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Writing is such a key component to learning. Whether it is informal, as in a journal, or formal, as in an essay, what a student writes about a topic gives a teacher insight into the level of the students understanding of that topic. On this page you will find some tips on how you can help your student be successful when given a writing assignment.
Description Essay
In a description essay, you write about what a person, place, or thing is like. You organize the essay by describing different parts or aspects of the main subject.
| Example question: |
Write an essay describing the polar bear. |
| Introduction: |
Introduce what a polar bear is. |
| Supporting paragraphs: |
| 1. Describe where the polar bear lives. |
| 2. Describe the body of the polar bear. |
| 3. Describe what the polar eats. |
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| Summary paragraph: |
Summarize what a polar bear is. |
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Compare and Contrast Essay
In a compare and contrast essay, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, or things. You can organize the essay by writing about one subject first and then comparing it with the second subject. A more effective way is to organize the essay by comparing each subject by category.
| Example: |
Write an essay comparing the weather in Vancouver and Halifax. |
| Introduction: |
Introduce weather in the cities of Vancouver and Halifax. |
| Supporting paragraphs: |
| 1. Compare weather in spring and summer for both cities. State how they are similar or different. |
| 2. Compare weather in fall and winter for both cities. State how they are similar or different.
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| Summary paragraph: |
Summarize the similarities and differences. |
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Sequence Essay
In a sequence essay, you are writing to describe a series of events or a process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on time. You organize the essay by writing about each step of the process in the order it occurred.
| Example question: |
Write an essay outlining the stages of the salmon life cycle. |
| Introduction: |
Describe what a salmon is like. |
| Supporting paragraphs: |
| 1. Describe young salmon. |
| 2. Describe adult salmon. |
| 3. Describe what salmon do before they die. |
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| Summary paragraph: |
Summarize the main steps of the salmon life cycle. |
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Explanation Essasy
In an explanation essay, you explain how or why something happens or has happened. You need to explain different causes and effects. You should organize the essay by explaining each individual cause or effect.
| Example question: |
Write an essay explaining why so many Europeans moved to Canada during the early nineteenth century. |
| Introduction: |
Give background information on European immigration during this time. |
| Supporting paragraphs: |
| 1. Explain first reason: poor economy in Europe. |
| 2. Explain second reason: better living conditions in Canada. |
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| Summary paragraph: |
Summarize main reasons. |
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Choice Essay
In a choice essay, you need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. You organize the essay by describing each option and then giving your opinion.
| Example question: |
Write an essay choosing between hockey in the 1890s and hockey today. |
| Introduction: |
Introduce the game of hockey. |
| Supporting paragraphs: |
| 1. Describe hockey in the 1890s. |
| 2. Describe hockey today. |
| 3. State which form of hockey you prefer and why. |
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| Summary paragraph: |
Summarize the game of hockey. |
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Evaluation Essay
In an evaluation essay, you make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. Organize the essay by discussing the criteria you used to make your judgment.
Example question: |
Write an essay evaluating the importance of the House of Commons. |
| Introduction: |
Give your judgment on whether the House of Commons is important. |
| Supporting paragraphs: |
| 1. Explain first criteria: meeting place for government |
| 2. Explain second criteria: represent Canadians |
| 3. Explain third criteria: make laws for Canada |
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| Summary paragraph: |
Conclude with an overall judgment about the House of Commons |
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