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| The 3,000-word essay allows you to focus more closely on a particular aspect of the repertoire we have considered this semester. Perhaps you want to look more extensively at a particular song-recording or perhaps you want to compare several examples. Perhaps you are interested in the used of different instruments or recording technology. For any of these, the same ideas apply as in the short essays. |
| 1. |
Your opening sentence is the lure you use to make someone want to read further. Whether you are writing for a newspaper or a blog, the opening sentence can determine if you have readers or not. Once you have their attention, let them know what your subject is. They should not have to read a couple of paragraphs before they know. |
| 2. |
Tell your reader what you want to assert about this subject. Commonly (but not always), this sentence occurs at the end of the first paragraph, but in a longer essay, this might happen within the first three paragraphs. |
| 3. |
As in a court case, the main body of the proceedings consists of evidence that supports your thesis. The difference in an academic essay is that you should also consider contrary information and weigh its validity. When doing harmonic analysis, write as though you are explaining your ideas over the phone. Don't assume the reader knows exactly what you mean. Indeed, this is decent advice for all kinds of writing. |
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As always, cite your sources and use the materials to prove your point. |
| 4. |
Conclude your essay with more than just a summary paragraph restating what you have already said. A good essay draws a reader's attention to the connections between the examples you have given to provide them with a new way to understand the material. |
| 5. |
As in the short essay, include a bibliography at the end of your essay (I will not include it in your word count) for your sources. Consult the Skidmore Guide to Writing's passages on MLA in-text parenthetical citations and bibliographic form. |
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12 December, 2011 |
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