<p>I was just wondering if you guys had any tips on writing the essay when you know that time is running and you just can’t think of anything. But first I would like to know if it is alright to make up a fictional character instead of say talking about Ghandi or some great historical figure? This would make it a lot easier and I don’t think CB would count that against you… And do you all try your best to get a 5-paragraph essay or do you just keep writing and then make your conclusion? thanks in advance</p>
<p>If you get stuck, use detailed personal examples, which can be fictional. They work fine. As far as the structure goes, it is essential to write a long and neat essay but not as essential to have exactly 5 paragraphs</p>
<p>matthewchan: Yes, you can make something up. The intro and body paragraphs are the most important part. Think about these for the first five minutes (or ten), or however long it takes, just don’t spend too much time:</p>
<ol>
<li>Your ideas on the topic</li>
<li>Examples</li>
<li>What you’ll say in body paragraph 1 (Topic sentence, example, and commentary to support topic sentence and thesis)</li>
<li>what you’ll say in body paragraph 2 (Topic sentence…)</li>
<li>what you’ll say in body paragraph 3 (if you have one)</li>
<li>Thesis</li>
</ol>
<p>Now write! Follow an outline.</p>