Essay Writing: The Basics

The following principles are a general outline of the steps a student might use when writing essays and assignments.

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 an argument.
• It should try to present or discuss something: develop a 'thesis' or 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

In no strict order . . .

• Analyse the question and define key terms
• Establish your argument/point of view
• Research the topic. Use books, journals and other credible academic sources for support and evidence.
• Take notes from your readings.
• Write your 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 check your references and bibliography
• Final draft completed - hand it in

Starting Your 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.

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

Next step: Researching your topic