We are taught to write essays since childhood, from the first grades. You may not have suspected it, but those same essays on free topics ("How I spent the summer", "What I want to become", "What is school for me") is the first sample pen of a novice essayist. The first experience that you probably have.
Main features of the essay:
Small volume: two, three or ten pages - it's up to you. The main thing is to open the topic. And, of course, do not aim at an epic - no one will appreciate your efforts.
Free form: up to the spoken word. An essay does not claim to be scientific, does not require an introduction and conclusion, is not divided into chapters and paragraphs. As for stylistics, the author is left with complete freedom of creation. However, it is not necessary to switch to slang and make speech mistakes. Especially if you learn to be a linguist.
The presence of a specific topic, which reveals the essay. The topic can be any - from "What I want to become when I grow up" (you remember these essays) to "The main cause of problems with the employment of a young professional". If you want to be published in the local newspaper, choose a specific question. If you are writing on a given topic, be kind - disclose it.
Subjectivity: the author's personality is the main thing. Remember: you do not claim the truth in the last instance. You express your personal opinion. And you are not obliged to disclose the topic to the end.
Novelty: say a new word on the topic. The main thing is that this word is yours. There is no need for propistive truths. Believe me, your readers have long been sick of "university is the second home", "my main dream is peace in the world" and the like.
Honesty: record your thoughts and emotions on the subject. Of course, if you hate your native university or get a job in a large company only because of money and "buns", your honesty is unlikely to be appreciated. In other cases, the subjective view will be much more interesting for readers than praise odes.
Who do they write essays for?
Let's leave aside essays of publicists, philosophers, doctors of sciences and writers. We still need to grow to these heights. On the student's agenda is an essay as a test work in the university and as an alternative to the interview.
Thus, the main (sometimes the only) reader is the teacher or employer.
What is evaluated in an essay?
The ability to correctly formulate thoughts and write without mistakes is, of course, good. Moreover, it is a matter of course. Maybe the employer will miss one or two mistakes, but the text written in some way, even without checking in Word, will not characterize you in the best way.
The form and style for the essay are rather secondary. Yes, the creative can be liked by the employer. But if the text is exclusively uppercase truths, your efforts will be lost for nothing.
The content is the main thing. Your ideas, thoughts, emotions - this is what interests the reader. This is why you write an essay.
The essay describes you, your personality, your skills, your temperament and character. Careful handwriting (if you give up your work in writing), no mistakes, ideal style will characterize you as a responsible, diligent person. An unusual form will show your creativity. The clear structure and consistent articulation of your thoughts will point to rationality, concentration and logic. Finally, a grain of negativity will tell the employer about your honesty and courage.
Is it worth learning to write an essay and how to do it properly?
Studеnt may find it surprising to be unable to write on a given topic. But there is also such a thing. If you have ordered all your school essays for money or safely rolled them off the Internet, an essay may seem like an unattainable peak. There is no need to despair. Write it the way you would do it for a blog. Reread it, correct everything you need, give it to a friend for inspection.
To order an essay is worth only if you do not have time, and the topic makes you sad. Essays are not always readable, alas. Sometimes written essays are needed "for the tick". However, it is on such works that you should learn - the ability to intelligently express your thoughts will still be useful.
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