James Baquet

    Mark sees his classmate Ming reading a book in the common room of their dorm.

    Mark: Hi, Ming. What are you up to?

    Ming: Oh, hi, Mark. I’m just studying for an essay exam I have to take.

    Mark: Wait, you’re studying for a written exam by reading?

    Ming: Yes. What’s wrong with that?

    Mark: Well, Ming, writing is a skill, like basketball, or the piano. And you can’t learn those things by reading a book. The only way to get better at writing is to practice.

    Ming: All right. How can I get started?

    Mark: First, you should be writing — in English — every day. Long essays, single paragraphs, even short notes — write, write, write!

    Ming: What sorts of things should I write about?

    Mark: At first, anything! Tell a story, describe a scene, explain a process.

    Ming: And then?

    Mark: Then start writing the sorts of things you would expect on a test, like explain a graph.

    Ming: Okay. But where do I begin?

    Mark: One good way is to practice making outlines.

    Ming: I don’t follow.

    Mark: Look, a good essay goes something like this: introduction, three (or so) points, and conclusion.

    Ming: Yes, I know that.

    Mark: Then you probably know that the introduction is usually a preview of the three points, and the conclusion is a review.

    Ming: Right.

    Mark: The important thing, then, is the three points. So start practicing like this: As you walk around, try to divide everything you see into three parts.

    Ming: For example?

    Mark: Tree: roots, trunk, branches. House: foundations, interior, roof. Car: exterior, interior, drive train. Like that.

    Ming: Can you tell me how to expand these into an essay?

    Mark: Maybe your writing assignment is to persuade someone to buy a car. You can start with what the car looks like, its outer design. Then describe the interior, both its looks and its features. Finally, talk about how powerful the engine is, what kind of transmission it has, and so on.

    Ming: I get it. So outlines are expanded into full essays.

    Mark: That’s right. Now, once you get good at coming up with three points, practice writing introductions. This is where you answer the question.

    Ming: So, just write several introductions, without the full essay?

    Mark: Yes, for a while. Then write the conclusions for those intros. Finally, practice writing your central paragraphs, where you give support to your answer.

    Ming: This is great, Mark! Any more tips?

    Mark: Yes! Write, then rewrite. Improve the grammar, refine the vocabulary, and — most important — be sure you’ve answered the question!