Words to Avoid and Why

Essays should be written as formally as possible (with exception to the specific purpose). This site offers a long list of things to be replaced in a formal essay.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/plague.htm

[What to Avoid in] Formal Writing and Speaking

note the difference between a speech and an essay
http://www.slideshare.net/pmunts/the-never-list

Purdue University Advice (and it's good advice!)

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/572/04/

Easy Essay Samples

This site has many very simple essays. Many of these essays do not follow the above mentioned rules... Why do you think this is?

http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/teachers/sample%20student%20essays/sample%20student%20essays.htm

Getting Started

fill in the blanks, super easy starter

http://theeasyessay.com/?pg=mini