What Shouldn't Be Lost in Essays refers to the critical elements that must be preserved to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of written work. These include:

1. Clarity: The essay should be clear and concise, avoiding ambiguity.

2. Relevance: All content should be directly related to the topic and purpose of the essay.

3. Evidence: Supporting evidence, such as data, quotes, and examples, should be included to strengthen arguments.

4. Argumentation: A logical structure and coherent argumentation are essential for persuasive essays.

5. Citations: Proper citation of sources is crucial to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to original authors.

The importance of these elements is underscored by data from the Modern Language Association (MLA), which reports that 36% of college students are cited for plagiarism each year (MLA, 2021). This highlights the need for students to understand and incorporate proper citation practices into their essays. Additionally, a study by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) found that students who engage in critical thinking and writing skills perform better academically (NSSE, 2019). This underscores the necessity of clarity, relevance, and argumentation in essays, as these skills are fundamental to effective communication and critical thinking.