English Comp w/ Essay Question

[countrygirl]

Hello Everyone!

I'll be taking the English Comp with the Essay in a couple days, and I just had a few questions that I'm hoping you can help me with. Regarding the essay: is it best to add an intriguing title the essay or should I simply head into the intro?

My second question is, what tense is the best to write in? In my studies I have read that it is best to leave 1st person alone, and write pretty much all in 3rd person. Is that true? Also, if I choose one tense to write in, should I stick with that one tense throughout the entire essay?

Thanks so much!

[Chebasaz]

If you can come up with the intriguing title quickly, then no harm done. The danger is wasting valuable time on the title when it could be used on the essay content.

I use whatever tense the essay calls for. If it's asking for my opinion on something then I'll use first person. If not, third person is perfectly fine. Whatever tense you end up using; always stick with that tense throughout the essay. Switching tenses is one of the more common mistakes people make when writing and you will get points taken off for it.

Just from looking at your post, I don't think you'll have too hard of a time with this one. Good luck!

[countrygirl]

Thanks so much for your helpful advice Justin. Yes I definitely see your point about wasting time thinking up an interesting title. Since time is of the essence, I don't think I'll worry about coming up with a title.

And thanks for the helpful tips on what tense to use. Using whatever tense the essay question asks for makes total sense, and makes it easier as well.

Thanks again for your input! I take the test tomorrow... and am eager to see how it all goes!