How to write an essay

Writing a high school or college level essay can be a challenge if you don't know the correct format. But once you have the formula down, writing an excellent essay is just a few keystrokes away!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• APA, MLA, or other appropriate citation guide. You can also find the information you need for formatting online
• Computer with Microsoft Office installed
• Access to an online library or brick-and-mortar library
• A good attitude

1. Do your research. Depending on the level of the paper and your instructions, you will probably need to cite several sources. I like to gather all of my information before-hand by checking out books or securing online research tools in advance. That way, when I go to do the work, I have all of my research in front of me.
2. Choose your main points. Most essays have at least three main points. For example, if you are writing about parenting styles, you might pick out three types of primary parenting styles to elaborate on.
3. Expand on your main points. Once you have your main points, write each one on a separate note card. From there, on the note card, expand on your main points with easy to understand but abbreviated bullets. In parentheses, write the book and page number or source where you got the information. I find it helpful to actually cite it on the card as I would cite it in the paper, that way I just have to expand on the point and transfer the citation to my paper.
4. Now it's time to start the essay. A three point essay is usually composed of at least five paragraphs: the introduction, a paragraph for each main point, and the conclusion. Obviously, more in-depth essays will have additional paragraphs and/or points.
5. Introduction. In the introduction, you will introduce your topic and your three main points. For a simple essay, this paragraph will usually consist of five sentences: One sentence to introduce the general topic, one sentence each for each of the main points, and a sentence explaining that you will be laying out and elaborating on the three (or more) main points in your essay. Your introduction may also contain a definition for the main topic you are covering. For example, if your main topic is communication, you might say, "Merriam-Webster dictionary defines communication as..."
6. Three (or more) main point sentences. Here is where you will expand on each of your main points. Use your index cards to ensure that you cover each point thoroughly and that you cite all sources. If you have filled out your index cards properly, all you should have to do is turn each of your bullets into extended academic sentences with citations. One important point: if this is an academic paper rather than an opinion piece, avoid using phrases such as "I believe" or "I think." In other words, remove personal references from your text.
   
   Each main point will be expanded on in at least one paragraph each. I think a good rule of thumb is seven to 10 sentences for each main point paragraph for a basic essay. Obviously, for higher-level papers, it would be appropriate to expand even more. Don't forget to include your citations properly formatted for whatever style your instructor specifies.
7. The conclusion. I like to think of the conclusion as an extension of the introduction. Essentially, it is a retooling of the introduction. I also think it adds some creativity to close with an academic quote, but only you can judge whether this is appropriate for your topic. A conclusion, in a basic essay, will generally consist of three to five sentences and will reiterate the points you outlined in your essay and close with a sentence explaining, simply, what main topic your essay covered.
8. Bibliography, reference list, or works cited page. Your works cited page will likely be one of the former, depending on what citation style guide you use. For this, simply follow the guidelines listed in the manual you use. Make sure that the bibliography is on its own separate page. Good luck and have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Add a cover page to add professionalism. This generally consists of - your name, the title of your paper, the date, the class name and number, and your professor's name.
• For the sake of credibility, use only scholastic sources. In other words, you would probably not cite the Web site for "Bubba Joe's Bait Shop" if you are doing an essay on the mating habits of fish. Instead, you would use, more likely, a science journal
• Don't plagiarize! I can't stress this enough. It's not worth it on so many levels. Plus, it's theft. When you plagiarize, you are stealing.