Remember the Essay
Did you know essay writing is a fundamental skill you need in your toolkit? Knowing how to put an essay together will give you instant confidence as a writer. A craft like all others, essay writing requires doing. If you are looking for a quick refresher on how to write one, here is the process in 8 simple steps.
1. Choose your topic
Think of a topic, if you don’t have one yet. Write about what you are interested in. Look deep into your mind, and see what you are curious about, what are you passionate about? What ideas or concepts do you want to share? What are issues you want to solve or bring attention to? What is trending at the moment? What is in the news? Veganism? Trees? The Netflix hit, Wednesday?
2. Choose your essay type
What type of essay will suit your topic? Choose one of the following: Descriptive, Narrative, Argumentative, Persuasive, Expository, Analytical, Compare & Contrast, Cause & Effect, or Critical Analysis. Which essay type will express your idea best?
3. Research and Mind-map all ideas on your selected topic.
During the research stage, you can generate ideas through mind mapping. Note down your ideas and your thoughts on your topic. Read up on your topic. Take good notes and log all the references at the same time. Do field studies and experiments. Collect data. Collect facts. Collect references. Go for a walk to let your subconscious mind work out.
4. A Topic statement or Thesis statement.
Every essay has a focus, as determined by the topic statement. A topic statement defines the subject of the essay, answering the question of what the topic is. The thesis statement differs from the topic sentence. A thesis statement is your specific idea or argument that you will discuss, express, or prove. All your words will link to your thesis statement. Take your time to figure it out. Sketch it out then refine it as your idea becomes more defined.
5. Create an outline
An outline is the frame of your essay. When you start creating an outline, you often get aha moments, as it provides you with a roadmap. The classic structure taught to most students is the five-paragraph essay.
Introduction with the topic statement.
Main point 1 with supporting points and examples
Main point 2 with supporting points and examples
Main point 3 with supporting points and examples
Conclusion
It is a good framework that can be expanded or amended depending on your creativity and requirements.
6. Write out sentences.
Now write out the essay. Following the outline, fill in the blanks with sentences. Explain your ideas. Answer the question: So what? What is the relevance of what’s written? Expand on your ideas.
Add delicious facts and figures and anecdotes and quotes. Cite references as you write, so you do not forget which parts should be referenced. Keep in mind which Style Format you will use. Each institution will stipulate which style guide they use such as Chicago, MLA, APA or in-house style guides. Consider who you are writing for and what is interesting or insightful. Write in the style and tone appropriate for your audience.
7. Edit and then Proofread
Edit is rewriting, revising and proofreading. After you have the first draft, work on the second and third drafts. Improve the sentences and improve the flow of the paragraphs. Be clear and concise. Be expressive. Use the correct vocabulary. Use strong verbs. Then proofread. You can use Grammarly. You can use Hemingway. You can use DeepL. You can use LEX. These apps will help you with spelling, punctuation, and word usage. Check sources, references, footnotes, and bibliography. Check if the essay is cohesive and if all paragraphs refer back to the thesis. Check if the conclusion is as strong as the introduction. Take breaks between editing and proofreading.
8. Polish, hook, and a brilliant exit
Now, it’s time to review the essay and add polish. Write your hook, if you have not yet done so. Be creative. The hook should intrigue the reader. Hooks are often cool facts or questions. Check to see if what you have written is well-written, interesting, useful, and educational. Are you proud of the work you have done? You know when it is not done, so you should do another edit or try to polish it up. If you like the essay, then you know that it is ready to be shared.
Take that extra moment to add a splash of brilliance at the last stage, like an extra scene at the end of a movie. The last tip is to write exceptional extro at the exit.