Essays

Steps for Writing an Essay

Regardless of topic, the eight steps below will help you write an essay and are also applicable to a broad range of writing tasks.

Research your topic well. Learn all you can about your topic using as many sources as possible. Using the Internet is a good way to start, but remember other resources that may be available such as professional publications or experts in your field will provide a different perspective.

• Analyze other essays on your topic and the arguments they present. Look at the evidence other authors present in support of their thesis and how they construct their arguments.

• Choose a thesis. Your thesis is your main point. You should be able to summarize your thesis in one clear and concise sentence.

• Outline your essay. Map out the structure of your argument and how the evidence can best be presented. Each paragraph should describe one idea or concept that support your thesis. Use bullet points or brief sentences to describe each paragraph and take some time to experiment with their order.

• Introduce your essay with a paragraph that summarizes your topic, grabs the reader's attention and sets the stage for your argument.

• Create paragraphs that focus on a single idea or concept, beginning with a topic sentence.

• Conclude your essay with a summary paragraph or statement that contains the most important thought you want your reader to understand and remember.

• Proofread your work! Don’t rely on spell-check to do your work for you. It’s even better if you can get someone else to read your essay before you present it as finished - your audience should be drawn into your subject with your essay’s title and understand your main point in the first paragraph. Make sure your grammar and punctuation are correct and that the paragraphs present your argument in the way you want them to.

Remember, format your essay according to the guidelines provided and cite borrowed ideas and quotations correctly in the body of the essay and in a reference list at its end.

This list was informed by the American University in Cairo’s Ten Steps to Writing an Essay.

Essay Checklist

I. Analysis

• • Who is the target audience?

  • What is the focus of your essay?

  • What are the submission guidelines?

II. Evaluation

Content

• • • Do you know your topic well? Have you researched the topic and included all stakeholder perspectives, both pro and con?

    • Is your thesis clearly stated? Can you summarize it in one concise, clear statement?

    • Have you credited all of your sources according to the style required by the submission guidelines?

Style

• • • Does your introduction clearly summarize your topic and set the stage for your argument?

    • Is the body of your essay comprised of paragraphs beginning with a topic sentence and focusing on a single idea or concept?

    • Are your paragraphs organized in a manner which leads logically to your conclusion?

Appearance

• • • Have you used the submission guidelines?

    • Are links to related web sites and other resources clearly accessible?

    • Have you proofread your work for grammar and spelling errors?