How to Write an A+ Essay

An A+ essay requires extensive research and proper prose.

Writing an A+ essay is an interesting task in which you develop a flow of ideas by conducting research, using an outline and focusing your writing on one topic. Many writers find their work in need of revision or receive lower grades because of careless errors with grammar and punctuation, misspelled words and factual errors. You can earn an A+ by introducing your topic, offering details in each paragraph and finishing the paper with a strong conclusion so readers receive a thorough breakdown of the argument in as few words as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Pen or pencil
• Paper
• References
• Highlighter

Instructions

Create an Outline

1. Outline your essay topic, purpose of the particular discussion and position for readers to know what to expect from your paper. Brainstorm 10 topics and work your way through the list to find one that offers flexibility in content, references and in-depth analysis of your topic.

2. Compose an introduction to your essay on the first line of your outline. Use your introduction to level your thinking, establish a flow of ideas and introduce readers to the details of your essay. For example, this article begins with a direct explanation of what an A+ essay requires and how you can write one by conducting research and focusing on one topic.

3. Write one main idea in your research outline after writing the introduction to your essay to establish a position in breaking down your topic. Your main idea should focus on one topic and the paragraph should have 3 to 5 sentences with a transitioning statement into the next main idea of each paragraph in your essay.

4. Add transitional devices to trigger a link between ideas improving the readers comprehension of the essay topic. Consider transitional devices such as "overall," "another important factor" and "an example of" to help readers stay focused on the next step of their reading.

5. Free write the first draft of your essay in accordance with the outline, then expand with research conducted from the library, online journal or websites. Include all documentations from your references to ensure the ideas are credited to the authors.

Write Rough Drafts

1. Write the first draft with details from research, your outline and other sources you feel are necessary. A rough draft acts as a visual tool in organizing your ideas, a sounding board for constructive criticism and the basis of the final paper.

2. Allow the first rough draft to sit for a 3 hours (or a 2 days) so you can return with fresh eyes and perspective on your topic. Examine the flow of your essay line by line, word by word and add information necessary to complete paragraphs and offer an in-depth analysis of your work. Always take your time in the editing phase so you do not miss important milestones needed in your paper.

3. Edit your rough draft with a keen eye to each detail by checking citation formats, dates, numbers, grammar and punctuation. Proofread the essay's context and question your motives for the rhetoric prose: "Is this suitable for my course?" "Do I need to switch the voice from personal to authoritative?" "Should I add additional details or statistics?" If your answer is no to these questions, you can submit your essay for grading.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on one topic throughout your essay.

• Use short and long sentences to create a momentum in each paragraph.

• Monitor the tone of your writing by using consistency of first, second or third person.

• Cite all resources including personal interviews in a reference format such as APA, MLA or Harvard.

• Do not submit the first draft of your essay.

• Do not add irrelevant information or statistics.

• Do not include sources that are 10 or more years old.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: General Writing Techniques
• The College Board: College Essay Writing Tips