From Paragraph to Essay

This book instructs students in writing the kind of expository prose that is required in short essay answers to exam questions, and it exemplifies methods of paragraph and essay development often used in longer papers in university course work. But more than anything else, it demonstrates to the student that he has experiences in life that are legitimate topics for discussion and exposition. The teacher should attempt to relate composition, and the methods of development stressed in the book, to the way students must perform in other courses in their academic curriculum. It would be extremely helpful to students if, for example, teachers could get from lecturers in the university examples of questions typically asked on essay examinations. Even more beneficial would be samples of what the lecturers consider good answers. Such samples and consequent activities might begin after Chapter 2. Similar illustrative material on the term paper or critical essay might come after Chapter 3. In addition to the quality of ideas expressed, most university lecturers look for their clear expression and orderly arrangements. If the student can see that what he does in the composition course will help him to meet the expectations of his lecturers throughout the university, this will be one of the greatest motivational factors in the writing course. Along with the exercises in this book, and other activities as well, the teacher could therefore call attention to the academic rewards that may come to the student who writes well.