College Essays: Where to Look for Professionally Written Examples

Sometimes, you just want to see a really good sample of an essay—an essay all laid out that you know is good. So, I’m going to tell you what to look for in an example essay and how to get a great sample as well.

What to Look for in Example Essays

Example essays of any type—both reflective, personal experience essays and research papers, should have a solid, predictable structure with impressive, unpredictable content.

You Have to Have a . . .

• Great introduction

Look for interesting introductory sentences that really draw in the reader and make you care about the topic.

• A Solid thesis Statement

Look for a thesis statement at the end of the introductory sentences in paragraph one—or, sometimes the author will one and say three fourths of an introduction with a thesis at the end of paragraph two (this will not happen in a five paragraph paper—five paragraph papers are ALWAYS introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a concluding part).

The thesis Statement is a . . .

Statement which tells you exactly what the essay is going to “do,” prove, research, examine, or discuss.

Sometimes thesis statements are in the “I” point of view, such as

• Example “I “ Thesis Statement:

In this essay, I am going to discuss the current state of coral reefs, which are in rapid decline because of manmade caused global warming and discuss what we can do to preserve our beautiful reefs as well.

• Example Third Person Thesis Statement:

Or the thesis statement can simply be in third person and drop the I am going to discuss part of the statement.

For example,

Currently, all over the world, our coral reefs are going through a rapid decline. There are steps, however, that we can take as a nation to ensure the preservation of these beautiful structures.

Then Look For Several to Many Evidence Paragraphs That . . .

• Provide Evidence of the Thesis!

You have to prove the thesis is true with solid evidence from research.

• Then, Look for a Great Conclusion

The conclusion should bring the essay to a close by saying a final, ultimate statement, or by saying something very recent about the topic—for example, something on the news this week.

• Where to Find the Best Examples

Look at good school and University Writing Center Websites – ALWAYS!!!