How to Write a Good Essay

Reference & EducationCollege & University

  • Author Fred Holt
  • Published June 4, 2009
  • Word count 607

All those who know how to write an essay can write a good essay by keeping in mind some of the important points. Writing a good essay requires certain skills that can make your thoughts read and voice heard in a perfect way. The question how to write an essay has a simple answer you need to recollect all the information, format a plan and start writing. The point of your essay must be represented in the very first paragraph.

Writing a good essay requires certain skills that can make your thoughts read and voice heard in a perfect way. The question how to write essay has a simple answer you need to recollect all the information, format a plan and start writing.

  1. Lay out a basic outline of what the essay is supposed to do. Ask questions during class to find out if there are any off limits sources. Write down any outlines you were given by the professor, as well as recommendations about what sources are acceptable by that professor. (The sources allowed by one professor may not be allowed by another, treat every class as a unique course with unique demands.)

  2. Research the topic, and try to get material that is from established sources (universities, etc.) try not to get too lost in off topic research. When researching for an essay, you do not need to get drawn well off topic into material that you can't use. Be aware of where the material you are reading is from, as it may be material that sounds perfectly valid, but has no basis in provable fact, or could be from a source that isn't considered valid by the professor.

  3. For all those who are beginning to write essays, there are certain rules or tips that can help them to create a perfect essay. Always include the personal experiences, as the readers are not interested in what happened with your family and friends. Do not make personal attacks, when you are writing on any issue that is related to a particular section never give remarks that can prove to be personal. Always keep your approach universal. Never submit an essay, until and unless you have mercilessly examined the whole essay for mistakes.

  4. Now it is time to begin the writing process. Get a pen, some paper, and paper printouts of your sources. The reason to write it in paper form with paper sources is that you can spread the material out on a table, and will allow you to see if one source conflicts with another, if one article states a fact better than another, etc.

  5. Draw a simple map that allows you to, at a glance, flow from idea to idea, placing the first idea you want presented in the beginning, and the following ideas placed in the order you'd like them to appear in the essay. This will allow you to see what the progression of the essay will be as you write it. Make it pretty neat because you'll use it throughout the rest of the essay process.

In addition you should make sure that you use paragraphs and follow the guidelines set out for the use of primary and secondary sources. Most colleges and universities will expect you to reference these correctly and will mark accordingly.

Finally, once the essay is written you should check it completely for any of the above errors. Read it and then ask friends or family members to do the same so that you have a second opinion. You should also check the original essay question to ensure that you have stayed on track and answered it completely.

I am Fred Holt. I graduated (Master of Arts (M.F.A) in Teaching) from Stanford University in 1996 and since then I've been privately tutoring students of all ages. Throughout our illustrious teaching career of 12 years, we have offered our essay writing as senior faculty members and research associates at various IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITIES.

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