How to Write a Good GP Essay
A GP essay is better known as a "general paper." Unlike the typical five-paragraph essays students typically write in high school, the GP is a more sophisticated paper in which students demonstrate to their professors how well they can choose a relevant topic and discuss it effectively and authoritatively. Depending on the professor and the type of paper---for example, a general research paper---students will have to follow certain guidelines, such as MLA or APA style. The MLA and APA manuals have tips on preferred format and style and instruct students on how to properly cite sources.
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Instructions
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Choose a Topic, Know Your Audience
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Sometimes, depending on the class and the professor, your professor will give you a topic or "prompt" on which to focus your paper. There are times, however, when you will have to choose a topic on your own. In these cases, avoid topics that are too general, and stick with topics you can effectively and authoritatively discuss in a few pages. Ask your professor what he expects you to accomplish in your GP. Determine whether you are giving information or arguing a point.
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Decide what you know and don't know about your topic, and do some research so you can be ready to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, much like a journalist must do when writing an article. If you are arguing a point, consider your opposition. Ask yourself how you might write your paper from the opposite perspective to help strengthen your position.
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Determine whether you are using outside sources, and rather than quoting from them extensively, summarize information and use it as evidence to support your paper. Showcase your analytical skills by breaking down information into parts and demonstrate your synthesizing skills by connecting the ideas presented in your outside sources to the ideas you are presenting in your paper.
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Your professor is a key part of your audience but so are your fellow students. As a college student, you form part of a community of scholars that includes faculty and students. They are your audience, so always pick topics that are relevant to them. Do not write solely for your professor, and never claim to agree with something you don't just because you believe that's what your professor wants to hear.
Structure
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Do not take your GP's title for granted. Choose an informative title that lets your readers know exactly what you will be writing about. Don't shy away from lengthier titles. Avoid choosing titles that are too general or vague.
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The introduction is your paper's hook. In this first paragraph you want to declare your argument, or thesis statement, clearly. The thesis statement is what your paper is about, or the paper's main idea. Prepare your readers for what to expect in the rest of the paper by briefly outlining some of the evidence and counter-evidence you will present in the supporting paragraphs to support your thesis.
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Present support for your thesis in your GP's body. Summarize outside sources and provide analysis by breaking down information into evidence that proves your paper's point. Synthesize information by showing readers connections between ideas. Each supporting paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, which is like a mini-thesis statement. Topic sentences let readers know what each paragraph is about.
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The conclusion is probably the most difficult paragraph to write. In it you should reiterate your thesis and summarize your paper without merely repeating yourself. Acknowledge opposing viewpoints to demonstrate how you've proved them wrong, much like a lawyer would in court during closing arguments. Make your audience feel as if your paper has successfully presented familiar information from a perspective they never considered before.
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If you used outside sources for your paper, you must provide a "Works Cited" page. In it you will list the titles of the sources you used, as well as pertinent information, such as author names and publisher information. Depending on your professor's instructions, you will follow the format dictated in either the APA or MLA manuals. Both show the preferred order in which you will list your source information.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are arguing a point about which you are especially passionate, remain level-headed and supply facts to support your opinions to avoid coming across as preachy.
Don't overuse "I" and "you" in any academic papers.
Be mindful of gendered pronouns, and avoid using only "he" or only "she."
Proofread your work and avoid grammatical and stylistic errors.
References
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