1

Why write an essay?

The big idea — proving a point, and understanding the world through a story.

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2

Understand the Prompt

What is the question really asking you to prove?

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3

Theme & Big Idea

Move from a topic to a deeper meaning.

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4

Thesis: What / How / Why

Make a clear, arguable claim.

20-Q drill

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5

Plan it (MECE)

Turn the thesis into 2–4 distinct, gap-free points.

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6

Choosing Evidence

Pick quotes that are relevant, specific, and rich.

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7

Integrating Quotes

Embed quotes with evidence clauses + citations.

20-Q drill

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8

Analyze, Don't Summarize

Explain what the evidence reveals — not what happened.

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9

Body Paragraph (C-E-A-L)

Claim → Evidence → Analysis → Link (with two quotes).

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10

Counterargument & Complexity

Concede a fair objection, then pivot and rebut.

20-Q drill

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11

Transitions

Connect paragraphs so the argument moves forward.

20-Q drill

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12

Introduction

Hook → Bridge → Thesis (the funnel).

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13

Conclusion

Restate → Recap → the real-world "so what".

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14

Style & Sentence Craft

Strong verbs, precise words, and sentence variety.

20-Q drill

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15

Revise Like a Pro

Clarity, depth, flow, correctness.

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16

Formatting & Conventions

Titles, italics vs quotes, present tense, citations.

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📄

A Full Model Essay

One complete, labeled essay to study (annotated ↔ plain).

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🏆

Essay Workshop (capstone)

Paste any essay — Fred coaches thesis, evidence, analysis, MLA & conclusion, shows an improved version, and saves your drafts.

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AP

AP English Language

Rhetorical analysis, synthesis and argument, 12 steps to a timed FRQ. Now its own track.

20-Q drill

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AP

AP English Literature

Poetry, prose fiction and the open argument, 12 steps to a timed FRQ.

20-Q drill

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16 skills · 4 drills · 1 model essay · 1 capstone — all with Fred, about the book you're reading.