Monday, January 14, 2013

Tips for Writing a Great Essay

Hey Future of Mainers!

Having a hard time starting your essay? Here are some helpful tips to get you going:

1. Be sure to answer each question! You can either answer each question individually, or be sure to include all the answers in one essay.

2. Has your teacher ever talked about having "voice" in your writing? "Voice" refers to the tone or personality of writing. Because we are all unique and have different ways of expressing ourselves, each person's writing has its own unique voice. You can help us get to know you better through the words you use, the topic you choose to write about, and the details you include! Make sure we can really see your unique personality in your writing!

3. Having a great first sentence can really draw us in and make us want to learn more about you. For instance, which sentence do you think is more exciting and eye-catching: "Someday I want to be a dentist when I grow up," or, "My passion for dentistry began when my little sister's tooth was loose and I grabbed the floss to tug it out." Both sentences have the same message, but the second sentence really catches our attention and makes us want to learn more.

4. Just like having a strong first sentence is important, it is also key to have a strong concluding sentence. This is the last thing the readers will remember, so make sure to end on a positive note and sum up your essay.

5. Proofread, proofread, proofread!! Having a bunch of spelling errors shows a lack of effort--and we want to see your best work possible! Have your teacher, parent, or older sibling help you proofread your writing to catch any small mistakes.

6. Make an EFFORT. We want to see that you put a lot of thought into your essay and what you write. Doing some extra research on your college or career choices will really show us that you are committed.

7. Above all, HAVE FUN!! We want this to be an enjoyable, and eye-opening, experience for you. Show that you are having fun by adding interesting words and really let your personality shine through! We certainly don't want you to end up like this boy:




We cannot wait to read what you have to say, and we wish you the best of luck!  And to get you in the college spirit, below is a link to "8 Tips for Crafting your Best College Essay," which is for applying for college!

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

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