Writing+Skills+-+Essay

The most important part of writing an essay is an **__excellent topic sentence with a clear controlling idea__**. If you have this, then you can write a good essay. If you are unable to do this, then you will not be able to write a good essay.

Step 1: You need to be able to write a good topic sentence with a controlling idea. Click here to see some excellent topic sentences and there is also a quiz here if you want to test yourself. []

Step 2: Click on the link below for instructions on the Elements of an Excellent Essay: []

Steps for Writing a __Summary__ []

Steps for Writing a __Reflection__ []

Steps for Writing a __Narrative Paragraph__

First: Memorize this little chart:


1. __Review elements of a narrative paragraph__-- (beginning/middle/end) (who/what/when/ how: (stage 1 and stage 2?) and re-read the examples I have given you "Gustavo's story", **File Not Found** "Nostalgia" and "Discovering Solitude" - Try to fit them into the story chart above.

2. __Make an outline__ of a basic paragraph for practice: Topic Sentence, 2 details with examples, Conclusion that restates the topic. 3. What __transition words__ will be useful in your story? (//first, next, then, later, the next day, after that... etc.)// 5. __Sentence variety__ (Simple/Compoud/Complex): The following websites are helpful for review: Think about the sentences in your narrative paragraph. How could you vary the sentences? Try the following short quiz: [] [] [] [] ‍**__A Narrative Paragraph__ is a story with a beginning, middle and end.** It answers the questions: "Who, when, where... what happened and how did it happen?" Were there two stages in the development? (2 details?) This must be stated in the topic sentence AND the conclusion in order to tie it all together.
 * What is the point of your story -- did you learn something?**

Look at the following pictures - think about what they have to do with a narrative paragraph...

This site is a great resource for writing skills: []

List of Controversial Topics for Writing a Persuasive Essay []