Well, without saying too much. I have a History final coming soon and I still don't have the right idea to compose a good essay. I can answer the question, write the paragraphs, but the teacher never finds my essays eye catching or above average. If anyone is good at this technical stuff, please lend a hand with some tips or tricks. Thanks guys!
This is how i do it: first....Topic / Title second...Introduction of Essay A. Write a few sentences that lead into the main point of your essay B. End the paragraph with your thesis statement (3 main points you are going to support) 1. First point in thesis 2. Second point in thesis 3. Third point in thesis third...Body of Essay A. Topic One - First Point in Thesis 1. Support your point with either quotations or solid evidence 2. Have at least five sentences B. Topic Two - Second Point in Thesis 1. Support your point with either quotations or solid evidence 2. Have at least five sentences C. Topic Three - Third Point in Thesis 1. Support your point with either quotations or solid evidence 2. Have at least five sentences fourth...Conclusion A. Write a few sentences summarizing your essay B. Restate your thesis and how you proved your point Don,t forget to put in quotes to back up your arguments. Edit: sometimes i put in a quote with a sentence, to make my essay flow. Like for example: Handel was one of the greatest composer in the baroque period. One can say that "he is a great cook and a awesome uberly gamer with endoplasmic reticulum". His exerpt...etc etc etc. oh i made that quote up myself...LOL and then if your teacher wants you to footnote it...go ahead. xD
Personally, I am 12 and in 7th grade. I probably do not have the same expectations, although the teachers love my writing even though its my least favorite thing. My language teacher says I have a unique flavor to my writing style. Basically I do the 4 Main things. Title Topic Informative, backing up my statements Clincher, that really helps finalize your statement. Get your point across. I go along with it and make sure I have good material. Just write what you think people would like. Make sure it flows as well. Plus it helps that I can type 100 wpm.
I always do good on essays, but I just start writing; no prior plan. I usually just take a minute or two to think about what I want to say when.
For me, the thing that REALLY makes or breaks it is the first and last paragraphs. If you start off on a bad note, it sets a terrible tone for the rest of the paper. Likewise, if you end poorly, it ends up being rather underwhelming and disappointing. Generally, when writing, I'll make an outline first, to help the flow of the topic. Then, I'll write the body. After I've tweaked that to flow, I'll write the conclusion. Lastly, I'll spend up to an hour making the perfect opener. The first sentence is probably the most important one in the whole paper. If it doesn't pique the reader's interest, you've failed.
Know the facts of what you are talking about. Then know your opinion, and after that support your opinion with facts. The trick is selling your opinion to the reader, and in doing so your essay should turn out a lot better. History is a very opinionated thing, and it the value of your essay depends on your knowledge of the time your studying. I can't give you any specifics as I don't know the topic of discussion. So the best I can tell you is to try and treat the essay as a sales pitch. Make your self believe you will win a billion dollars for a good essay. Usually when I was still in high school I just sat for about five minutes thinking about my opinion on the timeline we were on they get to writing. Just remember to not bother with grammar until the second draft, and just focus on the topic and your pitch.
