How to take an Essay from Good to Great
Hello, all!
I’ve just recently been writing my Extended Essay, and something I’ve noticed during the process is that this one thing can completely change how people read your essay, and consequently, can get you a much higher grade!
Have a Point. (No, really.)
The point you are making in your essay should have very little to do with the subject you’re writing it on. It sounds crazy, but trust me.
Let’s say this is your thesis:
“Chemistry was the most influential area of science during the Enlightenment because of the drastic changes which allowed it to develop into modern chemical science.”
From here we can break it down into three parts: What, How, and Why.
WHAT are you claiming? (Chemistry was the most influential area of science.)
HOW do you know this? (Because through drastic change it evolved into modern chemical science.)
WHY is this relevant? (Uhhh…)
This is the trap that I see so many people fall into (and I have fallen into it myself a few times) when they try to write major essays. It’s the difference between a B and an A, or eventually in upper-level classes, the difference between a pass and a fail. So how do you fix it?
Figure out why you’re arguing the thesis. Why are you making the point in the first place, other than because the teacher says you have to?
This would by my answer:
WHY is this relevant? Because the advancement of chemistry during the Enlightenment era shows that critical analysis of systems within the natural sciences is mandatory in order for evolution within the field. Science can’t progress if nobody is willing to question it.
This type of universal point is what will get people interested in your essay even if they can’t relate to something as specific as chemistry or the Enlightenment. And the great thing is, you only have to include it a few times in the essay (conclusion especially) to make it work! You still prove your original thesis just like you would normally… this is just a little sprinkle of greatness on top. This is the best advice I have to give you on essays.
It works. It’s strange, but it works.
-Alyssa (ib-study-and-tea)
