What makes a "good" essay?

  • An essay should have a single clear central idea. Each paragraph should have a clear main point or topic sentence.
  • Each paragraph should support or expand the central idea of the paper. The idea of each paragraph should be explained and illustrated through examples, details, and descriptions.
  • Every paragraph in an essay should be related to the main idea. Each paragraph should stick to its main point.
  • An essay or paper should be organized logically, flow smoothly, and “stick” together. In other words, everything in the writing should make sense to a reader.
  • A paper should be written in generally correct standard English, with complete sentences, and be relatively error-free.
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