Let's Make Essay Writing Easy!
Is essay writing stressing you out? If your answer is "yes", it might be because you are skipping a crucial step in the writing process--planning. Without a solid plan, you could spend hours working on an essay and still find yourself getting nowhere.
Planning your essay (in the exam) should take around 10 minutes. Planning space will be provided on your exam paper. Let us use this space wisely. This short lesson will outline a simple 3-step planning process.
Step 1: Brainstorm PointsÂ
After carefully reading and assessing the essay question, think about at least 4 points for EACH side of the argument. Draw up a table in the planning space with two columns: "For" and "Against". Take about 5 minutes to jot down these points (at least 8 in total).
Now you might be thinking, "Why on earth do I need points for both sides? And why do I need this many points?"
Good questions! Let's answer them in step 2 of the process
Step 2: Choose a Side
You need to think of points for both sides so that you can quickly figure out which side will make for a stronger essay. You don't have to choose the side that you really believe. Instead, choose the side that has points that are easier to write about. After looking at the points on both sides, you will be able to decide whether to "agree" or "disagree".
Upon seeing an essay question, you might think, "Ah, no need to think about this! I definitely agree!" But this thought could be a trap. This might lead to you being stuck halfway through the essay, regretting not having argued the other side. The brainstorming process might open your mind to new viewpoints. You might realize that the side you did not think you would pick is actually much easier to write about, as you can quickly come up with some really good points for that position.
Step 3: Select Points
You have now chosen a side. From the 4 or 5 points you have just brainstormed for that side, select the three strongest ones. These points will form the basis of the three body paragraphs in the essay. It's a plus if the points you select can connect very well. This will make transitioning from one body paragraph to the next super smooth.
Bonus Step!
If you have completed these three steps in under 10 minutes, you may add another step to your essay plan. For each point, jot down one or two persuasive/argumentative techniques you want to employ in the respective body paragraph. In another blog post, I'll teach you about some amazing techniques you can use.
And that's your plan! Now you are ready to start writing.
I've created a very detailed essay-writing guide that is available as a PDF and PPT. If you are a student or teacher of English A, you definitely want to check it out. Click HERE to get your hands on it.
Below you can watch a video lesson that overviews the planning and writing processes👇.