The Elegant Essay by Lesha Myers

The Elegant Essay Writing Lessons: Building Blocks for Analytical Writing

For years, I have recommended The Elegant Essay as the best resource I know for essay writing. Written by Lesha Myers, this text offers detailed instructions and models for each part of the essay.

The Elegant Essay by Lesha Myers

Both the Student Book and Teacher Manual are user-friendly (best when purchased together as a set), and each section of the essay is taught with many examples and exercises. This is useful for both learning and review.

The Elegant Essay covers:

  • Overview
    • five writing components
    • the essay skeleton
    • parts of the essay
  • Thesis Statements
    • kinds of statements (expository, narrative, persuasive)
    • instructions for devoting a thesis
    • charts, examples, and exercises
  • Essay Organization
    • five-paragraph structure with example
    • showing vs. telling
    • evidence and support
    • examples and exercises
  • Transitions
    • kinds of transitions
    • examples and exercises
  • Introductions
    • kinds of openings
    • problems with introductions
    • use of creativity
    • charts, examples, and exercises
  • Conclusions
    • kinds of closings
    • a pattern for conclusions
    • problems with closings
    • charts, examples, and exercises
  • Form Review
    • essay elements
    • bridge transitions
  • Thesis & Outlines
    • thesis polishing
    • answering prompts
    • planning
    • charts, examples, and exercises
  • Descriptive Essay
    • generating ideas
    • developing your thesis
    • the body
    • transitions, introductions, and conclusions
    • examples and exercises
  • Persuasive Essay
    • generating ideas
    • thesis models
    • citations
    • charts, examples, and exercises
  • Appendices
    • Teaching Models
    • Grading Sheets

 The Teacher’s Manual offers:

  • Three-step lesson plans
  • 14-week schedule
  • Condensed 3-4-week schedule for an “Essay Boot Camp”
  • MLA citation instructions
  • Discussion of two grading methods: checklist (rubric) and points
  • Extra teaching models
  • Review of IEW essay basics and style techniques

You may purchase these spiral-bound paperbacks at Everyday Education
Teacher’s Manual: 110 pages
Student Book: 114 pages

 

 

 

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