How to Get an A on an English Paper
Writing an English paper is a necessary part of passing high school and college. For some, writing a paper worthy of an A is as easy as writing their name. For others, a bit more time and energy is required. The good news is that by following certain steps you will be sure to ace your English paper.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Write the English Paper
-
1
Pick a topic. If your teacher assigns a specific theme you will have to use that. If not, pick a topic that interests you. This will make it easier for you to research and write your paper.
-
2
Write an outline. A paper needs an introduction, a main body of text, and a conclusion. The main body of text may need to include subsections. An outline will help you organize your paper and will help you determine where you need to focus your research.
-
-
3
Research the topic. The most important step to attaining an A on an English paper is having enough research to sustain the topic. Usually there will be a required amount of sources to ensure that you do enough research. Use only reputable websites to avoid inaccurate information.
-
4
Begin with an introduction. The introduction needs to catch the reader's attention. It also needs to list what information will be in the main body of text and in what order the information will be presented. The introduction needs to be limited to one paragraph.
-
5
Compose the main body of text. The main body of text is the area where you formulate your research into organized information for the reader. Follow the outline to keep the paper focused. You should begin each section with a mini-introduction if you have subdivided the main body into sections. This will allow for a smooth transition from one section into the next.
-
6
Conclude the paper. The conclusion should recap what information you have shared with readers. If possible, refer back to the introduction to frame the paper.
-
7
Document any sources. You will need to follow the correct guidelines for documenting sources. Most English papers will use MLA guidelines. Double check that notations for sources within the text are correct. This is an essential part of getting an A on a paper.
Secure the A
-
8
Analyze the topic. An A paper is one where you have analyzed the topic and formulated new ideas based on your analysis. Support the new concept or theory by citing and discussing references.
-
9
Revise the paper by reading it carefully and locating any unclear ideas or errors. Read the paper aloud and change any places that are hard to follow or where wording sounds awkward.
-
10
Get a second opinion. If possible, have an English major review the paper. At the very least, have one or two friends read through the paper and offer constructive criticism. Make any changes that are necessary.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Write down quotes or information you may paraphrase and the source on index cards as you research.
Using more sources than the minimum requirement is often viewed as above average work and may help you get an A. Check the assignment guidelines, however, to see if this is a good strategy.
If writing a source-based essay, failing to provide references and sources will result in a grade below an A.
Do not expect a word processing spell check to catch all spelling and grammar errors. You will need to proofread the paper.
