Here’s a poetic transformation of each principle of composition writing. A composition that evokes empathy in the reader is rarely off the mark. (Here’s the PDF)

To write, first find your heart’s clear flame—
the central thought, the guiding name.
A single truth your words shall chase,
the thesis set, the soul in place.

Then shape your thoughts like stars align,
a map of meaning, clear design.
Intro, body, close the scroll—
each part a piece to make it whole.

Begin not bland, but bold and bright,
a spark that turns the mind to light.
A first line sharp, or strange, or sly—
a hook to catch the reader’s eye.

Let every section boldly start,
a sentence strong, a beating heart.
Each topic leads, each thought takes flight,
to guide the reader through the night.

The body grows from seeds you sow,
where thoughts once hinted start to grow.
Each paragraph, a garden bed—
ideas now bloom where once they bled.

Support your thoughts with truth and care,
with details rich and examples rare.
Paint scenes in words, with color, sound—
bring facts to life and ground to ground.

At last, look on, past what has been,
and shape a glimpse of what might win.
Your final line—horizons wide—
a dawn that waits beyond the tide.

Use verbs that leap, that burn, that fly,
not “could” or “might” or “maybe” shy.
Let your opinion wear its crown—
a voice that speaks, not backing down.

No need to bow, no need to bend—
your view’s a stance, not to defend.
No “sorry” footnotes in your song—
your truth belongs, and it belongs.

And please don’t chase your native ghost,
for word-for-word will fail you most.
Instead, let English be your dance—
its rhythm, tone, your second chance.

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Here’s the less poetic version

• Choose the central idea, or thesis, of your essay.
• Outline your essay into introductory, body and summary paragraphs
• The introductory paragraph begins with an interesting sentence.
• Use one sentence to introduce every body paragraph to follow (a topic sentence)
• In each of the body paragraphs (usually two or three) the ideas first presented in the introductory paragraph are developed.
• Develop your body paragraphs by giving detailed information and examples.
• Your final statement can be a future prediction based on what you have shown in the essay
• Use strong verbs and avoid modals to state your opinion.
• Do not apologize for what you are saying. An essay is about your opinion.
• Do not translate from your mother tongue, it will quickly get you into trouble!

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A poetic transformation of advice about writing a composition

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