It is said that teaching is the best way to learn. Once we learn something new, if we take the time to explain it to someone else, it forces us to clarify our thinking. It also shows us where we might be unclear or have gaps in our understanding. So where do mini essays come in?
Mini essays are short essays that focus on a single idea such as ‘decision fatigue’. Rather that being a full treatment of a subject, the mini essay only addresses the one idea. We use the essay to explain to someone else the new thing that we’ve learned. In so doing, we clarify our understanding of the idea.
So, how do we write these essays? They should be written in the standard form. The first paragraph will introduce the idea. Then we move into the body of essay where we will consider one to five points related to the idea. Then, finally the conclusion that will explain why the idea has merit.
As mentioned, these essays should be short, between 100 – 400 words long. Longer is not necessarily better. You should try to make your point as briefly as possible, don’t follow the pattern of the journal youtubers whose ‘simple planning system’ takes 45 minutes to watch.
Finally, we do want to publish our work. There are many platforms such as wordpress or medium where you can publish your work. This will help you to build a body of works you can use to build larger works in the future. You’ll also be able to see how your think clarifies over time and your voice becomes more fixed.
So, in conclusions, those of use who want to be known as writers, just need to write. Mini essays give the practice we need to truly improve our thinking, writing, and style. It will help us to express ourselves more clearly.
This essay is based on the following inspiration:
https://youtu.be/N4YjXJVzoZY?si=7Aplu2teL1QwqCx1
