Brainstorm broad subject areas related to the assignment that interest you. Make sure it aligns with the assignment requirements.

Narrow down your ideas to a specific, focused topic that can be comprehensively covered within the word count.

Consider the purpose of the assignment - inform, analyze, persuade? Choose a topic that allows you to meet that goal.

Craft a thesis statement conveying the central argument of your essay. This guides your structure.

Create an outline organising supporting points and evidence into an introduction, body paragraphs covering main ideas, and a conclusion.

Use headings for main ideas in each paragraph and subheadings for supporting evidence if writing a long essay.

Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that states one of your main ideas or arguments from your outline or thesis statement.

Present evidence, data, facts, academic research that supports your argument. Analyse how they link to your thesis statement.

Use transitions to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs.

Explain how the evidence supports your thesis statement and wider argument. What conclusions can you draw?