How to Write Great Essays

HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS

CHAPTER 1 Organization
10
3. List: create a roster of items of equal importance.
4. General to Specific: state supporting details, then the main point, or vice versa.

F
O R
Y
O U R
R
E V I E W
■
Remember to use a variety of prewriting techniques, including freewriting,
brainstorming, webbing, and concept mapping.
■
Try different organizational methods such as outlines, pyramid charts, and
lists.
■
Don’t forget that what you read affects your writing, so make sure you read
the very best!
10

---

11
A
A
fter you submit it, your essay will be one in a large stack given to a reader or read-
ers. In the case of college admissions, readers will have so many essays to read that
they will spend only a few minutes on each. Exit and SAT essays will receive some-
what more time and attention, but it still holds that one reader will be responsible for a large
number of essays. That is why it is imperative that you not only impress your reader(s) with
your unique take on a topic, but also say exactly what you mean as clearly and, in many
cases, as concisely as you can.
Your essay goal is to convey information, including the fact that you can write well. That
goal won’t be achieved if your readers don’t understand your first few sentences or para-
graphs, and stop reading, or if they finish reading but fail to grasp your message. Learning
how to be a clear and accurate writer will help make your essay readable, and will guaran-
tee that those who read it understand exactly what you mean to say. The five guidelines in
this chapter show you how to clarify your writing.