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The First and Second Steps in Essay writing STEP 1 Begin with a Point, or THESIS (THESIS STATEMENT)

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Presentation on theme: "The First and Second Steps in Essay writing STEP 1 Begin with a Point, or THESIS (THESIS STATEMENT)"— Presentation transcript:

The Right Way to Write With or Without a Diet Rite.

Tips to Writing Essays Beginning & Ending Thesis Statements & Support Revising & Editing.

What is a thesis statement? The MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE in your paper!

Thesis Statements Chapter 3.

Thesis Statements. What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It is often a point you want to argue or support in an.

Writing Effective Topic/Thesis Sentence

Structure of a Thesis Statement EGL 101. Function of a Thesis Statement Tells the reader about your essay’s topic. Presents your attitude, feeling, idea,

Writing a Good Thesis Statement

A Road Map for Your Essay

Creating a Thesis Statement Let’s Get This Paper Rolling!

Chapter 10. Last week we talked about making the switch from writing paragraphs to essays. We talked about how an essay is made up of the same kinds of.

Structure of a Topic Sentence EGL 101. Function of a Topic Sentence Tells reader about a single paragraph’s limited topic. Presents your attitude, feeling,

First, let’s talk video games… How is a thesis statement like a video game system? A thesis statement is like a controller for the Xbox 360® or PlayStation.

The 5 Paragraph Essay Easy to create Easy to create Organizes your findings, thoughts, or opinions Organizes your findings, thoughts, or opinions Format.

Revisiting the 5-Paragraph Essay

Thesis Statement LUO Yuqing BUPT-SH. Definition of Thesis Statement A thesis statement is a sentence (or sentences) that expresses the main ideas of your.

Writing a Thesis Statement. A thesis statement in an essay is … a sentence that clearly identifies the purpose of the paper and previews its main ideas.

Becoming a Better Writer How to Write a Thesis Statement.

1 Thesis Statement first journal topic: write about an event in your life Homework: Type your paper that you wrote today, make sure it is over 150 words.

Writing Information 101 Paragraphs A paragraph is a group of sentences that presents a main idea and related details to a reader. A paragraph is a group.

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Second Step of Writing an Argumentative Essay

After a student has conducted in-depth literature research, developed a thesis statement and an outline, it is time to proceed to the second step of writing an argumentative essay. Writing a draft is considered to be the middle of the process when a student has a clear vision and direction for their paper. The student is ready to create the first draft with a headline, quotes in the text, and a reference page.

Make sure everything is ready for the second step

The student should make sure their plan is concise. Then, they need to write an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion for their essay following the previously developed outline. These are the main parts of any assignment, so it is essential to make sure that everything is done correctly and all the aspects are implemented.

How to write an argumentative essay introduction?

Even though many people like writing in a logical sequence, all people are different, and some may start writing a conclusive part, for example. However, an introduction is still essential and requires some special attention to catch the auditory and establish the relevance of the research. An introductory paragraph should begin with an attention grabber, which may be:

• provocative question;
• statistics;
• unusual facts, etc.

Next, the student needs to provide background information, explain goals and how they plan to approach the topic of their research work. They must end the introduction with a thesis or research question. This section of their work is not long (2-3 pages), so it will probably be finished quickly. Importantly, students should also remember that writing a research paper does not limit their fantasy and does not require them to be boring.

How to write body part?

An outline will help the student write this part more effectively. However, the student should not think that they have to follow the initial plan precisely. An outline can evolve, and the student can revise it and make changes as many as needed. The main thing is to stay on the set path and focus on the selected topic and the developed thesis. The student should more clearly present their point of view and support their main idea, giving the arguments of scientists and other professionals. The problem should be studied from various points of view, so the student’s conclusions would be adequately supported.

It is essential to make sure that all facts and ideas are properly cited. The student should make sure that all the necessary information about the source is presented in the text, for example, date of publication, page number, and author’s last name(s). Some students take screenshots of the parts of the articles the information was borrowed from. This habit helps access the necessary data at the professor’s request.

How to write a conclusion for an argumentative essay?

Most scientific works end with a rewriting of the main ideas of each of the sections (paragraphs) of the work. For their argumentative essay , the student can do the same, but they should not repeat word for word what has already been written about in the paper. They should rephrase their thoughts or summarize the key points of the argumentative essay. They can also highlight the importance and limitations of their findings. It is good to provide some guidance, suggestions based on the research findings, or suggest some directions for further research. Students should never forget that following all steps of writing an academic paper is critical because it helps shed light on the problem from various perspectives. Maybe they will be able to develop a good idea to resolve it, so proper research and in-depth analysis are critical.

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The First and Second Steps in Essay Writing

Oct 22, 2019

250 likes | 274 Views

Chapter Three. The First and Second Steps in Essay Writing. College Writing Skills with Readings. The First Two Steps. point , or thesis. 1: Begin with a. 2: Support. the thesis with specific evidence. Begin with a Point, or Thesis. Write your point out in a single sentence.

• review thesis statements
• pages 59 60

Presentation Transcript

Chapter Three The First and Second Steps in Essay Writing College Writing Skills with Readings

The First Two Steps point,orthesis. 1: Begin with a 2: Support the thesis withspecific evidence.

Begin with a Point, or Thesis Write your point out ina single sentence.

Common Errors in Writing a Thesis • ANNOUNCEMENTSrather than statements • Statements that are too broad • Statementsthat are too narrow • Statements that containmorethanoneidea

Announcements rather than Statements • Ex.:I want to talk about the crime wave in our country. The sentence above merely tells the subject of the paper. A thesis statement must advance a point about a limited subject.

A Good Thesis A good thesis is neither too broad nor too narrow: too broad Crime is a major concern of everyone in our country. too narrow My parents had only one child. JUST RIGHT A honeymoon is perhaps the worst way to begin a marriage.

Statements That Contain More Than One Idea In the statement above, the reader is asked to focus on two separate points, each of which more logically belongs in an essay of its own. • Ex.:My parents helped me grow in important ways, although in other respects I was limited.

Support the Thesis with Specific Evidence Write down a brief versionof your thesis and then jot down the three pointsthat will support it.

The Importance of Specific Details • Develop your supporting points with specific details. • WHY? Because • details excite the reader’s interest. • details serve to explain a writer’s point.

The Importance of Adequate Details Provide enoughspecificdetails tofully supportthe pointin a body paragraph.

Review: Thesis Statements Too Broad, Too Narrow, Announcement, More Than One Idea or OKAY?

Too Broad Computers have changed our society.

Announcement The subject of this paper is alcoholism.

More than One Idea My childhood was extremely stimulating, although in many ways I was sheltered.

Announcement I will discuss the problem of drug addiction in this essay.

Okay! There are three important steps we could take to deal with the problem of drug addiction in this country.

Too Narrow When I was a kid, my favorite movie was "Star Wars."

Too Broad We must do something about crime.

More Than One Idea Television programs promote many stereotypes, yet they also can contain positive messages.

Too Narrow There are more children who are homeless now than there were during the depression.

Okay! Celebrities lead very stressful lives, for no matter how glamorous or powerful they are, they have too little privacy, too much pressure, and no safety.

As a Class • Activity 1, pages 51, 52

Group Activities • Activity 2, page 53 • Activity 3, pages 59-60 • Activity 5, pages 64-65 • Activity 8, page 67-68 • Activity 9, page 68-69 • Activities 10-13, pages 70-72

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What is the second step in writing an argumentative essay?

Describing your evidence is the second step in writing an argumentative essay.

Add your answer:

Which of the following is the first step in writing an argumentative essay?

I just got told by a friend that a good essay is written with your strongest piece of evidence first and then you use your weakest piece and then you use your second strongest piece of evidence.

Last step of writing your essay?

Before turning in your essay you must edit it as your last step.

What is the first stage in writing a short informal essay?

The first step in any essay is to write an introductory paragraph.

What is the first step of writing an essay?

The first step to writing an essay is selecting a topic to write about; if you like politics then you could write about a president you favor, if you like horses then you could write about a certain breed, or color.

Brainstorming should be the step of the process of writing a problem-solution essay?

What is second step in writing an argumentative essay, what is the second step in an argumentative essay, when writing an argumentative essay during which step do you criticize possible argument against main ideas.

Refuting a counterclaim (APEX)

When writing an argumentative essay during which step do you criticize possible arguments against your main idea?

Which step of essay writing comes last, which step is first when writing a theme-based essay, what step in organizing an essay before writing identifying key words in the assignment, what should be your first step when writing a compare-and-contrast essay.

Brainstorming

What should be your first step when writing a compare and contrast essay?

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What Are The Steps Of Writing An Essay

Table of contents

Looking to get started with your essay writing?

To write an excellent academic essay, you need to follow a proper writing process to translate your set of ideas into a persuasive argument.

Some college students tend to start writing directly but often fail to answer the assignment, resulting in subpar work.

What’s worse, you may find yourself spending more time than you actually need to make fixes and edit your messy work.

<<ORDER NOW: High Quality and Plagiarism Free Essay>>

No matter how good a writer you are, anyone can benefit from using a proper framework to write their essay. It will help you write an excellent essay in one sitting and not lose your calm.

Now, let's look into the steps of writing an essay . Following this process will allow anyone to write a top-notch paper in a matter of hours.

1. Choose a topic

Regardless of what type of essay you are writing, the first step is to understand the prompt.

Your assignment may need you to answer a specific question or give you the freedom to choose your topic. However, don't jump into writing the first subject that comes to your mind.

Instead, you want to spend some time researching and selecting the best topic that will most likely give you a high grade. Consider the purpose of your essay and make sure the topic you choose can reflect it.

When choosing your topic, you want to avoid common subjects that are often discussed or narrow issues that won't give you much to write about.

One quick tip is to think about broad subjects that interest you and narrow it down by limiting it to specific geography, culture, or time. You can always check a few ideas with your instructor to see if they are worth turning into an essay.

2. Brainstorm and research

Next, brainstorm and research the topic you have chosen. You can start by quickly jotting down what you already know about the subject. Then, think critically and get some keywords or questions to dig deeper.

You can then find the answers to your predetermined question and easily record any helpful information you came across along with your sources.

Take note of ideas, discussions, quotations, or examples you would like to include in your writing, along with the resource to make citation and references easier down the line.

If you have time, put in the extra effort to research beyond your course textbooks. Use varied sources of information like journals, newspapers, and online resources to learn more.

Reading more literature on the topic will give you a broader view, and you can offer a fresh perspective that will add points to your essay.

3. Develop a thesis statement

One of the steps of writing an essay is putting together your thesis statement . This is key to tell readers the purpose of your paper.

Even if your assignment doesn't ask a specific question, you still need a thesis statement to show your primary idea.

It should also clearly state your position about the topic and offer readers the direction of the essay. Generally, you want to craft a concise sentence that shows a debatable argument.

4. Create an essay outline

A good outline makes writing easier and more efficient. After developing your ideas and arguments, it's time to build your essay outline .

It can be as simple as scribbling your ideas into a mind map or fully stretching it out in a basic outline form. The idea here is to organize the arguments and evidence you gathered.

You should never skip this step when writing your essay. This will help structure your writing and see how you can fit each of your important ideas while maintaining the logical flow.

Ideally, each paragraph in your body should only contain one main idea and relevant elaboration and details.

A quick pro writing tip is to have your two most decisive points in your body's first and last paragraph to better persuade your readers.

5. Plan your writing

As much as you research your topic, your essay can't be completed unless you start writing.  And we understand, as a college student, it can get busy juggling between classes, clubs, and attending socializing events.

But it is crucial to plan your writing into your calendar earlier to avoid chasing deadlines. Writing an essay shouldn't mean sleepless nights, and it's easy to make mistakes with last-minute works.

So if you are looking to get a distinction grade on your essay, you need to start writing earlier. This is especially important if you're handling a super long report that requires you to write 10,000 words, for example.

In the case of such a massive project, you need to break it down into manageable steps like writing 1,000 words a day.

When planning, set realistic deadlines that take into account the delay time and planning fallacies. Because even the most professional authors tend to underestimate the complexity or amount of time needed to finish their writing.

For better estimation, we recommend that you record yourself when you are writing to gather more accurate insights.

Here’s an interesting video by Top 5 Education on how to plan your essay.

6. Write your introduction

How you start your essay is key to writing an essay that stands out. You need to attract the reader's attention in the beginning with a hook .

Even though you may be writing a formal academic essay, you are still writing for an audience, and you'd want to make sure your piece is memorable and able to grab your instructor's attention.

You can use a story, dialogue, shocking statistics, or a quote, as long as it is exciting and ties into the thesis statement.

Also, make sure to provide some context and introduce your topic. This should then be followed by your thesis statement to let readers know what the essay is about.

7. Write the body paragraphs

This is the part of the writing that supports your thesis statement and builds up the argument of your essay. It is supposed to explain, describe or argue your topic.

A good body paragraph comprises a topic sentence, further elaboration, and is backed up by credible evidence. It also should relate back to the broader topic and make sense to your reader.

Using this structure will keep your paragraph focused on the main idea and provide clear, concise information.

When transitioning from one point to another, make sure you close each paragraph properly by reinforcing the main point and linking it to the next.

Throughout the essay, actively integrate the work of others to show credible evidence. But don't forget to cite every reference and material you have used appropriately.

8. Write the conclusion

In the final section of your essay, the conclusion is your chance to leave readers with a favorable impression of your work.

As a rule of thumb, it should reaffirm your answer to the question. That means writing a brief summary of your prior arguments in about three to five sentences.

Note that: your conclusion should not contain any new information . Rephrase your thesis statement once again, and draw your points together to amplify your argument.

To bring it to the next level, you can also end by reflecting on the broader significance of the topic or with a thoughtful question that will leave your readers pondering.

9. Proofread and edit

Your essay is not completed just yet. Having completed your writing, you must take a second look at your draft to add the finishing touches.

Read through your whole essay to check the flow and structure of your essay. Ensure the correct format is used and that your strongest points appear in the first and last paragraphs within the body.

See if your essay answers the assignment and if there are ways you can strengthen your argument. Pay attention to every paragraph to see if your topic sentence is supported by evidence or examples.

Check the grammar, spelling errors, and punctuation to make sure your essay is impeccable. Remove any fluff and irrelevant sections, add variety to your expressions and avoid overusing vocabulary or transitions.

If you still have some time before the deadline, you can also get a reliable friend to read it and ask their opinions. An alternative option is giving your essay to a professional proofreading service.

10. Do a plagiarism check

There are definitive ways to avoid plagiarism during writing. We recommend that you check your essay using a plagiarism tool to make sure it meets academic integrity.

Check your citations and references to see if they are done correctly. Review your essay with Copyscape or Turnitin to avoid any accidental plagiarism.

Once you're done, it's all ready to be submitted!

Quick Checklist: 10 Steps to Write an Essay

Essay writing is so much easier if you know the proper methods, and that's why here's the ultimate essay writing checklist.

• Understand your essay prompt and choose a suitable topic;
• Brainstorm and research a variety of resources;
• Develop your thesis statement;
• Create your essay outline;
• Plan your writing schedule;
• Write your introduction;
• Write your body paragraphs;
• Write a conclusion;
• Proofread and edit your work;
• Do a plagiarism check.

Now that you know the steps of writing an essay make sure to put it into practice to become a more efficient writer.

Last edit at Jul 27 2023

Adela Belin

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The Writing Process

The writing process is something that no two people do the same way. There is no "right way" or "wrong way" to write. It can be a very messy and fluid process, and the following is only a representation of commonly used steps. Remember you can come to the Writing Center for assistance at any stage in this process. 

Steps of the Writing Process

Step 1: Prewriting

Think and Decide

• Make sure you understand your assignment. See  Research Papers  or  Essays
• Decide on a topic to write about. See   Prewriting Strategies  and  Narrow your Topic
• Consider who will read your work. See  Audience and Voice
• Brainstorm ideas about the subject and how those ideas can be organized. Make an outline. See  Outlines

Step 2: Research (if needed) 

• List places where you can find information.
• Do your research. See the many KU Libraries resources and helpful guides
• Evaluate your sources. See  Evaluating Sources  and  Primary vs. Secondary Sources
• Make an outline to help organize your research. See  Outlines

Step 3: Drafting

• Write sentences and paragraphs even if they are not perfect.
• Create a thesis statement with your main idea. See  Thesis Statements
• Put the information you researched into your essay accurately without plagiarizing. Remember to include both in-text citations and a bibliographic page. See  Incorporating References and Paraphrase and Summary  
• Read what you have written and judge if it says what you mean. Write some more.
• Read it again.
• Write some more.
• Write until you have said everything you want to say about the topic.

Step 4: Revising

Make it Better

• Read what you have written again. See  Revising Content  and  Revising Organization
• Rearrange words, sentences, or paragraphs into a clear and logical order. 
• Take out or add parts.
• Do more research if you think you should.
• Replace overused or unclear words.
• Read your writing aloud to be sure it flows smoothly. Add transitions.

Step 5: Editing and Proofreading

Make it Correct

• Be sure all sentences are complete. See  Editing and Proofreading
• Correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
• Change words that are not used correctly or are unclear.
• APA Formatting
• Chicago Style Formatting
• MLA Formatting  
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How to Write an Academic Essay in 7 Simple Steps

What is an academic essay?

Academic essays are a common form of writing in higher education and play a crucial role in shaping a student’s future academic success. An academic essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument based on evidence and provides the reader with a clear and well-structured understanding of a particular subject. Writing an academic essay is not just about putting together a few words and sentences. It requires careful planning, research, and critical thinking skills to produce a well-written piece that meets the expectations of the reader.

In this article, we will explore the steps involved in writing an academic essay and provide you with tips and examples to help you create a top-quality piece of writing.

Step 1: Choose an Essay Topic

The first step in writing an academic essay is to choose a topic. A topic is the main idea or subject you will write about in your essay. Choose a topic that you are interested in and have a good understanding of. It should also be relevant to the course you are studying and the assignment you are working on.

While choosing the topic for your essay, be sure to follow the formatting requirements and other guidelines of your essay prompt. Read your assignment or prompt thorough and assess what is needed. For instance, if the guidelines call for your essay to follow a certain academic formatting style (such as MLA style , APA style , Chicago style , Vancouver style , etc.), this should be applied and reviewed during the editing process. As with any academic document, be sure to apply academic writing principles to your essay.

Some additional questions to ask before you begin drafting your essay:

• What is the specific question or questions that your essay needs to answer?
• Does your academic essay need to present a critical or rhetorical analysis of a source?
• Do you need to use primary and secondary sources ?
• Is the goal of the essay to present an original argument based on original research, or is it a review of the literature ?
• Do you need to compare two or more works for your analysis?

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have chosen a topic, it is time to conduct research. Research is essential for an academic essay as it provides you with the information you need to support your arguments. Use a variety of sources, including books, academic journals, online databases, and other reliable sources, to gather information about your topic.

There are several different types of research that you can use to gather information for your essay, including primary research, secondary research, and tertiary research.

Primary research involves collecting original data through surveys, interviews, or experiments. This type of research is often used to gather firsthand information about a specific topic and is particularly useful when secondary sources do not exist or are limited.

Secondary research involves using existing data and information that has been collected by someone else. This includes sources such as academic journals, books, and online databases. Secondary research is often the starting point for most essay research and provides a good foundation for your own original research.

Tertiary research involves using summary or overview sources, such as textbooks, encyclopedias, and reference books, to gather information about a topic. This type of research is often used to gain a general understanding of a subject or to find specific information quickly.

When conducting research, it is important to use a variety of sources to gather information and to critically evaluate the information you find. Make sure that your sources are credible and relevant to your topic and avoid using unreliable sources, such as personal blogs or opinion pieces. Take notes as you research and keep track of your sources, including the author, publication date, and page numbers, so that you can easily reference them later in your essay.

Step 3: Create an Essay Outline

An outline is a roadmap that guides you through the writing process and helps you stay organized. A good outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a transition sentence that connects to the next paragraph. Just as an outline for a research paper presents the structure and a summary of each section of your study.

Essay outline template

This outline provides a basic structure for an essay and can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of your topic and assignment. The introduction sets the stage by providing a brief overview of the topic and a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of the essay.

The body of the essay includes three main points, each of which is supported by evidence and explained through analysis. The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, and offers final thoughts and implications. This outline can be used as a starting point for organizing your ideas and ensuring that your essay is well-structured and well-supported.

Step 4: Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first part of your essay that the reader will read, so it is important to make a good impression. An essay introduction should provide background information on the topic, hook the reader’s attention, and present a thesis statement . 

Here is an example of an introductory paragraph:

“The American Dream, once a symbol of hope and opportunity, has become increasingly elusive in recent years. Despite its origins as a means for individuals to pursue their own happiness and success, the American Dream has come to represent a set of unattainable goals that are beyond the reach of the average person. This essay will explore the ways in which the American Dream has become an unattainable goal for many Americans, including the reasons for its decline and the impact this has on society as a whole.”

This introduction provides context, raises a question, and presents a thesis statement all in under 200 words.

Step 5: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are where you develop your arguments and support them with evidence. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea and should include a topic sentence that introduces the idea, supporting evidence, and a transition sentence that connects to the next paragraph. Use transition words to connect paragraphs and provide a clearer structure to your arguments and overall essay.

Step 6: Write the Essay Conclusion

The essay conclusion is the final part of your essay and provides a summary of your main arguments. It should also restate your thesis statement and provide a final thought or call to action. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader and provide closure to your essay.

Here is an example of a conclusion paragraph for an academic essay about “The American Dream”:

“ In conclusion , the American Dream has undergone significant changes since its inception. Despite its original intention as a means for individuals to pursue their own happiness and success, the American Dream has come to represent an unattainable goal for many Americans. The factors contributing to this decline include economic inequality, declining social mobility, and a lack of access to education and job opportunities. This shift in the meaning of the American Dream has significant implications for society as a whole, including increased poverty and social unrest. In order to restore the American Dream to its original purpose, policymakers must address these systemic issues and work to create a more equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their goals.”

Note the terms and phrases in bold that identify the conclusion paragraph and point to the main topics that are summarized. 

Step 7: Revise and Edit Your Essay

Once you have completed the first draft of your essay, it is time to revise and edit. Review your essay for any mistakes, including grammatical errors , punctuation errors , spelling mistakes, and awkward sentence structure . Make sure that your essay is well-structured and that your arguments are well-supported with language that follows the conventions of academic writing and is appropriate for the essay assignment. To ensure your work is polished for style and free of errors, get essay editing from a professional proofreading company like Wordvice.

In conclusion, writing an academic essay is a process that requires careful planning, research, and critical thinking skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write a top-quality essay that meets the expectations of the reader and earns you the grades you deserve. Remember to choose a topic that you are interested in and have a good understanding of, conduct research, create an outline, write a clear and concise introduction, develop well-supported body paragraphs, write a strong conclusion, and revise and edit your essay before submitting it.