Essay Writing

Read the Question &Recognize the task

• Read the question 3-5 times to make sure you understand what it is asking you to do.

• Many questions require you to answer more that one part.

• If a time period, region or subject are given stick to it.

Brainstorm

• Look at the question and underline the main point(s)

• Gather information – list everything you can think of about the topic

• Must support your answer with facts –Nobody cares what you feel; only

what you can prove with facts!

Categorize/Organize

• ESPN Chart – Economic, Social, Political, & eNvironment.

E

P

S

N

THESIS STATEMENT

• Restate the Question.

• Give 3 points you will discuss in essay.

– Example: How are the climate of the US and Canada alike and different?

– Thesis Statement: The climates of the US and Canada are alike and different in the following ways…(give 3 points)

5 Paragraph Format• Introduction (Thesis is last sentence)• Point 1 • Point 2• Point 3 • Conclusion

Tips• Make an argument – take a side & support

it with facts.

• Get to the point.

• Avoid misspelled words.

• Avoid rhetorical questions.

• Use active voice. The subject is doing the action.

• End simply & cleanly.

Do not write 1 sentence

paragraphsA PARAGRAPH

IS 3-5

SENTENCES

NO 1st (I) or 2nd (you) PERSONI don’t care what you think!

what do you know?

Give me the FACTS!

Let’s Practice

• Question 1

How are the climates of Canada and the United States alike and different?

Question 2

• In what ways did early settlers alter their physical environment?