What are the steps to make a good essay?
Here are the instructions I give students when they are preparing for AP exams, and these instructions work well for writing any essay or research assignment.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Follow the writing process, whether you're writing a paragraph, an essay, or a research paper … for science, history, English, or whatever:
Prewriting: Brainstorm, research, plan, outline, thesis statement
[If you're writing a timed essay, this part should take about 1/4th of the time you're allotted. If you plan well, the writing should come more easily.]
Writing: Write first draft by starting with section II of your outline; write the introduction after the body of the paper is written; write the conclusion last.
Polishing: Revise, concentrating first on the body of the paper, then the intro, then the concl (revision = making sure ideas are logical and sequential and support your thesis); proofread (spelling, grammar, usage, etc.)
Make sure you have a thesis statement. Make sure you've done your brainstorming (and maybe research). Make sure you have written an outline.
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html#org
from http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/
Click on Step by Step for the process. Click on Info Search for help with researching.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Check in the Essay & Research Paper Level.
Thank you :D
You're very welcome!
Writing a good essay involves a series of steps. Here are the general steps to follow when creating a well-written essay:
1. Understand the essay prompt: Read and analyze the essay question carefully. Identify the key requirements, such as the topic, word count, formatting style, and any specific guidelines or restrictions provided.
2. Carry out research: Conduct thorough research on the topic to gather relevant and reliable information. Utilize various sources like books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and interviews. Take notes of important points, quotes, and references that will support your arguments.
3. Develop a thesis statement: A thesis statement is a concise, one or two sentence statement that presents the main argument or central idea of your essay. It should be clear, specific, and debatable. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and help you stay focused.
4. Create an outline: Organize your thoughts and arguments by creating an outline. This step helps to structure your essay and ensure a logical flow. Start with an introduction that provides background information and context for your topic, followed by body paragraphs that each support a main idea, and conclude with a strong conclusion that sums up your main points.
5. Write the introduction: Begin your essay with a captivating introduction to grab the reader's attention. State your thesis statement and provide a brief overview of what you will discuss in the essay. It's a good practice to include a hook, such as an interesting fact, anecdote, or thought-provoking question.
6. Develop the body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single topic or argument that supports your thesis statement. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Provide evidence, examples, and supporting details to strengthen your arguments. Transition smoothly between paragraphs to maintain coherence.
7. Write the conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a concise manner. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. End with a thought-provoking statement or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
8. Revise and edit: Proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Eliminate any unnecessary or repetitive information. Check the clarity and coherence of your ideas. Ensure that your essay follows the required formatting style (e.g., APA, MLA). It is also helpful to seek feedback from peers or a mentor for an objective assessment.
Remember, practice plays a vital role in improving your essay writing skills. The more essays you write, the better you will become at crafting compelling and well-structured arguments.