When writing an essay, it is important to keep your essay structured. The structure of an essay typically consists of an introduction, body and conclusion. This makes it easy to follow and understand. It also helps to make sure that all of your ideas are organized and presented in a clear manner. In addition, a well-structured essay will include evidence and reasoning. Evidence consists of specific examples, facts, quotations and statistics. Reasoning connects your evidence to your argument and includes referencing and evaluating scholarship on the topic.

When you are unsure about how to write an article, try using brainstorming techniques. For example, you can use a mind map or a clustering exercise to develop your idea. This will help you to recognize connections between different facets of your essay and will help you to come up with an effective essay topic. Once you have your essay topic, you should choose a position and line of argument on the topic. This will be the central theme that the rest of your essay will work towards. For example, if your essay is about the role of light in Gothic cathedrals, you might argue that the use of light physically embodied the significance of the priest in medieval theology.

An essay aims to present an argument or point of view about a particular issue, but it is also often used as a tool for personal exploration and expression. The essay is often a form of creative writing, but it can also be a formal piece of research or academic writing. Regardless of its purpose, an essay should always present a logical and coherent narrative.

The first paragraph of an essay is the introduction, which should introduce the reader to the topic and outlines the direction that your essay will take. It is important to give this section adequate attention as it will set the tone for the rest of the essay. It is also important to provide enough background information so that the reader will understand your position and your evidence.

A concluding paragraph will summarize your main points and bring your essay to a close. The conclusion should be no more than a paragraph in length and should provide an answer, where possible, to the question posed in the title of your essay. It should also explain how you reached this conclusion. Finally, it is helpful to reread your essay before you submit it. This will ensure that your conclusion is a good closure to your essay and that it supports your thesis statement.

When citing sources, it is necessary to provide complete bibliographic information for all your sources. This includes the full title of the source, the author’s last name and first initials, the journal or periodical’s name, publication date, and the volume and issue number if applicable.

If you are unsure about how to format your essay or citations, consult a tutor or book an appointment with a learning adviser. It is also a good idea to leave your essay aside for a few days so that you can return to it with fresh eyes.