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avatar Anonymous

How do you become successful at writing essays?



Question applies to ages: 17

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avatarMaryKat
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Health and Wellness # of Thumbs Up Received (1)		 The best way to learn how to write essays is to read well-written essays and pay attention to what happens in them. When you read a really good essay (one that YOU think is good--not necessarily one that someone else tells you is good) try to figure out what you like about it. What kind of language does the writer use? (is it simple, funny, unexpected?) How is the information is presented (is it teased out slowly, presented as a story, stated logically and simply?). Then try to use these same elements when you write your essay. It's okay if you imitate the writer's style in your first draft--that's like one musician listening to another and trying to imitate their phrasing or tone. You'll develop your own style eventually.

References:
I've published essays, poetry, and fiction---but I've read WAY more than I've written.
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avatarElizabeth.Johns
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Top 5 in: Choosing College, Discipline, Families and Relationships, Family Activities, Growth and Development, Health and Wellness, Learning Disabilities and Special Needs, Learning Styles, Parents and Schools, Safety, School Policy and Education Issues, Study Skills and Academics, Summer Learning and Camps, Teens and Jobs, Transitions and Readiness, Motivating StudentsTop 5 in 16 Topics		 There are so many different types of essays. The website www.essayinfo.com lists more than a dozen different types, describes them, and offers examples and guidelines for composing them.

As with any skill, you can become more successful at writing essays by writing them and having them critiqued by someone with more experience: your English teacher, your guidance counselor (if it's a college admissions essay), or even your parents.

In general, an essay takes a topic or position, develops it through several paragraphs, then draws a conclusion. You may be trying to persuade someone, explore an issue, or share an insight.

Read lots of essays. Your English teacher can recommend some good collections of essays for you to study.

References:
mom of four, professional writer
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