English Essay Tips
Whether your teacher has assigned you to write a research paper, a reflective essay or a passage analysis for your English class, there are a few standard tips to help you organize and write the best paper possible. Do your brainstorming on paper, create an outline before you begin writing, compose a thorough and specific thesis statement and write your paper in at least two drafts.
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Brainstorm on Paper
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Brainstorming ideas is not a new concept for most students; after receiving an assignment, the first step to writing the essay is to think about the various standpoints you might take and the examples you would use to defend them. Instead of merely thinking about these things, though, try mapping out your ideas on paper. Draw arrows connecting related ideas, cross out ideas you've decided against and make illustrations where you have trouble finding the right words. Having your thoughts on paper will ensure you do not lose that initial thinking that goes into the paper, and it allows you to look back on your previous thoughts and make alterations as you see necessary later on.
Create an Outline
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To some students, creating an outline might seem like an extraneous step in the writing process that only wastes time that they could spend writing the essay itself. Quite to the contrary, the outline actually helps you save time you could otherwise lose by getting turned around in your own thoughts. For instance, having arrived at the third body paragraph, you might find yourself struggling to remember the next point you were going to make or how you were going to make it. With a detailed outline ready at hand while you write, you can bypass this situation and finish the paper more quickly.
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Construct a ThoroughThesis Statement
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Like a miniature outline, use the thesis statement to keep you on track in your writing. Your thesis should state, concisely, the argument or viewpoint you will be supporting in the essay in as specific of language as possible. For example, instead of merely claiming, "Blue is the most serene color," you could strengthen the thesis statement by being more thorough: "Because of its associations with a clear sky or a calm sea, blue is the most serene color." A thorough and specific thesis like this will keep you focused throughout the paper and help you avoid grade-harming digressions.
Write in Drafts
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Again, like the outline, writing multiple drafts of an essay might seem too time-consuming for some students, but the practice of drafting papers really does ensure a better essay and a better grade. The trick is in the first draft. Even if it contains spelling errors and run-on sentences or lacks proper citation, push yourself to get through the first draft start to finish at least a day before the due date. This will allow you the time and opportunity to step away from the paper for a while and return to it with fresh eyes and a fresh mind. Having read your first draft, write a second draft with corrections and revisions. Repeat this process until you feel the essay is truly the best it can be.
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References
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