how to score a 100 on an ESSAY | ESSAY WRITING TIPS to be a FASTER and BETTER WRITER

Summary

In his video, Nathan, a second-year pharmacy student, shares expert tips on crafting a perfect essay. He emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, including understanding texts and conducting reliable research. Nathan outlines the writing process, advocating for a structured approach with a clear thesis and complex sentences, while also recommending the use of literary devices. He highlights the value of proofreading and the role of Grammarly in enhancing writing skills. Ultimately, Nathan encourages students to enjoy the writing process, viewing it as a therapeutic activity that fosters creativity and personal expression.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace writing as a skill: Consistent practice leads to improvement in writing quality.
• 📝 Use Grammarly: It’s a helpful tool that improves writing by checking grammar, spelling, and style.
• 📚 Pre-work is essential: For analytical essays, understanding the material through study questions is crucial.
• 🔍 Research from credible sources: Avoid non-authoritative websites; use journal articles and textbooks instead.
• 📑 Create an essay plan: Outline your introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion to stay organized.
• 💡 Develop a strong thesis statement: This should encapsulate your essay's topic and arguments clearly.
• 📖 Hook your readers: Start your introduction with a unique hook that intrigues rather than a cliché.
• 🔄 Use complex sentences: These enhance your writing's eloquence and help connect ideas effectively.
• 🧠 Proofread your essay: Take a break after writing, then review your work with fresh eyes to catch mistakes.
• 🤝 Seek constructive feedback: Ask peers or knowledgeable friends for review rather than relying on less competent classmates.

Q & A

What is Nathan's background and his achievements in writing?

Nathan is a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Waterloo. He received an English medal for having the highest English grade in his graduating high school class and consistently achieves close to perfect scores on his essays and writing assignments.

How does Nathan recommend using Grammarly?

Nathan suggests using Grammarly as a digital writing assistant that checks for spelling and grammar errors, improves writing over time, and helps tailor writing style to different audiences. It integrates with emails, Google Docs, and more.

What are the key steps Nathan outlines for writing a perfect essay?

The key steps include understanding the text, conducting thorough research from authoritative sources, creating an outline with a strong thesis statement, writing systematically with clear body paragraphs, and proofreading after a break.

What should the 'pre-work' entail before writing an essay?

Pre-work involves analyzing the text, taking notes on character development, themes, and symbols, and gathering evidence with relevant quotes and page numbers to support the essay's arguments.

Why does Nathan advise against using non-authoritative sources?

Nathan warns that using non-authoritative sources, like blogs or Reddit threads, can weaken an essay's credibility. He emphasizes the importance of using reliable academic sources for better arguments.

What structure does Nathan recommend for body paragraphs?

Nathan recommends starting each body paragraph with an introductory sentence that presents the argument, followed by evidence supported by quotes or research, and concluding with a sentence that summarizes the argument.

What should be included in the introduction of an essay?

The introduction should start with a unique hook to engage the reader, provide background information relevant to the topic, and finish with a strong thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument.

How can writers enhance their essays using literary devices?

Nathan encourages the use of literary devices like metaphors, hyperboles, and alliterations to add character and uniqueness to essays, especially for creative pieces, while advising against overuse.

What is Nathan's approach to proofreading?

Nathan suggests taking a break before proofreading to view the essay with fresh eyes, which helps identify mistakes and evaluate the flow of ideas more effectively.

What mindset does Nathan believe is important for writing?

Nathan emphasizes that writing is a process that requires a positive mindset. He believes that enjoying the writing experience and writing about topics of interest can significantly improve the writing process.