Chapter 1
Fundamentals of Critical Thinking and Essay Preparation
Course: Gre
Subject: Gre Analytical Writing
Chapter: Developing Body Paragraphs Organization And Transitions
Introduction: The Myth of Instant Genius
Ernest Hemingway wrote his first novel without ever having written anything before. Steven Spielberg directed his first Hollywood film without ever having touched a camera. These statements sound impressive, but they are entirely false. Great creative geniuses achieve mastery through countless hours of dedicated practice, persistent refinement, and gradual skill development.
While few writers aspire to become transcendent masters of the essay form, many seek to achieve more modest goals: earning a strong grade in an English course, demonstrating proficiency to test out of a required class, or developing confidence in written communication. These goals, too, require deliberate practice and systematic skill development.
This lesson explores how to practice essay writing effectively, evaluate one's own strengths and weaknesses, and build skills progressively without the benefit of a personal writing instructor providing constant feedback.