Perhaps, you will answer it is because it is an assignment or you are required to do so. Well, we must admit that essay writing is an academic requirement that you can simply avoid. So, whether you like it or not, you have to write.
But, why are essays written? Simple, because essays have functions.
Essays are not just given by professors for the sake of compliance and grades but because these are good materials for the students.
Essays can test the students’ writing abilities. These can also test more than your basic knowledge as they can make you analyze, evaluate, interpret, argue, organize, compare and contrast, discuss, and many more.
Essays, therefore, are not just simple writing pieces.
So, every time you are assigned to write an essay, do not think that it is a burden or a problem; instead, think of it is as a reward because at the end of the day, you have learned something from what you have written.
Want to know how to cook? how to bake? how to braid your hair?how to paint your room?or redesign your kitchen? You can learn anything of these in an instant. How? Read How-To or DIY essays.
Before, you buy first a cookbook just to learn how to cook. Now, you simply need a laptop, an Internet connection and you can browse million recipes.
How-to-essays are indeed popular nowadays especially when it comes to home improvement, culinary, and personal care. Hence, for people who have the writing skills, this can be a good opportunity to show your talent and ability.
What then are the steps in writing a process or “how-to essay”?
1. Choose a topic. It may be about cooking, baking, painting, designing, studying, writing, or beautifying yourself or your room.
2. Conduct your research. For instance, you will write on how to make Valentine cookies since Valentine’s Day is just a month away. If you have already personally tried it, you can share your experience. If not, then you have to work on this assignment. 3. Compose an outline. It is always easier to write essays if there is an outline. Your ideas are more organized and coherent. Since you have an outline, you already know what to do.
4. Be specific. In writing this type of essay, you need to be very specific especially when it comes to the ingredients. Indicate if its 1 tsp or ½ tsp and so on.
5. Give instructions clearly. This is the most important step in writing such essay. You have to provide the instructions or the directions properly. Do not confuse your readers. Take note that they are reading your essay because they want to learn, not to be confused.
Today, people can instantly learn with just a few clicks.
If you want to know how to beautify your hair, just go to Pinterest and you will see DIY pins instructing viewers how to make a four strand braid, headband braid, or low rolled updo hair. Likewise, you can see on this site some tutorials on nail art and cooking. Indeed, the Internet can provide everything we need to learn including how to write essay samples.
Before, in order to know how to write, we visit the library to borrow books. We searched for magazines and other tutorial articles to help us enhance our writing skills. But today, the Internet has made it easier for us. With just a few or several clicks, you can already find different tutorials. Want some proof? Simply go to YouTube.com
Once you are in YouTube, enter “essay writing tutorial” in the search box. Click the search icon and voila, you will get about 996 results. Here are some of the tutorials you can find:
Essay Writing Tutorial - Body Paragraphs
5 Ways on How to Write Fast
Easy Tutorial: How to Write a Personal Essay
Thus, if you really want to learn, the Internet can be your teacher.
This time, it won’t be writing; it has to be analyzing. You may have already written a lot of essays- from narrative, descriptive, informative, up to persuasive. But have you ever analyzed one? There are professors who are fond of giving essay writing assignments but beware of some professors who do not give tasks like these but ask students to analyze an essay. Yes, you have read it right. Students are assigned to analyze an essay.
Analyzing an essay may be new to you. Hence, here are several steps on how to do it properly.
Step#1: Read the essay over and over again. You need to read the essay several times for you to understand the writer’s message. You cannot get it in one reading. It does not necessarily mean that you will agree with the writer. What is more important that you comprehend his or her message. In understanding the essay, you can ask yourself questions such as “What does the author want to say or prove?”, “What is the theme of the essay?”, or “What is/are its highlight(s)?”
Step#2: Have it discussed with a friend or an expert It can be of great help if you will ask assistance from others. Discuss your ideas and thoughts about the essay and get your friend’s feedback. Be open-minded to criticisms but this does not automatically mean that all the things your friend will say are correct or you have to agree with.
Step#3: Create the structure of your essay and compose an outline Just like when you are writing an essay, create your analysis by having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Using this structure, write an outline that will guide you all throughout your writing process.
Step#4: Write your analysis Consider the meaning of analysis. According to Wikipedia, it is the process of breaking a complex topic into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. In writing your analysis, you are not writing a summary or a reflection. What you need to provide is the breakdown of important information that you have extracted from an essay.
Step#5: Proofread Never pass your paper unless it is proofread. A good analysis is one that is good both in substance and structure.
So, you are just five steps away from completing your analysis. Good luck!
