How to write a good essay.

Many of us are at sea when we are asked to write an essay. Where do we begin? How many points can we include? What should be the ideal length? Several such questions make the task even more difficult. Here's how you can find a way out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Yourself!

1. Understand the topic. Take a few seconds to figure out what is the topic about and what do you understand by the topic. Is it a general topic or a specific one- social, political, economic? Does it expect you to offer your point of view or critique what is given?
2. Jot down your points. In one corner of the page (or on a rough sheet), write down all the points that come to your mind related to the topic. They could be random at the moment.
3. Choose the points that'll shape your essay. It is likely that the very first few points that come to your mind might be very commonplace and everyone else would also think of the same things. Zero in on aspects that reflect unique aspects of the topic.
4. Plan your essay. The structure of an essay consists of a Beginning, Middle and End. (Also called Introduction, Body and Conclusion respectively). choose the points that you would like to elaborate on and plan your essay accordingly.
5. Introduction. Tell your readers, in not more than one paragraph, what you think in the introduction. Don't keep them waiting till the end thinking that it will make the essay more interesting. Introduce your take and lay the foundation for the elaboration in the body by preparing the reader for what's going to come next.
6. Body. You can give supporting ideas in the body using the points you had picked up from your random thoughts. It can be done in 2-3 paragraphs with each paragraph talking about a single idea.
7. Conclusion. Tie the loose ends here and summarize the essay to reinforce your point of view. Do not come up with fresh points at this point.
8. Proofread your essay. Read the essay thoroughly to ensure there are no punctuations missing or spellings that have a mistake.

Tips & Warnings

• One of your body paragraphs can be an example. Exemplifying makes your article interesting and shows the depth of your understanding.
• Practicing on a few topics should help you get the technique right.
• Talk about only one idea in a single paragraph.
• Plan your essay well before you begin because you might not have the chance to insert points later.
• Proofread your essay well lest some careless mistakes mar the effort.