A good essay(文章) must be both interesting and easy to understand. What makes an essay good or bad? I think the content itself plays the most important role.Then, the presentation of the content comes second.

　　The content of an essay means the subject or the topic. In a good essay, the content achieves two goals(完成兩個目標). First, it must be a topic of common interest. Second,all the points must be relevant and closely related to the topic.

　　Writers may choose a general topic or a more specific one. A general topic,like a discussion on air pollution, can be a boring topic if it merely touches here and there without any center of interest.On the other hand, it can be an attractive(吸引) and interesting topic if it brings the readers to the awareness(警覺) of the instant danger of air pollution, and at the same time arouses their interest in solving the problem by providing(假若) them with ample(廣大的) thought provoking suggestions. A more specific topic, like a discussion on computerization(電腦化), may involve(牽涉) lots of expert concepts and terminology(專門名詞).This topic can be both boring and difficult to comprehend(理解) if it just remains on the scientific level. However, it can be interesting and readable, even to housewives,if it focuses a bit more on the fields related to daily life. There is always a center of common interest in any topic. A good focus adds life to an essay!

　　After the topic is settled and the focus is on a centre of common interest,the emphasis(強調) should then go to the details of the content. All the points covered should be closely related and relevant to the focus of the topic. Any irrelevant(不恰當) material may distract(擾亂) the reader's attention. Sometimes these irrelevant points even confuse(混淆) the reader's line of thought. Thus, writers need to tailor(裁縫) their list of points so as to reach unity and purity. If every point of fact is tightly linked with the topic, the body of the essay will not look clumsy and bulky(笨拙及笨重的). As a result, a good chosen topic together with relevant contents lay a solid ground for a good essay.

　　The writing technique(技巧) is the second major factor that makes an essay good or bad. Good writing technique leads to a good presentation of the contents. Then,what makes a good presentation? In my opinion, a good presentation includes (a) a good start, (b) a good development,(c) a suitable variation(適合的變化) and (d) a good resolution.

　　What is a good start? A good start may be a topic sentence which allows room for development. Sometimes it raises a question or states a problem so that further discussion may follow. It may also be an exclamation(感嘆詞) that provokes a response(引起回答). Readers are usually motivated(促動) by a good start.

　　A development is the elaboration(細節與裝飾) and explanation(解釋) of the start. Very often a good start makes the development easy to establish(建立). At this stage, concepts and ideas are brought out logically and naturally(合理及自然). Major arguments(爭辯) also appear at this stage. A good development often forms a clear line of thought.

　　Variation(變化) means a change of direction. It can also refer to a climax. Sometimes it is necessary to highlight certain ideas or new directions which bring contrast to the established points. Variation is not a must but an entertaining(令人愉快) variation surely adds life and interest to the essay.

　　Finally, a good resolution means a good conclusion(結論) . It is usually a reinforcement of the central theme (主題) of the topic. It must also forge an agreement between the start and the development. Usually it serves as a summary of the whole essay. A good resolution helps the readers fix the established points and ideas. Perhaps it also invites(引起) further development or thought on the highlighted(顯著) ideas.

　　I conclude that attractive topics and good presentations make an essay interesting and well-liked.

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