Minutes a day n e w y o r k

Criticize: express your judgment about the strengths and weaknesses of your topic, and draw conclusions
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Evaluate: assess the topic based on its strengths and weaknesses, drawing conclusions
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Justify: defend or uphold your position on the topic, using convincing evidence
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Prove: confirm or verify that something is real or true using evidence, examples, and sound reasoning
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The scorers of every type of timed essay agree on one significant point: You must support your essay with details,
examples, and evidence. Not only will they strengthen your argument, but they will make your writing come alive.
Common advice for essay exam takers is to include at least one sentence in each paragraph that begins with
the words For example. Compare these sentences:
High school seniors should be allowed open campuses, on which they can arrive in time for their first class, leave
during free periods, and come back to school for their other classes. There is no reason to treat high school sen-
iors like children by making them stay in school all day when they don’t have classes to attend all day. Seniors
can handle the extra responsibility.
High school seniors should be allowed open campuses, on which they can arrive in time for their first class, leave
during free periods, and come back to school for their other classes. Seniors are given freedom and responsi-
bility in many other areas of their lives; for example, the ability to drive a car. Seniors are also permitted to vote,
and to prepare for their futures through the college admissions process or vocational training.
The first example uses generalizations and unsubstantiated claims (“no reason to treat [them] . . . ,” “can handle
the extra responsibility”), which weaken the argument. The second uses evidence, such as the responsibility of
driving and voting, to make the case for open campuses. Remember to back up what you say with evidence,
details, and other types of examples.