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Persuasive Essay

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:05:05 +0000

What is a persuasive/argument essay?
Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.
When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps
1. Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.
2. Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.
3. Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.
4. Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and you topic.
The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument
* Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.
* Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.
* Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.
* Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason.
The following are different ways to support your argument:
Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience.
Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A “truth” is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven.
Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your sources.
Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.
Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof.

Narrative Essay

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:04:59 +0000

As a mode of expository writing, the narrative approach, more than any other, offers writers a chance to think and write about themselves. We all have experiences lodged in our memories, which are worthy of sharing with readers. Yet sometimes they are so fused with other memories that a lot of the time spent in writing narrative is in the prewriting stage.
When you write a narrative essay, you are telling a story. Narrative essays are told from a defined point of view, often the author’s, so there is feeling as well as specific and often sensory details provided to get the reader involved in the elements and sequence of the story. The verbs are vivid and precise. The narrative essay makes a point and that point is often defined in the opening sentence, but can also be found as the last sentence in the opening paragraph.
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling: plot, character, setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details that are carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of the details relate to the main point the writer is attempting to make.
To summarize, the narrative essay
* is told from a particular point of view
* makes and supports a point
* is filled with precise detail
* uses vivid verbs and modifiers
* uses conflict and sequence as does any story
* may use dialogue
The purpose of a narrative report is to describe something. Many students write narrative reports thinking that these are college essays or papers. While the information in these reports is basic to other forms of writing, narrative reports lack the “higher order thinking” that essays require. Thus narrative reports do not, as a rule, yield high grades for many college courses. A basic example of a narrative report is a “book report” that outlines a book; it includes the characters, their actions, possibly the plot, and, perhaps, some scenes. That is, it is a description of “what happens in the book.” But this leaves out an awful lot.
What is left out is what the book or article is about — the underlying concepts, assumptions, arguments, or point of view that the book or article expresses. A narrative report leaves aside a discussion that puts the events of the text into the context of what the text is about. Is the text about love? Life in the fast lane? Society? Wealth and power? Poverty? In other words, narrative reports often overlook the authors purpose or point of view expressed through the book or article.
Once an incident is chosen, the writer should keep three principles in mind.
1. Remember to involve readers in the story. It is much more interesting to actually recreate an incident for readers than to simply tell about it.
2. Find a generalization, which the story supports. This is the only way the writer’s personal experience will take on meaning for readers. This generalization does not have to encompass humanity as a whole; it can concern the writer, men, women, or children of various ages and backgrounds.
3. Remember that although the main component of a narrative is the story, details must be carefully selected to support, explain, and enhance the story.
Conventions of Narrative Essays
In writing your narrative essay, keep the following conventions in mind.
* Narratives are generally written in the first person, that is, using I. However, third person (he, she, or it) can also be used.
* Narratives rely on concrete, sensory details to convey their point. These details should create a unified, forceful effect, a dominant impression. More information on the use of specific details is available on another page.
* Narratives, as stories, should include these story conventions: a plot, including setting and characters; a climax; and an ending.

The Descriptive Essay

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:04:05 +0000

What is a Descriptive Essay?
The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe an object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).
One might benefit from keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!
Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay:
Take time to brainstorm
If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it. For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words: sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for each one.
Use clear and concise language.
This means that words are chosen carefully, particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to describe.
Choose vivid language.
Why use ‘horse’ when you can choose ’stallion’? Why not use ‘tempestuous’ instead of ‘violent’? Or why not ‘miserly’ in place of ‘cheap’? Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.
Use your senses!
Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.
What were you thinking?!
If you can describe emotions or feelings related to your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.
Leave the reader with a clear impression.
One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to writing effective descriptive essays.
Be organized!
It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to describe.

Essay Types

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:03:29 +0000

You’ve received your assignment, and now you’re ready to decide on a topic. You may not have a choice about the type of essay you’ll write, since this may have been determined by the assignment. If you do have a choice, however, you can find a type that will best fit your personality.
Do you like to argue? If so, it can come in handy for this assignment! You might want to choose to write a persuasive argument.
Perhaps you are gifted with great descriptive capabilities, instead. Do you enjoy using colorful language to describe or explain things? You could write a narrative of something interesting that took place, or perhaps you could try writing a descriptive essay of an object.
Whatever you decide to do, you’ll find your assignment much more enjoyable (and readable) if you suit your topic to your own personality type.
Common essay types include the following:
Persuasive/argumentative essay. Makes a claim or takes a position and backs it up with statistics, expert opinions, and other evidence. You may review an opposing review and explain why it is wrong and you are right.
Comparison essay. Demonstrates similarities and differences between two topics.
Descriptive essay. Explains the “what, why, how, when, and where’s” of a topic. For example, a descriptive essay about a tree would explain what it’s made of, why it grows, when it grows, and so on.
Evaluation essay. Describes a thing or event and explains its importance, value, and/or relevance. Did you like this thing? Why?
Narrative essay. Tells a story in a sequence of events. There should be some point, lesson, or idea gleaned from this narrative to make the essay meaningful.
Successful writers know that they produce the best material when they put a little bit of heart and soul into their writing. You can improve your grades and your writing if you personalize just a bit!

Essay Contests

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:03:10 +0000

Are you a writer? You may be able to win cash, scholarships, trips, and other awards with your essay-writing abilities. There are many contests out there that address a wide variety of topics. Why not enter a competition today?
Contest rules will vary significantly, and some may contain important information about possible restrictions, so be sure to read all individual rules carefully. Please note that most of these competitions require that participants be citizens of the United States.
1. NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund
The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund(NRACRDF) is holding an essay competition to encourage students to recognize the Second Amendment as an integral part of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The theme for the essay is “The Second Amendment to the Constitution: Why it is important to our nation.” Students can win up to $1000 in savings bonds.
2. Confronting Crimes Against Humanity
The United States Institute of Peace offers a contest on “confronting crimes against humanity.” Those interested are prompted to discuss “how international actors (the UN, regional organizations, governments, and/or non-governmental organizations) can improve their capacity to implement the responsibility to protect civilians from crimes against humanity during conflict.” The deadline is February 1, 2009.
3. In Darwin’s Footsteps
The Alliance for Science sponsors a contest called “In Darwin’s Footsteps” in which students are encouraged to “write about a person or group who is expanding the horizons of knowledge today, and show how their work reflects the values and principles Darwin demonstrated during his life.”
4. UNA-USA
The United Nations Association of the United States of America offers the annual National High School Essay Contest in which students must write a letter to the president addressing the topic of environmental sustainability. One first place winner will receive a scholarship of $1,500, and a trip to UNA-USA’s Member’s Day, held at the United Nations Headquarters in March 2009.
5. 2009 Holocaust Remembrance Project
The Holocaust Remembrance Project invites high school students to write an essay to “analyze why it is vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to new generations; and suggest what you, as students, can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today.” Students can win scholarship money up to $10,000 and a trip to visit the new Illinois Holocaust Memorial Museum.
6. CCBA Student Essay Contest
Planning to attend a community college? The Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA) is announcing its 6th Annual Student Essay Contest. The essay topic for 2009 is “Why obtaining a four year degree on my community college campus would be important to me.” Entries must be postmarked by February 5, 2009.
7. 4th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest
The American Society of Human Genetics announces their 4th Annual National DNA Day Essay Contest. In this competition, entrants are asked to “reflect on important concepts of genetics.” Please note that essays for this competition must be submitted by a teacher. Deadline for entering is March 16, 2009.
8. Dream Deferred Essay Competition
Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance invites submissions from students in which they should “consider the new civil rights movement rising today in the Mideast, and make the case for why Americans should help reformers on the frontlines.” Deadline for this competition is January 31.
9. Improving the Lives of Children
The New America Foundation is hosting a competition inviting students to first imagine they’ve been elected president. Students should then explain in an essay no longer than 600 words what they would do to improve the lives of children. Deadline for this contest is February 20, 2009.
10. JASNA Essay Contest
Fans of Jane Austen may be delighted to learn about the contest offered by The Jane Austen Society of North America. The topic of this essay contest is “siblings” and students are encouraged to write about the significance of sibling relationships in novels and in real life. Submission deadline is May 1, 2009.

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Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:01:45 +0000

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The English Critical Essay. Documentation

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:33 +0000

4.1 General. All sources—primary texts and secondary reference material—must be acknowledged. Not to do so is to risk plagiarism and its serious consequences. Keep accurate notes when doing research so that you can easily separate your ideas from those of others. Summaries and paraphrases, as well as direct quotations, must be acknowledged as such.
4.2 Titles. Underline or italicize titles of books, periodicals (newspapers, magazines, journals), long works (plays, long poems in book form), films, television shows, audio media (radio programs, compact discs, etc.), musical pieces, and visual arts. Titles of short stories, articles, individual poems, book chapters, single episodes from radio or television, songs, and lectures, however, should only be enclosed in quotation marks.
4.3 Quotation. Quotations within your essay from any source must be introduced in such a way that both the logic and the grammar of your introducing sentence remain clear. Use a colon before most quotations. Enclose any additions to the quotation made by you in square brackets. Punctuation always follows all parentheses except in long block quotations. Indicate any omissions from the quotation with three ellipsis points (three periods with spaces between). When the ellipsis coincides with the end of your own sentence, use a fourth period. Use single quotation marks (’xxx’) only for a quotation within a quotation. Only periods and commas are placed within quotation marks; all other punctuation goes outside them.
Verse quotations of up to three lines may be placed in the text within quotation marks, with the line divisions marked by a slash ( / ), and followed by the line numbers in parentheses. Longer quotations should be separated from the text and indented, but with no quotation marks unless they exist in the original. For indented quotations, indicate the line number(s) in parentheses after the terminal punctuation of the last quoted line.
Prose quotations of less than four lines should be incorporated as part of the text and placed within quotation marks. Longer ones should be double-spaced and set off as a block from the text by indenting. Do not use quotation marks unless they appear in the original. Indicate the author and page number(s) of quoted material in parentheses after the terminal punctuation of the last quoted line.
4.4 In-Text Citation. Use parenthetical citations in the text of the essay to credit sources. This is the format of the 6th edition of the MLA Handbook (2003). In general, place parentheses at the end of the sentence containing the material quoted or paraphrased. Include the author’s last name, a space, and the page number of the citation, like this: (Baker 50). Never use abbreviations like “pg.” or “pp.” There is no punctuation inside the parentheses unless more than one work by the same author is cited. In this case, use a comma and a shortened form of the title: (Baker, Blues 50).
4.5 Citation Style. If at the point of citation the author’s name is clear to your reader, you need only cite the page number—that is, (50) instead of (Baker 50). Note that parentheses go before the final period of the sentence.
When the author is not mentioned in the introducing sentence:
Nature poetry attempts to capture both physical landscapes and “maps of a state of mind” (Atwood 49).
When the author is mentioned in the introducing sentence:
According to Margaret Atwood, nature poetry allows readers to access “maps of a state of mind” (49).
4.6 Works Cited. The list of Works Cited (not Bibliography) should appear on a separate page at the end of your essay. List all sources you quoted from while preparing the paper. The title Works Cited (without quotation marks) should be centered. Entries are placed in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name. Avoid numbering entries. Double space, as with the rest of the paper. Start each entry at the left margin, and indent any subsequent lines in the entry five spaces. For a single author book, give the author’s last name, first name, title of the text, place of publication, the publisher, and date of publication. Watch for changes in format for periodicals, edited works, anthology entries, anonymous texts, translations, reviews, online resources, introductions, and other print and non-print sources and documents.

The English Critical Essay. Steps in Writing an Essay

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:26 +0000

1.1 Investigate the selected TOPIC, taking careful, accurate notes on “note cards” — on paper or on computer. You may choose to use annotated photocopies of pages from books or journal articles, or computer files with downloaded material. The advantage of these methods is that errors of copying are avoided and you have a copy of the original material for last-minute checking.
1.2 If you use secondary sources, remember that you must have grasped (and be able to express) the overall argument of the work before extracting any one point from it. You are expected to understand and evaluate, not merely copy. See 4, Documentation.
1.3 Find a THESIS. In order to narrow and define your particular subject, assemble your material and review it until you are familiar enough with it to form a judgement or take a position on the TOPIC selected. You should be able to formulate this THESIS in a single sentence or two. Ask yourself: what exactly is the point I want the reader to understand?
1.4 Organize your information in light of this argument or THESIS.
1.4.1 Gather all material that supports your argument. If there is not enough proof to be convincing, abandon that thesis and begin again.
1.4.2 Divide this material into the separate points of the argument and arrange these in order of increasing strength, ending with your best point.
1.4.3 Deal with opposite points of view. Disposing — in a fair and logical manner — of counter-arguments in the body of your essay actually strengthens your own THESIS.
1.5 Prepare a detailed outline or PLAN before writing the FIRST DRAFT. As you do so, check that there are:
* no contradictions in your argument
* no gaps in your reasoning
* no irrelevant points included
* no relevant point not supported by evidence
* no unacknowledged assumptions (about the text, the method, the reader)
1.6 Write a FIRST DRAFT based on the STRUCTURE outlined in section 2. Then consult the CHECKLIST (3) before rewriting.
1.7 Your FINAL VERSION should be written or preferably typed, double-spaced, with wide margins (1.5 inches) all around. Proofread before submitting, using CHECKLIST. Try to finish the essay a few days before it is due. This will allow you time to read it a final time (with some critical distance) and make any revisions.

Lesson Four: Style and Tone

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:59:48 +0000

Introduction
Over the years, our editors have seen some amazing stories become dreadfully boring and some ridiculously dry topics transform into an exciting read. The culprit (or hero): writing style. Witness the advice of some admissions officers:
Use a conversational style and easy-to-understand language to project a genuine, relaxed image.
Make sure that your essay is readable. Don’t make us work. Give your essay momentum-make sure that the parts work together and move to a point, carrying the reader along.
Don’t bore us. More often it is the monotonous style, and not the subject matter, that makes these essays dull.
A large majority of the corrections made by our editors fall into one of five categories: sentence variety, word choice, verb tense, transitions and essay clich?s. If you weren’t paying attention in English class, here’s a refresher…
Many students think that the longer the sentence they write, the better the sentence. This is far from the truth. You do not need long, complicated sentences to show that you are a good writer. In fact, short sentences often pack the most punch. The best essays contain a variety of sentence lengths, mixed within any given paragraph. Try reading your essay out-loud, pausing at every period. Listen to the rhythm of your prose. Are all of the sentences the same length? If each of your sentences twists and turns for an entire paragraph, or you run out of breath at any point, break them up into smaller statements. You may also want to try a more methodical approach:
EXERICISE #3: SENTENCE VARIETY
Once you have completed your essay, try labeling each sentence “short” (under 10 words), “medium” (under 20 words), or “long” (20 or more words). A nice paragraph might read something like M S M L M S. A dry essay would be S S S M L L L.

Lesson Two: Selecting a Topic

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:59:24 +0000

EXERCISE #2: SELECTING A TOPIC
In this exercise, you will find a list of Do’s and Don’ts for selecting a topic, along with comments from long-time admissions officers. For each of your five to seven potential topics, fill in this checklist. If you find yourself repeatedly answering “no” to these questions for any given topic, you should drop it and move on to another.
1. Have I selected a topic that describes something of personal importance to my life?
Admissions Officer Says: “Personalize your essays as much as possible-generic essays are not only boring to read, they’re a waste of time because they don’t tell you anything to help you get to know the applicant any better.”
2. Am I avoiding a gimmicky topic? You should be very, very careful of trying to write your essay in iambic pentameter or with lots of jokes. Almost always, this is done poorly and is not appreciated by the admissions committee. Nothing is worse than not laughing at something that was written to be funny.
Admissions Officer Says: “Gimmicks are a big mistake, and a sarcastic or flippant tone will often offend.”
3. Does my topic stay away from information listed elsewhere on my application? Don’t mention GPAs or standardized test scores in your essay. That’s what the resume and other parts of the application are for.
Admissions Officer Says: “Listings of anything are dull, no matter how impressive.” “Essays should be about more than just a running tally of accomplishments.”
4. Will I be able to offer vivid supporting paragraphs to my essay topic? Do not choose a topic if you cannot provide concrete examples for the body of the essay.
Admissions Officer Says: “Details provide the color, the spice, and the life of the essays.” “As the saying goes, if you’re going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk.”
5. Can I fully answer the question asked of me? Can you address and elaborate on all points within the specified word limit, or will you end up writing a poor summary of something that might be interesting as a report or research paper? If you plan on writing something technical for an application, make sure you can back up your interest in a topic and not merely throw around big scientific words. Unless you convince the reader that you actually have the life experiences to back up your interest in neurobiology, the reader will assume that you are trying to impress him or her with shallow tactics. Also, be sure that you can write to admissions officers and that you are not writing over their heads.
Admissions Officer Says: “Actually answer the question they ask. Many people just list off their accomplishments and never relate it to the theme of the question.”
6. Will my topic keep the reader’s interest from the first word? The entire essay must be interesting, considering admissions officers will probably spend only a few minutes reading each essay.
Admissions Officer Says: “If the first paragraph doesn’t fix my attention, like anyone I’m prone to skimming.”
7. Is my topic unique? Some students are so concerned about making the correct impression that they edit out anything that would help their essay stand out. They submit a “safe” essay that is, in reality, sterile, monotonous, and deadly boring. Most topics are in fact overdone, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, but a unique and convincing answer to a classic topic can pay off big. Furthermore, when applying to a competitive program that might be out of your reach, taking a risk in the essay may help your chances by standing out.
Admissions Officer Says: “Applicants should not be afraid to go out on a limb and be themselves-even when that means incorporating humor or being a little bit controversial.”
8. Am I being myself? Admissions officers want to learn about you and your writing ability. You must develop your own voice and tell YOUR story, not the story you think the reader wants to hear. Write about something meaningful and describe what you did and felt, and your essay will be unique. Many people travel to foreign countries or win competitions, but your feelings during these events are unique to you. Unless a philosophy or societal problem has interested you intensely for years, stay away from grand themes that you have little personal experience with.
Admissions Officer Says: “It is through the essay that the admissions officers reading the application will feel that they have truly gotten to know you.”
9. Does my topic avoid hot-button issues that may offend the reader? If you write on how everyone should worship your God, how wrong or right abortion is, or how you think the Republican Party is evil, you will not get into the college of your choice. The only thing worse than not writing a memorable essay is writing an essay that will be remembered negatively. Stay away from specific religions, political doctrines, or controversial opinions. You can still write an essay about Nietzsche’s influence on your life, but express understanding that not all intelligent people will agree with Nietzsche’s claims. Emphasize instead Nietzsche’s influence on YOUR life, and not why you think he was wrong or right in his beliefs.
Admissions Officer Says: “It is dangerous for a non-professional (especially a high school student) to attempt writing as though the essay will be presented at a professional conference. You may be writing to someone who knows much more than you and will be irritated by your hackneyed proclamations.”
10. Is my essay honest? Unless you are a truly excellent writer, your best, most passionate writing will be about events that actually occurred. While you might be tempted to invent hardship, it is completely unnecessary. Write an essay about your life that demonstrates your personality.
Admissions Officer Says: “After 15 years of reading hundreds of essays a year, you develop an amazing ability to see straight through the bull.”
11. Will an admissions officer remember my topic after a day of reading hundreds of essays? What will the officer remember about your topic? What will the officer remember about you? What will your lasting impression be?
12. If you are writing about something unfortunate that has happened to you, ask: Am I able to highlight my impressive qualities under difficult circumstances without sounding pathetic? Unless you only use the experience as a lens with which to magnify your own personal characteristics, you will not write a good essay. Graduate and professional school applicants should generally steer clear of this topic altogether unless the experience can arguably help one become a better businessman, doctor, lawyer, or scholar.
13. Does my essay fit in well with the rest of my application? Does it explain the unexplained and steer clear of what is already obvious? For example, if you have a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, no one doubts your ability to do the academic work; addressing this topic would be ridiculous. However, if you have an 850 SAT and a 3.9 GPA or a 1450 SAT and a 2.5 GPA, you would be wise to incorporate into your essay an explanation for the apparent contradiction. For example, perhaps you were hospitalized or family concerns prevented your dedication to academics; you would want to mention this in your essay. However, do not make your essay one giant excuse. Simply give a quick, convincing explanation within the framework of your larger essay.
14. Does my topic avoid mentioning my weaknesses? You want to make a positive first impression, and telling an admissions officer anything about drinking, drugs, or partying undermines your goal. EssayEdge editors have read more essays on ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) than we would hope. Why admit to weakness when you can instead showcase your strengths?
15. If you think you can add diversity to the school to which you are applying, ask: Does my essay specifically demonstrate how my uniqueness will contribute to the realm of campus opinion, the academic environment, or the social life? Every college, professional school, or graduate school wants to increase diversity. For this reason, so many applicants are tempted to declare what makes them different. However, simply saying that you are a black, lesbian female will not impress admissions officers in the least. While an essay incorporating this information would probably be your best topic idea, you must subtly handle the issue by addressing your own personal qualities and how you overcame stigma or dealt with social ostracism. If you are a rich student from Beverly Hills whose father is an engineer and whose mother is a lawyer, but you happen to be a minority, an essay about how you dealt with adversity would be unwise.
Once you have used this checklist for each of the five to seven topics you came up with in Lesson One, narrow the list down to the three topics that most easily pass all of the suggestions above.
a. If more than three topics pass the test above, then simply choose the three that you are most excited about.
b. If fewer than three topics pass the test, go back to your long list in Lesson One and run a few more potential topics through our checklist.
At this point, you might have a topic so inspiring that the essay writes itself. However, even seemingly boring topics can be made into exceptional admissions essays with an innovative approach. In writing the essay you must bear in mind your two goals: to persuade the admissions officer that you are extremely worthy of admission and to make the admissions officer aware that you are more than a GPA and a standardized score, that you are a real-life, intriguing personality.
Unfortunately, there is no surefire step-by-step method to writing a good essay. EssayEdge editors will recast your essay into a beautifully sculpted masterpiece, but every topic requires a different treatment since no two essays are alike. Lessons 3 to 6 will guide you through the various stages of writing a first-rate essay.