The Beginners Guide To Writing An Essay

The Beginner's Guide To Writing An Essay A reasoned argument consists of the series of logical steps you make in order to lead to some sort of judgement or conclusion. You should support this by use of a reasoned argument and evidence. Within your essay you will be hoping to discover, demonstrate or prove something. Be aware that you may have to adjust the focus of your argument in the light of further research. Initiate further research to support weak or vague sections within your argument. If you type your paper on a computer, print out a copy to proofread. Remember, spell checkers and grammar checkers don't always catch errors, so it is best not to rely on them too much. Use transition words to ensure a smooth flow of ideas from paragraph to paragraph. Signpost the direction your argument is taking by using words such as 'therefore' or 'however'. Emphasise your main points and draw together the main threads of your argument. Try to make your paragraphs emerge out of the previous one and lead into the subsequent one. Subsequent sentences explain, define and expand on the topic sentence. You must back up your argument with evidence or it will remain opinion. Organise your notes and try to locate evidence to support each step in your argument. Use counter-arguments to your advantage â€" if you find viewpoints that go against your own argument, don't ignore them. It strengthens an argument to include an opposing viewpoint and explain why it is not as convincing as your own line of reasoning. Discuss all the available evidence and examine all the implications. Cite specific instances and arguments as to how the criteria apply in this case. Essays should be word-processed, and their overall presentation and layout should be reader-friendly. It is a good idea to back your essay up, so that you have more than one copy of your, one to keep for yourself and one to hand in. An outline shows your main ideas and the order in which you are going to write about them. Check our encyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. Curiosity drives an individual to search for an understanding of issues. When such interest becomes engraved in an individual, it molds students into independent individuals who find the truth while learning. Make an appraisal as to the worth of something in the light of its truth or utility; cite evidence and argument in support of your case. Helping students to achieve study success with guides, video tutorials, seminars and one-to-one advice sessions. FEN Learning is part of Sandbox Networks, a digital learning company that operates education services and products for the 21st century. Infoplease is part of the FEN Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Errors are harder to spot on a computer screen than on paper. Avoid unnecessary description â€" only include general background details and history when they add to your argument, e.g. to show a crucial cause and effect. Practice distinguishing between description and analysis . It can help to highlight each in a different colour to see what the balance looks like. For each point that you make in your essay, you need to support it with evidence. There are many different kinds of evidence, and the type you use will depend on what is suitable for your subject and what the essay question is asking you to do. Explore the implications and the advantages and disadvantages. Give your judgement as to the value or truth of something. Be specific - avoid making sweeping generalisations or points that are difficult to support with specific evidence. It is better to be more measured and tie your argument to precise examples or case studies.