In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
When analyzing stories, certain key terms must be taken into account. In the previous list of literary terms , the variety of concepts presented are used not only to explain stories but also poems. I n addition to this, a number of other words were incl uded in the list that could be seen as pertinent to a class discussio n on a text. This time round, however, the list will deal with key notions exclusively associated with stories . By looking at each main category, readers can evaluate works by authors and be able to elaborate on the stories themselves, either in w rit ing or orally . It is therefore vital for anyone involved in th e process of critically assessing literary work s, to keep these terms in mind so as to be able to write or speak ab out them in an academic environ ment ; h eck, even over a cup of coffee with f riends at a social gathering. Note to teachers: Naturall y, teachers should ha nd this list to students and cover each concept at ...