Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

What do I need to know about writing essays to help my children become competent and confident writers? Michael Farris talks about teaching writing with today's guest on Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Farris:


Dianne, I know you teach writing courses for students. What are the key ingredients needed for writing a quality essay?


Dianne Hurst:


Well, you might think of the key ingredients as a roof and at least three good, strong supporting walls. The roof represents the thesis of the essay-the point that the writer's trying to make-the writer's viewpoint summarized in one sentence. This sentence is the most important sentence in any essay. And it really should demand a lot of the child's time and attention before he even begins to write the essay. Then this opinion-the roof-must be supported by strong facts. Each wall or each supporting fact will then go on to represent one body paragraph in the essay itself. And then with all writing, of course, good logic is the absolutely essential ingredient.


Mike:


Can you recommend any resources to help guide parents in the area of writing?


Dianne:


There are many fine writing resources on the market, but the most practical, doable guide to essay writing that I have found thus far is a little paperback called The Lively Art of Writing. I highly recommend that book.


Mike:


We'll put information about that resource on our website. Dianne, thanks so much. I'm Mike Farris.