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Mastering the art of essay writing – a comprehensive guide.
Essay writing is a fundamental skill that every student needs to master. Whether you’re in high school, college, or beyond, the ability to write a strong, coherent essay is essential for academic success. However, many students find the process of writing an essay daunting and overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate the intricate world of essay writing. From understanding the basics of essay structure to mastering the art of crafting a compelling thesis statement, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to write an outstanding essay that will impress your teachers and classmates alike.
So, grab your pen and paper (or fire up your laptop) and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to writing an essay. Follow our tips and tricks, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and confident essay writer!
The Art of Essay Writing: A Comprehensive Guide
Essay writing is a skill that requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a student working on an assignment or a professional writing for publication, mastering the art of essay writing can help you communicate your ideas effectively and persuasively.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key elements of a successful essay, including how to choose a topic, structure your essay, and craft a compelling thesis statement. We’ll also discuss the importance of research, editing, and proofreading, and provide tips for improving your writing style and grammar.
By following the advice in this guide, you can become a more confident and skilled essay writer, capable of producing high-quality, engaging essays that will impress your readers and achieve your goals.
Understanding the Essay Structure
When it comes to writing an essay, understanding the structure is key to producing a cohesive and well-organized piece of writing. An essay typically consists of three main parts: an introduction, the body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Introduction: The introduction is where you introduce your topic and provide some background information. It should also include your thesis statement, which is the main idea or argument that you will be discussing in the essay.
Body paragraphs: The body of the essay is where you present your supporting evidence and arguments. Each paragraph should focus on a separate point and include evidence to back up your claims. Remember to use transition words to link your ideas together cohesively.
Conclusion: The conclusion is where you wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. It is also a good place to make any final thoughts or reflections on the topic.
Understanding the structure of an essay will help you write more effectively and communicate your ideas clearly to your readers.
Choosing the Right Topic for Your Essay
One of the most crucial steps in writing a successful essay is selecting the right topic. The topic you choose will determine the direction and focus of your writing, so it’s important to choose wisely. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect topic for your essay:
Choose a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Writing about something you enjoy will make the process more enjoyable and your enthusiasm will come through in your writing. | |
Do some preliminary research to see what topics are available and what resources are out there. This will help you narrow down your choices and find a topic that is both interesting and manageable. | |
Think about who will be reading your essay and choose a topic that will resonate with them. Consider their interests, knowledge level, and any biases they may have when selecting a topic. | |
Take some time to brainstorm different topic ideas. Write down all the potential topics that come to mind, and then evaluate each one based on relevance, interest, and feasibility. | |
Try to choose a topic that offers a unique perspective or angle. Avoid overly broad topics that have been extensively covered unless you have a fresh take to offer. |
By following these tips and considering your interests, audience, and research, you can choose a topic that will inspire you to write an engaging and compelling essay.
Research and Gathering Information
When writing an essay, conducting thorough research and gathering relevant information is crucial. Here are some tips to help you with your research:
Make sure to use reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Avoid using sources that are not credible or biased. | |
As you research, take notes on important information that you can use in your essay. Organize your notes so that you can easily reference them later. | |
Don’t rely solely on one type of source. Utilize a variety of sources to provide a well-rounded perspective on your topic. | |
Before using a source in your essay, make sure to evaluate its credibility and relevance to your topic. Consider the author’s credentials, publication date, and biases. | |
Make sure to keep a record of the sources you use in your research. This will help you properly cite them in your essay and avoid plagiarism. |
Crafting a Compelling Thesis Statement
When writing an essay, one of the most crucial elements is the thesis statement. This statement serves as the main point of your essay, summarizing the argument or position you will be taking. Crafting a compelling thesis statement is essential for a strong and cohesive essay. Here are some tips to help you create an effective thesis statement:
- Be specific: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main idea of your essay. Avoid vague or general statements.
- Make it arguable: A strong thesis statement is debatable and presents a clear position that can be supported with evidence.
- Avoid clichĂŠs: Stay away from overused phrases or clichĂŠs in your thesis statement. Instead, strive for originality and clarity.
- Keep it concise: Your thesis statement should be concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary words or phrases.
- Take a stand: Your thesis statement should express a clear stance on the topic. Don’t be afraid to assert your position.
By following these guidelines, you can craft a compelling thesis statement that sets the tone for your essay and guides your reader through your argument.
Writing the Body of Your Essay
Once you have your introduction in place, it’s time to dive into the body of your essay. The body paragraphs are where you will present your main arguments or points to support your thesis statement.
Here are some tips for writing the body of your essay:
- Stick to One Main Idea: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument. This will help keep your essay organized and easy to follow.
- Use Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
- Provide Evidence: Support your main points with evidence such as facts, statistics, examples, or quotes from experts.
- Explain Your Points: Don’t just state your points; also explain how they support your thesis and why they are important.
- Use Transition Words: Use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow between paragraphs.
Remember to refer back to your thesis statement and make sure that each paragraph contributes to your overall argument. The body of your essay is where you can really showcase your critical thinking and analytical skills, so take the time to craft well-developed and coherent paragraphs.
Perfecting Your Essay with Editing and Proofreading
Editing and proofreading are essential steps in the essay writing process to ensure your work is polished and error-free. Here are some tips to help you perfect your essay:
- Take a Break: After writing your essay, take a break before starting the editing process. This will help you look at your work with fresh eyes.
- Focus on Structure: Check the overall structure of your essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Make sure your ideas flow logically and cohesively.
- Check for Clarity: Ensure that your arguments are clear and easy to follow. Eliminate any jargon or confusing language that might obscure your message.
- Grammar and Punctuation: Review your essay for grammar and punctuation errors. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, and proper punctuation usage.
- Use a Spell Checker: Run a spell check on your essay to catch any spelling mistakes. However, don’t rely solely on spell checkers as they may miss certain errors.
- Read Aloud: Read your essay aloud to yourself or have someone else read it to you. This can help you identify awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.
- Get Feedback: Consider getting feedback from a peer, teacher, or writing tutor. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improving your essay.
By following these editing and proofreading tips, you can ensure that your essay is well-crafted, organized, and free of errors, helping you make a strong impression on your readers.
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- What is an essay?
What makes a good essay?
Typical essay structure, 7 steps to writing a good essay, a step-by-step guide to writing a good essay.
Whether you are gearing up for your GCSE coursework submissions or looking to brush up on your A-level writing skills, we have the perfect essay-writing guide for you. đŻ
Staring at a blank page before writing an essay can feel a little daunting . Where do you start? What should your introduction say? And how should you structure your arguments? They are all fair questions and we have the answers! Take the stress out of essay writing with this step-by-step guide â youâll be typing away in no time. đŠâđť
What is an essay?
Generally speaking, an essay designates a literary work in which the author defends a point of view or a personal conviction, using logical arguments and literary devices in order to inform and convince the reader.
So â although essays can be broadly split into four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive â an essay can simply be described as a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. đ¤
The purpose of an essay is to present a coherent argument in response to a stimulus or question and to persuade the reader that your position is credible, believable and reasonable. đ
So, a âgoodâ essay relies on a confident writing style â itâs clear, well-substantiated, focussed, explanatory and descriptive . The structure follows a logical progression and above all, the body of the essay clearly correlates to the tile â answering the question where one has been posed.
But, how do you go about making sure that you tick all these boxes and keep within a specified word count? Read on for the answer as well as an example essay structure to follow and a handy step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay â hooray. đ
Sometimes, it is helpful to think about your essay like it is a well-balanced argument or a speech â it needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question in a coherent manner. âď¸
Of course, essays can vary significantly in length but besides that, they all follow a fairly strict pattern or structure made up of three sections. Lean into this predictability because it will keep you on track and help you make your point clearly. Letâs take a look at the typical essay structure:
#1 Introduction
Start your introduction with the central claim of your essay. Let the reader know exactly what you intend to say with this essay. Communicate what youâre going to argue, and in what order. The final part of your introduction should also say what conclusions youâre going to draw â it sounds counter-intuitive but itâs not â more on that below. 1ď¸âŁ
Make your point, evidence it and explain it. This part of the essay â generally made up of three or more paragraphs depending on the length of your essay â is where you present your argument. The first sentence of each paragraph â much like an introduction to an essay â should summarise what your paragraph intends to explain in more detail. 2ď¸âŁ
#3 Conclusion
This is where you affirm your argument â remind the reader what you just proved in your essay and how you did it. This section will sound quite similar to your introduction but â having written the essay â youâll be summarising rather than setting out your stall. 3ď¸âŁ
No essay is the same but your approach to writing them can be. As well as some best practice tips, we have gathered our favourite advice from expert essay-writers and compiled the following 7-step guide to writing a good essay every time. đ
#1 Make sure you understand the question
#2 complete background reading.
#3 Make a detailed plan
#4 Write your opening sentences
#5 flesh out your essay in a rough draft, #6 evidence your opinion, #7 final proofread and edit.
Now that you have familiarised yourself with the 7 steps standing between you and the perfect essay, letâs take a closer look at each of those stages so that you can get on with crafting your written arguments with confidence .
This is the most crucial stage in essay writing â r ead the essay prompt carefully and understand the question. Highlight the keywords â like âcompare,â âcontrastâ âdiscuss,â âexplainâ or âevaluateâ â and let it sink in before your mind starts racing . There is nothing worse than writing 500 words before realising you have entirely missed the brief . đ§
Unless you are writing under exam conditions , you will most likely have been working towards this essay for some time, by doing thorough background reading. Re-read relevant chapters and sections, highlight pertinent material and maybe even stray outside the designated reading list, this shows genuine interest and extended knowledge. đ
#3 Make a detailed plan
Following the handy structure we shared with you above, now is the time to create the âskeleton structureâ or essay plan. Working from your essay title, plot out what you want your paragraphs to cover and how that information is going to flow. You donât need to start writing any full sentences yet but it might be useful to think about the various quotes you plan to use to substantiate each section. đ
Having mapped out the overall trajectory of your essay, you can start to drill down into the detail. First, write the opening sentence for each of the paragraphs in the body section of your essay. Remember â each paragraph is like a mini-essay â the opening sentence should summarise what the paragraph will then go on to explain in more detail. đď¸
Next, it's time to write the bulk of your words and flesh out your arguments. Follow the âpoint, evidence, explainâ method. The opening sentences â already written â should introduce your âpointsâ, so now you need to âevidenceâ them with corroborating research and âexplainâ how the evidence youâve presented proves the point youâre trying to make. âď¸
With a rough draft in front of you, you can take a moment to read what you have written so far. Are there any sections that require further substantiation? Have you managed to include the most relevant material you originally highlighted in your background reading? Now is the time to make sure you have evidenced all your opinions and claims with the strongest quotes, citations and material. đ
This is your final chance to re-read your essay and go over it with a fine-toothed comb before pressing âsubmitâ. We highly recommend leaving a day or two between finishing your essay and the final proofread if possible â youâll be amazed at the difference this makes, allowing you to return with a fresh pair of eyes and a more discerning judgment. đ¤
If you are looking for advice and support with your own essay-writing adventures, why not t ry a free trial lesson with GoStudent? Our tutors are experts at boosting academic success and having fun along the way. Get in touch and see how it can work for you today. đ
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How to Write the Perfect Essay
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You can keep adding to this plan, crossing bits out and linking the different bubbles when you spot connections between them. Even though you wonât have time to make a detailed plan under exam conditions, it can be helpful to draft a brief one, including a few key words, so that you donât panic and go off topic when writing your essay.
If you donât like the mind map format, there are plenty of others to choose from: you could make a table, a flowchart, or simply a list of bullet points.
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Thanks for signing up, step 2: have a clear structure.
Think about this while you’re planning: your essay is like an argument or a speech. It needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question.
Start with the basics! It’s best to choose a few major points which will become your main paragraphs. Three main paragraphs is a good number for an exam essay, since you’ll be under time pressure.Â
If you agree with the question overall, it can be helpful to organise your points in the following pattern:
- YES (agreement with the question)
- AND (another YES point)
- BUT (disagreement or complication)
If you disagree with the question overall, try:
- AND (another BUT point)
For example, you could structure the Of Mice and Men sample question, “To what extent is Curleyâs wife portrayed as a victim in Of Mice and Men ?”, as follows:
- YES (descriptions of her appearance)
- AND (other people’s attitudes towards her)
- BUT (her position as the only woman on the ranch gives her power as she uses her femininity to her advantage)
If you wanted to write a longer essay, you could include additional paragraphs under the YES/AND categories, perhaps discussing the ways in which Curleyâs wife reveals her vulnerability and insecurities, and shares her dreams with the other characters. Alternatively, you could also lengthen your essay by including another BUT paragraph about her cruel and manipulative streak.
Of course, this is not necessarily the only right way to answer this essay question â as long as you back up your points with evidence from the text, you can take any standpoint that makes sense.
Step 3: Back up your points with well-analysed quotations
You wouldnât write a scientific report without including evidence to support your findings, so why should it be any different with an essay? Even though you arenât strictly required to substantiate every single point you make with a quotation, thereâs no harm in trying.
A close reading of your quotations can enrich your appreciation of the question and will be sure to impress examiners. When selecting the best quotations to use in your essay, keep an eye out for specific literary techniques. For example, you could highlight Curleyâs wifeâs use of a rhetorical question when she says, a”nâ what am I doinâ? Standinâ here talking to a bunch of bindle stiffs.” This might look like:
The rhetorical question âanâ what am I doinâ?â signifies that Curleyâs wife is very insecure; she seems to be questioning her own life choices. Moreover, she does not expect anyone to respond to her question, highlighting her loneliness and isolation on the ranch.
Other literary techniques to look out for include:
- Tricolon â a group of three words or phrases placed close together for emphasis
- Tautology â using different words that mean the same thing: e.g. “frightening” and “terrifying”
- Parallelism â ABAB structure, often signifying movement from one concept to another
- Chiasmus â ABBA structure, drawing attention to a phrase
- Polysyndeton â many conjunctions in a sentence
- Asyndeton â lack of conjunctions, which can speed up the pace of a sentence
- Polyptoton â using the same word in different forms for emphasis: e.g. “done” and “doing”
- Alliteration â repetition of the same sound, including assonance (similar vowel sounds), plosive alliteration (“b”, “d” and “p” sounds) and sibilance (“s” sounds)
- Anaphora â repetition of words, often used to emphasise a particular point
Donât worry if you canât locate all of these literary devices in the work youâre analysing. You can also discuss more obvious techniques, like metaphor, simile and onomatopoeia. Itâs not a problem if you canât remember all the long names; itâs far more important to be able to confidently explain the effects of each technique and highlight its relevance to the question.
Step 4: Be creative and original throughout
Anyone can write an essay using the tips above, but the thing that really makes it “perfect” is your own unique take on the topic. If youâve noticed something intriguing or unusual in your reading, point it out â if you find it interesting, chances are the examiner will too!
Creative writing and essay writing are more closely linked than you might imagine. Keep the idea that youâre writing a speech or argument in mind, and youâre guaranteed to grab your readerâs attention.
Itâs important to set out your line of argument in your introduction, introducing your main points and the general direction your essay will take, but donât forget to keep something back for the conclusion, too. Yes, you need to summarise your main points, but if youâre just repeating the things you said in your introduction, the body of the essay is rendered pointless.
Think of your conclusion as the climax of your speech, the bit everything else has been leading up to, rather than the boring plenary at the end of the interesting stuff.
To return to Of Mice and Men once more, here’s an example of the ideal difference between an introduction and a conclusion:
Introduction
In John Steinbeckâs Of Mice and Men , Curleyâs wife is portrayed as an ambiguous character. She could be viewed either as a cruel, seductive temptress or a lonely woman who is a victim of her societyâs attitudes. Though she does seem to wield a form of sexual power, it is clear that Curleyâs wife is largely a victim. This interpretation is supported by Steinbeckâs description of her appearance, other peopleâs attitudes, her dreams, and her evident loneliness and insecurity.
Overall, it is clear that Curleyâs wife is a victim and is portrayed as such throughout the novel in the descriptions of her appearance, her dreams, other peopleâs judgemental attitudes, and her loneliness and insecurities. However, a character who was a victim and nothing else would be one-dimensional and Curleyâs wife is not. Although she suffers in many ways, she is shown to assert herself through the manipulation of her femininity â a small rebellion against the victimisation she experiences.
Both refer back consistently to the question and summarise the essayâs main points. However, the conclusion adds something new which has been established in the main body of the essay and complicates the simple summary which is found in the introduction.
Hannah is an undergraduate English student at Somerville College, University of Oxford, and has a particular interest in postcolonial literature and the Gothic. She thinks literature is a crucial way of developing empathy and learning about the wider world. When she isn’t writing about 17th-century court masques, she enjoys acting, travelling and creative writing.Â
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12 Strategies to Writing the Perfect College Essay
College admission committees sift through thousands of college essays each year. Hereâs how to make yours stand out.
Pamela Reynolds
When it comes to deciding who they will admit into their programs, colleges consider many criteria, including high school grades, extracurricular activities, and ACT and SAT scores. But in recent years, more colleges are no longer considering test scores.
Instead, many (including Harvard through 2026) are opting for âtest-blindâ admission policies that give more weight to other elements in a college application. This policy change is seen as fairer to students who donât have the means or access to testing, or who suffer from test anxiety.
So, what does this mean for you?
Simply that your college essay, traditionally a requirement of any college application, is more important than ever.
A college essay is your unique opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions committees who must comb through thousands of applications each year. It is your chance to stand out as someone worthy of a seat in that classroom.
A well-written and thoughtful essayâreflecting who you are and what you believeâcan go a long way to separating your application from the slew of forgettable ones that admissions officers read. Indeed, officers may rely on them even more now that many colleges are not considering test scores.
Below weâll discuss a few strategies you can use to help your essay stand out from the pack. Weâll touch on how to start your essay, what you should write for your college essay, and elements that make for a great college essay.
Be Authentic
More than any other consideration, you should choose a topic or point of view that is consistent with who you truly are.
Readers can sense when writers are inauthentic.
Inauthenticity could mean the use of overly flowery language that no one would ever use in conversation, or it could mean choosing an inconsequential topic that reveals very little about who you are.
Use your own voice, sense of humor, and a natural way of speaking.
Whatever subject you choose, make sure itâs something thatâs genuinely important to you and not a subject youâve chosen just to impress. You can write about a specific experience, hobby, or personality quirk that illustrates your strengths, but also feel free to write about your weaknesses.
Honesty about traits, situations, or a childhood background that you are working to improve may resonate with the reader more strongly than a glib victory speech.
Grab the Reader From the Start
Youâll be competing with so many other applicants for an admission officerâs attention.
Therefore, start your essay with an opening sentence or paragraph that immediately seizes the imagination. This might be a bold statement, a thoughtful quote, a question you pose, or a descriptive scene.
Starting your essay in a powerful way with a clear thesis statement can often help you along in the writing process. If your task is to tell a good story, a bold beginning can be a natural prelude to getting there, serving as a roadmap, engaging the reader from the start, and presenting the purpose of your writing.
Focus on Deeper Themes
Some essay writers think they will impress committees by loading an essay with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities, like wins in sports or descriptions of volunteer work. But thatâs not the point.
College admissions officers are interested in learning more about who you are as a person and what makes you tick.
They want to know what has brought you to this stage in life. They want to read about realizations you may have come to through adversity as well as your successes, not just about how many games you won while on the soccer team or how many people you served at a soup kitchen.
Let the reader know how winning the soccer game helped you develop as a person, friend, family member, or leader. Make a connection with your soup kitchen volunteerism and how it may have inspired your educational journey and future aspirations. What did you discover about yourself?
Show Donât Tell
As you expand on whatever theme youâve decided to explore in your essay, remember to show, don’t tell.
The most engaging writing âshowsâ by setting scenes and providing anecdotes, rather than just providing a list of accomplishments and activities.
Reciting a list of activities is also boring. An admissions officer will want to know about the arc of your emotional journey too.
Try Doing Something Different
If you want your essay to stand out, think about approaching your subject from an entirely new perspective. While many students might choose to write about their wins, for instance, what if you wrote an essay about what you learned from all your losses?
If you are an especially talented writer, you might play with the element of surprise by crafting an essay that leaves the response to a question to the very last sentence.
You may want to stay away from well-worn themes entirely, like a sports-related obstacle or success, volunteer stories, immigration stories, moving, a summary of personal achievements or overcoming obstacles.
However, such themes are popular for a reason. They represent the totality of most peopleâs lives coming out of high school. Therefore, it may be less important to stay away from these topics than to take a fresh approach.
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Write With the Reader in Mind
Writing for the reader means building a clear and logical argument in which one thought flows naturally from another.
Use transitions between paragraphs.
Think about any information you may have left out that the reader may need to know. Are there ideas you have included that do not help illustrate your theme?
Be sure you can answer questions such as: Does what you have written make sense? Is the essay organized? Does the opening grab the reader? Is there a strong ending? Have you given enough background information? Is it wordy?
Write Several Drafts
Set your essay aside for a few days and come back to it after youâve had some time to forget what youâve written. Often, youâll discover you have a whole new perspective that enhances your ability to make revisions.
Start writing months before your essay is due to give yourself enough time to write multiple drafts. A good time to start could be as early as the summer before your senior year when homework and extracurricular activities take up less time.
Read It Aloud
Writerâs tip : Reading your essay aloud can instantly uncover passages that sound clumsy, long-winded, or false.
Donât Repeat
If youâve mentioned an activity, story, or anecdote in some other part of your application, donât repeat it again in your essay.
Your essay should tell college admissions officers something new. Whatever you write in your essay should be in philosophical alignment with the rest of your application.
Also, be sure youâve answered whatever question or prompt may have been posed to you at the outset.
Ask Others to Read Your Essay
Be sure the people you ask to read your essay represent different demographic groupsâa teacher, a parent, even a younger sister or brother.
Ask each reader what they took from the essay and listen closely to what they have to say. If anyone expresses confusion, revise until the confusion is cleared up.
Pay Attention to Form
Although there are often no strict word limits for college essays, most essays are shorter rather than longer. Common App, which students can use to submit to multiple colleges, suggests that essays stay at about 650 words.
“While we won’t as a rule stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you’d hoped it would,” the Common App website states.
In reviewing other technical aspects of your essay, be sure that the font is readable, that the margins are properly spaced, that any dialogue is set off properly, and that there is enough spacing at the top. Your essay should look clean and inviting to readers.
End Your Essay With a âKickerâ
In journalism, a kicker is the last punchy line, paragraph, or section that brings everything together.
It provides a lasting impression that leaves the reader satisfied and impressed by the points you have artfully woven throughout your piece.
So, hereâs our kicker: Be concise and coherent, engage in honest self-reflection, and include vivid details and anecdotes that deftly illustrate your point.
While writing a fantastic essay may not guarantee you get selected, it can tip the balance in your favor if admissions officers are considering a candidate with a similar GPA and background.
Write, revise, revise again, and good luck!
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About the Author
Pamela Reynolds is a Boston-area feature writer and editor whose work appears in numerous publications. She is the author of “Revamp: A Memoir of Travel and Obsessive Renovation.”
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How to Write an Essay
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Essay Writing Fundamentals
How to prepare to write an essay, how to edit an essay, how to share and publish your essays, how to get essay writing help, how to find essay writing inspiration, resources for teaching essay writing.
Essays, short prose compositions on a particular theme or topic, are the bread and butter of academic life. You write them in class, for homework, and on standardized tests to show what you know. Unlike other kinds of academic writing (like the research paper) and creative writing (like short stories and poems), essays allow you to develop your original thoughts on a prompt or question. Essays come in many varieties: they can be expository (fleshing out an idea or claim), descriptive, (explaining a person, place, or thing), narrative (relating a personal experience), or persuasive (attempting to win over a reader). This guide is a collection of dozens of links about academic essay writing that we have researched, categorized, and annotated in order to help you improve your essay writing.Â
Essays are different from other forms of writing; in turn, there are different kinds of essays. This section contains general resources for getting to know the essay and its variants. These resources introduce and define the essay as a genre, and will teach you what to expect from essay-based assessments.
Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab
One of the most trusted academic writing sites, Purdue OWL provides a concise introduction to the four most common types of academic essays.
"The Essay: History and Definition" (ThoughtCo)
This snappy article from ThoughtCo talks about the origins of the essay and different kinds of essays you might be asked to write.Â
"What Is An Essay?" Video Lecture (Coursera)
The University of California at Irvine's free video lecture, available on Coursera, tells you everything you need to know about the essay.
Wikipedia Article on the "Essay"
Wikipedia's article on the essay is comprehensive, providing both English-language and global perspectives on the essay form. Learn about the essay's history, forms, and styles.
"Understanding College and Academic Writing" (Aims Online Writing Lab)
This list of common academic writing assignments (including types of essay prompts) will help you know what to expect from essay-based assessments.
Before you start writing your essay, you need to figure out who you're writing for (audience), what you're writing about (topic/theme), and what you're going to say (argument and thesis). This section contains links to handouts, chapters, videos and more to help you prepare to write an essay.
How to Identify Your Audience
"Audience" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)
This handout provides questions you can ask yourself to determine the audience for an academic writing assignment. It also suggests strategies for fitting your paper to your intended audience.
"Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content" (Univ. of Minnesota Libraries)
This extensive book chapter from Writing for Success , available online through Minnesota Libraries Publishing, is followed by exercises to try out your new pre-writing skills.
"Determining Audience" (Aims Online Writing Lab)
This guide from a community college's writing center shows you how to know your audience, and how to incorporate that knowledge in your thesis statement.
"Know Your Audience" ( Paper Rater Blog)
This short blog post uses examples to show how implied audiences for essays differ. It reminds you to think of your instructor as an observer, who will know only the information you pass along.
How to Choose a Theme or Topic
"Research Tutorial: Developing Your Topic" (YouTube)
Take a look at this short video tutorial from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to understand the basics of developing a writing topic.
"How to Choose a Paper Topic" (WikiHow)
This simple, step-by-step guide (with pictures!) walks you through choosing a paper topic. It starts with a detailed description of brainstorming and ends with strategies to refine your broad topic.
"How to Read an Assignment: Moving From Assignment to Topic" (Harvard College Writing Center)
Did your teacher give you a prompt or other instructions? This guide helps you understand the relationship between an essay assignment and your essay's topic.
"Guidelines for Choosing a Topic" (CliffsNotes)
This study guide from CliffsNotes both discusses how to choose a topic and makes a useful distinction between "topic" and "thesis."
How to Come Up with an Argument
"Argument" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)
Not sure what "argument" means in the context of academic writing? This page from the University of North Carolina is a good place to start.
"The Essay Guide: Finding an Argument" (Study Hub)
This handout explains why it's important to have an argument when beginning your essay, and provides tools to help you choose a viable argument.
"Writing a Thesis and Making an Argument" (University of Iowa)
This page from the University of Iowa's Writing Center contains exercises through which you can develop and refine your argument and thesis statement.
"Developing a Thesis" (Harvard College Writing Center)
This page from Harvard's Writing Center collates some helpful dos and don'ts of argumentative writing, from steps in constructing a thesis to avoiding vague and confrontational thesis statements.
"Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays" (Berkeley Student Learning Center)
This page offers concrete suggestions for each stage of the essay writing process, from topic selection to drafting and editing.Â
How to Outline your Essay
"Outlines" (Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill via YouTube)
This short video tutorial from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows how to group your ideas into paragraphs or sections to begin the outlining process.
"Essay Outline" (Univ. of Washington Tacoma)
This two-page handout by a university professor simply defines the parts of an essay and then organizes them into an example outline.
"Types of Outlines and Samples" (Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab)
Purdue OWL gives examples of diverse outline strategies on this page, including the alphanumeric, full sentence, and decimal styles.Â
"Outlining" (Harvard College Writing Center)
Once you have an argument, according to this handout, there are only three steps in the outline process: generalizing, ordering, and putting it all together. Then you're ready to write!
"Writing Essays" (Plymouth Univ.)
This packet, part of Plymouth University's Learning Development series, contains descriptions and diagrams relating to the outlining process.
"How to Write A Good Argumentative Essay: Logical Structure" (Criticalthinkingtutorials.com via YouTube)
This longer video tutorial gives an overview of how to structure your essay in order to support your argument or thesis. It is part of a longer course on academic writing hosted on Udemy.
Now that you've chosen and refined your topic and created an outline, use these resources to complete the writing process. Most essays contain introductions (which articulate your thesis statement), body paragraphs, and conclusions. Transitions facilitate the flow from one paragraph to the next so that support for your thesis builds throughout the essay. Sources and citations show where you got the evidence to support your thesis, which ensures that you avoid plagiarism.Â
How to Write an Introduction
"Introductions" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)
This page identifies the role of the introduction in any successful paper, suggests strategies for writing introductions, and warns against less effective introductions.
"How to Write A Good Introduction" (Michigan State Writing Center)
Beginning with the most common missteps in writing introductions, this guide condenses the essentials of introduction composition into seven points.
"The Introductory Paragraph" (ThoughtCo)
This blog post from academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming focuses on ways to grab your reader's attention at the beginning of your essay.
"Introductions and Conclusions" (Univ. of Toronto)
This guide from the University of Toronto gives advice that applies to writing both introductions and conclusions, including dos and don'ts.
"How to Write Better Essays: No One Does Introductions Properly" ( The Guardian )
This news article interviews UK professors on student essay writing; they point to introductions as the area that needs the most improvement.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
"Writing an Effective Thesis Statement"Â (YouTube)
This short, simple video tutorial from a college composition instructor at Tulsa Community College explains what a thesis statement is and what it does.Â
"Thesis Statement: Four Steps to a Great Essay" (YouTube)
This fantastic tutorial walks you through drafting a thesis, using an essay prompt on Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter as an example.
"How to Write a Thesis Statement" (WikiHow)
This step-by-step guide (with pictures!) walks you through coming up with, writing, and editing a thesis statement. It invites you think of your statement as a "working thesis" that can change.
"How to Write a Thesis Statement" (Univ. of Indiana Bloomington)
Ask yourself the questions on this page, part of Indiana Bloomington's Writing Tutorial Services, when you're writing and refining your thesis statement.
"Writing Tips: Thesis Statements" (Univ. of Illinois Center for Writing Studies)
This page gives plentiful examples of good to great thesis statements, and offers questions to ask yourself when formulating a thesis statement.
How to Write Body Paragraphs
"Body Paragraph" (Brightstorm)
This module of a free online course introduces you to the components of a body paragraph. These include the topic sentence, information, evidence, and analysis.
"Strong Body Paragraphs" (Washington Univ.)
This handout from Washington's Writing and Research Center offers in-depth descriptions of the parts of a successful body paragraph.
"Guide to Paragraph Structure" (Deakin Univ.)
This handout is notable for color-coding example body paragraphs to help you identify the functions various sentences perform.
"Writing Body Paragraphs" (Univ. of Minnesota Libraries)
The exercises in this section of Writing for Success will help you practice writing good body paragraphs. It includes guidance on selecting primary support for your thesis.
"The Writing ProcessâBody Paragraphs" (Aims Online Writing Lab)
The information and exercises on this page will familiarize you with outlining and writing body paragraphs, and includes links to more information on topic sentences and transitions.
"The Five-Paragraph Essay" (ThoughtCo)
This blog post discusses body paragraphs in the context of one of the most common academic essay types in secondary schools.
How to Use Transitions
"Transitions" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)
This page from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explains what a transition is, and how to know if you need to improve your transitions.
"Using Transitions Effectively" (Washington Univ.)
This handout defines transitions, offers tips for using them, and contains a useful list of common transitional words and phrases grouped by function.
"Transitions" (Aims Online Writing Lab)
This page compares paragraphs without transitions to paragraphs with transitions, and in doing so shows how important these connective words and phrases are.
"Transitions in Academic Essays" (Scribbr)
This page lists four techniques that will help you make sure your reader follows your train of thought, including grouping similar information and using transition words.
"Transitions" (El Paso Community College)
This handout shows example transitions within paragraphs for context, and explains how transitions improve your essay's flow and voice.
"Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing" (ThoughtCo)
This blog post, another from academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, talks about transitions and other strategies to improve your essay's overall flow.
"Transition Words" (smartwords.org)
This handy word bank will help you find transition words when you're feeling stuck. It's grouped by the transition's function, whether that is to show agreement, opposition, condition, or consequence.
How to Write a Conclusion
"Parts of An Essay: Conclusions" (Brightstorm)
This module of a free online course explains how to conclude an academic essay. It suggests thinking about the "3Rs": return to hook, restate your thesis, and relate to the reader.
"Essay Conclusions" (Univ. of Maryland University College)
This overview of the academic essay conclusion contains helpful examples and links to further resources for writing good conclusions.
"How to End An Essay" (WikiHow)
This step-by-step guide (with pictures!) by an English Ph.D. walks you through writing a conclusion, from brainstorming to ending with a flourish.
"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)
This page collates useful strategies for writing an effective conclusion, and reminds you to "close the discussion without closing it off" to further conversation.
How to Include Sources and Citations
"Research and Citation Resources" (Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab)
Purdue OWL streamlines information about the three most common referencing styles (MLA, Chicago, and APA) and provides examples of how to cite different resources in each system.
EasyBib: Free Bibliography Generator
This online tool allows you to input information about your source and automatically generate citations in any style. Be sure to select your resource type before clicking the "cite it" button.
CitationMachine
Like EasyBib, this online tool allows you to input information about your source and automatically generate citations in any style.Â
Modern Language Association Handbook (MLA)
Here, you'll find the definitive and up-to-date record of MLA referencing rules. Order through the link above, or check to see if your library has a copy.
Chicago Manual of Style
Here, you'll find the definitive and up-to-date record of Chicago referencing rules. You can take a look at the table of contents, then choose to subscribe or start a free trial.
How to Avoid Plagiarism
"What is Plagiarism?" (plagiarism.org)
This nonprofit website contains numerous resources for identifying and avoiding plagiarism, and reminds you that even common activities like copying images from another website to your own site may constitute plagiarism.
"Plagiarism" (University of Oxford)
This interactive page from the University of Oxford helps you check for plagiarism in your work, making it clear how to avoid citing another person's work without full acknowledgement.
"Avoiding Plagiarism" (MIT Comparative Media Studies)
This quick guide explains what plagiarism is, what its consequences are, and how to avoid it. It starts by defining three wordsâquotation, paraphrase, and summaryâthat all constitute citation.
"Harvard Guide to Using Sources" (Harvard Extension School)
This comprehensive website from Harvard brings together articles, videos, and handouts about referencing, citation, and plagiarism.Â
Grammarly contains tons of helpful grammar and writing resources, including a free tool to automatically scan your essay to check for close affinities to published work.Â
Noplag is another popular online tool that automatically scans your essay to check for signs of plagiarism. Simply copy and paste your essay into the box and click "start checking."
Once you've written your essay, you'll want to edit (improve content), proofread (check for spelling and grammar mistakes), and finalize your work until you're ready to hand it in. This section brings together tips and resources for navigating the editing process.Â
"Writing a First Draft" (Academic Help)
This is an introduction to the drafting process from the site Academic Help, with tips for getting your ideas on paper before editing begins.
"Editing and Proofreading" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)
This page provides general strategies for revising your writing. They've intentionally left seven errors in the handout, to give you practice in spotting them.
"How to Proofread Effectively" (ThoughtCo)
This article from ThoughtCo, along with those linked at the bottom, help describe common mistakes to check for when proofreading.
"7 Simple Edits That Make Your Writing 100% More Powerful" (SmartBlogger)
This blog post emphasizes the importance of powerful, concise language, and reminds you that even your personal writing heroes create clunky first drafts.
"Editing Tips for Effective Writing" (Univ. of Pennsylvania)
On this page from Penn's International Relations department, you'll find tips for effective prose, errors to watch out for, and reminders about formatting.
"Editing the Essay" (Harvard College Writing Center)
This article, the first of two parts, gives you applicable strategies for the editing process. It suggests reading your essay aloud, removing any jargon, and being unafraid to remove even "dazzling" sentences that don't belong.
"Guide to Editing and Proofreading" (Oxford Learning Institute)
This handout from Oxford covers the basics of editing and proofreading, and reminds you that neither task should be rushed.Â
In addition to plagiarism-checkers, Grammarly has a plug-in for your web browser that checks your writing for common mistakes.
After you've prepared, written, and edited your essay, you might want to share it outside the classroom. This section alerts you to print and web opportunities to share your essays with the wider world, from online writing communities and blogs to published journals geared toward young writers.
Sharing Your Essays Online
Go Teen Writers
Go Teen Writers is an online community for writers aged 13 - 19. It was founded by Stephanie Morrill, an author of contemporary young adult novels.Â
Tumblr is a blogging website where you can share your writing and interact with other writers online. It's easy to add photos, links, audio, and video components.
Writersky provides an online platform for publishing and reading other youth writers' work. Its current content is mostly devoted to fiction.
Publishing Your Essays Online
This teen literary journal publishes in print, on the web, and (more frequently), on a blog. It is committed to ensuring that "teens see their authentic experience reflected on its pages."
The Matador Review
This youth writing platform celebrates "alternative," unconventional writing. The link above will take you directly to the site's "submissions" page.
Teen Ink has a website, monthly newsprint magazine, and quarterly poetry magazine promoting the work of young writers.
The largest online reading platform, Wattpad enables you to publish your work and read others' work. Its inline commenting feature allows you to share thoughts as you read along.
Publishing Your Essays in Print
Canvas Teen Literary Journal
This quarterly literary magazine is published for young writers by young writers. They accept many kinds of writing, including essays.
The Claremont Review
This biannual international magazine, first published in 1992, publishes poetry, essays, and short stories from writers aged 13 - 19.
Skipping Stones
This young writers magazine, founded in 1988, celebrates themes relating to ecological and cultural diversity. It publishes poems, photos, articles, and stories.
The Telling Room
This nonprofit writing center based in Maine publishes children's work on their website and in book form. The link above directs you to the site's submissions page.
Essay Contests
Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards
This prestigious international writing contest for students in grades 7 - 12 has been committed to "supporting the future of creativity since 1923."
Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest
An annual essay contest on the theme of journalism and media, the Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest awards scholarships up to $1,000.
National YoungArts Foundation
Here, you'll find information on a government-sponsored writing competition for writers aged 15 - 18. The foundation welcomes submissions of creative nonfiction, novels, scripts, poetry, short story and spoken word.
Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest
With prompts on a different literary work each year, this competition from Signet Classics awards college scholarships up to $1,000.
"The Ultimate Guide to High School Essay Contests" (CollegeVine)
See this handy guide from CollegeVine for a list of more competitions you can enter with your academic essay, from the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards to the National High School Essay Contest by the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Whether you're struggling to write academic essays or you think you're a pro, there are workshops and online tools that can help you become an even better writer. Even the most seasoned writers encounter writer's block, so be proactive and look through our curated list of resources to combat this common frustration.
Online Essay-writing Classes and Workshops
"Getting Started with Essay Writing" (Coursera)
Coursera offers lots of free, high-quality online classes taught by college professors. Here's one example, taught by instructors from the University of California Irvine.
"Writing and English" (Brightstorm)
Brightstorm's free video lectures are easy to navigate by topic. This unit on the parts of an essay features content on the essay hook, thesis, supporting evidence, and more.
"How to Write an Essay" (EdX)
EdX is another open online university course website with several two- to five-week courses on the essay. This one is geared toward English language learners.
Writer's Digest University
This renowned writers' website offers online workshops and interactive tutorials. The courses offered cover everything from how to get started through how to get published.
Writing.com
Signing up for this online writer's community gives you access to helpful resources as well as an international community of writers.
How to Overcome Writer's Block
"Symptoms and Cures for Writer's Block" (Purdue OWL)
Purdue OWL offers a list of signs you might have writer's block, along with ways to overcome it. Consider trying out some "invention strategies" or ways to curb writing anxiety.
"Overcoming Writer's Block: Three Tips" ( The Guardian )
These tips, geared toward academic writing specifically, are practical and effective. The authors advocate setting realistic goals, creating dedicated writing time, and participating in social writing.
"Writing Tips: Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block" (Univ. of Illinois)
This page from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Center for Writing Studies acquaints you with strategies that do and do not work to overcome writer's block.
"Writer's Block" (Univ. of Toronto)
Ask yourself the questions on this page; if the answer is "yes," try out some of the article's strategies. Each question is accompanied by at least two possible solutions.
If you have essays to write but are short on ideas, this section's links to prompts, example student essays, and celebrated essays by professional writers might help. You'll find writing prompts from a variety of sources, student essays to inspire you, and a number of essay writing collections.
Essay Writing Prompts
"50 Argumentative Essay Topics" (ThoughtCo)
Take a look at this list and the others ThoughtCo has curated for different kinds of essays. As the author notes, "a number of these topics are controversial and that's the point."
"401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing" ( New York Times )
This list (and the linked lists to persuasive and narrative writing prompts), besides being impressive in length, is put together by actual high school English teachers.
"SAT Sample Essay Prompts" (College Board)
If you're a student in the U.S., your classroom essay prompts are likely modeled on the prompts in U.S. college entrance exams. Take a look at these official examples from the SAT.
"Popular College Application Essay Topics" (Princeton Review)
This page from the Princeton Review dissects recent Common Application essay topics and discusses strategies for answering them.
Example Student Essays
"501 Writing Prompts" (DePaul Univ.)
This nearly 200-page packet, compiled by the LearningExpress Skill Builder in Focus Writing Team, is stuffed with writing prompts, example essays, and commentary.
"Topics in English" (Kibin)
Kibin is a for-pay essay help website, but its example essays (organized by topic) are available for free. You'll find essays on everything from A Christmas Carol to perseverance.
"Student Writing Models" (Thoughtful Learning)
Thoughtful Learning, a website that offers a variety of teaching materials, provides sample student essays on various topics and organizes them by grade level.
"Five-Paragraph Essay" (ThoughtCo)
In this blog post by a former professor of English and rhetoric, ThoughtCo brings together examples of five-paragraph essays and commentary on the form.
The Best Essay Writing Collections
The Best American Essays of the Century by Joyce Carol Oates (Amazon)
This collection of American essays spanning the twentieth century was compiled by award winning author and Princeton professor Joyce Carol Oates.
The Best American Essays 2017 by Leslie Jamison (Amazon)
Leslie Jamison, the celebrated author of essay collection The Empathy Exams , collects recent, high-profile essays into a single volume.
The Art of the Personal Essay by Phillip Lopate (Amazon)
Documentary writer Phillip Lopate curates this historical overview of the personal essay's development, from the classical era to the present.
The White Album by Joan Didion (Amazon)
This seminal essay collection was authored by one of the most acclaimed personal essayists of all time, American journalist Joan Didion.
Consider the Lobster by David Foster Wallace (Amazon)
Read this famous essay collection by David Foster Wallace, who is known for his experimentation with the essay form. He pushed the boundaries of personal essay, reportage, and political polemic.
"50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" (Staff of the The Harvard Crimson )
If you're looking for examples of exceptional college application essays, this volume from Harvard's daily student newspaper is one of the best collections on the market.
Are you an instructor looking for the best resources for teaching essay writing? This section contains resources for developing in-class activities and student homework assignments. You'll find content from both well-known university writing centers and online writing labs.
Essay Writing Classroom Activities for Students
"In-class Writing Exercises" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)
This page lists exercises related to brainstorming, organizing, drafting, and revising. It also contains suggestions for how to implement the suggested exercises.
"Teaching with Writing" (Univ. of Minnesota Center for Writing)
Instructions and encouragement for using "freewriting," one-minute papers, logbooks, and other write-to-learn activities in the classroom can be found here.
"Writing Worksheets" (Berkeley Student Learning Center)
Berkeley offers this bank of writing worksheets to use in class. They are nested under headings for "Prewriting," "Revision," "Research Papers" and more.
"Using Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism" (DePaul University)
Use these activities and worksheets from DePaul's Teaching Commons when instructing students on proper academic citation practices.
Essay Writing Homework Activities for Students
"Grammar and Punctuation Exercises" (Aims Online Writing Lab)
These five interactive online activities allow students to practice editing and proofreading. They'll hone their skills in correcting comma splices and run-ons, identifying fragments, using correct pronoun agreement, and comma usage.
"Student Interactives" (Read Write Think)
Read Write Think hosts interactive tools, games, and videos for developing writing skills. They can practice organizing and summarizing, writing poetry, and developing lines of inquiry and analysis.
This free website offers writing and grammar activities for all grade levels. The lessons are designed to be used both for large classes and smaller groups.
"Writing Activities and Lessons for Every Grade" (Education World)
Education World's page on writing activities and lessons links you to more free, online resources for learning how to "W.R.I.T.E.": write, revise, inform, think, and edit.
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How to Make Your Essay Better: 7 Tips for Stronger Essays
By Krystal N. Craiker
Essay writing doesnât have to be intimidating. With a few tips, you can improve your writing skills for any type of academic essay.
How to Write Better Essays
7 tips on how to make your essay better, how to become a better essay writer.
The best way to sum up how to write better essays is, âMake sure youâre answering the question.â
This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many students struggle with this.
From not understanding the prompt to poor research skills to off-topic body paragraphs, itâs easy for an essay to derail.
Weâve got seven tips for writing better essays that will help you avoid common mistakes and craft the best essays possible.
Here are our top tips for improving your essay writing skills.
Understand the Prompt or Research Question
The first step in your writing process is to fully understand the essay topic. If your professor gave you a prompt for your academic essay, spend some time analyzing it.
First, take note of whether youâre writing an expository or persuasive essay. The tone, structure, and word choice will differ between essay types.
Pay close attention to the wording of the prompt.
If your teacher wants you to âanalyzeâ the effects of new technology in World War I, but you turn in a descriptive overview of the technology, you are not answering the question.
If they have given you a topic but no prompt, youâll need to create a guiding question for your research.
Be specific in what you are trying to research, or youâll end up overwhelmed with a topic that is too big in scope.
âSymbolism in modern literatureâ is too broad for a term paper, but âHow does F. Scott Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby ?â is an achievable topic.
Take Excellent Notes
Once you understand exactly what your essay is about, you can begin the research phase. Create a strong note-taking system.
Write down any idea or quote you might want to use. Cite every note properly to save time on your citations and to avoid accidental plagiarism.
Once you have gathered your research, organize your notes into categories. This will help you plan the structure of your essay.
Youâll likely find that some of your research doesnât fit into your essay once you start writing. Thatâs okayâitâs better to have too much information to support your argument than too little.
Write a Strong Thesis Statement
Possibly the most important step in essay writing is to craft a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement is a briefâusually single-sentenceâexplanation of what your essay is about.
The thesis statement guides the entire essay: every point you make should support your thesis.
A strong thesis is specific and long enough to address the major points of your essay.
In a persuasive or argumentative essay, your thesis should clearly establish the argument you are making.
Make an Outline
Once you have all your research, itâs easy to get overwhelmed. How do you turn the information into a cohesive essay?
Rather than writing an essay with no roadmap, an outline will keep you on track. An outline helps you organize your thoughts, plan your arguments, and sort your research.
A good outline saves you time, too! You can compile the relevant evidence in your notes before writing, so you donât have to find that specific quote in the middle of essay writing.
An outline will also stop you from reading your finished essay and realizing you went completely off track.
With an outline, you can avoid finding paragraphs that donât support your thesis right before you submit the essay.
Craft a Great Introduction
An academic essay needs a strong introductory paragraph.
The introduction is the first impression of your essay. It prepares the reader for whatâs coming and gets them excited to read your paper.
A good introduction has three things:
- A hook (e.g. insightful statement, quote, interesting fact)
- Brief background information about the topic
- A thesis statement
Using this formula will help you write a strong introduction for your essay.
Have Original Ideas and Interpretations
The best academic writing advice a professor ever gave me was, âYouâve shown me what other people have said about the topic. I want to know what you think about the topic.â
Even a fact-heavy or data-heavy essay needs original ideas and interpretations. For every piece of information you cite, whether you quote or paraphrase it , offer original commentary.
Focus on insights, new interpretations, or even questions that you have. These are all ways to provide original ideas in your essay.
Proofread for Readability
A good essay is a proofread essay.
Readability, or how easy something is to read, has many factors. Spelling and grammar are important, but so is sentence structure, word choice , and other stylistic features.
Academic essays should be readable without being too simple. In general, aim for a readability score that is close to your grade level in school.
There are several ways to check readability scores, including using ProWritingAidâs Readability Report.
The quickest way to increase readability is to fix grammar and spelling mistakes . You can also raise the readability score by using more complex and compound-complex sentences.
ProWritingAid can offer suggestions on how to improve your essay and take it to the next level.
Our free essay checker will check for spelling and grammar errors, plus several other types of writing mistakes.
The essay checker will offer you suggestions on sentence length and passive voice.
It will help you trim the excess words that bog down your writing by analyzing your sticky sentences and overused words.
The essay checker is here to help you turn in an error-free essay.
Want to improve your essay writing skills?
Use prowritingaid.
Be confident about grammar
Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.
Krystal N. Craiker
Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When sheâs not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.
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- 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if itâs not intelligently articulated, you almost neednât have bothered.
Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if youâre to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, weâre going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.
Itâs by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we wonât have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.
If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.
General explaining
Letâs start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: âIn order toâ can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: âIn order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.â
2. In other words
Usage: Use âin other wordsâ when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: âFrogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.â
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying âin other wordsâ, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: âPlants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.â
4. That is to say
Usage: âThat isâ and âthat is to sayâ can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: âWhales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.â
5. To that end
Usage: Use âto that endâ or âto this endâ in a similar way to âin order toâ or âsoâ. Example: âZoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.â
Adding additional information to support a point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of âandâ each time they want to add further information in support of a point theyâre making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.
6. Moreover
Usage: Employ âmoreoverâ at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point youâre making. Example: âMoreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support ofâŚâ
7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: âFurthermore, there is evidence to suggest thatâŚâ
8. Whatâs more
Usage: This is used in the same way as âmoreoverâ and âfurthermoreâ. Example: âWhatâs more, this isnât the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.â
9. Likewise
Usage: Use âlikewiseâ when you want to talk about something that agrees with what youâve just mentioned. Example: âScholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.â
10. Similarly
Usage: Use âsimilarlyâ in the same way as âlikewiseâ. Example: âAudiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethovenâs new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.â
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase âanother key point to rememberâ or âanother key fact to rememberâ to introduce additional facts without using the word âalsoâ. Example: âAs a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.â
12. As well as
Usage: Use âas well asâ instead of âalsoâ or âandâ. Example: âScholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.â
13. Not only⌠but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something thatâs in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: âNot only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.â
14. Coupled with
Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: âCoupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view ofâŚâ
15. Firstly, secondly, thirdlyâŚ
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: âThere are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: âNot to mentionâ and âto say nothing ofâ can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: âThe war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the countryâs economy.â
Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast
When youâre developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence â âit could show this, but it could also show thisâ, or âX says this, but Y disagreesâ. This section covers words you can use instead of the âbutâ in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use âhoweverâ to introduce a point that disagrees with what youâve just said. Example: âScholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.â
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: âThe historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.â
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to âon the other handâ or âbutâ. Example: âThe historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.â
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use âby contrastâ or âin comparisonâ when youâre comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: âScholar Aâs opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar Bâs opinion seems more plausible.â
21. Then again
Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: âWriter A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, itâs possible that he was being paid to say this.â
22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as âthen againâ. Example: âThe evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.â
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: âMuch of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.â
Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use âdespite thisâ or âin spite of thisâ when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: âThe sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.â
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: âWeâve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, letâs look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.â
26. Provided that
Usage: This means âon condition thatâ. You can also say âproviding thatâ or just âprovidingâ to mean the same thing. Example: âWe may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.â
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: âIn light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding ofâŚâ
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to âdespite thisâ. Example: âThe study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.â
29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as ânonethelessâ. Example: âThe study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.â
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying ânonethelessâ. Example: âNotwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.â
Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but itâs going to get boring if you use the expression âfor exampleâ every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.
31. For instance
Example: âSome birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly southâŚâ
32. To give an illustration
Example: âTo give an illustration of what I mean, letâs look at the case ofâŚâ
Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: âSignificantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetoniusâ accounts of the same period.â
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean âsignificantlyâ (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with âin particularâ (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: âActual figures are notably absent from Scholar Aâs analysis.â
35. Importantly
Usage: Use âimportantlyâ interchangeably with âsignificantlyâ. Example: âImportantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.â
Summarising
Youâve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isnât over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything youâve talked about, showing that youâve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what youâve discussed in a broad overview. Example: âIn conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.â
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: âAbove all, it seems pertinent to remember thatâŚâ
38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: âScholar Aâs point â that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain â seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozartâs death.â
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as âpersuasiveâ above. Example: âThe most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.â
40. All things considered
Usage: This means âtaking everything into accountâ. Example: âAll things considered, it seems reasonable to assume thatâŚâ
How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.
At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .
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The 13 Best College Essay Tips to Craft a Stellar Application
College Essays
In many ways, the most labor-intensive part of your college application process is the essay. Itâs not just about forwarding transcripts or entering a list of extracurricular activitiesâyou have to craft something personal and compelling to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your resume.
In this article, weâll go over our 13 best tips for writing college essays. Weâll give tips for every step of the process including planning, writing, and editing your essay, as well as some quick and easy tips to boost any essays you already have written! With these college essay tips, youâll be that much closer to the best admissions essay ever!
5 Tips for College Essay Planning
Doing a good job planning makes the college essay process that much easier. These five college essay tips will help you get started and pave the way for a great final product.
#1: Make a Plan of Attack for Your Essays
The first thing youâll need to do is identify all the essays youâll need to write and their deadlines. It may help you to make a spreadsheet with the essay guidelines for each school, the word count, the prompts, the due date, and any special instructions. This will help you figure out:
How many essays youâll need to write, and how long those essays need to be.
Whether you can reuse any essays: In general, you can reuse essays for prompts that are about your life, broadly similar in theme, and have a similar word count. You probably canât reuse essays that are very specific to the college, like âWhy This Collegeâ essays .
Which essay you should write first: Youâll probably want to start first on the essay with the earliest application deadline. Alternatively, if you have plenty of time or the deadlines are close together, you could start with the longest essay (which will take the most time) or the essay that will be used for the most schools (like a Common Application essay). Do what you feel most comfortable with.
With all this information gathered, youâll be able to make a plan of attack for your essays and make sure nothing gets lost in the application shuffle. (In fact, I actually advise keeping track of all necessary components of your application in a spreadsheet for the same reason).
#2: Start Early
You want to start writing way before the deadline. If possible, give yourself at least two months, and maybe even more time if you can. This will make sure that you have enough time to adequately plan your essay, draft it, and edit it.
And, of course, the more essays you have to write, the earlier you should start!
#3: Choose the Right Topic
Choosing the right topic has two facets: first, choosing the right prompt (if thereâs a choice) and second, choosing the right topic to write about for that prompt.
The Right Prompt
If thereâs a choice of prompts, you may want to actually start by brainstorming the specific topic or thing in your life that you want to write about, and then reverse-engineer back to the most appropriate prompt. Most college essay prompts are pretty vague, so a broad range of topics and issues can be applied.
You can also use prompts to help you brainstorm if youâre having a hard time figuring out what to write about. Think about the prompt that seems most appealing to you at first. What intrigues you about it? What do you think you could communicate about yourself through that question?
Hereâs some tailored guidance on some of the most common college essay prompt types . And if youâre writing a Common Application essay, hereâs advice on how to choose the right Common App prompt for you .
The Right Topic
When youâre trying to choose something about your life to write about, consider the following:
What are you excited to write about? A good college essay can be about a wide variety of topics, but it should show that youâre passionate about something. This could be anything from a hobby you have to your favorite book or even your most beloved stuffed animal, just so long as you can make it memorable and positive. Also, your writing will be a lot better if you are writing about something you care about and are interested in!
Whatever you write about should be primarily about you. You should be the focal point. Even if youâre writing about someone who has influenced you, for example, you need to relate it back to yourself. What does this tell admission officers about you?
What makes you stand out? This should be something that goes beyond whatâs in the rest of your application. Your test scores and GPA are already there. What really shows something unique about you?
Choose a topic you can be honest about . If youâre not being genuine, it will end up coming through in your writing. So donât write about how much your membership in Youth Group meant to you if you only went to make your mom happy and you actually didnât care that much.
In general, you should avoid topics that are overly controversial, like things that are politically charged, doing things that are illegal, or anything involving graphic descriptions of any bodily function. So if youâre going to write about recovering from hip surgery, probably leave out the gory details of you being constipated and your oozy scars.
Check out our 35 brainstorming techniques for college essays for even more help coming up with a topic!
If youâre really stumped, consider asking your friends and family what they think could be good topics. They may help you figure out something memorable and interesting. But also, donât feel like you have to write about a topic just because someone else thinks it would be great. You need to be genuinely interested in what youâre writing about to write an engaging essay!
#4: Decide on Your Approach
In general, there are two main approaches you might take to write your essay. It might primarily take a narrative format, or it might take a thematic format.
In a narrative format, youâll be relating a particular anecdote or experience and what it means to you. In a thematic format, youâll present a particular themeâsay, your love of parakeets or your secret talent for balancing books on your headâand expound on that theme in a descriptive way to reveal more about you and your personality.
Sometimes your approach will be determined by the prompt or topic that you choose. For example, if a prompt says to relate a particular event or anecdote, youâll probably use a narrative approach. By contrast, if you want to write about how your favorite book changed your life, that will probably be a thematic essay.
#5: Write an Outline
Doing a little bit of outlining before you put fingertips to keyboard to write your essay is always a good idea. You donât necessarily need to make a super-detailed plan before you starting writing, but a general idea of where you are going and the points you want to make will be very helpful when you start drafting. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending a lot of time staring at a blank Word document.
Yes, good, very detailed essay plan.
4 Top College Essay Writing Tips
Here are four tips for writing college essays and making sure your work stands out in a good way:
#6: Use Specific Details
The more details you use, the more your writing will come alive. Try to use words that are vivid and specific, instead of ones that are vague like ânice,â âgood,â and so on. This will really flesh out the scene and help the reader picture whatâs going on.
So take something like this:
One of my biggest accomplishments in life was teaching my little brother to ride a bicycle. I encouraged him to keep going when he fell down. Now heâs a great cyclist!
To something more like this:
One of my biggest accomplishments in life was teaching my eight-year-old brother to ride the racy red bicycle he got for his birthday. He wanted to give up when he took a tumble and skidded across the sidewalk. But while I bandaged up his knees with Batman band-aids, I convinced him to give it another try. I told him to think about how he would be able to bike all around the neighborhood exploring. Now I smile whenever I see him zooming down our streetâwearing his helmet, of course!
See the difference? Wouldnât you rather read the second one?
#7: Be Genuine
Itâs important to get beyond the superficial in your personal statement. You should be writing about something thatâs genuinely important or significant to you, so try to get beyond the surface. Instead of writing vague platitudes about how you really like the violin but itâs hard, really get at the meat: did you ever think about quitting? Whatâs frustrated you the most? What really keeps you going?
This means you shouldnât try to write about things where itâs too painful to be honest. So if your parents got a divorce last year, it may be too raw to write about, which is perfectly fine. If, however, they got divorced when you were 5 and you can honestly reflect on how it changed your life, go for it.
Of course, you want to be honest in a reasonable and appropriate way. If you overshare, it will make it seem like you have bad judgment or donât understand social normsânot good impressions to give the admissions committee. So probably donât write about how much you despise your mother and think she is evil since she had an affair with your school librarian. Itâs fine to feel how you feel, but there are some things that are a little too charged to write in your college essay.
#8: Be Unique, but Not Bizarre
You definitely want your writing to set you apartâbut you want it to set you apart in a good way. This means you want high-quality writing about unique experiences and qualities you bring to the table that arenât covered elsewhere in your application.
This does not mean you should get really avant-garde with your essay formatting. Donât send in a piece of art instead of an essay, or make a video, or write a poem instead of an essay, unless those things are explicitly allowed.
Similarly, while your essay doesnât have to be 100% deadly serious in tone, you should be careful with humor. This doesnât mean absolutely no jokes or tongue-in-cheek moments or that your essay should read like an 18th-century book of sermons. But if your essay relies too much on humor, youâve got a lot riding on whether or not the person reading your essay âgetsâ it. They may well be annoyed. So deploy humor carefully and selectively.
#9: Avoid Cliches and Platitudes
The more cliches you use in your writing, the more boring and less insightful your essay will be. Cliches are phrases that are so overused that they are essentially meaningless, and they are likely to make any reader roll their eyes. Phrases like âa dime a dozen,â âoutside the box,â âcold as ice,â âdirt cheap,â âflash in the pan,â and so on are frequently deployed in conversation because they convey a common idea quickly. But you donât want your essay to be common, so avoid cliches. Try to think about how you can communicate the same idea in a more specific and interesting way.
Hereâs a list of over 600 cliches . But for the most part, you wonât need a list; youâll know something is a cliche because you will have heard it a million times already.
You should also avoid platitudes or sweeping generalizations about life. These are statements that are so broad and far-reaching as to be both obvious and completely uninsightful.
So avoid making statements like âAnd thatâs how I learned that hard work pays off,â or âThereâs no âIâ in team.â You may think you sound sage or wise, but the truth is, platitudes are going to sound immature and poorly-formed to the reader. Similarly, donât say things that sound like they could come from an inspirational quote account on Instagram. (See, ahem, âYou miss 100% of the shots you never take,â âShoot for the moon,â and so on.)
How do you avoid the platitude problem? Try to keep what youâre saying specific to you. So instead of saying âAnd thatâs how I learned that hard work pays off,â try, âThis experience helped me to realize that when I put concentrated effort into something thatâs important to me, I can accomplish it even when there are roadblocks.â Keep the focus on what you can and will do in your own life.
Avoid trite sayings like this one.
2 Tips for Editing Your College Essay
You may think that once youâve gotten a draft done that youâre good to go. Not so! Editing is one of the most important parts of writing the best college essay possible, and here are two essential college essay tips for editing.
Tip #10: Ask for Help
Itâs always wise to get another set of eyes on your college essays. In fact, several sets of eyes is even better! Other people can help you make sure your essay flows, you have enough detail, that everything is relevant, and that you sound as engaging and interesting as you really are! They can also help you catch typos and other minor errorsâalthough youâll want to double and triple-check for that yourself before submitting.
Hereâs advice on how to ask for help with all parts of the college essay process , including editing.
Tip #11: Be Prepared to Cut a Lot
Brace yourself for cutting up your initial draft into tiny little ribbons and rearranging the remaining pieces Frankenstein-style. A first draft is really just a starting place to get your ideas down before you revamp the entire thing into a more streamlined, better organized, highly polished version. So you have to be ready to let go of pieces of your essay, no matter how much you love a particular turn of phrase or analogy. The ultimate goal is to turn the rough stone of your first draft into a polished and clear piece of writingâand thatâs going to take a lot of chipping and sanding!
2 Final Tips for College Essay Success
Here are two quick but essential college essay tips you can implement easily.
Tip #12: Have a Standout First Sentence
One thing you can do to give any essay a boost is to make sure that your first sentence is attention-grabbing. If you can pique the interest of the admissions counselor right away, youâll help keep their attention throughout your essay.
Hereâs our guide to getting that perfect first sentence!
Tip #13: Triple-check for Typos and Errors
The most important quick thing you can do for your essay is to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. It will make your essay look sloppy and unfinished, and thatâs the last thing you want! College admissions officers expect a polished product, and thereâs nothing less polished than misspelled words and comma splices.
13 College Essay Tips: Key Takeaways for a Great College Essay
To recap, hereâs our 13 tips for the best college essay ever:
College Essay Planning Tips:
- Create a plan of attack for all of your essays so you can keep track of everything.
- Start earlyâat least two months before the due date, if not more.
- Choose the right prompt and topic for you.
- Decide between a narrative or a thematic approach to the topic.
- Outline before you start writing!
College Essay Writing Tips:
- Use vivid, specific details.
- Be genuineâget beyond the superficial.
- Be unique, but not bizarre.
- Avoid cliches and platitudes; they are boring and unimaginative.
College Essay Editing Tips:
- Get other people to look at your essay.
- Be prepared to change, cut, and rearrange a lot!
Final Tips for College Essays:
- Make sure your first sentence is stellar.
- Triple check for typos and grammatical errors!
Whatâs Next?
Youâve read our tips for successânow see 10 college essay mistakes to avoid .
Looking for some college essay examples? See 133 essay examples and expert analysis here , along with 11 more places to find great college essay examples .
Check out our complete guides to ApplyTexas essays , UC Personal Insight questions , and the Common Application essay !
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Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.
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Home > Blog > Best Essay Writing Topics: Make the Right Choice
Best Essay Writing Topics: Make the Right Choice
- Smodin Editorial Team
- Updated: September 24, 2024
- General Guide About Content and Writing
Choosing the right topic for your essay can be crucial, especially if you are entering a competition or writing an essay for college. So, if you are looking for the best essay writing topics, you have come to the right place. We’ll share a few interesting topic ideas in this article that you can run with today to help you pick a great theme when you have writer’s block.
Furthermore, we’ll discuss how to choose the best topics for an essay and take a deep dive into what you should avoid if you want to compile a great essay. Keep reading to learn more!
How To Choose the Best Topics for an Essay: 5 Main Factors To Consider
Choosing the right topic for an essay whether that is for school or an essay competition can be tricky sometimes. However, fret not! Below we have listed the main factors to consider if you want to write a great essay that discusses a topic that will engage your readers.
1. Identify Your Interests
Whether you are writing an argumentative or descriptive essay, start by considering topics that genuinely interest you. Writing about something you are passionate about will make the research and writing process more enjoyable. Therefore, make a list of subjects you are curious about or have strong opinions on.
This list can guide you toward topics that you genuinely want to explore. You can use this as an opportunity to explore subject matters that you want to learn more about.
2. Consider Current Events
Look at current news articles, trends, and social issues. Topics related to current events can spark strong opinions and provide ample material for thorough discussion. Consider issues like climate change, education reform, healthcare, technology, and social justice.
Make sure you research the topic well and use reputable sources in your references. This will show your readers that you have done your homework and that your arguments are credible.
3. Evaluate the Scope of the Topic
Ideally, your chosen topic will be neither too broad nor too narrow whether you are writing argumentative essays or any other kind. A broad topic may make it difficult to focus your argument, while a narrow one may lack sufficient material for discussion. Aim for a topic that allows for a detailed exploration while providing enough complexity for debate.
4. Consider Different Perspectives
Choose a topic that allows for multiple viewpoints. This will enable you to present a balanced discussion. Generally, topics that provoke strong opinions often lead to more engaging essays.
5. Test Your Topic With a Thesis Statement
Once you’ve settled on a potential topic, craft a thesis statement. A strong thesis statement clearly defines your stance and guides the direction of your essay. If you can express your opinion concisely, it’s a good sign that your topic is well-chosen. Additionally, a quality topic can enhance the overall writing of your essay.
How To Choose the Best Topics To Write an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay can be one of the most challenging types of essays to write. So knowing how to choose the best topics to write an argumentative essay is crucial. Here are some things you should keep in mind when wanting to compile this type of essay:
- Choose a topic that you can discuss in detail.
- Make sure you research your topic thoroughly before you write about it.
- Ensure there are two sides to the story.
- Opt to talk about something that has plenty of evidence to support your view.
6 Best Topics for Essay Writing Competitions
When trying to win an essay writing competition, you’ll need to choose the best topics for the job. This ensures that you can dig deep into a topic that’s interesting and can showcase your writing skills. In this section, we’ll present examples of the best topics for essay writing competitions.
You can use some of our interesting essay topics below to jumpstart your essay if you have writer’s block.
1. The Impact of Technology on the Education System
Technology has transformed education in various ways by enhancing access to information and facilitating personalized learning experiences. This essay could explore the benefits and challenges of digital learning tools and the role of social media in academic collaboration. You can even write about how technological tools have affected subjects like physical education or science.
Ultimately, this essay should assess whether technology enriches or detracts from traditional educational methods. You can also emphasize the importance of balanced integration to avoid over-reliance on learning devices.
2. Climate Change and Individual Responsibility
As climate change accelerates, individual actions play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. This essay could discuss the importance of personal choices. This can include reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable practices.
It may also examine how grassroots movements can influence larger policy changes and encourage collective responsibility. Ideally, it should inspire readers to recognize their power in combating climate change through everyday actions.
3. The Role of Art in Society
Art has been a vital form of expression and communication throughout history. This essay could analyze how art reflects societal values, addresses social issues, and fosters cultural identity. Furthermore, you can explore various art forms, such as literature, visual arts, and performance.
4. Mental Health Awareness in the Modern World
This is one of the top argumentative essay topics. Awareness of psychological well-being is increasingly vital in todayâs fast-paced society. This essay could explore the stigma surrounding mental and emotional health and emphasize the importance of open conversations. Consider examining how social media plays a dual role by both promoting awareness and contributing to anxiety.
Ideally, the essay should advocate for improved resources for mental well being. It should also summarize the necessity for education, support systems, and community engagement to cultivate a healthier society.
5. The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
According to Statista , 250 million people worldwide use AI tools today. However, as artificial intelligence continues to advance, ethical considerations become paramount. This essay could examine the implications of AI in various sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and employment. Additionally, it might discuss the potential for bias, privacy concerns, and the moral responsibilities of developers.
Make sure to evaluate both the advantages and drawbacks of AI for a balanced overview. The essay will argue for the necessity of ethical guidelines to ensure technology benefits society while minimizing harm.
6. The Influence of Social Media on Public Opinion
Social media has become a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and influencing societal norms. This essay could investigate how platforms facilitate information dissemination and contribute to the spread of misinformation.
It may explore case studies of significant events where social media played a crucial role, such as elections and social movements. The essay will argue for the responsibility of users and platforms in fostering a more informed and engaged public.
What To Avoid When Choosing an Essay Topic
Choosing the wrong essay topic can complicate your assignment significantly whether you are focusing on expository essay topics or other kinds of essays. Here are some things college students should avoid when choosing an essay topic:
- Choosing a cliche topic: Sticking with overused topics can make your paper feel unoriginal. Instead, aim for a fresh perspective or a unique angle. This shows that you’ve put some thought into the assignment.
- Ignoring assignment guidelines: Failing to adhere to the assignment’s requirements can grind your progress to a halt before you even begin. Therefore, you need to follow requirements such as word count, specific themes, and tone.
- Skipping preliminary research: Not doing initial research can result in selecting a topic that lacks sufficient resources or depth. Make sure thereâs enough material available for your topic and ensure a good writing flow .
- Not considering personal bias: Selecting a topic based solely on personal beliefs without considering opposing viewpoints can lead to a one-sided essay. Aim for a balanced discussion that takes into account both sides. This is especially important when you’re working on contrast essay topics.
- Being too broad or too narrow: Selecting a topic that is too broad can make it difficult to focus your argument. In comparison, a very narrow topic may lack enough material for discussion. It’s a good idea to strike the right balance when selecting your topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can i write about personal experiences in my essay topics.
Yes, you can use personal experiences in your essay topics, such as talking about your academic life. Writing descriptive essays about personal experiences can enhance the authenticity and relatability of your paper. That’s because personal narrative essays allow you to connect with readers on an emotional level and provide unique insights.
However, ensure that your experiences tie back to a broader theme or message relevant to the topic. Generally, balancing personal storytelling with critical analysis or reflection can create a powerful hook for narrative essay topics.
What are the best practices for brainstorming essay topics?
The best practices for brainstorming writing topics include casting a wide net, whether it’s an expository or a personal essay. Also, effective brainstorming for essay topics involves a structured approach.
Therefore, start by writing down any ideas or themes that come to mind. It might be anything from topics about universal basic income to college debt. These are great for persuasive essay topics. Also, ensure to use mind maps to visually organize thoughts and identify connections between different concepts.
How do I ensure my essay topic is unique?
To ensure your topic is unique, start by exploring lesser-known aspects of common themes or subtopics. Furthermore, conduct thorough research to identify gaps in existing literature or perspectives that havenât been widely discussed.
You’ll also need to personalize the topic by connecting it to your experiences or viewpoints. Adding personal experiences is one adding an element of originality to writing topics.
What are some trending topics for persuasive essays?
Trending topics for persuasive essays often reflect current societal debates and issues. Examples include climate change action, gun control policies, and universal healthcare access. Other compelling subjects might involve animal rights, gender equality, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Therefore, by addressing these timely issues, writers can engage readers and encourage meaningful discussions. The key is to present well-researched arguments and emotionally resonate with the audience.
Are there any resources to help find essay topics?
Several resources can aid in finding essay topics, including academic databases, online forums, and educational websites. Additionally, websites like TED Talks, news outlets, and blogs can provide inspiration on current issues and trends.
You can also use books and articles on specific subjects to spark ideas. Therefore, engaging with peers in study groups or writing workshops can also yield topic suggestions. Ultimately, exploring diverse sources can help identify relevant and engaging essay topics.
Find the Perfect Essay Topics With Smodin AI
Finding the best essay writing topics is a good starting point for you to begin crafting a compelling essay. Choosing informative essay topics can help address the interests of your target audience. The next step is to come up with essay questions that you can answer during the course of the content.
Are you having trouble coming up with essay topics that you want to work on? Then use Smodin AI to help you choose a topic that you can be proud to tackle. Our AI tool can generate a large number of potential topics in just a few seconds.
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- How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples
How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples
Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.
A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.
The main goals of an introduction are to:
- Catch your readerâs attention.
- Give background on your topic.
- Present your thesis statement âthe central point of your essay.
This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.
The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.
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Table of contents
Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.
Avoid long, dense sentencesâstart with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.
Examples: Writing a good hook
Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.
- Braille was an extremely important invention.
- The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.
The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.
- The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
- The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.
Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.
- Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
- Mary Shelleyâs Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.
Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.
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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:
- Historical, geographical, or social context
- An outline of the debate you’re addressing
- A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
- Definitions of key terms
The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Donât give too much detailâyou can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.
How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:
Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement âa sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.
This is the most important part of your introduction. AÂ good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.
The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.
Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.
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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.
For this reason, itâs often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraphâit can even be the very last thing you write.
When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.
It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.
To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .
You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.
Checklist: Essay introduction
My first sentence is engaging and relevant.
I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.
I have defined any important terms.
My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.
Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.
You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.
- Argumentative
- Literary analysis
This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educatorsâas a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.
This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).
In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.
Mary Shelleyâs Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creatureâs narrative Frankenstein begins to resembleâeven in his own tellingâthe thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
- Ad hominem fallacy
- Post hoc fallacy
- Appeal to authority fallacy
- False cause fallacy
- Sunk cost fallacy
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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:
- An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
- Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
- A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.
The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .
The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.
To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
- It gives your writing direction and focus.
- It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.
The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.
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Here are some tips to help you select the perfect topic for your essay: 1. Consider Your Interests. Choose a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Writing about something you enjoy will make the process more enjoyable and your enthusiasm will come through in your writing. 2.
Use your essays to empower your chances of acceptance, merit money, and scholarships.". This college essay tip is by Dr. Rebecca Joseph, professor at California State University and founder of All College Application Essays, develops tools for making the college essay process faster and easier. 15. Get personal.
The essay writing process consists of three main stages: Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline. Writing: Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion. Revision: Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling ...
7 steps to writing a good essay. No essay is the same but your approach to writing them can be. As well as some best practice tips, we have gathered our favourite advice from expert essay-writers and compiled the following 7-step guide to writing a good essay every time. đ. #1 Make sure you understand the question. #2 Complete background ...
Step 2: Have a clear structure. Think about this while you're planning: your essay is like an argument or a speech. It needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question. Start with the basics! It's best to choose a few major points which will become your main paragraphs.
The basic steps for how to write an essay are: Generate ideas and pick a type of essay to write. Outline your essay paragraph by paragraph. Write a rough first draft without worrying about details like word choice or grammar. Edit your rough draft, and revise and fix the details. Review your essay for typos, mistakes, and any other problems.
The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body. This article provides useful templates and tips to help you outline your essay, make decisions about your structure, and ...
This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people's social and cultural lives.
Starting your essay in a powerful way with a clear thesis statement can often help you along in the writing process. If your task is to tell a good story, a bold beginning can be a natural prelude to getting there, serving as a roadmap, engaging the reader from the start, and presenting the purpose of your writing. Focus on Deeper Themes
How to Prepare to Write an Essay. Before you start writing your essay, you need to figure out who you're writing for (audience), what you're writing about (topic/theme), and what you're going to say (argument and thesis). This section contains links to handouts, chapters, videos and more to help you prepare to write an essay.
This college essay tip is by Abigail McFee, Admissions Counselor for Tufts University and Tufts '17 graduate. 2. Write like a journalist. "Don't bury the lede!" The first few sentences must capture the reader's attention, provide a gist of the story, and give a sense of where the essay is heading.
How to start a college essayTABLE OF CONTENTS. (click to scroll) How You Probably Shouldn't Start Your College Essay. 9 Ways to Start a College Essay. The Full Hemingway. The Mini Hemingway. The Twist. The Philosophical Question. The Confession.
Take Excellent Notes. Once you understand exactly what your essay is about, you can begin the research phase. Create a strong note-taking system. Write down any idea or quote you might want to use. Cite every note properly to save time on your citations and to avoid accidental plagiarism.
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
2. Define your argument. As you plan and prepare to write the essay, you must consider what your argument is going to be. This means taking an informed position or point of view on the topic presented in the question, then defining and presenting a specific argument. Consider these two argument statements:
Revised on July 23, 2023. An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate ...
Doing a good job planning makes the college essay process that much easier. These five college essay tips will help you get started and pave the way for a great final product. #1: Make a Plan of Attack for Your Essays. The first thing you'll need to do is identify all the essays you'll need to write and their deadlines.
Outline your thoughts and ideas in a rough draft. Circle back to your introductory paragraph if it's giving you a hard time. Each paragraph needs a sentence to frame what it's going to discuss. Cite reputable sources and use these quotes to support your opinion. Stay focused on the topic you clarified in step #1.
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
Choosing the wrong essay topic can complicate your assignment significantly whether you are focusing on expository essay topics or other kinds of essays. Here are some things college students should avoid when choosing an essay topic: Choosing a cliche topic: Sticking with overused topics can make your paper feel unoriginal.
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.