How to Own Your Essay

By: Jeff Schoneman

There is no absolute way to write an essay, but there are some rules of thumb which can be helpful in a variety of writing situations, useful tips seasoned writers have acquired in the thick of experience. I offer you one such rule of thumb here: own your essay. You must care about your argument, about the assertion (or thesis) you are attempting to convey in your paper. If you do not, your essay will suffer; it will be incredibly frustrating to write, and it will probably not engage your audience (the professor).

What are some ways you can create an argument (or thesis) you care about?

First, explore the topic without restraint. You might try what composition theorist David W. Smit calls "writing-to-think." Free write on the prompt, issue, or text with which your essay is concerned. See where this leads you. You will find yourself making connections and uncovering aspects you did not see before, and these discoveries will provide you with material for formulating your own distinctive argument. You could also try exploring the topic through dialogue, which would involve sitting down with a friend or classmate and talking about it. Informal conversation often produces the most original insights. At the Writing Center, we are always willing to discuss ideas with you.

Second, do not be afraid to change your argument as your ideas change. You might produce a great thesis statement at the beginning of your writing process, but if that thesis is no longer what you believe after having researched and written several supporting paragraphs, then change it! It is important to believe in what you are saying if you want to write a convincing essay.

These two strategies will help you generate arguments that matter to you, theses which you want to explain or defend. Owning your essays in this way will give you the inspiration and energy you will need as you manage the always difficult writing process.

[Thanks to fellow WC tutor Tyler for helping me generate some of the ideas above . . . through dialogue!]