Pearson Adult Learning Centre HomePearson Adult Learning Centre: Tips for Writers by Brad Hyde

 

editpaperEight Steps to A Successful Test Essay

This week, the Advanced Composition students worked with their teacher to write an essay on the following topic. We followed eight steps to produce an essay, "The Benefits of Daydreaming."

Topic:

1. Canadians generally condemn daydreaming as a waste of time. Do you agree with this view, or do you see some benefits of daydreaming? Discuss.

Step One:

Choose the topic. Read it carefully. Read it again. We decided that we needed to choose one side. The class vote was eight for daydreaming has benefits and seven for daydreaming is a waste of time.

Step Two:

Find a division of three for your ideas.

Planning our Ideas and Dividing into Three:

1. Aids creativity
2. Reduces stress.Helps usforget trouble. Relaxing 
3. Helps to avoid wasting time

Step Three:

Choose the order of the body. Then, write the first body paragraph. (in a 300-word essays a body paragraph is about 80 words and the introduction and conclusion are about 30 words each)

Step Four:

Write the body.

Step Five:

Write the conclusion. You will find a natural thesis when you do.

Step Six:

Write your introduction. We used the "concession" style of introduction where we admitted that many people think that daydreaming is not beneficial.

Step Seven:

Title. Be sure your title is interesting. Try to avoid titling that is too obvious or too likely the same as other students. We suggested three other titles for the essay:"Daydreaming? Why Not!" OR "Daydream Every Day" OR "Useful Daydreaming"

Step Eight:

If you have time, proofread.

The Benefits of Daydreaming

     Many people believe daydreaming is a big waste of time. They think that it is better to stay focussed and pay attention. But, daydreaming can help us avoid wasting time, keep us stress free and bring out our creativity.

      The first benefit to daydreaming is that it allows us to avoid wasting time when we are stuck in some situation. For example, when a student is listening to a boring teacher droning on about some dry subject, he can daydream to pass the time without falling asleep. Another way daydreaming avoids wasting time is when we get stuck in a traffic jam we can enjoy ourselves instead of increasing our blood pressure. So, don’t worry if you are caught somewhere, just daydream!

    Wasting time is not the only benefit to daydreaming; reducing stress is also a benefit from this favourite activity of ours. At the office, for example, when many workers are working very hard on an important project, a brief “brain break” can be helpful. After a daydream, the worker can go back to her work refreshed and ready to work hard again. Not only that, but the physical effects of a slower heart rate are also relaxing. Daydreaming reduces stress, so why not do it daily?

     If we do it daily, daydreaming may also lead us to more creativity. One way this works is when daydreaming we can release ourselves from our “inner boss.” We can be anyone we want and be anywhere. One time I was on the red carpet and everyone was there with me, watching and bringing me flowers. Another time, I finally realized the solution to one of the problems I was having. Being creative is one of the best reasons to daydream every day.

   To daydream allows us to use our time better, reduce the level of stress in our lives and add creativity to our daily activities. Besides, daydreaming is natural and happens whether we wish it or not, so why not relax and enjoy the ride!

 —335 words; first draft written by Brad Hyde with the assistance of the students in Advanced Composition.

 


(May 22, 2005)

 

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