Essay Writing

Essay Writing


The Essay Writing Process


  • First think about the question.

  • What do the key instruction words mean?

  • What content is required?


  • Next, plan your answer.

  • Jot down ideas and key points in logical order.

  • These points will become the skeleton of the finished essay.


  • Now think about evidence for each of these points.

  • Can you support or illustrate them with examples?

  • Jot down a few additional supporting details.


  • Then, write your introduction in one or two paragraphs.

  • Remember this should introduce and overview the whole question.

  • Its style is important as it sets the tone for the rest of the essay and makes the reader want to read further.


  • Next, build up each planned point into a paragraph.

  • Add 'flesh' (details, evidence, examples, comparisons) to that skeleton.

  • Remember to be grammatical, formal, 'un-waffly' and concise.

  • Think about literary style carefully.


  • Finally, having presented your key points, come back to the question as a whole and sum up your argument in a concluding paragraph.

  • What was the most important point?

  • What do you think about the question?


  • Now, if you've got some time, revise your essay.


A Well Written Paragraph

  • Should contain a topic sentence which expresses the main idea of the paragraph.

  • This first sentence should flow on from the previous paragraph.

  • The rest of the paragraph should contain further relevant information and examples that support the main idea.


The revision process

  • Go over your last draft with a red pen. Alternatively, discuss it with a fellow student, a parent or a teacher.

  • Tidy up grammar, spelling and punctuation.

  • Have you chosen effective words and phrases? Eliminate extra words or 'padding'.

  • Eliminate irrelevant content. Does your essay answer the question set?

  • Check sentences and paragraphs are carefully constructed and organised.

  • Are your essay's ideas clear and logical?

  • Does your essay show originality of thought?

  • Your teacher may have given you a list of the criteria on which your essay will be marked. Examine these. Does your essay measure up? Think about what particular skills you find most difficult.

  • Remember - although going through this process every time you write an essay may seem time consuming, it will soon pay dividends. The secret of successful essay writing is practice.


A Good Essay

  • Has an impact on the reader

  • Presents a fresh or new approach to an issue

  • Has a clear purpose

  • Is supported by strong arguments

  • Has correct spelling, punctuation and sentence structure