Essay Writing: The Basics

What does a good essay need?

An academic essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence.

• An academic essay should answer a question or task.
• It should have a thesis statement (answer to the question) and an argument.
• It should try to present or discuss something: develop a thesis via a set of closely related points by reasoning and evidence.
• An academic essay should include relevant examples, supporting evidence and information from academic texts or credible sources.

Basic steps in writing an essay

Although there are some basic steps to writing an assignment, essay writing is not a linear process. You might work through the different stages a number of times in the course of writing an essay. For example, you may go back to the reading and notetaking stage if you find another useful text, or perhaps to reread to locate specific information.

Possible Steps (In no strict order)

• Analyse the question and define key terms
• Establish a possible thesis/ point of view
• Research the topic. Use books, journals and other credible academic sources for support and evidence.
• Take notes from your readings.
• Write an essay plan and organise your ideas
• Write your first draft to include your introduction, body and conclusion
• Set the draft aside for a day or two, then read it through and make changes
• Edit and redraft your essay
• Have a friend/parent/colleague read it
• Complete or finalise your references and citations
• Final draft completed - hand it in

Starting the essay

Start work early

You can't write a successful essay unless you give yourself enough time to read, research, think and write. Don't procrastinate or leave it until the last minute; start as early as possible.

Define the question and analyse the task

Writing down everything you know about a topic is not enough to make a good academic essay. Analysing, then answering the essay's question or task is central.

• Be sure that you understand exactly what the question requires you to do.
• Identify the key words (like discuss or analyse) and clarify the approach you are required to take.

See The Learning Centre guide Answering Assignment Questions

Construct an initial plan

Your starting point for an essay is your initial response to the topic or question. This response is based on what you already know. However, this is only the starting point. You then need to research, question your response and find some answers.

Draw up an initial essay plan:

• Work out your initial thoughts and ideas about the topic and write a preliminary essay plan to help guide your research.
• An essay plan can help you work out how you will answer the question and which information you will use. Essay plans also help with structuring an essay.
• Remember, your plan at this point is provisional. As you begin to write and research it will probably change.

See The Learning Centre guide Essay & Assignment Planning

Next step: Researching the topic