Composition Corner

Struggling with an essay? For the 2023-24 school year, writing tutoring will be available every Wednesday after school in Room 154 during Quill and Scroll meetings. 

Welcome to the Composition Corner, a dedicated space where you can find valuable resources and guidance to enhance your essay writing skills. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey in composing essays, this corner is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge to excel in your academic writing.

Writing an essay can be a challenging task, but with the right resources and a systematic approach, you can transform your ideas into well-structured and compelling compositions. Here, you will discover a wide range of free websites, practical advice, and strategies that will help you become a more confident and proficient essay writer.

Resources for Essay Composition:

1. Grammarly (www.grammarly.com): This online tool offers real-time grammar and spell-check suggestions, helping you refine your writing and ensure clarity and correctness.

2. Thesaurus.com (www.thesaurus.com): Expand your vocabulary and find alternative words and phrases to enhance your writing style and make your essays more engaging.

3. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) (owl.purdue.edu): A comprehensive resource for writing, research, and citation guidelines. OWL covers various essay types and provides detailed explanations of formatting and citation styles such as MLA and APA.

4. Hemingway Editor (www.hemingwayapp.com): This web-based editor helps you improve the readability and clarity of your writing by highlighting complex sentences, passive voice, and common errors.

5. Google Scholar (scholar.google.com): Access a vast database of scholarly articles and publications to support your research and bolster the credibility of your essays.

6. TED-Ed (ed.ted.com): Explore TED-Ed's collection of thought-provoking and informative videos on various topics, which can inspire ideas and provide valuable insights for your essay writing.

7. Citation Machine (www.citationmachine.net): Generate accurate citations and bibliographies in different formats with this user-friendly tool, saving you time and ensuring proper attribution of sources.

Essay Writing Tips:

1. Planning and Outlining: Before you start writing, spend time brainstorming ideas and structuring your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Outlining will help you organize your thoughts and maintain a logical flow throughout your composition.

2. Thorough Research: Conduct in-depth research on your essay topic, using reputable sources to support your arguments. Take notes, highlight key points, and record the necessary citations for later reference.

3. Strong Thesis Statement: Craft a strong thesis statement that clearly states your main argument or position. It should be concise, specific, and debatable, serving as a roadmap for your essay. It should answer the what, why, and how of your argument. 

4. Effective Paragraph Structure: Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or argument, supported by relevant evidence. Begin with a topic sentence, provide supporting details, and conclude with a transition to the next paragraph.

5. Proofreading and Editing: Always proofread your essay before submission. Check for grammar and spelling errors, sentence structure, and coherence. Consider seeking feedback from peers or teachers to gain different perspectives on your writing. 

Remember, becoming an excellent essay writer takes practice and perseverance, and even experts in the field of English and literary studies need to revise their writing. Use the resources available here in the Composition Corner to refine your skills, and don't hesitate to seek assistance when needed.

Happy writing, and may your essays shine with brilliance!