Friday, February 9, 2007

About Essays

Click on the comments link to tell us about your essay experiences. What gives you trouble? Any solutions?

For your reading pleasure, a number of sample essays from the PALC collection.

To see "paragraph hooks" in action, read the essay "Why a Dog?"
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7 comments:

Michelle said...

Hi Brad,
I found I had some troubles in using proper conjection in my essay! I also want to know how to make eassys more logical. Please give me some suggestion! Thanks for creating this blog for us !

February 10, 2007 at 3:38 PM
Brad said...

Michelle,

You mean "conjunctions"? I think the best answer for you is to see the sample essay, "Why a Dog?" and observe the use of "paragraph hooks" in action! I link to the essay in the post as I cannot link to it here.

Also, consider the usual order of ideas we use in real life: from small to big (big to small); from least to most important; from first to last etc.

February 10, 2007 at 4:17 PM
Michelle said...

Brad,
Thanks for your reply! You konw, usually I want to use the simplest conjunctions in my essays, such as "And","So","But", because I am sure I will not make mistakes to use these simple conjunctions! But now i know using too much these conjunctions is a mistake! So I will avoid using these conjunctions in my future essays. Moreover, i will try to organize structure of essays according to your suggestion. Thanks a lot! I believe I learnt someting to make my essays more beautiful!

February 12, 2007 at 12:47 AM
Phoebe said...

Hi Brad,

Sometimes I can not figure out the third idea in a short period of time, so I gave up the topic. Is it absolutely necessary to include three ideas in a thesis statement? Besides, I have a big trouble with singular and plural nouns. With or without an s bothers me all the time. Please help.

February 13, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Brad said...

Phoebe,

To be "standard," an essay does need to have three body topics. Perhaps a bit longer in the planning phase will help you. Having regular practice helps too.

Here's a grammar site you might try:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

Copy above and paste into browser.

February 14, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Ruth said...

Hi,Brad:

This afternoon,after I handed in my essay,I found I forgot to cope the title on the introduction paper.The title was still on the worksheet.The title is "steps of Reducing Harmful Effects of Climate Change".That time I couldn't get back,because I was already on the road to pick up my son.

February 16, 2007 at 5:22 PM
Brad said...

Fine Ruth. I'll consider that your title. No marking until tomorrow. Luckily, it rains!

February 16, 2007 at 9:55 PM

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