esl diagnostic essay

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Tips for crafting a top-notch diagnostic essay that stands out.

A diagnostic essay is a type of writing assignment that helps instructors assess students’ writing skills and identify areas for improvement. It is often given at the beginning of a course to gauge students’ abilities and tailor instruction accordingly.

Writing a diagnostic essay can be a valuable exercise for students to understand their strengths and weaknesses in writing, as well as for instructors to provide targeted feedback.

In this step-by-step guide, we will provide you with the essential tips and strategies to help you craft a successful diagnostic essay that showcases your writing abilities and sets the stage for a productive learning experience.

How to Write a Diagnostic Essay

A diagnostic essay is an important piece of writing that assesses your writing skills and abilities. Here are some steps to help you write a successful diagnostic essay:

1. Understand the Prompt: Read the prompt carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked of you. Identify the main topic or question that you need to address in your essay.

2. Brainstorm Ideas: Take some time to brainstorm ideas and consider different perspectives on the topic. Jot down key points or arguments that you can use in your essay.

3. Create an Outline: Organize your thoughts by creating an outline for your essay. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you include all the important points.

4. Write a Strong Introduction: Start your essay with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states your main argument or thesis statement.

5. Develop Your Body Paragraphs: In the body of your essay, present your arguments and provide evidence to support your claims. Use examples, facts, and quotes to strengthen your points.

6. Write a Convincing Conclusion: Wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis. Leave the reader with a clear understanding of your argument.

7. Revise and Edit: Finally, revise and edit your essay to ensure that it is well-organized, coherent, and free of errors. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

By following these steps, you can write a successful diagnostic essay that showcases your writing skills and analytical abilities.

Understanding the Assignment Requirements

Before beginning your diagnostic essay, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the assignment requirements. Take note of the specific topic or prompt given by your instructor and any guidelines provided. Pay attention to any word limit, formatting requirements, and the purpose of the assignment.

Key Questions to Consider:

• What is the main objective of the diagnostic essay?
• Are there specific criteria for evaluation?
• Is there a particular structure or format to follow?

By understanding the assignment requirements thoroughly, you will be better equipped to address the topic effectively and meet the expectations of the task.

Choosing a Topic for Your Diagnostic Essay

When selecting a topic for your diagnostic essay, it is essential to consider your interests, knowledge, and the purpose of the assignment. Choose a subject that you are passionate about or curious to explore further. This will make the writing process more engaging and enjoyable for you.

Additionally, think about the audience for your essay. Consider what information or perspective you want to share with your readers. Select a topic that will allow you to effectively communicate your ideas and make a meaningful impact.

Furthermore, ensure that the topic is relevant and timely. Choose a subject that is current or has a significant impact on society. This will help you create a compelling and thought-provoking essay that resonates with your audience.

Overall, take the time to carefully select a topic that interests you, aligns with the purpose of the assignment, and resonates with your audience. This will set the foundation for a successful diagnostic essay that effectively showcases your writing skills and analytical abilities.

Conducting Research for Your Essay

Before you start writing your diagnostic essay, it is essential to conduct thorough research to gather relevant information and data on the topic you have chosen.

1. Define the topic: Clearly define the main subject of your essay and identify key concepts or ideas that you want to explore in your writing.

2. Search for credible sources: Look for reliable sources such as books, journals, articles, and websites that provide valuable information related to your topic. Make sure to cross-check the credibility of the sources to avoid using unreliable information.

3. Take notes: While conducting research, take detailed notes on important points, arguments, quotes, and statistics that you can use in your essay. Organize your notes in a structured manner to facilitate the writing process.

4. Analyze and synthesize information: Analyze the information you have gathered and synthesize key points to develop a coherent understanding of the topic. Identify common themes, trends, and arguments that you can incorporate into your essay.

5. Keep track of your sources: Make sure to keep a record of all the sources you have used during your research. This will help you properly cite your sources and avoid plagiarism in your essay.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you will be well-equipped to write a well-informed and analytical diagnostic essay.

Creating an Outline for Your Diagnostic Essay

Before you start writing your diagnostic essay, it is important to create a solid outline to guide you through the process. An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas, making it easier to write a coherent and well-structured essay.

Here are the key steps to create an outline for your diagnostic essay:

• Introduction: Start with a strong opening that introduces the topic and provides context for your essay. You can also include a thesis statement that outlines the main point you will be discussing.
• Main Body: Divide your main body into several paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of the topic. Make sure to support your points with evidence and examples.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis in a new way. You can also leave your reader with a thought-provoking question or a call to action.

By following these steps and creating a detailed outline, you will be well on your way to writing a successful diagnostic essay that effectively communicates your ideas and analysis.

Writing the Body Paragraphs of Your Diagnostic Essay

Once you have a clear thesis statement and a strong introduction, it’s time to dive into the body paragraphs of your diagnostic essay. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point or aspect related to the prompt or topic you are discussing. Here are some tips on how to craft effective body paragraphs:

1. Topic Sentence: Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly introduces the main point you will be discussing in that paragraph. This will help maintain a logical flow in your essay.

2. Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence or examples to support your main point. This could include quotes, statistics, personal experiences, or examples from the text or sources you are analyzing.

3. Analysis: After presenting your evidence, analyze how it supports your main point and connects back to your thesis statement. Don’t just summarize the evidence; explain its significance and relevance to your argument.

4. Transition: Use transitional words and phrases to guide your reader from one paragraph to the next. This will help maintain coherence and make your essay easier to follow.

5. Conclusion: Wrap up each body paragraph by summarizing the main point and reiterating how it relates to your overall argument. This will help reinforce your thesis and provide a smooth transition to the next paragraph.

By following these steps, you can create well-structured and coherent body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis statement in your diagnostic essay.

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How to Write a Diagnostic Essay: 25 Topic Ideas and Outline Examples

Updated 25 Jul 2024

Discover what a diagnostic essay is and how to excel in this unique writing task. Explore its purpose, format, and step-by-step guide to writing an impressive diagnostic essay. Gain insights, tips, and examples to boost your skills and confidently tackle this academic challenge.

When students are asked to write diagnostic essay, they are instantly frightened by the name as they wonder about how or what exactly the diagnostic essay definition is. Often, they want to scream "someone, please, help me to write my essay!". In reality, diagnostic essay is not really functioning as a typical one. It aims to test or diagnose a set of skills that college students are supposed to have. Usually given at the beginning of academic year by college professors, it helps teaching staff to evaluate existing knowledge of a particular student or course audience. As with every assignment, there are specific rules and things to check, which we are going to review in our special diagnostic essay guide. Remember that EduBirdie experts provide professional help writing essay of any type and complexity. Let us look through our guide! Trust us, there is no reason to panic!

What is a Diagnostic Essay?

For majority of university courses in the United States, diagnostic essay may be defined as tasks that already present a known topic assigned or pose a prompt that should be replied to in an essay form. In most cases, your time is limited, therefore, with strict deadlines and not much space left for thinking, diagnostic essays can easily become challenging! Note that there is no need to do any researching per se because of time restrictions and strict deadlines.

A purpose of diagnostic essay is to help professors evaluate skills, writing style, and define level of knowledge related to each student. It does not have to show that you have read through particular books or did an in-depth research. Assisting in discovering of strengths and weaknesses, diagnostic essay may be compared to a time limited creativity test. Once a paper is completed, college and university professors analyze it to offer their further recommendations, writing tips and comments on critical flaws. From grammar to formatting rules, these things are truly important to consider!  Moreover, teachers also plan their own work and assignments according to the level of skills presented by each student.

Even though such assignments are almost never graded, they still have to be completed in such way that allows professors see student's ability to work on preparation, essay creation, logic, strategic thinking, and editing! Remember that good proofreading skills should be there as well to avoid redundant writing !

Diagnostic Essay Format and Structure

Do not forget that your time isn’t endless, so it is crucial to mind correct structure first! Such an approach will help you to eliminate additional editing or rewriting challenges. Unless instructed otherwise, general diagnostic writing should include Introduction, 3 Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion part.

• Introduction

Repeat the prompt in your own words to introduce assigned topic or question. Then briefly tell of three main points (arguments) that will be introduced in body paragraphs. Last sentence in an Introduction is a thesis statement, which should be one sentence long, presenting a strong argument or a call to action.

• 3 Body Paragraphs

Remember an old rule that says "1 idea - one body paragraph!". It is obligatory here! Make an argument and explain how it relates to your thesis. If any statistics, data or personal experience can be used to support diverse claims being made, feel free to include them here.

• Conclusion part

Summarizing each main point of paragraphs in such way that makes even most complex information clearer. Do not introduce any new ideas in conclusion paragraph . Rephrase thesis statement in different words so that it brings no doubts among target audience. For your final sentence, speak of facts or an issue in question in such way that it encourages to act positively or research given essay topic more.

• Remember to be as specific as you can when representing diverse ideas and arguments.
• Avoid general sentences and offer examples that help teaching staff see that you are ready for assigned task and show some strategic thinking and analysis skills.
• Always try to put down in short and logically-correct sentences because it makes it easier for further editing and proofreading. Moreover, with strict word count, things can easily go beyond what is allowed!

How to Write Diagnostic Essay Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to write a diagnostic essay will instantly become much easier as soon as you learn more about the required structure and a list of things to consider. This kind of writing must be precise and well-structured to show good writing skills. Such assignments are used by academic specialists to determine how well you can cope with structure and analysis. Here is what you have to know as you start writing your diagnostic essay:

• Choose Your Topic. Here, you have to either respond to an already provided prompt or choose something that inspires you. For example, you may consider writing about the challenges students have faced while studying remotely or talk about the problems of racial prejudice in society. The topic choice should ask a question or pose an important problem so you can “diagnose” the subject and share some of your thoughts.
• Come Up With A Strong Thesis Statement . A good thesis statement means you should consider some idea that reflects your attitude regarding your chosen topic. A thesis statement is a key point or an explanation of your take on things. It is recommended to start with your thesis statement first. Consider the list of reasons and arguments that would support your thoughts. It must have the "because it..." part that supports your thesis.
• Create An Outline . Of course, if your time is limited, you can safely ignore this part, yet it can help you to keep things organized and your thoughts structured. It is a good way to write down those ideas that seem important so you do not forget them as you write. It must be one idea per paragraph. By keeping to this rule, you won't ever go beyond your word count or make your chosen topic too broad.
• Think About Introduction . You must start your diagnostic essay with a hook sentence or a catchy phrase that will keep your readers inspired. Remember to introduce your subject and explain what it means or why it is relevant for society. This is also a paragraph where you should provide your thesis statement. It must be connected to your thesis statement. Otherwise, it may sound out of place, which is not a good thing!
• Topic Sentences In Your Body Paragraphs . You should include at least three body paragraphs unless specified differently. This is where you include real-life stories, examples, statistics, or any facts that you may find relevant. Explain your opinion by providing some evidence. If you are using any sources, always give credit to the original source.
• Conclusion . This is where you must summarize your thoughts and ideas. As for your thesis, it must be written in different words or a sentence that makes it even clearer. Do not introduce any new ideas. Just mention all the key findings as if you had the bullet points to do. Avoid repetitions and keep things short as your conclusion should be about 10% of your total word count.
• Proofreading & Editing . Never ignore this part as it is what helps to avoid both major and minor mistakes. Learn to read your essay aloud and start with the editing part first before you start to proofread (this part determines how good it sounds). Make sure to be critical and check things with your grading rubric or prompt as you do!

If you've got a long essay, you can even use an online proofreading tool to assist you in proofreading and finding critical errors that you missed while you manually proofread.

Fortunately, writing a good diagnostic paper is not as challenging as the other essay types that you may encounter during your college course. You do not have to start some research or synthesize information taken from various academic sources. Of course, you can include some external information or statistics, yet you may not have to do so if it is not required. The most important is to feel inspired as you start writing and show good grammar and structure that will be logical, interesting, and accessible. And before we proceed with trendy 25 diagnostic essay topics, let us remind that at EduBirdie, you can always get papers delivered in time!

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Best 25 Diagnostic Essay Topic Ideas

Even though most university professors in the United States offer prompts, there are still some that like to offer freedom to think, create, and analyze to see whether students come up with something on their own. Basically, choose anything that fits your course contents or work at something that truly stands out and shows your skills and knowledge best. Look through several diagnosis essay topics to brainstorm already existing personal ideas on diagnostic writing. Below are diagnostic essay prompts in several popular disciplines.

Society and Computers

• Is social media helpful or damaging to physical communications between people?
• Should alcohol consumption age be lowered for American youth?
• What are the flaws of distance learning education compared to standard learning methods?
• Are racial prejudice conflicts based on psychology or physiology grounds?
• How do you foresee a role of social networking in 10 years from now?

Healthcare and Nursing

• How does college life impact sleep patterns of modern students?
• What nursing theorists have influenced me and how do I foresee my personal social input?
• Working in ER department, how could stress levels be reduced?
• Should traditional medicine practices be considered acceptable?
• Should nursing personnel be entirely honest or politically correct?

Business Management

• Why do most business enterprises turn to offshore solutions?
• How gender bias issues in the workplace may be prevented?
• What are the cons and pros of outsourcing?
• Does social media presence contribute to success or violate company’s privacy due to digital footprint?
• Successful business is impossible with good employers, yet without a strong team leader. Do you agree?

Political Science

• Presence of United States in Afghanistan is damaging to country’s foreign policy.
• Can political agreement be achieved with the help of mediation methods?
• Does transparency of information in the media contribute to unbiased coverage on TV channels?
• What political personality has influenced me the most?
• Religion conflicts and political conflicts do not have much in common and should not be linked together. Do you agree with such take? Why yes or why not?

Culture and Education

• Will electronic books replace usual print books?
• How does social media impact body image among young people?
• Are online bloggers journalists?
• Can interactive content replace physical teachers?
• Should there be a unified education system in the United States or do alternative teaching methods have a right to exist as well?  

Read also: The Most Useful Extended Essay Topics

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Diagnostic Essay Outline Example

In order to know how to write a diagnostic essay, one has to create an outline before actual writing. For our example we will choose a prompt related to social media and business management. Like in this diagnostic essay example:

PROMPT: “Why is social media considered potentially damaging to businesses?”

- Introduction starts with a good hook sentence, summary of 3 body paragraphs, and strong thesis statement.

According to network security experts, a digital footprint is left online long after information on social media is modified or even deleted.  It makes social media potentially damaging to businesses along with two other reasons that are identity theft and incorrect management. Combining aforementioned reasons, one can assume that social media presence for businesses requires strict control of what is being shared to maintain corporate ethics and safety policies.

- 3 Body Paragraphs part starts with topic sentences that instantly introduce an idea.

A digital footprint is a sum of information shared online that may be obtained either with search enquiry or shared links.

Identity theft online is a second major reason for businesses that makes CEOs consider online presence.

Weak management of online content or absence of strict policies may be as damaging as identity theft or financial risks. It is so because…

- Conclusion part is summary, thesis restatement, and last sentence to inspire one’s audience for action.

Social media online presence should be damaging for businesses only with incorrect content management and absence of strong security policies. In my opinion, online policies should be a part of corporate ethics to make digital footprint clear. It is also a good reason to consider and review personal online behavior and information being shared.

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How Do You Start a Diagnostic Essay?

Start by learning more about your topic and picking up some ideas by reading through various sources. Even though you do not have to include any external information, doing so will help you to support your thesis statement. Always remember about plagiarism risks when you use any sources. As you start a diagnostic essay, think about some fact or a life story that will keep your readers inspired as they start exploring your writing.

How Many Paragraphs is a Diagnostic Essay?

As a rule, it will include five paragraphs, which are: an introduction with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, your college professor may ask you for three paragraphs only where your body paragraphs will become a single bit of text.

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Diagnostic Essay Writing Guide and Outline Sample

Imagine stepping into a classroom on the first day and being asked to write an essay. This exercise, commonly referred to as a diagnostic essay, is a common tool used by instructors to gauge their students' writing proficiency. Interestingly, in a study exploring the effectiveness of evaluation papers, over 70% of participants reported that these tasks significantly improved their understanding of their writing strengths and challenges. This finding underscores the assessment assignment's role in enhancing self-awareness and skill development among learners.

  This guide provides insights into the diagnostic essay essentials, including its definition, format, structure, outline examples, and effective writing techniques.

What is a Diagnostic Essay?

An academic diagnostic essay is an evaluative tool used at the commencement of a course to determine students' composing abilities. Unlike other written assignments, it doesn't impact final grades but provides crucial insights into a student's strong and weak points in writing. By understanding the diagnostic essay meaning, educators can tailor their education strategies to address specific areas that need some improvement.

It’s essentially a writing diagnostic assessment that helps set the course's baseline. In this way, teachers can adjust their lesson plans to address these weaknesses. Furthermore, for learners, writing an evaluation essay is a valuable self-assessment opportunity, allowing them to know their capabilities better.

Curious about “what is a diagnostic essay”? Meet Aithor, your virtual essay wizard! From writing and refining to suggesting ideas and citations, your AI assistant is here to make your journey into essay writing engaging and enlightening. Let Aithor guide you through crafting your diagnostic paper with ease and precision.

Why Assign a Diagnostic Essay?

Diagnostic writing enables educators to identify the areas of work to focus on. Teachers assign evaluation essays for several key reasons that benefit both lecturers and students:

•  Gauge writing skills at the start to know students' abilities.
•  Identify strong and weak points for targeted instruction.
•  Adjust lesson plans based on specific needs for effective learning.
•  Measure progress over time to track development.
•  Encourage self-assessment for self-awareness and improvement.
•  Reduce anxiety by familiarizing students with course expectations.

Assigning a diagnostic essay allows educators to create a more individualized and effective learning experience, while also allowing students to take control of their learning journey.

Diagnostic Essay Format and Structure

The evaluation paper maintains a well-defined and coherent structure for easier understanding by both the author and the person who reads it. The introductory section presents the thesis statement to guide the discussion, while each body section reinforces the central idea with evidence and explanation. Lastly, the conclusion recaps the important arguments, resulting in a succinct piece that is easy to comprehend.

 Here’s an outline of the diagnostic essay format:

Introduction

This section establishes the foundation of the essay.

Introduce the Topic: Start with an attention-grabbing hook, such as an intriguing fact, inquiry, or personal story.

Thesis Statement: Briefly articulate the primary argument or objective of the paper.

This section establishes the tone and trajectory of the discussion.

Body Paragraphs 

The body sections expand on the main supporting points.

Single Point Focus: Each paragraph here should address a single main idea that reinforces the thesis.

Examples & Evidence: Use facts, data, statistics, or quotes to back up each point.

Explanation & Analysis: Connect the evidence to the central idea, elucidating its importance.

Transition Sentences : Create coherence and smooth flow between the paragraphs.

The main section, detailed yet concise, constructs clear and compelling arguments.

It is essential to follow APA or MLA format guidelines when citing sources or using external references to maintain scholarly integrity and credibility.

Conclusion  

This section wraps up the composition.

Summarize Key Points: Recap the primary arguments put forward.

Restate Thesis: Strengthen the central argument in light of the discussion.

Final Thought: Provide a closing remark or an encouragement for action for lasting effect.

The concluding paragraph ties everything together, ensuring the paper feels complete and impactful. Adhering to this organization ensures that your evaluation essay is well-crafted, concise, and smooth, enhancing its impact for both the writer and the audience.

How to Write Diagnostic Essay Step-by-Step Guide

“How to write a diagnostic essay?” begins with thoroughly understanding the prompt to ensure clarity before proceeding. Mastering the art of writing an assessment paper involves following a systematic approach to effectively address the topic.

Understand the Prompt

The primary stage in crafting an efficient diagnostic assignment is to completely understand the prompt. Examine the task thoroughly to ensure clarity of comprehension of what is required before proceeding.

Plan Your Essay

Craft an outline to bring your ideas together and logically structure your writing. A well-crafted essay plan includes an intro, several body sections, and a concluding summary.

Write the Intro

Start by introducing a captivating hook to engage the audience, and then provide background info about the topic. Finish the paragraph with a convincing thesis statement to conclude.

Develop the Paper’s Body

Each body section should begin with a solid topic sentence, followed by evidence or illustrations. Use clear and smooth language to maintain readability.

Craft the Conclusion

Paraphrase the thesis and outline the primary points covered in the body sections. End the piece with a coherent concluding statement that gives a feeling of completion or prompts action.

Proofread and Edit

Allocate sufficient time for reviewing and brushing up on your work after composing the first draft. Check for grammatical errors and check if it conforms to the specified format.

By following the steps involved, from prompt comprehension to crafting a strong conclusion, you can ensure clarity and consistency in your writing process.

Diagnostic Essay Outline Example

Crafting a solid outline is essential for an A-level diagnostic paper. Here's a concise example using a prompt about technology and education:

PROMPT: “How has technology impacted modern education?”

•  Hook: Start writing with a compelling fact about technology in education.
•  Thesis Statement: Succinctly express the main argument of the composition.

Example: With most students having access to computers or tablets in schools, technology has transformed modern education by enhancing learning, accessibility to resources, and digital skills.

Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraph 1

•  Topic: Enhanced learning experiences through technology.
•  Support: Detail how technology enhances interactive learning.
•  Analysis: Discuss the benefits for students’ outcomes.

Example: Interactive tools like smart boards improve comprehension and engagement.

Body Paragraph 2

•  Topic: Increased accessibility to educational resources.
•  Support: Examples of online libraries and e-books.
•  Analysis: Explain how this democratizes education.

Example: Online resources promote inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Body Paragraph 3

•  Topic: Development of critical digital skills.
•  Support: Instances like digital literacy and coding.
•  Analysis: Explain the importance of the modern workforce.

Example: Mastering digital skills prepares students for today’s job market.

•  Summary: Outline the key supporting arguments from the body sections.
•  Restate Thesis: Paraphrase the primary argument to emphasize its strength.
•  Final Thought: End the paper with a closing remark or a call-to-action phrase.

Example: Technology’s impact underscores its crucial role in preparing students for the prospective job market.

In brief, outlining your assignment provides a clear roadmap for effectively presenting and evaluating the focal arguments, guaranteeing an impactful and cohesive essay.

Key Takeaways

Mastering the art of composing a diagnostic essay is important for students and educators alike. For learners, it offers a comprehensive assessment of their creative skills, highlighting areas that require improvement. Simultaneously, educators benefit from gaining valuable insights into each learner's weak and strong points, enabling them to customize their instruction methods effectively.

Key points in mastering this process include:

•  Understanding the prompt thoroughly;
•  Accurately planning the piece’s structure;
•  Crafting a captivating introduction;
•  Developing consistent body paragraphs;
•  Creating a robust essay close;
•  Proofreading the final draft meticulously.

These interconnected steps form a cohesive and unified approach to crafting a diagnostic composition that enhances assessment accuracy and instructional effectiveness.

To sum up, a diagnostic paper serves as a valuable tool in both teaching and learning. It helps educators assess learners' composing skills and lets students determine their learning strengths and weaknesses. Writing an evaluation essay becomes a manageable task by sticking to a structured format and a systematic guide. 

Understanding fully the diagnostic essay's meaning and utilizing an effective outline ensures a logical and comprehensive response to the prompt. Whether you are an educator or a student, honing the craft of composing an assessment-based essay is crucial for educational achievement.

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How to Write a Diagnostic Essay Wisely

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
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General Information

Today, students write diagnostic essays as a way of evaluating their writing skills, identifying areas of improvement, and helping instructors to understand their knowledge levels. In this case, one primary reason for writing a diagnostic essay is to improve the student’s writing abilities. After analyzing such papers, instructors can identify common challenges, mistakes, or areas where students need additional support, and this process enables them to become more self-aware and educated about their writing strengths and weaknesses. As a result, writing suggests using learning tools for both instructors and students while seeking a possible improvement in specific areas highlighted by a diagnostic assessment.

What Is a Diagnostic Essay and Its Definition

According to its definition, a diagnostic essay is a written assignment that students need to complete to evaluate their writing skills, strengths, and weaknesses. The primary purpose of a diagnostic essay is to allow instructors to get a better understanding of the student’s writing skills, including grammar, flow of ideas, syntax, organization, and clarity of arguments. In this case, students get essay topics that require them to express their thoughts, analyze a concept, or argue a particular point of view. Completing such a paper creates a starting point from which both instructors and students can work toward enhancing writing proficiency and other aspects that require improvement. One key characteristic is that it is often completed within a limited timeframe. Compared to other types of essays , a diagnostic paper should not be graded for its content or depth of analysis.

How to Format a Diagnostic Essay

Formatting a diagnostic essay is essential to share ideas clearly. While specific formatting requirements may vary depending on the instructor or institution, general guidelines for structuring and formatting are:

• Introduction (Approximately 10-15% of a diagnostic essay): Start with a compelling introduction that provides context to the reader. Clearly state the purpose of writing a diagnostic essay and introduce the topic or prompt. End the introduction with a thesis statement that previews the main points of your paper.
• Body Paragraphs (Approximately 70-80%): Organize your thoughts logically into paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea, starting with a topic sentence that introduces the main point, followed by supporting details or examples. Ensure smooth transitions using bridge sentences between paragraphs to maintain coherence.
• Conclusion (Approximately 10%): Provide a summary of the key points of your diagnostic essay and restate the thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action related to the topic.
• Language and Style: Always use clear and concise words. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your paper follows an academic tone expected in your course. Follow any specific style guide, such as MLA 9, APA 7, Harvard, and Chicago/Turabian, or other formatting instructions provided by your instructor.
• Font and Margins: Use a legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a standard size (e.g., 12-point). Set standard one-inch margins on all sides.
• Spacing: Double-space your file, including the title and references (if applicable). This spacing makes your paper easier to read.
• Title Page (If Required): Some instructors may ask to provide the title page with specific information, such as your name, course name, date, and diagnostic essay title. Follow any specific instructions regarding the inclusion of a title page.

Always check the assignment prompt or your instructor’s guidelines for any specific formatting requirements. However, following the guidelines above ensures a professional and well-organized diagnostic essay that effectively communicates your writing skills to your instructor.

Top 20 Common Aspects to Consider When Writing a Diagnostic Essay

10 strengths of writing skills.

• Clarity: Strong writing skills enable students to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, ensuring that readers can easily understand the intended message of an essay.
• Organization: Skilled Students can effectively organize information, present it in a logical order, and enhance the overall flow of the content.
• Creativity: Good writing often involves creativity, allowing students to use language in unique and engaging ways to capture the reader’s attention and make the content more interesting.
• Critical Thinking: Learners must evaluate arguments, consider different perspectives, and present well-reasoned conclusions.
• Research Skills: Good diagnostic essays often involve research to gather accurate and relevant information. Learners with strong research skills can support their arguments with credible sources.
• Adaptability: Skilled students can adapt their writing style to different audiences and purposes. Whether it is a formal report, persuasive essay, or creative piece, they can adjust their tone and approach accordingly.
• Grammar and Punctuation: Proficient students follow all grammar and punctuation rules, ensuring that their paper is grammatically correct and easy to read.
• Vocabulary: A rich and varied vocabulary allows learners to express ideas more precisely and vividly. Strong writers can choose the most fitting words to convey their thoughts effectively.
• Editing and Revision: Writing skills include the ability to review and revise one’s work. This process involves self-editing for clarity, coherence, and overall improvement of a diagnostic essay.
• Persuasion: Whether in business, academia, or everyday communication, persuasive writing is a valuable skill. Strong learners can construct compelling arguments and influence the opinions of their readers.

10 Weaknesses of Writing Skills

• Grammar and Spelling Errors: Weaknesses in grammar and spelling can undermine the credibility of a diagnostic essay and distract readers from the content.
• Lack of Clarity: Poorly organized or unclear writing will confuse readers since they will not understand the main ideas.
• Redundancy: Repetitive use of words, phrases, or ideas can weaken the quality of a diagnostic essay and make it less engaging.
• Weak Vocabulary: Limited word choice can result in dull and uninteresting writing. A weak vocabulary may also lead to the imprecise expression of ideas.
• I nconsistency: Learners may have a weakness in maintaining a consistent tone, style, or perspective throughout essays.
• Difficulty in Synthesizing Information: Some individuals may struggle to synthesize information from various sources, leading to a potential bias in their essays due to generalization.
• Overuse of Jargon: Overloading a piece with jargon can confuse readers who are not familiar with the terminology of an essay.
• Lack of Originality: Students with weak skills may struggle to bring a fresh perspective to their work, resulting in unoriginal content.
• Ineffective Research Skills: Insufficient or inaccurate research can weaken the foundation of an argument, reducing the overall strength of a diagnostic essay.
• Poor Time Management: Procrastination or inadequate time management can result in writing in a rush, impacting the paper’s quality.

Diagnostic Essay Topics

• The Impact of Technology on Society: A Diagnostic Analysis
• Discussing the Pros and Cons of Online Education in the Modern World
• Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Employment: A Diagnostic Study
• The Role of Education in Fostering Environmental Awareness
• Analyzing the Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Public Health
• The Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work in Today’s Economy
• Examining the Role of Gender Stereotypes in Media Representation
• Exploring the Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Well-Being
• The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies: A Diagnostic Study
• Analyzing the Role of Critical Thinking in Problem-Solving in the 21st Century
• The Influence of Video Games on Youth Behavior: A Diagnostic Examination
• Exploring the Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering
• Analyzing the Role of Art and Creativity in Problem-Solving
• Challenges of Balancing Work and Personal Life in a Digital Age
• The Influence of Political Correctness on Freedom of Speech
• Exploring the Impact of Immigration Policies on National Identity
• The Role of Education in Addressing Racial Inequality
• Effects of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures
• Analyzing the Influence of Fashion Trends on Body Image Perceptions
• The Role of Personal Values in Ethical Decision-Making

How to Write a Perfect Diagnostic Essay in 5 Steps

A good diagnostic essay involves evaluating your writing skills and presenting a paper showing your abilities at the beginning of a course or program. In particular, five easy steps to help you to start your paper include:

Step 1: Understanding a Diagnostic Prompt

Start by carefully reading and understanding the prompt or topic provided by your instructor. Identify the main elements and requirements of the assignment. Pay attention to any specific instructions regarding the focus, length, or format of a paper.

Step 2: Brainstorming and Planning

Take some time to brainstorm ideas related to the prompt. Consider the main points you want to address and how you can organize them logically. Create a brief outline to structure your diagnostic essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Step 3: Providing an Introduction and Thesis Statement

Develop a compelling introduction that provides context for your diagnostic essay. Clearly state the purpose and scope of your paper. End the introduction with a strong thesis statement that outlines the main points you will address in a diagnostic essay. The thesis serves as a roadmap for your reader, previewing the key aspects of your analysis.

Step 4: Developing Body Paragraphs

Connect each body paragraph to a specific point or aspect of the prompt. Start each paragraph with a single topic sentence, followed by supporting details or examples. Ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs, maintaining a logical flow of your arguments. Use evidence and examples to strengthen your points and show your writing skills.

Step 5: Concluding Effectively

Summarize the main points of your diagnostic essay in the conclusion. Restate your thesis in a new way, emphasizing the significance of your analysis. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. End with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action related to the prompt.

Note: Throughout the writing process, pay attention to word choice, language, grammar, and style. Revise and edit your diagnostic essay to ensure clarity and coherence. Remember, the goal of a diagnostic essay is not perfection but an honest representation of your current writing abilities.

Example of an Outline Template for Writing a 5-Paragraph Diagnostic Essay

Remember, the purpose of a diagnostic essay is to evaluate your writing skills and identify areas for improvement. A diagnostic essay may not have a specific prompt, but you need to respond to an idea or concept assigned by your instructor. Hence, you need to adjust a diagnostic essay outline based on the specific requirements provided by your instructor.

I. Introduction

• Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or a question related to an assigned theme.
• Background: Provide a brief overview of the topic without going into too much detail.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main point or argument. Your thesis can be a reflection on your writing skills or a response to the given prompt.

II. Body Paragraph 1 (Strengths)

• Identify and discuss one of your strengths as a writer.
• Provide specific examples or evidence that support this strength.
• Explain how this strength contributes to effective writing.

III. Body Paragraph 2 (Weaknesses)

• Identify and discuss one area where you feel you can improve as a writer.
• Provide examples or instances that demonstrate this weakness.
• Explain why addressing this weakness is important for overall improvement.

IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Experience)

• Share an experience or a specific paper assignment that highlights your strengths and weaknesses.
• Discuss what you learned from this experience and how it influenced your approach to writing.

V. Conclusion

• Summarize the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Reflection: Reflect on the significance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
• Closing Statement: End with a strong concluding statement that covers the importance of ongoing improvement.

Diagnostic Essay Sample

Topic: My Writing Skills

I. Sample Introduction of a Diagnostic Essay

By considering strengths and weaknesses, my writing skills depend on a dynamic process of growth and learning. After completing my papers, I constantly refine my writing skills to be clear with readers. Moreover, I always try to ensure that my analytical and critical thinking abilities are improved after analyzing specific themes and concepts. When organizing each paper, the challenges and triumphs that I face shape not only my writing style but also improve my understanding and experience. In particular, while maintaining a formal tone and navigating the complexities of in-text citations pose challenges, each lesson I learned contributes to a better understanding of academic writing.

II. Body Paragraph Example 1: My Writing Strengths

One of my main strengths as a writer includes the precision and clarity with which I provide complex ideas. This aspect can be shown in my recent diagnostic essay, where the topic demanded a clear representation of complex concepts. Through a careful selection of language, words, and precise structuring of sentences, I successfully delivered my message to readers. For instance, when providing background information, my ability to connect an issue under discussion with the simplicity and clarity of words was evident. This strength significantly contributes to effective academic writing as it enhances the accessibility of my work to a broad audience. By presenting my ideas in a clear manner, I ensure that all readers can understand my message.

III. Body Paragraph Example 2: My Writing Weaknesses

A notable weakness in my academic writing is the struggle with integrating in-text citations into my papers. In an attempt to support my arguments with evidence, there have been instances where some in-text citations affected the flow of ideas. In a recent diagnostic essay, the incorporation of multiple sources within a single paragraph made this part lengthy and hard to read. The transition from my analysis to supporting literature was also vague. However, I understand that addressing this weakness is important, as the effective use of in-text citations not only shows credibility to my work but also enhances the depth of my analysis. Hence, I will work more on shaping my skills in using sources and incorporating them into my papers.

IV. Body Paragraph Example 3: My Writing Experience

My writing experience is always a dynamic process, weaving together challenges and triumphs that shape my skills. As I complete my diagnostic essay, I improve not only my writing skills but also my analytical and critical thinking abilities. I also try to maintain a formal tone since I need to follow an academic voice that strengthens my work. In turn, the integration of in-text citations into my papers results in its complexities. Despite this, within each body paragraph, I gained an invaluable lesson that allowed me to learn more about academic writing and how to deliver my thoughts. Besides, my writing experience also helps me to improve my style and expand my knowledge of different areas under analysis.

V. Sample Conclusion of a Diagnostic Essay

My writing is based on the dynamic nature of skill development, where I have strengths and weaknesses that I should improve. In this case, my precision and clarity in presenting complex ideas include my strengths, helping my readers to better understand my messages. However, the struggle with integrating in-text citations is my weakness, suggesting a commitment to my area of improvement. The significance of considering these aspects becomes evident when writing each paper, contributing to shaping my analytical and critical thinking abilities. Furthermore, overcoming the challenges with in-text citations will show my growth as a writer.

20 Tips for Writing a Diagnostic Essay

Writing a perfect diagnostic essay requires a strategic approach. These tips offer practical advice on organization, clarity, and effective argumentation, contributing to a more coherent and compelling diagnostic essay. Moreover, writers can use them to self-assess and refine their work, fostering their improvement. In turn, transforming a challenging task into a manageable and skill-enhancing experience is a way of completing your paper successfully.

10 Dos for a Diagnostic Essay Include:

• Understanding your diagnostic essay task thoroughly.
• Creating a concise and focused thesis statement.
• Prioritizing a clear diagnostic essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Supporting arguments with relevant evidence and examples.
• Following in a formal and academic style.
• Formatting a paper in specified citation styles, such as MLA, APA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian.
• Editing for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Asking peers or instructors for improvement.
• Working on challenges and lessons learned in the writing process.
• Considering a diagnostic essay as a learning experience.

10 Don’ts Are:

• Ignoring the prompt instructions.
• Providing a weak thesis.
• Making unsupported claims.
• Using inappropriate language.
• Skipping the prewriting phase.
• Writing out of an assigned topic.
• Submitting a diagnostic essay without revising and editing.
• Excluding external perspective.
• Overlooking self-reflection.
• Presenting a one-sided perspective.

Summing Up on How to Write a Good Diagnostic Essay

• Thorough Prompt Analysis: Begin by reviewing the prompt to ensure a clear understanding of your task.
• Compelling Introduction: Take time to write a compelling introduction, including a clear and focused thesis statement.
• Logical Organization: Organize a diagnostic essay logically with a structured format — an introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
• Support With Evidence: Emphasize the importance of supporting arguments with relevant evidence and examples to show your analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Balance Clarity and Complexity: Follow a balance between clarity and complexity, avoiding overly complex language that may confuse readers.
• Maintain a Formal Tone: Ensure a formal tone throughout, aligning with academic expectations.
• Mind Word Limits: Be cautious about word limits of a diagnostic essay, embracing briefness and avoiding redundancy.
• Focus on a Main Theme: Do not write off-topic paragraphs and stay focused on the main theme.
• Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain other perspectives and identify areas for improvement.
• Self-Reflection: Engage in self-reflection, considering challenges faced in the writing process for personal growth.
• Embrace as a Learning Opportunity: View writing a diagnostic essay as a learning opportunity, committing to ongoing improvement by addressing identified weaknesses.
• Strive for Excellence: A diagnostic essay is not merely an assessment but a journey toward self-improvement in academic expression. Strive for excellence in conveying ideas with precision, clarity, and academic format.

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How to Write a Diagnostic Essay: Format, Topic Ideas and Examples

A diagnostic assignment is not a cause for concern, even if you’re just hearing about it for the first time. It’s much different from other papers but in a good way. Let us show you why a diagnostic paper is the best thing to happen to you and how to make the most of this opportunity.

What Is a Diagnostic Essay?

A diagnostic essay is the first assignment of the course that lets your professor assess (or diagnose) your current writing style and capabilities. Teachers want to understand what they are working with, your strengths and weaknesses to help you improve and leave the class a better writer. For this reason, most professors do not grade diagnosis assignments. While you won’t get any points to add to your course grade, it is still vital to turn this paper in on time and make a good first impression.

Now that semantics are out of the way, let’s take a closer look at what you might expect from a diagnostic assignment and how to ace it.

How to Write a Diagnostic Essay

First, let’s get your priorities straight so that you don’t get into trouble.

If you’re taking a class that calls for multiple essays, you want to improve your writing , and with every assignment, your skills should improve. The professor is there to make sure of that.

So there’s no reason to cheat on a diagnostic essay. 

If you jump over your head and turn in your best work yet, the professor will expect even better results as the term progresses. Ultimately, you won’t have enough time to produce the same quality writing, and your grades will suffer. And you will hate the class, the professor, and school as a whole.

Alternatively, you can half-ass the paper in the hopes of setting low expectations. The worse your writing is at the beginning of the term, the greater the improvement will seem, and the better your grades will be. At the same time, you run the risk of getting booted from the class because your writing skills don’t fit the bill. Besides, your writing skills may deteriorate instead of growing.

The best strategy for writing a diagnostic paper is to do a good job without over-or underachieving. You should feel good about your piece before you turn it in. 

What to Expect From Diagnostic Essay Topics

We’re loath to disappoint you, but there won’t be a list of ideas and topics for your diagnostic assignment here. It would be nothing but a waste of your time because most professors provide a specific prompt or two for the whole class. According to our undercover academics, it is easier for professors to evaluate the general writing level and individual prowess when everyone works on the same topic.

Is there no way to predict a diagnostic essay topic ?

Even if you’re a pro at reading tea leaves, you won’t know the exact wording. But there are some hints we can share after years of analyzing diagnosis assignments:

• the prompt will be closely connected to the course topics;
• it might be based on a book from a required reading list;
• the topic may call on the knowledge gained in previous classes;
• you may get two or more options to choose from.

Here are a few sample topics :

• Analyze and interpret the core message of “Salvation” by Langston Hughes.
• Prove that cellphones restrict teenagers’ freedom and independence.
• Argue against college athletes getting paid for their performance in championships.

Common Diagnosis Paper Requirements

While other essay types have general requirements that don’t differ much among colleges and classes, diagnosis writing is much different. Every professor has their own approach to diagnosing your writing skills, so there’s no way to predict the requirements. Still, our undercover academics gathered and analyzed the handouts in their respective schools and came up with four common types of diagnostic assignments:

• Self-diagnostic paper. In this case, you have to assess your writing style, strengths and weaknesses, describe your class goals and aspirations. Such assignments are common for Writing courses, both beginner-level and advanced.
• SAT-style argumentative essay. With a time limit and no outside sources, you have to rely on your knowledge and skills to showcase your reasoning, persuasive, argumentative, and writing capabilities. Professors use this type of papers across a variety of classes, from Social Studies to Nursing.
• Diagnostic summary, analysis, or interpretation of the primary source. These types are most common in English and Literature classes. Professors allow you to use quotes and paraphrase the work of literature without relying on any other sources.
• Informative or research paper. These assignments are designed to evaluate your ability to research a topic, find credible references, and use them with maximum efficiency. Professors may assign this type of diagnostic essays in Science classes.

As you see, there isn’t one perfect formula, and even these four types of diagnostic papers do not cover the full range of possibilities. The only way to know for sure is to take the class and see for yourself what type of assignment you’ll receive.

How to Choose the Right Diagnostic Essay Format

Your professor will provide the formatting and citation style within the prompt. If the requirements aren’t clear, don’t be afraid to ask the teacher to specify the right format. It’s as easy as that. MLA, APA, and Chicago are the most common styles, and you can easily find detailed citation and formatting guidelines online.

Still, there are commonalities between dozens of the assignments we’ve seen:

• Your essay must have an introduction and conclusion .
• The introduction must include a thesis statement.
• Every body paragraph must cover one argument or point.
• Each body paragraph must have a topic sentence.
• The points should flow seamlessly and logically into one another.
• Errors and typos must be edited out before submission.
• The paper must be formatted according to the requirements.
• All sources (if they are required) must be properly cited.
• The paper must stay within the word count (usually around 500 words).

If you’ve ever written an essay before, none of these should be new or intimidating. Still, you should pay close attention to the professor’s specific requirements. Using the wrong format or including references when none are allowed will not make a good impression.

Why Any Diagnostic Essay Sample You Find Is Useless

By now, you should realize that a diagnosis essay is unlike any other school assignment. It has more to do with your writing skills and style than the contents of the paper. It’s about measuring your progress throughout the term and becoming a better writer.

So what would you do with a diagnostic essay sample?

Copying the writing style will do you more harm than good in the long run, even if you do it unconsciously. And you’re unlikely to find a paper on the same topic your professor chooses. You will just waste your time scouring the web for samples, and most of them aren’t even that good. 

Instead of looking for a piece to copy or mimic, skim your best essays that got the highest grades to see what tricks you can use in the assignment. Those are the only examples of good writing you will ever need!

Do not think of a diagnostic essay as a punishment. Instead, consider it a challenge and an opportunity to get feedback without risking your grade. Think of it as the first step of your writing journey and make most of the chance to become better!

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• English Composition
• Tennessee Open Education
• english-composition

English 1010: Composition I Diagnostic Essay

This is an assignment for a diagnostic essay to be used at the beginning of a composition I class to assess the students level of writing.

This assignment is in a transparent framework. It is recommended if you use a rubric, or have different grading criteria, that you change the criteria section.

Assignment Name

Diagnostic Essay

Define the learning objectives, in language and terms that help students recognize how this assignment will benefit their learning. Indicate how these are connected with institutional learning outcomes, and how the specific knowledge and skills involved in this assignment will be important in students’ lives beyond the contexts of this assignment, this course, and this college.

The purpose of this assignment is to help you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in this course, in school, in this field, and in professional life beyond school:

• Clear concise writing
• Critical thinking
• Articulation of thought process
• Write a 1.5-2 page paper addressing the following prompt.
• This is a personal reflection paper so no outside sources are needed.
• Format your paper in MLA format in Microsoft Word.

Think of your life thus far. Who has been a major influence in your life? Provide three examples of how this person has influenced you. You must have an introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Criteria for Success

A successful diagnostic essay will contain at minimum of 5 paragraphs to include an introduction, minimum of 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You will address the prompt fully and adhere to MLA formatting guidelines.

How to Write a Diagnostic Essay (Without Fail)

Most of the time, academic writing can be challenging and stressful. Many students turn to online help and ask others such things as ‘will you write my research paper for me?’. This is because they find the writing process daunting. However, one type of assignment that’s not so hard is the diagnostic essay. On this page, we’ll run through what this particular type of essay is, how to write one, and more.

What Is a Diagnostic Essay?

A diagnostic essay is a piece of writing that’s meant to assess your knowledge of a topic and your writing skills. This type of work is usually set by a teacher at the very start of a course. It’s not marked because it’s meant to provide the course leader with an idea of what your capabilities are. They diagnose their students’ abilities through these essays. They’re typically timed, like other essay types you have to write for exams.

The Importance of Writing Good Diagnostic Essays

Knowing how to write a diagnostic essay is useful, especially if you’re on an academic course, or you’re going to be starting one soon. When you’re writing one, you should think like an academic and write as if the essay is going to be marked. You should take it as seriously as you would any sort of marked essay. The purpose of an essay is to showcase what you can do academically. If you don’t treat a diagnostic essay seriously and don’t try your best, the reader won’t get the right impression of your ability.

You shouldn’t seek custom essay help for this type of writing. With a diagnostic essay, it’s all about what you know now and what your current writing ability is like. It’s an assessment but not a critical one. It’s one of the simplest essay types, so you should be able to write a perfectly good one on your own.

Diagnostic Essay Outline

If you’re wondering how to write a diagnostic essay, the good news is that it’s easy to write. Its layout is pretty simple: there’s an introduction, usually three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. That’s all there is to it.

The introduction presents your topics to the reader and outlines what you’re going to discuss. It should include a thesis statement, which is a bold and concise summary of the essay’s core topics. The body paragraphs are where you discuss the topic. Your discussion should be well organized and succinct. You should present ideas and try to include a  counter argument or two if you can. The conclusion is where you summarise everything and outline any final thoughts.

How to Start a Diagnostic Essay?

So, how do you start a diagnostic essay? It’s simple. You may be provided with a title for the piece of writing. If not, you’ll have to  come up with a good title for an essay yourself. This should be easy enough because, with a diagnostic essay, the subject matter is usually broad. These essays are more a test of your general knowledge about a topic, not the specific knowledge the course is going to introduce.

So, when you have your title, think about what you’re going to write about. Remember the structure and try to fit your principal argument into three paragraphs. If the essay’s time, you have to think quickly and get straight to it. Come up with some key ideas and think about how you’re going to expand on these in the body paragraphs.

Remember the thesis statement. This is a key part of an essay. It comes at the end of your introductory paragraph. What it does is it summarises, in one or two sentences, the body of your essay, i.e. the primary case you’re putting forward. Having a good thesis statement is important because it helps you focus on the key parts of the essay. The statement also gives the reader a clear indication of what’s to come.

Tips for Writing Body Paragraphs of a Diagnostic Essay

The body paragraph is the core of a diagnostic essay. Here are some tips on how to write them.

Interconnected Paragraphs

The body paragraphs can either be interconnected and form a single argument, or each one can argue its own point. If they’re going to present just one argument among them, they should flow naturally and read well.

Individual Paragraphs

If each paragraph is self-contained, it should end with a sentence that leads into the next paragraph to help keep them connected. It should also start with a hook sentence that draws the reader in and lets them know a new thought or argument is being discussed.

Strongest Arguments First

Whether your body paragraphs are connected or not, it’s suggested that the first one contains the strongest argument or the most original thought. You want the reader to get on board with your writing, so it’s important to make a good impression as early in the essay as possible.

As mentioned earlier, a diagnostic essay is usually timed. When essays are to be written under such a condition, students frequently can’t use resources such as books or the internet. Therefore, timed essays don’t require references as regular, non-timed ones do. If you do use other sources, make sure you refer to them as accurately as possible.

Elaborate Without Waffling

The paragraphs of the essay body are the meat of your essay. They’re what the reader is going to be looking at the most. It’s important that you elaborate on the topic and discuss plenty of points, but without waffling. You have to explain things in as few sentences and words as possible, especially when these essays are timed. Having said that, if there’s a particular point you want to focus on, discuss it as much as you need to. Just make sure that what you’re writing is relevant.

How to Conclude a Diagnostic Essay

The conclusion should supply the reader with a brief yet informative recap of the essay’s main points. You should sum up the cases you’ve put forward and write a final sentence or two that reflects on your essay as a whole. It’s recommended you rehash your thesis statement, though you shouldn’t repeat the statement verbatim; use new words and phrases instead.

Make sure your conclusion is concise. It should be a single paragraph in length. You shouldn’t present any new ideas in it, nor should you be asking the reader any new questions.

If you’re the type of student who writes ‘ write my college essay ’ into a search engine, you shouldn’t have to do this for a diagnostic essay. They’re easy enough to write, and the structure is straightforward. Even though they’re timed, the fact that they’re not marked means there’s not much pressure.

Diagnostic Essay Topics

Below are some examples of diagnostic essay topics. Have a look to see the sorts of questions you may be asked to write essays on during the early part of your course.

• Will e-books replace print books?
• Should education be streamlined, or should independent institutions be allowed?
• Why do many businesses utilize offshore solutions?
• Explain the importance of having a good CV
• Is modern technology helpful or a hindrance?
• Should doctors and nurses be good people?
• Explain why society uses prisons
• How does a lack of sleep affect students?
• Discuss the impact of social media on children
• What are the advantages of going to university?
• Should history be preserved or modified?
• Is killing animals for meat wrong?
• How can the wage gap problem be addressed?
• How can stereotyping be reduced?
• Is artificial intelligence really intelligence?

As you can see, the example titles we’ve listed above are broad. Other types of essays for academic courses are usually a lot more specific in what they ask of you. These titles, however, rely more on your general knowledge and impression of the world, as opposed to the material you’ve learned on a course.

What Should You Not Write in a Diagnostic Essay?

When you write a diagnostic essay, there are a few things that you shouldn’t write. Even though the essays aren’t marked and don’t count towards your grade, it’s best to make them as good as you can. Make sure your submission is an accurate reflection of your capabilities by not writing the following:

• New ideas and arguments in the conclusion; put them in body paragraphs
• Anything that deviates from the central topic
• Language and vocabulary that’s not appropriate for an academic essay
• Quotes/citations without explaining their source; a diagnostic essay doesn’t require these, but you can still include them if you so wish
• Sentences that are too long and confusing for the reader
• Any sort of personal pronouns, unless you’re specifically told this is permitted; generally, academic writing is impersonal
• Words and phrases that are too vague or too exaggerated; with essay writing, it’s about getting to the point, and this should be reflected in the language you use
• Personal stories and anecdotes; again, essays should be impersonal
• A thesis statement that’s too long or vague; your thesis statement should be one or two sentences long and should summarise your writing for the reader
• A title that’s too long and uses too many big words

When you write a diagnostic essay, avoid writing the above. Generally speaking, your writing should be direct and concise. There’s room for you to argue points and express ideas, of course, but there shouldn’t be any waffle. The standard of writing should be the same for a diagnostic essay as any other piece of academic writing.

Unlike most other essays, diagnostic ones aren’t marked. Instead, they’re more of a general test of a student’s capabilities. They’re assigned at the start of a course and used by a course leader to determine what levels the students are at. Because they’re shorter and have a more straightforward structure, they’re easier to write than standard essays. That being said, there are still some key things to include and some things to avoid.

Now, you should have a clear idea of how to write a diagnostic essay. Bear this article in mind the next time you have to write one.

FAQ About Diagnostic Essays

How long is a diagnostic essay.

The length of a diagnostic essay is usually what students can write in an hour or less. Essays typically include an introduction with a thesis statement, up to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Why Do Teachers Give a Diagnostic Essay?

Students are asked to write a diagnostic essay so that course leaders can assess their knowledge and writing skills.

What Does a Diagnostic Essay Look Like?

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Excellent essay writing blog for students seeking help with paper writing. We provide exclusive tips and ideas that can help create the best essay possible.

How To Write A Diagnostic Essay? Ideas and Guidelines

Are you just beginning an academic course and have to write a diagnostic essay? Have you heard many unnerving things about this essay? Don’t worry, relax because we’ve got you! A diagnostic essay definition may be what you need to help you realize just how easy this stuff is. So what is a diagnostic essay? We can define diagnostic essays as a kind of test essay that allows an instructor to “diagnose” your writing skills .

What is a Diagnostic Essay?

Diagnostic essays are writing assignments given at the start of an academic course. Usually, the instructor provides you with a question or prompt and requires you to write a coherent piece within a short period. The essay you turn in helps the instructor discover your strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge, your instructor will be able to make informed decisions on the appropriateness of any future tasks they assign to you.

How to write a Diagnostic Essay

Writing a diagnostic essay is different from other essay genres because of the time constraints. Diagnostic research is almost non-existent due to the strict deadline for submission. You have to start writing almost immediately after you receive the prompt. To demonstrate your time management and efficiency skills, you have to learn how to allocate time to the different aspects of the essay correctly. Feeling uneasy already? Relax! Your instructors rarely grade these assignments! However, it would be best if you learned to write them because they are a frequent inclusion in standard exams like the SAT.

So now that we know precisely what a diagnostic essay is, how do we go about writing one? Writing a diagnostic essay will be a stroll in the park if you have prior knowledge of a diagnostic essay format, common diagnostic essay topics, diagnostic essay samples, and a guide on how to write a diagnostic essay. First of all, let’s consider the structure of a diagnostic essay.

Diagnostic Essay Structure

Since there is no time to research diagnostic criteria, you need to have an idea of the essay structure before you write. Even though you have only a limited amount of time to write a diagnostic essay, it is essential first to allocate a couple of minutes to structure out your essay. Skipping this vital step may cost you a lot of time and coherence. The structure of a diagnostic essay is identical to other essay types where there is an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion.

Start the introductory section by reiterating the topic or by answering the question in your prompt. Afterward, preview the three main points which you plan to make in the essay body. The next step is making your thesis statement by compressing the arguments into a single sentence.

The body should have about three paragraphs with each paragraph addressing a single point. Begin the section with a new argument and expound on how that argument supports the thesis statement. Don’t be afraid to include facts or data that may back up your claim if you’re sure of them.

Here, you start by summarizing the arguments in the body clearly and concisely. Show that you truly have a grasp of that idea. Afterward, rephrase your thesis statement and finalize the article with a captivating sentence.

Diagnosis essays and diagnosis papers are easy to write when you internalize all these suggestions birthed from diagnosis research.

Diagnostic Essay Topics

Getting familiar with likely diagnostic essay topics will go a long way in helping you organize your thoughts more rapidly and turn in your paper with time to spare. Some instructors may give you the freedom to consider and create everything about your diagnostic essay. I bet you don’t want to miss out on that opportunity by not knowing what topic to choose! Just ensure you select what fits into your program articles and makes you stand out. Use this rare opportunity to showcase your knowledge and talent! We shall provide you with 15 diagnostic essay prompts to help you write that your diagnostic paper!

• What are the major elements of effective writing?
• Can you consider online bloggers to be journalists?
• The most dangerous thing to do on earth.
• Will electronic publications replace conventional printing?
• Problems modern families encounter.
• The challenges of moving to a new country.
• How shocking events can change people’s perceptions.
• How you spent your holidays.
• Who do you love the most?
• Who is a good friend?
• Why the liquor consumption age should be lower in the US.
• Why is patience a virtue?
• The most productive time of the day.
• What does it mean to be successful?
• Why social networking does more harm than good.

Diagnostic Essay Examples

You may need a short diagnostic essay example or diagnostic essay sample to give you a specific grasp of how a diagnostic essay should be.

First, the Introduction (Start with a right hook sentence, summarize the three body paragraphs, and give a strong thesis statement.) Have you ever imagined falling off a skyscraper? Many things may appear dangerous, but none of these things is as dangerous as playing Spider-Man. Imagine the doom if your webs fail to spin after you jump off the top of a skyscraper! Falling from such a height, etc. Now the three-bodied paragraph (The body paragraph should start with topic sentences that immediately introduces an idea). P1. A skyscraper is a building with an architectural height of at least 330 ft., etc. (give other descriptions of a skyscraper) P2. A Spider-Man is anyone with the ability to cling to any surface and release cord of webs from the hands, etc. P3. Falling off a skyscraper could mean certain death, except there is a pile of feathered pillows at the exact spot of impact, which is highly unlikely, etc. (paint why it is dangerous) Conclusion (Summarize, restate the thesis, and write an inspiring last sentence) Falling off a skyscraper could be fatal. If you can’t jump off a skyscraper, you may want to agree with me that it is the most dangerous thing in the world, etc.

What To Avoid In A Diagnostic Essay

To write an excellent diagnostic essay, you should:

• Not use phrases such as “my humble opinion”.
• Not use unnecessary words like “the purpose of writing this essay”.
• Never start with a dictionary definition of the topic.
• Be as specific possible in painting an idea.
• Use simple and short sentences.
• Write with passion.
• Hire an essay writer .

Are you ready to wow your instructor with your knowledge, talents, and skills? Why not digest all these tips and show them what you’ve got!

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50+ ESL Writing Prompts

Prompts are excellent for countering the dreaded blank page during writing exercises, which many ESL students find not only intimidating but also immobilizing. After all, they’re working in a second language that might not even share the same writing system as their own.

Let’s have a look at more than 50 different writing prompts and how you can use them to give students a boost in the right direction. The guide also includes top resources to find more great writing prompts.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Process Writing

Process writing is a good place to start with your beginner students.

Simple process writing can be nothing more than a numbered list of steps written in the simple present with imperative grammar.

You can also use these prompts for intermediate and advanced students by asking them to write full paragraphs using smooth transitions.

Process Writing Prompts

• What’s your favorite food from your home country? How do you make it?
• How did you travel from your home country to the U.S.?
• What’s the best way to study for an exam?
• How does a person learn to read? What are the necessary steps?
• What’s something you’re good at? How did you learn to do it?
• How do you get ready every morning? Discuss each step of your morning routine.
• How does a person get a job? What steps must they take?
• How do you get a driver’s license? What steps must you follow?
• How does an acorn grow into a tree? What are the stages of its life?
• What are the stages of the water cycle?

How to set your students up for success

When brainstorming ideas, ask your students to list the steps of how they came up with the content to write about. If you want to challenge intermediate and advanced students, have them write paragraphs describing the brainstorming process rather than writing a numbered list.

For certain topics, students may need time for additional research, like when writing about science.

Also, be aware of any vocabulary that may be specific to the process students are describing. For example, if they’re describing a food from their home country, students may need to define a particular ingredient (e.g. kimchi, herbs de provence ) that may not have a good English equivalent.

Opinion Writing

Opinions are everywhere. From social media posts to commentary on news programs, we’re constantly exposed to other opinions and ideas. For this reason, it’s important for students to be able to both express their own opinions and evaluate the opinions of others.

And what better way to express one’s opinions than with a written argument? Here are some prompts to help your students vocalize their opinions.

Opinion Writing Prompts

• Should people under the age of 21 be allowed to drink alcohol? Please explain.
• Should college students be allowed to choose their own courses or study from a set list of required courses? Please explain.
• Is it better for young adults to live at home with their parents or to live on their own? Please explain.
• Should your country require young adults to serve in the military? Why or why not?
• Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics? Why or why not?
• Should people be allowed to smoke in restaurants? Please explain your opinion.
• Should parents be allowed to arrange marriages for their children? Why or why not?
• Should students be required to take physical education? Why or why not?
• Should teenagers be allowed to make decisions about their sexual health without the consent of their parents? Please explain your opinion.
• Should students be required to clean their schools? Please explain.

Before starting the assignment, review modal verbs with your class . Explain to your students that the verb, “should,” is a signal word for opinion writing and is commonly used when expressing one’s thoughts, opinions and ideas.

Graphic organizers are a great way to help students think through what they believe about a given topic and get those thoughts in the right order for writing. Curriculum developer, Scholastic, has some great organizers you can print and give to your students to help them gather their thoughts before they write.

Good opinion writing takes both sides of an argument into consideration. While students should devote the majority of their essay to supporting the facts they agree with, they also need to dedicate a section to addressing the opposition’s argument and explaining why it’s wrong. This is called the rebuttal and should come just before the conclusion in an opinion piece.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing tells a story.

It has a beginning, a middle and an end, and aims to engross the reader and make them feel as if they’re experiencing the story firsthand. Moreover, narrative writing covers a sequence of events, telling the reader how these events relate to one another.

Narrative Writing Prompts

• Think about a time in your life when you were disappointed. What caused this, and how did you get over it?
• Did you have a pet as a child? If so, tell the story of how you got it.
• Who’s your hero? What did they do to gain your respect and admiration?
• What was an important event in your childhood? Write about what happened and how it has affected you.
• Tell about a time you were embarrassed.
• How did you meet your significant other? Tell the story of that first meeting. (For younger students, you can ask the question, “How did your parents meet each other?”)
• When did you first think about traveling overseas to study English?
• What would the perfect day look like? Discuss how you would spend it from when you woke until you went to sleep. (Note: Your students need to use the conditional form for this narrative. Take time to review it with them before assigning this prompt.)
• Describe the life of a dollar bill, from when it comes off the printing press until it retires.
• Describe the life of someone famous in your culture. Where did they come from? How did they become famous?

Absolutely essential for narrative writing, transitions ensure the sequence of events flows smoothly. Before beginning the writing exercise, take a few minutes to review transition words and phrases with your students. You can even  give them a copy of this list  to help them get started.

Another important part of narrative writing is action words. Great for boosting the imagination, action words help the reader visualize the story while reading. Encourage your students to add extra color to their stories by having them brainstorm a list of action words at the beginning of the lesson.

Lastly, make sure that your students use proper verb tenses throughout their writing. Regardless of whether the story is being told in past or present tense, students must learn to keep the verb tense is consistent throughout the story without switching from past to present, or vice versa, unless talking about two different points in time.

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is all about writing the details, and mixing them in with sensory words and literary devices . While there’s definitely a stylistic component to descriptive writing, anyone with a good-sized vocabulary and a little bit of practice can write a vivid story.

Descriptive Writing Prompts

• Go to a coffee shop or restaurant and watch the people. Describe what you see.
• Write a travel brochure for your favorite vacation spot. Describe in detail why others should visit this location.
• Describe a classroom in your home country. How’s it different from our classroom?
• Think about a time you were scared. Describe where you were and what frightened you.
• Think of a scene in your favorite movie. Describe what happened without referencing characters in the movie.
• What’s something that is very valuable to you? Describe that object.
• Close your eyes. Tune in to what you can hear, smell and feel. Now open your eyes and write about what you observed.
• (First, have your students close their eyes, then play them a clip from a movie scene)  What did you picture as you listened to the scene?
• Describe your favorite Halloween candy, making note of how it tastes and smells.
• Describe your dream car.

The best way to help your students master descriptive writing is to get them accustomed to using sensory words —the words that describe how something looks, sounds, smells, feels and tastes.

If your students are describing a person, have them start at their head and move down to their feet, or vice versa. If they’re describing a room, have them start at the door and work their way around the room clockwise. That way, their descriptions are organized and structured, making it easier for the reader to form a clear picture of the imagery in their mind as they read.

Creative Writing

Everyone loves a good story, but not all people feel confident writing one of their own.

With a solid setting, character and conflict, anyone can come up with a gripping and exciting story—even your students.

Here are some writing prompts to get your students expressing themselves with stories.

Creative Writing Prompts

• A young boy sees what appears to be a UFO land outside his home late one Tuesday night. What happens next?
• Use the following scene for inspiration: The boat rocks as each towering wave tosses it into the air and then lets it plunge. You hang over the edge of the boat waiting for the current wave of nausea to pass. Suddenly you hear at least a dozen sets of boots running along the deck…
• The year is 1880, and a young girl whose bonnet hangs down her back from its strings sighs in relief. She’s in a ghost town. How did she get there? Tell the story of her past.
• This morning is just like any other school morning, except one thing: No one else is at school. The doors are opened and unlocked, but you’re completely alone. Write the story of what happened.
• Start a story with the following phrase: It was the worst mistake he’d ever made.
• Use the following scene for inspiration: She’d never seen an animal like this before, but it seems to be friendly. Just then a news alert comes over the radio…
• Start a story with the following phrase: He could see eyes in the shadows.
• Use the following scene as inspiration: They said I was free to leave, but sitting in a helicopter with the city beneath me, where could I really go?
• Choose a favorite character from a book or movie. Then put this character in a setting from a different movie or book—for example, Harry Potter finds himself on the Millennium Falcon with Chewbacca. Then, tell the story of what happens next.
• Have each person in class write down a setting, one character and one object on three separate slips of paper. Collect each category separately, shuffle them and redistribute the papers to your students. Each person must write a story incorporating the setting, character and object they received.

For a story to be successful, it needs three important elements: setting, character and conflict .

Take a few moments to talk about each of these elements with your students before they begin the activity. Have them think about these elements and how they’ll be presented in their own stories by asking the following questions:

• Where will the story take place?
• Who’s the main character of the story?
• What conflict will that person face?
• How will they overcome what is stopping them?

Once they can answer these essential questions, they’re ready to begin writing.

If you’re teaching beginner or intermediate students, separate the language from the story elements by having them write a story they already know. They can write a story of their favorite movie, rather than come up with a plot of their own.

Also, if your students are struggling to come up with their own stories, use comic books for inspiration . Writing comics is also a great way to give students writing practice without requiring imagination to go along with it.

Resources for Finding More Inspiring ESL Writing Prompts

Writer’s Digest

The  Writer’s Digest  website and magazine is full of tips and tricks for writing, interviews with authors, and insight into what it’s like to be in the writing business. The prompts section contains mostly fiction and creative writing prompts, and is updated every week with a new prompt.

Reddit is a huge community of people who love to share things they find around the Internet, and have conversations. The Writing Prompts section has some really creative ideas, and you can even see what other people have written in the comments.

Tumblr is a great place to find ideas. It’s a place where people can blog about whatever they want, but it’s more visual than most other blogs. (That means it focuses more on pictures.) The “Writing Prompts” Tumblr uses pictures to share prompts, both creative and nonfiction. There’s even one prompt for a song!

Lindsay Ann Learning

The prompts on this website are meant for school children, but they are excellent writing starters for any age. The page focuses on journal writing, so these prompts are mostly for nonfiction writing.

Language Is a Virus

The Writing Prompts Generator on this site has a huge number of ideas for fiction and nonfiction writing, which you can see one at a time. This website also has some fun  word games  to get you thinking and being creative.

This website has over 300 prompts for you to try. Just reading through the prompts will give you some new words to learn! Most of these prompts are for creative writing, but there are a small number of nonfiction thoughts in there too.

Writing Forward

This list of creative writing prompts has 25 story starters. Just pick a first sentence and see where the story takes you! There are also some questions and ideas to explore. When you’re done here, head over to the  Grammar section  for some tips from the pros.

Writing Prompts by 21×20 Media

Want to get your prompts in a phone-friendly format? Try the Writing Prompts app from 21×20 Media. It’s not free, but at just $1.99 you get hundreds of prompts organized by type. Look through pictures, place and character ideas, and much, much more.

Wrighting Words

You’ll find almost 500 creative writing prompts on Wrighting Words. The long list has everything from interesting story starters to fun with vocabulary words. There are even some titles and dialogue ideas. You’re sure to find something to inspire you here.

Pinterest has many great collections of writing ideas and exercises. You can really browse the entire website for ideas and inspiration. For some more focused writing, check out the Writing Picture Prompts board linked to above, which has nearly 400 picture prompts meant to inspire you.

Think Written

How about a prompt for each day of the year? Think Written has that. The list here focuses on words and themes, so you can write fiction or nonfiction—it’s up to you. For a real challenge, try following the list, doing one prompt every day. How far down the list can you make it?

Visual Prompts

If you prefer to see your prompts and not just read them, you will love the Visual Prompts website. Each prompt is written over a picture that can help you imagine what you’re writing about. There’s also a nice mix of creative and nonfiction prompts here.

The Write Prompts

The Write Prompts has almost 2,000 prompts, but you might find the word prompts the most useful. Each prompt comes with a list of vocabulary words that you have to use in your story. Can you string the words along and make an interesting story or essay?

Seventh Sanctum

The Seventh Sanctum is a collection of writing generators—websites that create prompts for you. There is a nearly  infinite  (never-ending) number of possible prompts! You can also try any of the other generators, like the  setting  (place) one , or the one that asks creative  “What if…?” questions . There is so much to play with here!

Buzzfeed is mostly known for its funny picture articles , but this article has an excellent list of prompts for all kinds of writing. These prompts can be used in a school, but they can also be used by adults. Some of these will get you feeling creative, and some will make you think. Have fun with both!

The Journal

The Journal is another website for nonfiction and blog writing ideas. There is even more here too—get ideas for writing your opinions about topics, your memoirs (writings about yourself), and free-writing, which is when you don’t stop writing for 10 or 15 minutes.

Education World

Education World is a website for teachers, so these prompts are meant for the classroom. This means that they will make you think, and each prompt has a helpful tip box with some ideas for what you can write on the topic.

These are just some of the ways to get your students thinking about how to fill the page with their thoughts and ideas. A list of writing prompts and a helpful teacher can go a long way in preventing writers’ block and helping students look at every empty page as an opportunity to express themselves.

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30 Writing Topics and Writing Prompts For ESL Students

When learning a new language like English, developing writing skills is essential. Many beginner ESL students find it difficult to write essays, especially if they have to come up with the essay topic themselves.

List Of ESL Writing Topics

Here is a list of ESL writing topics and writing prompts your students can write about.

Tips For Teaching ESL Writing

Error correction.

Although it is necessary to highlight and correct students’ errors, it can be quite demotivating for a student to only hear all the things they got wrong.

After correcting errors, give students an opportunity to re-write their essays and correct their mistakes. Once students have completed their final draft, be sure to let them know what you liked about their essay, and you can even share this praise with other students, teachers, and even the student’s parents.

Ask About Students’ Interests

A great way to encourage this is to ask about things students are interested in and then tailor the writing topic to them.

Provide Enough Writing Prompts

To help students write longer essays, be sure to give them enough writing prompts to cover the different aspects they should cover in their writing.

Structure The Essay

To help ESL students become better at writing in English, teach them a particular structure you would like them to follow when writing their essays.

Thanks for reading. I hope you found some useful ESL writing topics and writing prompts you can use in your next writing class. 

English Composition 1

Diagnostic essay: analysis of langston hughes' "salvation" (handout).

Tuesday, January 14 (by the end of the class period)

The Diagnostic Essay: Purpose and Expectations

The diagnostic essay allows me to offer you feedback on your writing at the beginning of the course. Completing the diagnostic essay is a required part of the course (the essay counts toward the number of essays that students must write in the course), but the diagnostic essay will not receive a grade. However, the diagnostic essay will be evaluated, with feedback that you can apply to your other essays. The diagnostic essay is a good way for you to receive feedback on your writing early in the semester without having to worry about a grade, and it also gives me an idea of how much you know about writing an essay at the beginning of the course. In fact, the essay is called "diagnostic" because it allows you to receive a "diagnosis" of your writing at the beginning of the course, a "diagnosis" being "a critical analysis of the nature of something." 

You will have at least two weeks to work on each of your graded essays, plenty of time to plan, pre-write, write, revise, and proofread, major aspects of the writing process that are vital to writing a good essay. However, you do not have as much time to write your diagnostic essay. I don't expect any literary masterpieces, but I will be looking for the basics:

• an introduction and conclusion,
• a thesis statement,
• relevant topic sentences,
• body paragraphs focused on one main idea each,
• a logical progression of ideas,
• ideas developed and supported with specific details,
• a clear presentation of your ideas,
• a formal writing style,
• sentences free or almost free from errors, and
• at least 500 words.

Don't worry if these expectations sound intimidating; just do the best that you can. You will read a lot of information about strengthening your writing throughout the semester.

The Assignment

In an essay, write an analysis and interpretation of Langston Hughes' "Salvation" that will help readers understand and appreciate the story.

You should assume that your audience has already read "Salvation," so you should not just summarize it. Instead, focus on writing an analysis and interpretation of the story. Your essay should help readers understand and appreciate the meaning conveyed by Hughes' story. Yes, we know what happens in the story, but what are we supposed to get out of it?

When you work on an essay, a good early step is to identify three or four major ideas that can be developed in your essay, with one major idea being the focus of each body paragraph. Begin each body paragraph with a statement of your main idea, and then in the rest of the paragraph, go into depth supporting and developing that idea with specific evidence from the story, including quotations.

You will need to decide on the main ideas for your other essays in the course. However, below are some questions that can help you come up with the major idea for each body paragraph of your essay on "Salvation." You could organize and develop your essay by answering the questions below in the body paragraphs of you essay.

• First body paragraph: How do Langston's aunt and some of the other older members of the community feel about the church revival?
• Second body paragraph: Why does Langston lie about being "saved" in the church?
• Third body paragraph: What does Langston seem to learn about himself, about people, or about life in this story?

You could use the questions above to help you organize and develop your essay, or you could come up with different ideas for your essay.

Your essay should be at least 500 words.

Using Quotations

You will need to use quotations from "Salvation" to help you support and develop your ideas, and every quotation should be integrated into one of your own sentences . In other words, you should make every quotation a part of one of your own sentences and should not have any quotation standing by itself in your essay. In some cases, you could simply put the narrator says or Langston thinks (followed by a comma) before quotations to make the quotations a part of your own sentences.

Preparing Your Essay

Your essay should be word processed and double spaced. Type your name, the instructor's name, your class, and the date in the upper left corner of the first page (as illustrated on The Proper Format for Essays web page), and give your essay a centered title (different from the title of the story).

When you are finished, please print your essay and turn it in.

Copyright Randy Rambo , 2020.