Writing Tutorials
Essay Writing
By Ted Neilson
This site has been reproduced with the kind permission of Ted Neilson. His original site can be found at
www.write-an-essay.com
Essay writing guidelines (cont.)
Link your essay ideas and paragraphs
Make sure that each sentence flows logically. The traditional way to do this when writing an essay is to use connecting words or phrases, often conjunctions (linking words) such as “although”, “because”, “so”, “moreover”, or “therefore”. In this way, you build your logic and arguments. These connections come in simple and complex forms.
Simple connections
also, although, and, as, because, but, despite, first, however, if, next, now, second, then, therefore, third, until
Although we sometimes need words to show the logic and connection between sentences and paragraphs, many connecting words make your style more complex and academic than necessary.For example:
Complex connections
accordingly, as you are aware, consequently, for this reason, furthermore, hence, in addition, inasmuch as, likewise, more specifically, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless
Here’s a comprehensive list of connections. Try to limit yourself to the simple connections shown in blue. Try to avoid those shown in red as they detract from a clear, concise style.
Type |
Simple |
Complex |
Addition |
again, and, besides, finally, first, next, second, then, third |
further, furthermore, in addition, in addition to, lastly, moreover |
Comparison |
after all, against, although, but, by comparison, compared to, however, in contrast, meanwhile, where, yet |
although this may be true, balanced against this, conversely, in the meantime, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, vis-à-vis, whereas |
Conclusion |
therefore, in conclusion, in summary, to conclude, to summarize |
accordingly, as a result, as has been shown, consequently, thus |
Emphasis |
always, forever, naturally, never |
absolutely, certainly, definitely, emphatically, extremely, in fact, indeed, obviously, positively, undeniably |
Example |
for example, for instance, such as, that is |
e.g., i.e., in this case, in this situation, on this occasion |
Exception |
despite, however, sometimes, still, yet |
in spite of, nevertheless, of course, once in a while |
Proof |
because, besides, if |
evidently, for the same reason, furthermore, in fact, indeed, moreover, obviously |
Sequence |
after, afterward, afterwards, before, finally, first, following, later, next, now, previously, soon, then, therefore |
and so forth, at this point, at this time, concurrently, consequently, hence, subsequently, thus |
Time |
after, afterward, afterwards, and then, finally, first, formerly, immediately, later, next, previously, second, soon, then, |
firstly, secondly, thereafter, thirdly |
Look at this example with too many complex connecting words or phrases. Don’t you think the style looks false and unnatural?
original
Although this may be true, Krammer argues growth in the economy depends mainly on higher government spending. Accordingly, he argues that direct investment, whatever its source leads to growth. Indeed, Krammer states that the circulation of money in the economy is the key consideration when forecasting growth, that is to say, how the government controls interest rates, government debt. This is despite the fact that most economists believe the picture is more complex. Consequently, James and Proctor, in Issue 95 of New Economics, dismiss Krammer’s views as “failing to look at all traditional growth theory,”and thus failing to explain historical growth when government spending was low or negative.
redraft
But, Krammer argues growth in the economy depends mainly on higher government spending. He argues that direct investment, whatever its source leads to growth. Krammer states that the circulation of money in the economy is the key consideration when forecasting growth — how the government controls interest rates and government debt. Most economists believe the picture is more complex. James and Proctor, in Issue 95 of New Economics, dismiss Krammer’s views as “failing to look at all traditional growth theory,” and therefore failing to explain historical growth when government spending was low or negative.
Use the connections to make sure your reader can follow the flow of information, ideas and arguments within sentences, from sentence to sentence and between paragraphs. But don’t let too many connections creep into your writing and keep to the simple ones recommended.
Use examples in your essay to explain difficult points
Good writing uses specific information the reader can picture. Drawing examples, illustrations or analogies into your essay writing makes it more interesting, readable and stylish. Look at the following paragraph.
Example:
For their surface area, insects weigh very little. A beetle, falling from a high altitude, quickly achieves terminal velocity: air resistance prevents it from falling very fast, and, after alighting on the ground, it will walk away, apparently none the worse for the experience. The same is true of small mammals. A mouse can be dropped down a thousand-foot mine shaft and, if the ground is soft, will arrive dazed but essentially unhurt.
The specific and visual examples of a beetle falling to the ground or a mouse dropped down a thousand-foot mine shaft conjure up vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. This is the opposite style to so much academic writing. Use examples to explain difficult information, abstract ideas and theories. You’ll soon see power they have to make your essay stand out as a model of clarity and clear thinking.
Use quotations in your essay writing
Your essay should reflect wide reading and solid research. You can show this by working short, specific and relevant quotations from experts. When you quote material in your essay, make sure it:
- is relevant to the point you are making,
- advances the argument or point you are making,
- is short,
- flows with the text of the message, and
- has a proper reference either as a footnote or in your bibliography.
Next: Edit your essay draft
Essay Writing Tutorial Page: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
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