Essay Writing Tips

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Learning Tips
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ANDesign

Writing an essay, in whatever context – be it during an exam, for coursework, for university or as part of regular term-time work – can seem daunting, but it needn’t be. Breaking the writing up into manageable chunks (and making sure that you’re adhering to some key rules) can help you turn the most ponderous prose into a pithy, well-considered argument.

Writing a strong introduction

rab the bull by the horns and grapple with the opening section of an academic piece. It’s easy to neglect the introduction, but you shouldn’t if you want your essay to be a success; though there’s nothing wrong with following traditional advice and leaving it until the end of the writing process, the introduction could be make or break when it comes to grabbing your reader’s attention. Don’t assume that your reader will be happy to wait until the body of the essay to find out what your piece is all about: your introduction should be direct and clear, identifying the main themes you’ll be discussing, providing context where necessary, and giving some indication of your perspective (this is sometimes called a ‘thesis statement’).  That’s it. Simple, right?

As PhD student Tim Squirrel put it (as quoted in the Guardian), “Introductions are the easiest things in the world to get right and nobody does it properly. It should be ‘Here is the argument I am going to make, I am going to substantiate this with three or four strands of argumentation, drawing upon these theorists, who say these things, and I will conclude with some thoughts on this area and how it might clarify our understanding of this phenomenon.’”

Of course, no two essays are exactly alike, so there’s no precise formula to follow – but we have some general tips that will help you craft your introduction with confidence.

Time management and being concise.

It can be tempting to leave the introduction until last, and that’s fine. The danger with this, however, is that you’re so far along with your thinking by this point that it becomes impossible to compress your thoughts. 

An introduction should be clear and concise. To this end, it might be worth jotting some thoughts for the introduction down as you go along. When you decide it’s time to write the introduction, don’t spend too long agonising over it, either; it’s important to get it right, but it shouldn’t be a magnum opus! Your time may be better spent writing (or polishing) the rest of the essay, so give yourself a certain amount of time to complete your introduction, and don’t overthink it. Keep this mantra in mind: ‘Get to the point as soon as possible’. Though Mr Squirrel’s 100-word limit may be too short for some, generally speaking a paragraph should suffice.

The Significance of context.

In order to captivate your reader, you want to flesh out your argument in a pithy manner – and that means not only stating how  you’re going to approach this topic, but why  What makes your chosen issue worth exploring – and what makes your paper worth reading? 

Quoting an expert at this stage can give authority to your writing – you’ve done your homework – as well as supporting your reasoning (why you’ve chosen this topic) and giving the reader a sense of context. If your piece is scientific or mathematical in focus, you may wish to provide some starting statistics or explain key concepts; if you are writing an essay on a piece of literature or a historical event, you may find it useful to give some background details (cultural, social or economic fact insights, for instance).

Additionally, you may find it beneficial to explain any pivotal technical terms or jargon at this juncture. This doesn’t mean providing a mini-dictionary, which would be overwhelming (not to mention dull!), but a brief exploration of any really key terms (a concept your essay hinges on, for instance). If you decide to do this, you’ll want to explore the term rather than simply state what it means, discussing its significance for your chosen topic.

Authenticity and Language Choices

One essential aspect of writing a successful essay is being true to yourself. Avoid the temptation to use overly complex or hyperbolic language just to sound impressive. Steer clear of thesaurus overload; instead, choose words carefully to effectively convey your ideas.

Your own personality and voice should shine through in your writing. Trying to impress by using excessive jargon or sophisticated language can lead to losing focus and reader engagement. A strong argument is more important than using convoluted words to mask any weaknesses in your writing.

Research Thoroughly and Take Notes

Before you start writing, take the time to research your topic thoroughly. Collect a wide range of reliable and credible sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites especially if you’re writing a university essay. When taking notes, make sure to jot down key points, arguments, and relevant quotes that you may want to include in your essay. Organise your notes in a structured manner, so you can easily access the information while writing.

Create a Detailed Outline

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, helping you maintain a logical flow and coherence throughout the writing process. Divide your essay into clear sections: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Within each section, outline the main points you want to cover. Having a well-structured outline will save you time during the writing process and ensure that your essay stays focused on the central argument.

Craft Engaging Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs form the meat of any essay, where you present your arguments, provide evidence, and analyse your points. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. You’ll need to support your arguments with evidence and examples, such as data, statistics, quotes, or real-life anecdotes. Make sure to analyse the evidence and explain its relevance to your thesis.

Maintain Cohesion and Transition

To create a coherent essay, ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas. Use transitional words and phrases to connect different parts of your essay. This will help readers follow your thought process and understand how each point relates to the overall argument. Avoid abrupt shifts in topics, as they can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your essay.

Revise and Edit Thoroughly

Once you have completed your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your work. Look for clarity, coherence, and consistency in your arguments and writing style. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that your essay follows the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Consider seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or writing centres to gain valuable insights into improving your essay.

In conclusion, writing a successful essay involves careful planning, thorough research, and clear expression of ideas. Crafting a powerful introduction, backed by strong evidence and a well-structured argument, will set the stage for an engaging and impactful essay. Stay true to your own voice and avoid unnecessary complexity in language. With practice and dedication, you can develop your essay writing skills and produce compelling essays that leave a lasting impression on your readers. Best of luck in your essay writing endeavours!

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