ESSAY WRITING GUIDELINES

A persuasive, analytical essay should contain three main parts: the introductory paragraph, supplementary paragraphs, and the concluding paragraph.

Each of these parts and their key components are explained below. Students are required to make use of these guidelines throughout the writing process.

1. The Introductory Paragraph

In the introductory paragraph, students should indicate to the reader that they have a good understanding of the focus of the question. This paragraph should include the following information:

· A thesis statement. This statement should be assertive, brief, and to the point. This will enable students to maintain the focus of their paper and write persuasively.

· A brief explanation of any key theme or complex idea contained in the thesis. Students should be sure they convey to the reader what is meant by words and phrases in the thesis and demonstrate a thorough understanding of all components of the question.

· A brief listing of the main organizational points that will be used to structure and present the data used to defend the thesis. The emphasis is on the organizational points, not the detailed explanation. This list could include the following:

- application of basic concepts

- expert opinions

- categories of evidence (i.e., statistics or socioeconomic data)

2. Supplementary Paragraphs

The number, order, and nature of these paragraphs will be determined by the organizational list in the introductory paragraph. These should provide relevant details that support the thesis statement. A thorough job of linking this information to the thesis should be done, and the following common mistakes should be avoided:

· quoting the author of the textbook

· using catch phrases if they are part of the question

· using first person (in a persuasive paper, this weakens the writer’s argument. The reader isn’t looking for your opinion, just your analysis.)

· waiting until the end of the paragraph to link points to the thesis (e.g., “Therefore, based on the information above, one can see that...”)

· appealing to emotion or answering the question with a question (e.g., “How would you like it if this happened to you?”)

· utilizing overtly simplistic statements and the idea of single causation (reason or blame)

(e.g., “PAC contributions are a form of bribery that corrupt all members of Congress.”)

· “data-dumping” – providing any information without any relevant link to the thesis. If it’s not relevant to the thesis don’t use it. It will not make a better impression that you know other information.

3. Concluding Paragraph

In the in-class essay, the emphasis of this paragraph is a brief summary delineating (outlining) the case made in support of the thesis. On the AP exam, very brief conclusions are best. Keep the main part of your essay in the introductory paragraph and supplementary paragraphs of the essay.

OTHER HELPFUL HINTS:

· Be concise, avoid information that does not make your point, and instead only lengthens your essay.

· Start writing with a brief plan or outline of what points to discuss. Don’t begin blindly or you will end up with material that you could have inserted being left behind or worse trying to insert material into the middle of the essay.