An essay is a piece of writing that communicates information and ideas in a well organized, coherent manner. It typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs (each discussing a main point), and a conclusion. While essays are often written in response to specific questions, they can also be used as an opportunity to express personal opinions, beliefs, and logical connections. Essays are an essential part of college and university curriculum, and writing them well requires considerable thought, research, time and effort.
Analyze the Question: Ensure that you have fully understood the essay prompt and what is being asked of you. This will help you respond appropriately and develop your arguments.
Write an Outline: Creating an outline is a great way to ensure your essay will have a clear structure and flow. It can also be helpful for outlining how you will answer the essay question and identify key sources for your argument.
Begin Writing: Starting is the hardest part! Once you’ve overcome Blank Page Syndrome, it’s time to begin the actual writing process. It is recommended that you start the essay by writing an introductory paragraph that captures the reader’s attention. This can be done by using a hook such as a relevant quotation, a shocking statistic, or a compelling argument. The introductory paragraph should also include your thesis statement if necessary.
The Body of the Essay
The body of your essay is where you’ll make your arguments and support them with evidence and analysis. This section can consist of one or more paragraphs depending on the topic and length of your essay. Your supporting ideas should be presented in a logical order that is based on their strength and relevance to your argument. Typically, the strongest ideas should go first and the weaker ones last.
A good essay will conclude with a restatement of your thesis and a summary of the evidence you’ve provided. It will also include a brief discussion about future possibilities or directions based on your conclusion. Finally, the essay will conclude with a Works Cited list if applicable.
