"Do's"
1. Take the time to plan and organize.
2. Write an introduction designed to grab the reader’s attention.
3. Write neatly.
4. Use transitional words and phrases, especially between paragraphs.
5. Stick to the topic. When asked for examples, limit yourself to only a few.
6. Expand on the points you are making. Support your ideas.
7. Create voice within your essay. Allow your personality to come through!
8. Be constantly aware of conventions.
9. Stay away from basic writing styles. Be creative.
10. Proofread! Many mistakes can be avoided if you do this.
"Don'ts"
1. DON'T rush your planning sheet. This is your blueprint for writing.
2. DON'T begin your essay with, “Hello, my name is...” ARRRGH!
3. DON'T tell me what you are going to do. Just do it!
4. DON'T write casually. An essay is a formal piece of writing.
5. DON'T use apostrophes to form plural nouns. Common mistake!
6. DON'T be unreasonable with your points. Be realistic!
7. DON'T confuse essays. Expository is “to explain.” Persuasive is “to convince.”
8. DON'T skip lines. Indent a paragraph containing a new thought.
9. DON'T conclude your essay by writing, “Thank you for reading my paper.”
10. DON'T assume a long essay will earn you an "A." It’s quality, not quantity.