Have you ever stopped questioning yourself what is so special about the process of writing an academic essay? Why do teachers force students of all ages to compose these papers? You can find an example of how to write an essay as well as ideas for your chosen best essay topic.
What Is an Essay
An essay is a short, non-fiction composition that contains details, descriptions, analysis, or arguments on the given topic or question. As a student, you may encounter such task in any discipline and at any academic level. The difference is that college and university students face more difficult types of essays like synthesis and argumentative than high school students.
An essay can be written on many different issues. Middle school students often have to describe their summer vacation or past time while college students usually face the necessity to analyze particular scientific topics and persuade the readers of the truth of their arguments. Regarding the applicants, these guys have to impress the admission officers with the powerful personal statement.
Types of Academic Papers
On the whole, these are the most popular samples of academic essays:
- Definition
- Narrative/Descriptive
- Argumentative
- Persuasive
- Reflection
- Character analysis
- Cause & effects
- Compare and contrast
- Personal statement (a.k.a. application essay)
- Synthesis essay (often assigned as part of SAT or ACT)
- Critical thinking (analytical)
10 Basic Steps to Successful Essay
Sylvia Silverstone from Womenio said: "The golden rule you should keep in mind is the necessity to start early". Do not postpone even the smallest writing assignment to the last minute. You always need some time to revise the final draft before turning it in. Otherwise, you risk conducting a lot of mistakes.
To get ready to the writing process, download a free sample of the good academic papers. If you do not have a specific topic, you may grab an idea from the online samples.
- Read each question at least twice. Right, sometimes it is important to read the same information several times to get to the main point. Highlight keywords to use them later in your work. Define what has to be done (e.g. describe, analyze, explain, contrast). Also, determine the restricting words (e.g. “Chapters 4-5, during the seventeenth century).
- Complete any critical research and reading. Before you move to your introduction, you need to come up with the background to your text. Dedicate time to search only for the relevant, most recent, and accessible information on the internet or in the traditional library. Put down notes using your own words so that you understand the main idea. To support the argument from each body section and introductions thesis, note down citations you plan to use as the evidence. Do not forget to make full references to the selected sources. Make footnotes or bibliography page with respect to the chosen writing style.
- Brainstorm all relevant ideas. A guarantee of a good example is the process of the intense brainstorming. You can think about different related ideas on your own or with your friends. Jot down a mind map to help stimulate lateral thinking.
- Include a powerful thesis statement which is also your work’s main point. This sentence which usually comes at the end of the introduction has to encapsulate the answer to the main question. Your thesis does not have to be too general or long. It is the backbone of your essay. You will have to get back to it in conclusion. A good example might be: “Draco Malfoy was not an antagonist as far as he used to save Harry Potter’s life twice as well as showed a sincere regret when his best friend died in the fire.”The article from this informative blog will help to learn how to collect credible information and choose the best topic ideas.
- Write an outlineNot every teacher requires an outline. However, it is better to develop a plan for your essay in order not to get lost. Put all your ideas regarding the topic in a logical order. List the main arguments to be used in each part of the text (introduction, body, and conclusion). Follow the plan during the entire writing process.
- Work on your introduction. The first paragraph opens the discussion. You need to show the importance of the research problem in the thesis statement. Point how you will provide responses to the set questions. Recall the articles and other literature you might want to include in your essay. Try to engage the reader from the very beginning.
- Write the body step-by-step. Make sure that every new idea/point/argument opens a new body paragraph. Use so-called transmitting words at the beginning of every new paragraph to connect it with the last sentence of the previous paragraph. The examples are “however,” “moreover,” “nevertheless,” etc.) Include a supporting evidence for every new point based on the relevant sources you have collected before the writing process. “A striking example of Batman’s intelligence occurs in the scene in his house when he helps Alfred to improve his Batmobile.” Finally, try to emphasize how the question is being addressed.
- Work on the conclusion.The last paragraph is sometimes the most challenging one as you have to leave a good impression on your readers. The last paragraph may also predetermine your final grade.This part should include the summary of the main points. Show the ways you used to prove your thesis statement. The last sentence must contain a thought-provoking, but relevant, feedback or forecast.
- Revise the essay. There is no need to hurry unless you postponed the task to the last moment. Before you submit the paper to your teacher, check the entire content at least twice. Check whether all main points are relevant to your topic. Edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Get rid of any parts that do not flow logically. Fix the chosen English vocabulary to improve the text. Ask people around to read the text and share their thoughts before sending the paper to your tutor for grading. Make sure that your example corresponds to the grading rubric and other academic standards. Download a free or paid plagiarism software to exclude any similarities from the text. Check if every quotation is properly cited.
- Get your final grade. Use your excellent essay as an example for future assignments. If your result is lower than you expected, you can find a solution below.
Did you manage to submit your paper online? If yes, then the problem might be in your content or the way you use English words. In case even the best examples do not help to write perfect introduction, body, and conclusion, turn to the professional online writers who can complete the academic paper of any level in the shortest period of time. Order an amazing custom essay without leaving your home!
