ES+Essay-writing+tips


 * 10 tips for writing “Edward Scissorhands” essays **

1. Get names right. Capital E, capital S, Scissorhands is one word, and it has a silent C in it. If it’s the title, put it in speech marks. If you refer to Mary Shelley, spell her name correctly.

2. Start with a complete sentence. Examples of incorrect sentences: a. “Edward Scissorhands” by Tim Burton the idea of conformity. b. In the film “Edward Scissorhands” by Tim Burton. c. In the film “Edward Scissorhands” by Tim Burton shows us the importance of getting to know someone before you judge them.

3. Don’t repeat the same information in your introduction and background statement. Your introduction is for introducing the title, director, topic, and key points of your essay. The background statement is for briefly summing up the events of the film. (You may choose to do this as part of your introduction, or leave it out entirely).

4. “Suburbia” is the name given to the idea of life in the suburbs of a town or city. It implies the ideal of family life, living in a community of quiet family homes. So, in your essay, you can say “Edward was brought to suburbia” or “Edward was brought to the suburb” but not “Edward was brought to the suburbia”.

5. Phrases to avoid: The following phrases are vague, awkward or clichéd. a. “many”, as in “there are many themes in the film” or “there are many reasons I think this”. It is over-used and meaningless. “One of the most important themes in the film” or “the main reasons I think this” would sound better. b. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Say what you mean – “don’t judge a person by their appearance.” It will sound much more direct and relevant. c. “In this essay, I will discuss…” is wordy and unnecessary. Just get straight to the point.

6. Prejudice is a noun. You can’t use it as a verb or adjective (the women prejudiced Edward, the town was very prejudicing). If you want to use a verb, use “to pre-judge”: the women pre-judged Edward.

7. Also learn how to use discrimination correctly. Here are some examples to help you: a. Edward __suffered from discrimination__. b. Edward __was discriminated against__ by the townsfolk.

8. Be specific and concise. Don’t say “a scary haunted gothic style castle-type house or mansion.” Choose the best word, and maybe add one adjective: “a gothic mansion”.

9. Don’t give alternatives – “this shows or informs us…” “This shows and demonstrates…” Again, choose the best word, it will make your writing more direct and give it impact.

10. Learn how to use apostrophes. DO use apostrophes for contractions or to show possession, DON’T use apostrophes for plurals, verbs or pronouns.