II. Writing an Effective UWR Essay

22. What are some common problems?

• Failure to answer the question
• Failure to organize coherently
• Failure to use specific examples
• Failure to use Standard Written English
• Failure to spend sufficient time on the essay

23. How can I complete an effective essay in one hour?

Before the exam:

During the exam:

1. Analyze the question.
2. Plan your timetable.
3. Compose a tentative thesis and your approach.
4. List reasons to support your thesis and the opposite side
5. Integrate "the other side" into your answer.
6. Generate an outline with examples.

II. Drafting Stage

7. Write an introductory paragraph that includes thesis.
8. Write the rest of the essay, incorporating examples.
9. Write a concluding paragraph presenting a new perspective.

III. Revising Stage

10. Revise for content.
11. Revise for coherence.
12. Proofread for surface errors.

URL: http://www.english.eku.edu/uwr/gooduwr.htm
Maintained by: Sherry Robinson
Last updated: 19 October 2004