Belinda, 16 WINNER

by Belinda Z.
(Manitowoc, WI)

Composing A Distinguished Essay

Today's homework assignment: write five paragraphs on the most boring subject you could possibly have. The teacher wants it by the end of the week. What do you do? Fortunately, there is a clear path to follow when it comes to essay writing. Whether you're talking about William Shakespeare or ancient warfare, soda pop or J-pop, a method and a model exist to help you craft any essay of any length or style. While each composition is and should be unique, there are certain elements that make up every distinguished paper: the beginning, the middle, and the end. By remembering these three key points, you too can write as magnificent an essay as the one you're about to read!

I. Hook the reader's attention with the introduction
II. Apply research notes in body paragraph structure
III. Summarize in the conclusion

Every great essay, including this one, has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Every magnificent essay, however, has a gripping hook, a coherent discussion, and a smooth fade-out. Just like the last movie you watched, a truly fine essay cannot do without any of these elements. Each part of the whole demands the writer's full dedication and attention. Ultimately, however, if there was any one part that takes the credit for all, it would have to be the introduction. It is the first thing the reader sees and it sets the tone for the rest of the composition. The extent of the introduction's purpose goes beyond the essay, drawing us into reading wonderful literature, intriguing news stories, and even award-winning movies. Indeed, composing a distinguished essay would not be possible were it not for the wonderful introductory paragraph.