Essay Writing!

I know some of you have trouble writing an essay as you get stuck in the middle of the essay writing so here are some of the ways to write a proper Essay : The best way to improve your essay writing will be Journal. What can you write? If possible keep a journal that you bring along everyday throughout the month. You can submit your journal regularly to your teacher to check. A month is sufficient time to get you hooked on journal writing.

A journal is where you have a collection of thoughts about events, feelings, opinions, beliefs, and even hopes, dreams and fears. Start with a sentence or two and continue writing as much as you want when u like to. Have fun working on your journal. Feel free to see me if you need assistance.

For the next stage, let's look at the nature of the writing process. There are steps for a better essay writing:

A Planning

B Writing a First Draft

C Rewriting

D Proof-reading

Lets look at it step by step :

• A) Planning - When you are given a topic to write, first list down ideas on a sheet of paper on the topic for ten to fifteen minutes. This is just a sheet of paper so don't worry much about the grammar usage, sentence structure or spelling. Just pay attention on what your writing and write ideas non-stop. This method helps you to express your ideas in writing.

- Use mind- mapping and list down the points and use the Wh-questions by asking questions like what? where? why? who? how? when? ... it is useful for descriptive essays and reports writing.

• B) Writing a First Draft - it is important as it helps you to see the overall plan of your essay. If you have an outline, you will not have problem if your running out of points in the middle of the essay. When you have gathered enough materials and drawn up an outline, it is time for you to write your essay. We shall look at :

• Writing Introductions - use startling information or fact, Dialogue, use a question, definition and even quotation

• Writing Good Paragraphs- has ONE main idea and supported by TWO supporting details, be more specific, supply examples and information, use transitional expressions like: also, similarly, furthermore,moreover,for example, First, second, but,nevertheless, thus, to conclude. Maintain Unity and coherence.

• Writing Conclusions- Summarize your main points, express your hopes about the topic, close with a lesson or moral values

• C) Rewriting- look through your first draft, mark down your changes and errors in grammar, write out your composition neatly.

• D) Proof-Reading - read through your essay one last time. Correct all the spelling errors and grammar mistakes that you have made in the rewriting stage.

Attach is a short video on how to write an essay and i would like all of you to write an essay title "Unforgettable moment in my life'' of 350 words. Use the methods of essay writing that you have learned and pass up your essay in class.

more on http://www.howcast.com/videos/296358-How-To-Write-an-Essay

Book: Longman 2005, SPM Form 4 & 5