How To Write A Good Essay [Tutorial]
So you want to write a good essay? :) This is a great structure to use. It's called the "Oreo" Structure, and it's got me a high grade on the AP English exam.
So lets get started
WHAT YOUR ESSAY NEEDS
.Topic Sentence
.5 paragraphs
.One quote per paragraph
.Intro
.Conclusion
.Sources (If required)
THE STRUCTURE
Intro
.topic sentence (what your topic is)
Paragraph 1
.topic sentence
.quote
.explanation of quote
.lead on to paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
.topic sentence
.quote
.explanation of quote
.lead on to paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
.topic sentence
.quote
.explanation of quote
.NO lead on
Conclusion
.summary of topic
.10 word final sentence
Sources(Only if it's required)
.list of sources
BREAKDOWN
Intro:
1. Your intro NEEDS to have a hook at the beginning. For example if we're writing an essay on say...Teen Suicide, then you'll want to say something to hook them in the first paragraph, such as:
Code:
"Everybody is carrying someone's life in their hands; their own."
You want something in your intro to catch the eye of the reader and draw them in.
2. The next thing your intro needs is the topic at hand. So be sure to include it. Code:
"Commonly due to outside influences, Teen Suicide is becoming a problem in society, because they are too blinded by other problems that they can't see how valuable their life really is"
**MAKE SURE YOUR INTRO IS NO LONGER THAN 6 SENTENCES**
Paragraphs:
**The key to paragraphs is to have a different theme for all 3 paragraphs.
(paragraph 1 = causes)
(paragraph 2 = influences it has on other people)
(paragraph 3 = how it effects family)
**
1. The first thing your paragraph needs to have is the topic mentioned. So for the essay on Teen Suicide, start it off with something like: [/CODE]"One of the major causes for Teen Suicide is peer influence."[/CODE] You're stating your topic is the causes. Then you back it up with..
2. Quotes (if you can find any, then use a short quote from someone who has attempted suicide or wants to, that explains their reasoning for it). If you cannot find a quote anywhere then do #1, and #4
3. Explain the quote (tie the quote in with your topic sentence)
4. Wrap it up and make a hook that will lead into Paragraph 2
Example: Code:
"Causes of suicide among teens not only effect the teens themselves, but influences others"
Then you can go onto Paragraph 2 talking about Influences.
**Repeat with Paragraph 2 and 3**
Conclusion:
Your conclusion must be no longer than 4/5 sentences, and the last sentence must be a maximum of 10 words. END IT POWERFULLY, IF POSSIBLE. A powerful conclusion leaves minds blown.
THINGS TO AVOID
-repeating yourself too much
-If you're writing an essay on a book or a story, avoid using "I" "My" or "You"
-If you're writing an essay on a book or a story, avoid re-telling the story
-If you're writing an essay on a book or a story, avoid sounding like a suck up. DO NOT mention "The author did a great job" and "In this legendary work by [so-and so]".
So this is basically everything you need to know and do to write a top-end essay :) If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I hope you found this useful.
**please sticky this if you find it useful. I'll keep updating/changing it as time goes on. if you have anything to add, please let me know.**
-Raivu
