Writing an Essay Tips – 11 ways to help you get started
Everyone dreads writing essays, but it is an important skill to develop in high school, university, and future careers
By learning how to write an essay correctly, the process can become more enjoyable, and you will find you can better organize and articulate your thoughts.
The following eleven steps from Ms. Hewitt-Webster will help you with this tricky task.
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Understand the assignment: Before writing, understand the assignment requirements. What type of essay are you writing? What is the topic? What is the required length?
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Choose a topic: If given a specific topic, brainstorm ideas and list angles. If you can choose your topic, pick something that interests you and you feel enthusiastic about.
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Research: Once you have a topic, research it thoroughly. You can use reliable sources and take notes as you go.
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Create an outline: An outline will help you organize your thoughts and create a structure for your essay. Start with a thesis statement, then create sections or paragraphs that support your thesis.
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Write a strong introduction: Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and supply context for your topic. It should also include your thesis statement.
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Develop your body paragraphs: Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that supports your thesis. Use evidence and examples to support your argument.
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Take your time: Do not try and write it in one sitting. It is ok to take breaks or write it over a few days. It is better to write it in multiple sittings so that you have a fresh mind each time and can focus.
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Write a conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way. It should leave the reader with closure and a final thought to ponder.
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Edit and proofread: Once you have written your essay, take a break and return to it later with fresh eyes. Please read it carefully, checking for spelling and grammar errors, as well as for clarity and coherence.
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Get feedback: Ask a teacher, tutor, or friend to read your essay and give you feedback. Use their suggestions to improve your paper before sending it.
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Works cited: A Works Cited page is a formatted list of all sources you cited within your paper. Any time you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or include information that you have read from an outside source, you must enclose that source in your references list, correctly formatted in MLA style.
In conclusion, remember that writing is a process that takes time and practice to become a good writer.
Do not be afraid to make mistakes; do not be too hard on yourself.
You can improve your writing skills and become a successful essay writer with persistence and dedication.
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