Writing an Essay A Planning Guide

Step1.
key words.

Write the topic in full and underline the

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Step 2.
topic

Explain the key terms or ideas in the

Words/ ideas/music language

Step 3.
question.

Musical

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Brainstorming the topic and questioning the

Write down everything you think relates to the topic and any questions
you may wish to answer in your essay. What, how, why and how. You
could also start to mark your musical examples.

Step 4.

The Introduction

Make a statement that clearly addresses the topic it should finish with
YOUR opinion or interpretation on the topic (your contention). It is
important to get to the point quickly and discuss the direction of your
essay. Signpost the points you are going to make in the body of the essay.

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Step 5.

The main body of the essay

First paragraph
The general point to be made in this paragraph
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Specific musical examples that support the EXAMPLE / POINT are:

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Second paragraph
The general point to be made in this paragraph is
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Specific musical examples that support the EXAMPLE / POINT are:
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Third paragraph
The general point to be made in this paragraph is
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Specific musical examples that support the EXAMPLE / POINTare:
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Fourth paragraph
The general point to be made in this paragraph
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Specific musical examples that support the EXAMPLE / POINT are:

Fifth paragraph
The general point to be made in this paragraph is
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Specific musical examples that support the EXAMPLE / POINT are:

Step 6.

The Conclusion

Make sure you give a clear summary of what you have argued. Sum up the main
points that support your response and try to say them in different words. Do not
introduce new information here.

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