Essay Do's and Don'ts

Lucia Engkent has taught English composition and English for Academic Purposes for more than thirty years in several post-secondary institutions, including Seneca College, the University of Waterloo, York University, and the University of Alberta. Throughout her teaching career, she has written instructional materials such as institutional assessment tests and online material. Her six published textbooks include Skill Set (OUP Canada), Fiction/Non-Fiction: A Reader and Rhetoric (Harcourt), and Take Part: Speaking Canadian English (Pearson).Garry Engkent has taught English composition and literature for more than thirty years in several post-secondary institutions, including Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University), Seneca College, the University of Toronto, and the University of Alberta. Garry is the co-author of Groundwork: Writing Skills to Build On (Pearson) and Fiction/Non-Fiction: A Reader and Rhetoric (Harcourt).

• Preface Chapter 1: The Basics Write clearly and concisely Answer the question and follow instructions Follow the writing process Have something to say Make your point and support it Recognize the difference between spoken and written English Use appropriate style Read to become a better writer Think critically Practise writing Know your strengths and weaknesses Edit and correct your work Use resources wisely Becoming a better writer Chapter 2: Essay Structure Choose your topic wisely Brainstorm to gather your ideas Organize your ideas into body paragraphs Write an outline Write an effective thesis statement Write a title Introduce your topic Develop ideas in body paragraphs Write a satisfying conclusion Edit your draft Study sample essays Practise essay writing Essay checklist Chapter 3: Types of Essays Distinguish between personal and impersonal essays Narrate Describe Classify and define Describe process Explain causes and effects Compare Persuade Answer essay questions on tests Approaching essay assignments Chapter 4: Writing about Readings Distinguish between fiction and non-fiction Paraphrase Summarize Analyze non-fiction Analyze fiction Analyze poetry Understand literary terms Write about what you read Chapter 5: Research and Documentation Prepare for research work Find suitable sources of information Take notes as you research Follow the basic principles of documentation Quote effectively Use MLA style Sample MLA research essay Use APA style Sample APA research essay Research guidelines Chapter 6: Vocabulary Recognize parts of speech Understand usage-The ways words are used Use synonyms Consider connotation Recognize jargon, register, dialect, slang, and idioms Improve your spelling Build your vocabulary Vocabulary checklist Chapter 7: Grammar and Sentence Structure Understand basic sentence patterns Use verb tenses correctly Use the passive voice effectively Make sure pronouns have clear, correct antecedents Use singular and plural forms correctly Use articles correctly Form possessives correctly Don't confuse s endings Understand the use of prepositions Join words, phrases, and clauses with coordinating conjunctions Make adverb clauses with subordinating conjunctions Use adjective clauses to add information Use noun clauses as subjects or objects Reduce clauses to phrases for conciseness Avoid misplaced modifiers Use clauses and phrases effectively Ensure sentences are complete Correct your mistakes Grammar checklist Chapter 8: Punctuation and Format Mark the end of each sentence Capitalize proper nouns and the first word of a sentence Separate sections of a sentence with commas Distinguish between semicolons and colons Use apostrophes for possession and contractions Use space correctly Show quotations Distinguish hyphens from dashes Use italics for words used in special ways Format your essay Punctuation and format checklist Appendix A: Selected Readings "Containing Health Myths in the Age of Viral Misinformation" by Roger Collier "The Downsides of Vaccine Passports Have Been Exaggerated" by Blake Murdoch "Why Are We So Shocked by Recent Waves of Anti-Asian Violence?" by Kate Shao and Kennes Lin "I'm Black. I'm Male. Give Me the Benefit of the Doubt, Please" by Daniel Reid Newell "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin Appendix B: Sample Annotated Essays Appendix C: Answer Key Glossary Index