Question

How should I begin an essay on an abstract concept?

(Context.)
In a couple weeks, I will be competing in Ready Writing for my school. This is basically competitive essay writing. Prompts often include quotes, and events. You aren't supposed to necessarily write the whole essay on it, but to use it as a springboard for thought. I sometimes have trouble avoiding rambling in these types of essays. Any tips?

Answer 1

Always begin an essay with a hook. Imagine like a metaphorical cupcake that u feed a kid, but the kid has to like the cupcakes enough to eat his veggies. If u need help coming up with one definitely talk to ur teacher cuz they've been doing it for a while.

Answer 2

The hooks aren't the problem. I have quotes in my Sandwichnal that are great for hooks lol. My problem comes further into the essay. Since the prompt is abstract, with there being no "correct" way to approach it, I have trouble devolving into rambling. I know a structured thesis statement helps, but that problem still exists for me.

Answer 3

ESSAY*

Answer 4

Define abstract for me

Answer 5

Oh wait I said A*rsenal lol it got censored

Answer 6

Abstract like the problem originally says. Just a quote or event.

Answer 7

I'll def help u later, I gotta get back to work

Answer 8

Oh ok lol. Have fun.

Answer 9

if u dont mind me asking :0

Answer 10

Let's not have this conversation under this question please

Answer 11

I'm logging off of qc for a while. If someone can help answer this for me, It's still be appreciated!

Answer 12

It'd*

Answer 13

Don't start with a hook when you begin writing. Yes, the hook can begin the essay but does not begin the writing process.

Read the prompt, whatever it is.

Start list making. Just start writing the ideas. Not full sentences. Get 20 or 30. You'll probably start duplicating. That's when you know is time to move to the next step..

Categorize the ideas. Columns, diagram, flow chart, circle or highlight in different colors, whatever works for you.

Order each category. Strongest idea first. Label the categories. Like Actions or Pro or Dancing or whatever links those ideas together.

The categories are your buckets, boxes, shelfs or corners. Whatever helps you visualize the different groups of ideas. Each bucket or box is a paragraph or more. But keep them all together.

Pick a category and write a paragraph using only those ideas. If it seems like you need more than a paragraph think. Is this really two different ideas or Do I need to self edit.

Anyway, only write the ideas from that box. Nothing else. Thats where you will ramble. Don't do it.

Take the next category and do the same thing. Only the ideas from that category.

Do that with each of your boxes/categories.

That's the bulk of your essay.

You can go through and rearrange categories or add ideas at any point in this process. Keep similar stuff together. Make yourself do it.

When you have that done. Write a conclusion, call to action or whatever your final message is going to be. Don't rehash. Brief reference to each idea can sum up. This is your closing argument.

Then write you hook and intro paragraph. Don't make your conclusion there. But give a good hint of the road you're going to follow.

If this is a timed thing, spend most of your time building the bulk in the middle. You have to self edit and leave enough time to put the whole thing together, rewrite, proof and what have you.

Answer 14

Thank you for helping!