How to Write an Essay

Writing an essay can be irksome because most of us do not know the simple rules of essay writing. So, let us make it easier for you by starting with the very basics, which are commonly known as well. Now, every essay has the following three parts:

1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion

A sound balance and consistent flow should be maintained in these three essential components of an essay. But, what we really need to know is how to write an essay that leaves an impression on the reader and also what steps are to be taken to make it easier for us to write an essay. Below are a few points that can be followed in sequence to get the desired results.

Introduction, Body & Conclusion: Getting Them Right!

Essay Introduction: The introduction should grab your reader’s attention. It should be very interesting or intriguing. You might write an interesting fact, a surprising piece of information, an exciting quotation or a provocative question. After gaining the desired attention, jump to the main issue. Introduction should lead toward the thesis statement.

Essay Body: Each paragraph should have a particular focus to it. Start a paragraph with a topic sentence. Develop ideas to further support the topic sentence. Give examples, state causes and effects, comparisons and contrasts etc. One paragraph should have one topic, rather than three or four.

Essay Conclusion: Keep your conclusion short. Summarize your ideas in a fresh way and make an elegant exit. Do not restate your thesis; rather write something that makes the reader think about your essay for a while. To leave an impression, try giving a thought provoking question, stating what action needs to be done, ending on an interesting twist of thought etc.

Basic Tips for Essay Writing

Research: It is not possible to write intelligently about a topic, one doesn’t know much about. Spend considerable amount of time in reading and gathering information about the topic assigned. Use variety of sources i.e. internet, academic database and libraries. Keep taking notes and don’t forget to write down the correct references.

Brainstorming: Now that you have enough research, task is to look for something original to say about the topic. To do that you should try to define the problem, write down questions challenging your main idea, look for evidences and try to reason with yourself, look out for any biases that you might have, identify assumptions and lose them. Remember a simple tip that any argument is incomplete without either one of the following:

1. Claim
2. Reasons for that claim

Thesis Statement: After researching and brainstorming copiously, its time to produce a polished thesis statement that will shape your essay. It should be ‘specific’ and ‘arguable’. For instance if you cannot say anything against your thesis, it’s a fact not a thesis.

Outline: Write down a brief outline for yourself before starting the essay. It’s like a blueprint for a building. Mention all the points you would like to write in your essay e.g. what would you write in the paragraphs and in what order, how would you like to end it etc.

Proof reading: Read your essay again and again and look for clarity of concepts. Avoid personal references e.g. ‘I think’ or ‘I believe’ etc. Check your write up for any grammatical errors. Maintain a level of formality and avoid emotionalism. Make sure the essay has been proofread couple of times before you submit it.