An essay is a piece of written work that is designed to present an argument or idea. An essay is often used in academic settings to test students ability to analyse, discuss and present a topic.
The essay structure consists of the introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction should introduce the essay and give the reader an insight into the main point of your essay. This is followed by the body which is where you will expand on your ideas and arguments. Finally, the conclusion should wrap up the essay and make a final statement on the topic or theme.
Essays are common assignments for school students and can range in subject matter and complexity. They may require the use of primary and secondary sources or they may be completely original. No matter what the assignment is, the basic principles of writing an effective essay are the same. The essay must be clearly organised, have a compelling argument and be presented in a professional manner.
Step 1 – Analyse the question
Before you begin, it is important to fully understand the question that you are being asked. To do this, read the question several times and consider what you are being asked to respond to. This will help you to decide what your response is going to be and the best way of getting there.
Step 2 – Research
During the research stage, it is essential to gather all the necessary information and evidence that will support your argument. The type of research you conduct will depend on the subject of your essay. For example, if your essay is on the Wright Brothers, you would want to find out as much as possible about their lives and achievements to be able to write an effective essay on how they changed history.
It is essential to ensure that your research is well referenced, allowing you to credit all of your sources. It is also a good idea to run a plagiarism check to ensure that you are not duplicating the words of anyone else. The format of how your research is cited will also depend on the subject, the style guide you are using (MLA, APA or Chicago) and the level of research required for your essay.
