Learning the art of good composition - Essay Example

Learning the art of good composition Writing is a fundamental art and process in the life of every academic student and essay writing is one of the most important strategies of analyzing a student’s skills and learning. It is very essential for a university student to be always aware of the art of essay writing and the process of preparing an effective essay, because the university education involves writing several essays on the topic of learning. Many university students find it very laborious, galling, or exasperating process to write an essay in an effective way.

However, writing an essay will be easy and even fun to a person who is aware of the steps and strategies involved in this process. “Learning the art of good composition and written expression takes years of practice.” (Wyldeck 2008, P. 5). Following certain tips or guidelines can be useful in the process of effective essay writing and it is important to follow the basic structure of essay, whatever the topic may be. Understanding the essay topic exactly is of primary significance and it is important to undertake a thorough research to begin the essay writing process by gathering information relevant to preparing a strong argument or thesis.

After making a good knowledge base on the topic, one may start analyzing the arguments of the essay, clearly defining the claims, writing out the reasons and the evidence. At this stage, a good brainstorming can be greatly useful as it will help one in focusing on the major argument. The next stage involves preparing the thesis statement which is the main point of the essay summed up in a concise sentence and a good essay requires a clear thesis. Outlining the essay structure and main points can be most useful in organizing the essay as a whole.

Now, it is time to write down an effective introduction which can grab the attention of the readers, set up the issue of discussion, and lead in to the thesis argument. In preparing the body of the essay, arrange and organize the major arguments in a precise manner, neatly supported and elaborated with evidences, arguments, illustrations etc. “Each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas in the clearest, most sensible way you can.

” (How to Write an Essay: 10 Easy Steps). In the final section of the essay, it is essential to conclude the major arguments by reinstating or summarizing the points and a quick wrap-up sentence can efficiently finish off the essay. “The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic. All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic.

” (Livingston). At the university level, one may require to write different types of essays such as information essay or reports, explanation essay, discussion essay, argumentative or persuasive essay, narrative essay, descriptive essay, and literary essay. The basic structure of a university essay, whatever type it may be, is the same and the strategy to be adapted in preparing an effective essay remains almost the same. The most essential elements of writing a good university essay includes the writer’s ability to research and understand the subject matter, the skill to organize his thinking in an attractive way, and the capacity communicate himself in clear style.

“Essay writing not only tests the ability of a writer to understand the implication and scope of the subject but also his capacity to organize his thinking about the topic and to communicate himself in clear style.” (Thomson 2007). In conclusion, essay writing is an important process in the university education and a student can prepare an effective essay if he/she follows the right strategies of composition. Bibliography “How to Write an Essay: 10 Easy Steps.” [online]. The American University in Cairo.

Last Accessed 25 August 2009 at: http://www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/LIVINGSTON, Kathy. [online]. “Write the Introduction and Conclusion.” Guide to Writing a Basic Essay. Last Accessed 25 August 2009 at: http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/intro.html THOMSON, Stephen. (2007). “10 Essential guidelines for writing an effective essay.” Buzzle.com. Last Accessed 25 August 2009 at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/10-essential-guidelines-writing-effective-essay.htmlWYLDECK, Kathi. (2008).

How to Write an Essay. Lulu.com. P. 5.