Preface

1. The process of writing good essay
1.1 Study the topic closely
1.2 Narrow the topic
General Strategies for Narrowing Topics
1.3 Decide what point(s) to make about the topic
1.4 Purpose of the essay
1.5 Collect ideas and put them in order
1.6 Organization of the essay
1.7 Common connectors (also called transitions)
1.8 Topic Sentences = Topic + Controlling Idea
1.9 Supporting details
1.10 Introduction: Start with an appealing and informative introduction
1.11 How to write introduction and body paragraphs?
1.12 An appealing and informative introduction by using different types
of explanation
1.13 Good Thesis statement
1.14 Body: Develop ideas with specific examples and details
1.15 Conclusion
1.16 Guide readers with transitions



2. Sentence improvement
2.1 Incomplete sentences
2.2 Run- on sentences
2.3 Proper use of Semicolon, colon, Comma, Parenthesis, Dash, quotation
marks, italics
2.4 Faulty coordination
2.5 Misplaced modifiers
2.6 Verb tense
2.7 Proper use of Pronoun person
2.8 Subject-verb agreement
2.9 Shifts in voice
2.10 Faulty comparisons
2.11 Wordiness
2.12 Parallel structure

3. Writing effective sentences
3.1 Add variety of clauses and phrases to your sentences
3.2 Vary the rhythm by alternating short and long sentences
3.3 Vary sentence openings
3.4 Logic Errors-the grammar is correct, but the idea is expressed
illogically
3.5 Using Concrete Language
3.6 Avoid the verb “to be” in favor of a verb that communicates action
3.7 Avoid repetition
3.8 Use the shorter, simpler word
3.9 Use precise language
3.10 Various structures: simple, compound, complex sentences

4. Paragraph improvement
Tips for Paragraph improvement
4.1 Essay revision sample
4.2 Essay revision exercise

5. Sample essays
6. Holistic scoring
7. Essay practice test
8. Useful expressions for writing essays
9. Useful examples for essays

10. Useful phrases for writing
11. Useful quotations
12. 1000 Most commonly used words for writing essay
13. American Essential Idioms

References
Answer key