Essay Desk

Longer pieces, one at a time

Rules

Weak thesis, list structure, repetition, and unsupported claim problems

Essay structure problems guide for weak theses, list organization, repeated points, unsupported claims, quote dumps, false transitions, broad openings, and endings.

  1. Argument map and claim-strength checklist

    Maintenance

  2. Argumentative essay guide: claims, reasons, warrants, and limits

    Guides

  3. How to build a personal essay from one consequential moment

    Guides

  4. How to build a claim-evidence-source note system

    Guides

  5. How to close-read an image, scene, song, or designed object

    Guides

  6. Cultural criticism evidence and context checklist

    Maintenance

  7. Cultural criticism guide: object, context, interpretation, and stakes

    Guides

  8. Essay planning, drafting, and structural review checklist

    Maintenance

  9. Essay research guide: questions, search paths, notes, and source judgment

    Guides

  10. Expository, analytical, argumentative, and reflective essays compared

    Reviews

  11. Essay writing fundamentals: question, thesis, structure, and evidence

    Guides

  12. Memoir, personal essay, diary, and autofiction compared

    Reviews

  13. Personal essay guide: scene, reflection, memory, and ethical limits

    Guides

  14. Personal narrative truth, privacy, and consent checklist

    Maintenance

  15. Deduction, induction, analogy, and causal reasoning compared

    Reviews

  16. Research trail, quotation, paraphrase, and citation checklist

    Maintenance

  17. Review, close reading, cultural essay, and reported criticism compared

    Reviews

  18. Primary, secondary, reference, and commentary sources compared

    Reviews

  19. How to turn a broad topic into a workable essay question

    Guides

  20. How to write a fair counterargument and useful response

    Guides