Although I believe I am fairly good at writing essays there are still many things I need to work on. For example, I have a hard time coming up with one strong opinion for a thesis. When writing my thesis I almost always want to argue for the "other side" as well. I would prefer to work in the grey but I realize with most essays you have to choose black or white. When writing essays I also need to work on my connecting sentences within the body paragraphs. I hope to make smooth transitions from one "PIE" (Point, Illustrate, and Explain) to the next by the end of this unit. Occasionally when I form PIEs in my paragraphs I do not make the required two or three but make one point and illustrate it multiple times with a couple supporting quotes and evidence from texts. I believe I have formed multiple different supporting statements but to the reader it is just one large proof. I want to be able to make fluent but clear transitions.
Tuesday, 3 March 2015
Essay Writing
My ability to write strong essays greatly improved over grade 10 and 11. I have started to enjoy writing them and would choose to write an essay over making a poster or other projects. One of my strengths when writing essays is that I can easily formulate my supporting statements for my thesis. As soon as I make my thesis my brain just gets started on my body paragraphs. I also can make fairly strong conclusions that use the thesis to wrap up my essay but does not just repeat my thesis from the introduction.
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I have the same problem regarding a strong opinion for my thesis. It is difficult for me but hopefully we can improve on this in the future.
ReplyDeleteI understand the problem with the "PIE" illustrations. I was never taught PIE in elementary school. I always used a different method in paragraphs: introduce, argue, and summarize, until high school. Sometimes it can be difficult to find multiple sources and tie them together fluently within a paragraph.
ReplyDeleteHey Alyssa!
ReplyDeleteI also strive to make more effective transition sentences this semester. I often struggle with these and they end up sounding overly obvious or disconnected. I'm hoping that I will be able to improve my transition sentences through practice.
I also want to mention that I agree with you when you say that you often find yourself wanting to argue the other side. It can be tricky to write a paper that focuses around something you don't believe in. I'd much rather write something that is consistent with my own ideas and/or values. That is must more fulfilling.
PIE is a great strategy! Now, when you pointed out your concern that you always want to argue the opposite side as well, that can actually be a strength. Anticipating counter arguments makes for a strong essay. You can say "While some might argue that...." and then explain why that counter argument is wrong (even though you can see how someone might support that side).
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