Not too many statements invoke such negative feelings in the hearts and minds of students as "Class, we're going to write an essay today." That's a shame because the essay, in my opinion, is one of the most powerful tools available to humans. A good essay can move us in ways that few other things can. Additionally, essays are going to be a big part of your life, whether you realize it or not. Here are some examples of essays you will / may write some day:
College Application Essay
Introductory Essay for Portfolio to submit to potential employer.
Sales Pitch to potential clients.
Op-Ed in local newspaper
Memo to suggest a change / improvement where you work
Speech
Welcome Message on your business's website
With all this in mind, below you will find links to helpful tips and models to assist you with your essay writing:
Composing Paragraphs
Composing Paragraphs
Introduction / Conclusion
Body
Transitions
Overcoming Writer's Block
Student Examples
I've never met a person who didn't like a good story. Our focus in this class is on making stories good. We begin by making clear what good short stories are not (i.e. novels, movies). Then we start to re-imagine the short story with a bare bones structure of a single conflict and setting along with minimal characters as well as minimal time lapse from the beginning of the story to the end. And we always consider the message we want our reader to take from our story. From there, our short stories evolve as we apply knowledge gleaned from some wonderful model writing.
Published Examples
Model #3: "The Choice" - We used this story to highlight the importance of having a message for your reader. You don't necessarily have to have a moral, but you want your writing to make your reader think. Perhaps you have an ethical or moral dilemma, or maybe your character has to make a decision that doesn't have a clear answer. Writers also use their stories as opportunities to help their readers learn and grow. What knowledge will your reader be left with after reading what you have to say?
Student Examples (see notes on each document after each story for mini-lessons)
Model #1: "Young Love"
Model #2: "A Fallen Star"
Dialogue
Dialogue Model - excerpt from student short story