Jen’s Macaroni

WHAT MAKES AN ESSAY STRONG?
-following directions
-include required amount of sources (make sure to use DIFFERENT sources not just different references from the same source.)
-using the data for your advantage to help support your claim.
-understanding the data
-using references other than the references they give you. (biblical, historical, mythological, political etc…)
-understanding the references the data uses.
-gramarically sound and well supported.
-clear display of position. (ex. qualify, challenge, defend.)
-sticking to the original position and not straying from that.
-organized ideas and thoughts.
-strong thesis claim and backing.
-answering the prompt.
-understanding both sides of the argument and being able to support why your position is more reasonable than the others.

WHAT MAKES AN ESSAY WEAK?
-lack of references
-not answering the prompt
-using too much data and no commentary that it takes over.
-balance of claim and factual support.
-Using data to your disadvantage. (ex. using data that may disprove you thesis when the purpose is to prove and support it.)
-inadequate word choice and sentence structure.
-misuse of large words.
-Weak or NO thesis and follow up.
-straying from the prompt and not answering the original question.

STRATEGIES TO SUCCESS…
-READ THE DIRECTIONS.
-Organize thoughts before writing.
-Read the prompt and then re-write the prompt in your own words.
-Decide on a position and find all the required data to help support your position.
-Pull quotes that support your position before writing.
-Read all the information they give you.
-READ THE DIRECTIONS.