Tomorrow I am to write a formal persuasive essay of up to 500 words ONLY, within ONE hr ONLY, as a written portion of an application.
We are to be given a passage & then are to respond with a formal persuasive essay in response to a following given proposition arguing for or against it.
What my question is: what is the best way to begin this type of formal essay. They do NOT want someone who is "sitting on the fence"...it has to be a completely ONE-sided argument!
What is the BEST way to stay on topic, with extreme focus, when we are to be given ONLY ONE HR?!
Any tips/ideas?!!
It will be viewed as to if you respond precisely and perceptively to the task, indicating excellend analysis and evaluation of the reading and proposition...
whether you exhibit precise focus, coherent oragnization and interesting developemnt, with an excellent thesis stongly stating the taken position...etc...
and...exhibiting excellent control of expression (diction, tone, sentence structure, sentence variety, and sentense sense), grammar, punctuation, and mechanics....etc.
Is there any, somewhat, sure fire way to avoid random errors?!!
or even just:
Is it still okay to conclude a formal essay using something like: "Thus, in conclusion, ..."; or, are there much better/higher levels to go about writing a proper conclusion...or even just a basic thesis stmt?
When I teach students to write formal timed essays, such as this, they have already had lots of experience and practice in the various parts of the writing process -- with emphasis on the pre-writing phase.
Pre-writing is when you brainstorm, plan, and formulate that thesis statement. If you spend about 25% of your allotted time on the prewriting phase, the rest should come together well, too. If you skip the prewriting steps or skimp on them, your paper will probably show it. Planning is all important -- it's how you force yourself to stay on topic.
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/brainstorming.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/brainstorm_outline.htm (You can click on INDEX on this webpage to see the vast array of other grammar and writing topics that may be of help.)
from http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Go into Essay & Research Paper Level for all topics dealing with writing papers, long or short.
When writing a formal persuasive essay within a limited time frame, it's essential to have a clear plan and stay focused on the topic. Here are some tips to help you get started and stay on track:
1. Understand the given passage and proposition: Begin by carefully reading and analyzing the provided passage and proposition. Make sure you fully comprehend the arguments being presented and the specific position you are expected to take.
2. Outline your essay: Before you start writing, create a brief outline to organize your thoughts. Your outline should include an introduction, several body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion. This will help you maintain a logical flow throughout your essay.
3. Develop a strong thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state your position on the given proposition. It should be concise and specific, presenting your main argument in a compelling manner.
4. Provide evidence and examples: Support your thesis with well-reasoned arguments, evidence, and examples. Use facts, statistics, quotations, or anecdotes to strengthen your points and make your essay more convincing.
5. Stay focused and avoid random errors: To maintain focus and avoid errors, it's crucial to allocate enough time for proofreading and editing. Adhere to proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax rules. Use transitional phrases to ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs. Read your essay aloud to catch any mistakes or awkward sentence structures.
6. Manage time effectively: Set a timer and allocate specific time periods for each section of your essay. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you address all the required components within the given time frame. Remember to leave some time at the end for proofreading and making any necessary revisions.
7. Practice writing timed essays: To improve your speed and accuracy, practice writing persuasive essays within a set time limit. This will help you become more comfortable and efficient when composing under pressure.
While there is no foolproof method to completely avoid errors, following these guidelines will enhance your chances of writing a persuasive and well-structured essay. Remember to focus on expressing your ideas clearly, providing strong supporting evidence, and showcasing your writing skills. Good luck with your application essay!