic worldly idea

After Completion: What Do You Do Now?

Before you turn in any paper reread it at least twice

Check for spelling and grammatical errors

Make sure your sentences flow and are understandable

Then after you check it have someone else read over it and give you advice

Getting a third opinion will also help you get a better idea of how the paper is