ShmoopTube
Where Monty Python meets your 10th grade teacher.
Search Thousands of Shmoop Videos
English Videos 1712 videos
This video defines a primary source and what makes it different from a secondary source. What counts as original material? And where can we find th...
This video explains the difference between affect and effect and provide tips for remembering which is which and when to use each one. If you suffe...
Want even more deets on Question Marks? Click here to review. Or take a look at our entire grammar section for all the goods.
How to Ask Good Questions in an Essay 534 Views
Share It!
Description:
We like to say that the first step toward asking a good question is marinating in your thoughts. Uncle Bob's BBQ chicken isn't any good unless it has spent some time juicin' up—what makes you think your thoughts are any different?
Transcript
- 00:00
How to Ask Good Questions in an Essay a la Shmoop.
- 00:03
So youre writing an essay huh Ever wondered about what questions you should ask in
- 00:07
your essay Okay the first rule is dont lead with a question.
- 00:11
Like we just did This is one of those do as we say not as
- 00:15
we do situations.
Full Transcript
- 00:17
Beginning with a question would be starting off on the wrong foot. Its clich.
- 00:21
Like saying do as we say not as we do or starting off on the wrong foot.
- 00:26
The second rule is to not ask leading questions.
- 00:29
Or if were being blunt about it dont ask stupid questions.
- 00:33
Yes there are stupid questions and stupid answers.
- 00:36
Also make sure you stay on topic.
- 00:38
The last thing you want to do is confuse anybody with your bizarre jumps in logic.
- 00:43
Next if youre going to answer the question dont ask it. Its redundant.
- 00:47
Youll just be repeating yourself.
- 00:49
You can also ask a question after youve demonstrated your point of view.
- 00:53
Encourage the reader to think about the topic in a different way.
- 00:57
So questions are a great way to open up your essay topic for your readers
- 01:01
and encourage them to think about something differently.
- 01:04
One dont lead off with a question.
- 01:06
Two dont ask stupid questions. A.K.A. leading questions.
- 01:09
Two and a half stay on topic.
- 01:12
Three dont ask questions youre going to answer anyway.
- 01:15
Who knows Maybe someone will write their own essay about one of your questions.
- 01:19
You could be famous. Ish. NOTE end of file
Related Videos
This video defines a primary source and what makes it different from a secondary source. What counts as original material? And where can we find th...
This video offers some rules of thumb for writing a good introduction. It covers everything from tone (confidence is key!) to phrases and clichés...
Even the best essays can go wrong in the conclusion—this video covers what not to do in a conclusion to help avoid any essay-ending problems. The...
You want to be as picky with your citations as Goldilocks was with her porridge—not too many, not too few... juuust right. You want to prove that...
Want even more deets on wordiness? Click here to review. Or take a look at our entire grammar section for all the goods.