Writing Essays that Shock Readers

The process of writing essays should be an enjoyable one. The form was originally intended as a means of exploring ideas to see where they would lead in hopes of finding something interesting to say. The old method of writing essays on an assigned subject is, frankly, quite boring, and of little ultimate worth to both reader and writer. If you are going to write, then write something worthy of the reader's attention.

When writing essays, don't be afraid to begin with a difficult topic. Readers will identify with your struggles. Chances are they have many of the same questions as you, and will enjoy following your thought process, even if you don't arrive at the most satisfying conclusion. Just ask the interesting questions. Do you wonder why socially maladjusted teens resort to violence? Or whether replacing cashiers with machines is really good for the economy? Or perhaps you can't decide whether downloading pirated music is wrong, and whether people who do so should be punished. These subjects are perfect when writing essays. You may not know the answers, but most readers will be curious about your opinions. An essay on "Why juggling flaming torches is a viable profession" is going to be way more interesting that what you did on your last summer vacation.

Feel free to take a controversial stance when writing essays. Some of the most enjoyable and engaging works are those that challenge existing beliefs and assumptions. Be honest, and don't be afraid to tell the truth as you see it. Writing essays is about having fun and shedding some new light on difficult issues. Opinions, even those the majority would not favor, are great material.

Don't worry too much about formal structure when writing essays. You shouldn't sacrifice the reader's attention just to follow some intro-body-conclusion structure. Such a structure was fine when writing essays for grade school, but there comes a time to break out of that structure and put the focus on the content. Order your words in whatever manner will keep the reader engaged, and shed new light on your topic.

If you feel a bit timid when writing essays, just look to the past. Jonathan Swift's famous essay "A Modest Proposal" probably ruffled a few feathers, but it also gained him a reputation as one of the greatest essay writers of all time. The essay is a perfect form for rebels and rule breakers. Strong messages and original ideas may stir up controversy, but they will also change history.

Remember these guidelines when writing essays and the process will be a lot more enjoyable for both you and your readers.