What is an essay? It’s a short self-contained piece of writing, usually between five hundred to three thousand words long. It responds to a question or a statement with a structured set of comments that lead to an overall conclusion (B, Neil). An essay is constructed like a freight train. The argument is the engine, supplying the power and direction and pulling the rest behind it. The cars are the paragraphs, each carrying a topic sentence and a load of specific sentences; the couplings are transitions holding the cars together, and the caboose is the conclusion, letting the reader know that the essay has come to an end (Marshall, L & Rowland, F, 2006). Throughout this essay I will be distinguishing features of preparing for an essay, writing the introduction, conclusion, the middle and final drafts, presentation and referencing.
It is important when writing an essay that you make life as easy as possible for you and the reader. Before starting the essay look at the essay question and define what the essay question asks you to do. Get an understanding of each word and phrase in the question (Cederblom, J & Paulsen, DW, 2001). Make clear objectives of the essay and clarify your theme. Planning for the essay question includes brainstorming the essay question read and take notes. Identify and find copies of relevant literature such as books, articles, reports, web resources and textbooks. After brainstorming draw up a basic plan including topics, questions and ideas to follow. Write the first draft put it away for a few days and then re read it, this way you have a fresh mind. Last of all write your final draft (Burdness, N, 2007).
To write an introduction the primary role of the introduction needs to outline major sections of the essay and how it will get there. The primary role of the introduction is to leave your marker in no doubt where the essay is going. You need to show that the essay has a clear and reasonable structure. The significance of the...