Here's the Ivy League School Guide on Essay Writing
What do colleges like Harvard would advise you on essay writing? There are too many to tell at this point. Whether you're discussing about French Revolution and its effects or analyzing the sociopolitical themes of “The Canterbury Tales”, you would guess that it's more than generalities. It's all about details, but not all of it is necessary.
Your reader would be your professor, who has read and check countless essays. Nothing would surprise him or her, which could pressure you to think of an idea that has not been thought of. If you're attempting to think (and write) like your favorite classic author, you would fail on your first page. Your persuasion skills would be put in a test in paper writing, where you must present your argument and back it up with (convincing) facts and information from other sources. Literary criticism would be another thing, if not of another variety. You must take note of the writing style, and how it would send a clear message to readers. If the author didn't do that job, you could disagree and present a new idea. Uncertainty might not work in your favor, though.
Paper writing is an exercise that would improve your communication skills, but there's a catch. You would lose your enthusiasm at some point. Your sense of urgency could be tested sooner than you think. And there are days when you wonder if you can think of a great idea after a snapping your fingers. You'll be surprised at what you're about to read next.
If you like what you're doing, then there won't be a problem. It also applies to writing, where there are times when you don't need to try too hard. In other words, you only need to make it clear and simple. Literary analysis requires a guide, which you would find in a syllabus. This will help you in familiarizing with literary techniques. You don't have to go back to it after you've become too familiar with the process. Creativity comes into play, but don't overdo it. After all, there are rules to follow in essay writing. You don't want to make your life more complicated than what you must do during the spring semester.
The next step would be paying more attention to the particulars.
An Outline on How to Write Your Assignment
Constructing an argument is more than discussing and analyzing. Whether you're writing about the relevance of street art or mathematical equations in popular culture, it would be right to start with what you know. In other words, compare (or contrast) the ideas (or items) that are relevant to the assigned text. And then you must point out inconsistencies if there are any. You should evaluate it, and if it has any significance. For instance, "The Stepford Wives" is an anti-feminist tale, which outraged readers during its time of publication. There have been many changes in the social landscape between the early 70s and the present. Citing Jordan Peele's "Get Out" would be a great idea. On the other hand, the Me Too movement may be trite at this point. Ira Levin's satire on man's ultimate fantasy remains relevant up to now. Think of long, blond hair, manicured lawns, and a list of grocery items for the kids. What do you make of it? Your professor would like to know.
Think like a lawyer. The right mindset would be presenting an opinion, and backing it up with superlatives. You must impress your professor, who would be the jury (in one). If you're writing an essay on "Madame Bovary", you must show why the titular character is the victim of circumstances. Emma Bovary would be spared of a cruel fate if she lives in the 21st century, yet you must provide compelling evidence. Social media may not be good enough. (There's no need to write a few sentences on the Kardashian family.) The clue lies in the countryside, its monotony and simplicity. The irony should prompt you to expound on it. You must have made a connection with Mother Nature. No need to travel to France or the nearest national park.
Your words must not take too much space. A good news editor would lessen the word count of a new feature. Space won't be an issue in assignment writing, yet you would do your professor a huge favor if you won't write lots of words to exceed the required word count. You must make every word count. There's nothing wrong in straying from the argument, as long as it keeps your professor's attention. Discard anything that won't matter anymore. You would know while reading your draft aloud or reading it again and again.
Writing for the Best
Ivy League schools receive thousands of application essays, so admissions tutor want nothing less. There are other rules to follow, such as getting personal when it's needed. You're aware that your professor won't be interested in personal information unless you could make a persuasive argument about it. Whether you're writing about the French Revolution or “The Canterbury Tales”, it still comes down to details that matter the most.
If you're uncertain about your thoughts and how to present it, ask your professor.
