Formal Essay One:
Based on our discussions of course readings thus far, I've compiled some
qualities of a successful essay, which you can use to guide your writing process
for formal essay one. I'll also draw on these qualities in evaluating your
essays.
- Good descriptive writing enables you to feel the author's point--to
understand where he/she is coming from.
- The author is sympathetic to other perspectives than his own (i.e.,
Staples's sympathizing with women's instincts for self-defense).
- Successful use of observed examples, like Cottle's use of magazine
articles & ads.
- Use of humor to keep reader interested while still making a serious point.
- The essay should establish a debatable topic and stay focused on that
topic, throughout.
- The essay should reach a sensible conclusion: solve a problem, raise
further questions, leave the reader with something to ponder.
- Organization should be effective, logical, and keep the reader's
attention.
- Sentences should be well-edited and use good word choice and a variety of
styles.