Writing an essay: top tips
Start early: Start working on your essay as soon as possible. Starting early gives you enough time to research, brainstorm, and revise your work. Starting early will give you an edge in terms of quality because you will have enough time to review your work and make any necessary corrections.
Read the instructions carefully: Go through the instructions for the essay carefully and make sure you understand what is required. Ensure you know the length of the essay, the formatting style, the deadline and the topic. Failing to follow the instructions could lead to a poor grade, regardless of how well-written your essay may be.
Understand the type of essay you have to write before you start: There are many different types of essays, including descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive, and argumentative essays (and a whole lot more!) Each type has unique characteristics and requirements. Understanding the type of essay you have to write is essential because it will determine your writing style, tone, structure, and the evidence you will use to support your argument. Make sure you are familiar with the characteristics of each type of essay and tailor your writing approach accordingly. For instance, a persuasive essay will require you to take a clear stance and provide evidence to support your position, while an expository essay will require you to explain a topic or concept in detail. By understanding the type of essay you have to write before you start, you will be better able to craft an effective essay that meets the assignment’s requirements.
Use an outline: Develop an outline before you start writing. The outline should include the main points you intend to cover in the essay. This will help you to organize your ideas and ensure that you cover all the critical points in your essay. You can also use the outline to keep track of the research sources you have used and their relevance to your topic.
Stay on topic: Ensure your essay stays on topic and that you address the assignment prompt. Avoid digressing from the main topic or discussing unrelated information. It’s vital to stick to the question being asked and to answer it accurately.
Proofread and edit: After you’ve finished writing, review your essay carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and typos. Make sure your work flows well and is easy to read. It is essential to proofread and edit your work because it helps to eliminate any mistakes that may undermine the quality of your essay.
Get feedback: Share your essay with someone you trust, like a professor or a classmate. They can give you constructive feedback on your essay and help you identify areas that need improvement. Make sure you take feedback positively, and be open to making changes that can improve your essay.
Use examples: Where appropriate, use real-life examples to support your arguments. It is one of the best ways to add depth and detail to your essay. You can use case studies, news articles, or personal experiences to illustrate your point. For law essays, use real cases as examples, giving enough detail to show how the case is relevant to your discussion.
Avoid plagiarism: Always ensure that your essay is original and free of plagiarism. Plagiarism can lead to severe consequences, including failing the assignment or even expulsion from school. Make sure you properly cite all the sources you use in your essay and avoid copying and pasting information.
Stay focused: Stay focused on your thesis statement and the main point of your essay. Don’t stray too far from the central argument or add irrelevant details that might distract from your point. Ensure that every sentence in your essay is in some way related to your thesis statement.
Use example essays for inspiration and guidance: Reading well-written essays can provide you with inspiration and guidance on how to structure your essay, develop your argument, and communicate your ideas effectively. Reviewing sample essays will also give you insight into the type of writing style that works best for academic essays. You can use example essays to learn about different writing techniques and how to write a successful essay.