Steps To English Composition Simple Essays Book 3

The object of this little book is to supply students with a number of model essays and letters on a variety of subjects. Example is better than precept; and the best way to teach a pupil the art of essay-writing and letter-writing is to show him by examples how it is done. No amount of theory can take the place of practice; and the inclusion of rules of composition will have little effect upon the pupil's mind, unless he is shown by reliable models how these rules can be carried out. The careful study of a few model essays will give him more insight into the art of essay-writing than any number of lessons on the theory. The subjects which can be set for essay-writing are practically unlimited in number; and it is impossible for any to learn by heart essays to fit them all.

For another, subjects can be classified; and cramming can be avoided by giving the pupils a model essay or letter exemplifying one class of subjects, and then setting them exercises on different subjects in the same class. For example, an essay on the Elephant can be explained by the teacher and studied by the class as a model; and then the pupils can be set to write essays on similar lines on such subjects as the Camel, the Horse, the Dog, etc. In this case, the pupils will have been shown by an example how such a subject can be treated; at the same time, any temptation to cramming will have been avoided, for the learning by heart of the essay on the Elephant will be of no use in writing one on the Camel.