Essay writing

Essay writing

Essay Planning

  • Understand the purpose of the essay. Is it to explain a concept, argue a point, or analyse a text?
  • Identify the central argument or thesis that you need to develop throughout the essay.
  • Carry out effective research. Look for reliable sources that can provide evidence or ideas to back your thesis.
  • Plan your structure. Each paragraph should generally introduce a new point that supports your argument.

Introduction

  • Start with a grabbing statement to intrigue your readers.
  • Introduce the topic in brief without going into too many details.
  • Clearly state your thesis or main argument.
  • Provide an overview of the points you’re going to raise in support of your argument.

Main Body Paragraphs

  • Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to introduce the point you’ll discuss.
  • Provide evidence or examples to support your point. Remember to reference your sources to avoid plagiarism.
  • Explain how the evidence or example backs your point, making sure you’re always linking back to your thesis.
  • Use transitional phrases to maintain the flow and coherence between the paragraphs.

Conclusion

  • Restate your thesis statement in a new light given the evidence you’ve discussed.
  • Summarise each main point but avoid repeating your words exactly. Your conclusion should provide a fresh perspective on your points.
  • End with a strong, conclusive statement that sticks with the reader. This could be an interesting fact, an important implication of your argument, or a call to action.

Revision and Proofreading

  • Look for typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes.
  • Review the flow and coherence of your essay. Check that your points follow one another logically.
  • Ensure that each paragraph has a clear purpose and that it supports your overall thesis.
  • Check your references and citations to make sure they’re accurate.

Remember that the art of essay writing involves presenting your ideas in a clear, logical, and engaging manner. Practice writing on a variety of topics to enhance your skills. Soon, you’ll find it easier to form strong arguments and express them effectively.