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Written Essays
What is it? 
An essay is a short piece of writing that usually addresses a topic from the authors personal perspective.
Along with a title and a thesis statement, an essay has three main parts: a beginning, or introduction; a middle, or body; and an ending, or conclusion.
Written Essays
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Assessment:
- Can provide an instructor with feedback.
- Can show an instructor where gaps in learning may be occurring.
- Requires students to go through a specific writing process.
- Allows students to show mastery of a specific subject, topic, or concept.
- Shows writing skills.
Student Participation:
- Allows students to organize thoughts on paper.
- Provide a medium for students to explore ideas that may not normally be covered in the scope of a class or topic.
- Provide an opportunity for students to voice opinions or thoughts they may not be willing to express verbally.
Written Essays
Can I see an example?
View an example of an essay entitled: The Philosophical Principles of Cultural Relativism.
Written Essays
How do I get started?
- An essay has three main parts: a beginning, or introduction; a middle, or body; and an ending, or conclusion.
- When assigning a written essay it is important to include a rubric to establish what the student must demonstrate in their paper.
- In an online environment written essays can be assigned and evaluated using:
- Blogs
- Discussion Boards
- Digital Drop Boxes (Available in most Learning Management Systems)
- E-Learning at UF
- E-Mails
- Rubrics
- SWoRD
- Webpages
Written Essays
Where can I learn more?
- Wikipedia - Essay: Detailed definition and examples of essays.
- Wikipedia Essays: A listing of essays in Wikipedia.
- Essay Types: An explanation and guide to different kinds of essays.
- Essay Writing Guide: A guide to writing essays in communications and media studies.
For information on tools available to assign and evaluate Written Essays visit:
- Blogs
- Discussion Boards
- Digital Drop Boxes (Available in most Learning Management Systems)
- E-Learning at UF
- E-Mails
- Rubrics
- SWoRD
- Webpages
