What Makes a Good Essay?

1. An essay will be short enough to read in one sitting.

a. An efficient way of writing to develop a single thought or idea

2. A good essay gets to the point quickly

a. Thesis is in the beginning or in the introduction of the essay

3. Good essay develops only one idea. It is narrowed scope and focused on a single idea

a. Example: your 5 paragraph essay will discuss you strengths and weaknesses in writing and not discuss problems you have in math as well

4. Good essay makes internal connections

a. Use of transitional phrases and words to connect ideas and show relationships between ideas

b. Furthermore, none the less, however, thus,

5. Good essay subordinates some of its parts to others

a. Main points will be developed and supported with subordinate or less important ideas

6. Good essay uses evidence to support main ideas to lead the reader to desired conclusions

a. Using narrative to make a point—story telling

b. Personal experience to enhance the message the writer wants to present; often the most credible sort of evidence to present

c. Statistics must be interpreted fairly and accurately in order to maintain credibility and reliability

d. Quotations from credible sources

e. Testimony from an authority or expert in the field

7. Good essay presents both sides or recognizes the opposing view or contrary views to show reader that the writer has a full and complete understanding of both sides of the argument

8. Good essay is always written with the reader in mind—a good essay targets and focuses on a specific audience—readers who will specifically benefit from the information presented.

9. Good essay demonstrates sound understanding of grammar and mechanics.

10.Good essay has an adequate, sound conclusion that brings the essay a speeding conclusion and wraps the essay up neatly.

Essays are considered non-fiction, focus on a specific topic, targets a specific audience.

How does the essay “Corla Hawkins” meet these criteria?

Where is the thesis or main point of the essay?

What is the purpose of this essay?

What strategy did the author use to develop his essay and get his point across

Who do you suppose the audience for this essay is?