Writing is one of the few skills that can be challenging to teach in the classroom. However, it can also be challenging for some of us on Steemit to figure out what to write or how to write. In this article, I will go through a few techniques on how you can generate an essay or an article for Steemit quick. On the other hand, if you are a teacher, I hope this methods will help you teach your students write better essays faster.
So, let us begin!
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Free writing
The concept of free writing varies according to teacher and writer. One method that I've found particularly effective is by writing anything and everything that comes to mind. By writing anything that comes to mind, you will be able to generate random thoughts that can form the thesis of your essay. What this means is that you will be able to form the core ideas that will form the foundation of your essay.
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In the classroom : This can be conducted by allowing the children to write at random what they want. This should form the first 10 minutes of the lesson as you don't want the students getting too lost in their thoughts. After this is done, your students should have at least 2-5 random ideas. Do take note that random ideas must be written in full sentences. Ask the students to pick one idea and proceed with building their essay.
For writing : If you are a writer on Steemit, the hardest part is starting, start penning your ideas down, you'll be surprised on how random ideas can be developed into full articles. Of course, your ideas should be in full sentences instead of just words. Of course, this may not be enough to break through one's writer's block. As such, we go to the next idea.
Problem-Solution-Why/How
The problem-solution-why/how (PSWH) method can be used to complement the free writing method. This is when you are unable to complete a full essay even after coming out with a random idea. This starts off by taking the random idea and associating a problem with it, come up with a solution and explain as to why or how the solution is the best solution. It is important that each problem, solution and why/how should form a paragraph of the essay.
An example is the random idea of "I should eat home more often." Next, ask yourself, why is eating home less a problem? Perhaps the answer is the cost of eating out or that it is healthier. This will form the basis to your solution. This can encompass bulk buying groceries or buying only organic products. After that, you can justify why this is a good idea or how this can be achieved.
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In the classroom : The teacher can use this method as a follow-up to the free writing exercise. Alternatively, the teacher can provide a problem that is linked to the lesson objectives. The PSWH method can then be used as a framework for writing an essay.
For writing : Your ideas generated via free writing or even any problem at all can be used with the PSWH method. If length is a concern and you really want to write a long article, do consider adding one or two experiences to supplement your problem, solution or the why/how.
Point-Elaboration-Example
The Point-Elaboration-Example or PEE is a great way to help students expand on ideas. I find that some students have problems expanding on their ideas, resulting in an essay that can be rather shallow. If you are writing on Steemit, using PEE may help you drive your point home further better.
In classroom : In the classroom, the teacher can use PEE for essays such as expository or argumentative essays. The teacher can use this to form a framework that can be used as practice for students. I find this especially effective training students to write in exams, as this is akin to a formula that they can use to write.
For writers : If you are trying to write an article on why you should invest in Bitcoin instead of other cryptocurrencies, PEE would be a great framework to help you formulate your article.
I hope you have fun with PEE =)
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Final thoughts
I hope this article has been helpful if you are either a teacher or a writer. All these methods are methods that I have experimented with in the classroom, as a writer or as a postgraduate student. Do let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if there is anything that I can improve upon.