How to write an essay A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the persona l view of the author.

Well, writing an essay isn't as difficult as it sounds, and it's not as easy as it seems. Step 1: Brainstorm and research These two go together because you can pick either as first and second the other. Some people like to research and then brainstorm their own ideas, which technic ally doesn't count as brainstorming then. Going for brainstorming first stimulat es your brain and reflects your own views. It's really easy to get distracted by others' research and viewpoints especially is you're composing an opinion essay . It is recommended to brainstorm first, and then move on to research. In this w ay, you'll be more certain of what you're looking for. Research. You should know your sources and have a clear idea of what you're look ing for. On the other hand, if you find yourself at complete loss on the subject matter, it's vital to research a little, understand the requirements, brainstor m, and return to research. Do not hesitate to go back and add to the points. How to brainstorm? You can use a variety of tools, such as bubble diagrams, fish -bone analysis and so on. Just keep adding points as they occur to you. Do not j udge any points for removal at the moment. Step 2: Take a break. Leave your ideas on the piece of paper and go take some fr esh air. Or drink coffee. Step 3: Return with a complete new aim: evaluation. Use your objective eye to de cide upon the points you want to keep and points you want to eliminate. Criteria ? Choose the ones you know best about, could write a lot on, and ones that seem interesting. If a point seems interesting, but you don't know much about it, you can always go do more research. If a point looks too broad in itself, like you could write a totally separate essay on that, avoid it. OR try to narrow it down to your topic. Merge the topics that can go under one heading. Categorize. When you are left with great looking, fruitful points, think of the word limit. You might be forced to forego some of the points. Usually, 3 to 4 points serve as su fficient. Step 4: The Structure Introduction, Body and Conclusion How many times have you heard your teacher say those in a single breath? I say, include them in your religion. Introduction opens up your essay, and gives a general idea about the topic. Here , it's unwise to discuss any points you want to discuss. DO NOT disclose them he re. Wait for it. So, how can one begin the essay, now that all points are ready? Check your main idea: Narrow your topic to one word. What is it about? When you find it out, you can define it, present a universal law, kick start with a quot e, proverb or even a rhetorical question! Generalize the topic. And then, comes the thesis statement. Thesis statement is comparable to something you don't want to forget about. It i s usually the last sentence of introduction, but it can be anywhere. Thesis stat ement is a sign board giving directions to the reader about the points you are g oing to discuss. It prepares the reader and creates expectations. So, if I read a thesis statement like: The death rates have increased due to natural disasters , epidemics and wars, and if I was allergic to topic of wars, I wouldn't read th e essay, because I would know that the topic will be discussed. So you see, the thesis statement has actually given you an outline for your body.

The next part is body, and it can be composed of many paragraphs. Usually, it's better to dedicate one paragraph to each point. So in our essay, we'll have Intr oduction, body and in body we're going to have 3 paragraphs: for natural disaste rs, epidemics and wars, and finally, there'll be the conclusion. Does it make se nse to you? So, the structure, intro, body and conclusion. Step 5: Elaborate We limit our number of points because we want to discuss them in detail. Usually , many students dread details and explaining but your can solve the problem by f ollowing correct structure. Go back to your bubble or any other diagram, and add sub points to it. Now, for each sub point, include a minor point. This is calle d creating major and minor. It especially works when you are writing a persuasiv e essay: when you present an argument, you probably want to give more than one s upporting evidence that can play the role of convincing the reader. Step 6: Take another break. Step 7: Come back to it to edit your first draft. In the editing process, you sh ould look for: - The proper structure - Writing in correct style: for example persuasive essay should persuade, and pr esent proofs; cause and effect essay does include causes and effects and so on - Coherence - Use linking words to create continuity in your essay. However, on the other ha nd, Moreover, Furthermore are just examples of linking words that quiet join you r paragraphs. - Detect bias: see if you have supported a specific side where you were supposed to be objective! You can always include your views in conclusion, so don't put them in the body unless it is an opinion essay. - Check grammar! - Check repetition. Have you used the word and a lot? When you skim and scan you r paper, you should be able to detect such stuff. Change it. Step 8: Proofread. Make sure spellings are correct and proper punctuate has been used. Step 9: Type it out. And ask a friend or family member to go through it. Call a conference if you like. Note down their advice or criticism, and see if you can improve your essay. Step 10: Submit your paper. Celebrate. In the end, whatever grade you may get, y ou'd feel good after working hard and trying to the best. Good luck!