Writing an academic essay is a complex and challenging task that involves research, planning, and writing. It differs from your writing in high school because of the number of steps required to produce a well-written paper that will meet your teacher’s instructions. Here are the steps that will help you write a good academic essay.
Understand the assignment
Before you begin writing your assignment, first understand it. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand the requirements and expectations of the assignment. Identify the topic, the type of essay, the required length, and the deadline.
If the topic is not assigned, choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to the course and conduct research using academic sources such as books, journals, and scholarly articles. Take notes on key ideas and evidence that supports your thesis statement.
Finally, understand what your essay brief is asking you to do. This will usually specify the four main elements: a thesis statement, body points (subpoints), a connection, and a summary.
Develop a thesis statement
Your thesis statement should clearly state the main argument or point you will be making in your essay. A thesis is the core idea or argument of your essay, and it should be introduced in your introductory paragraphs.
It should be a concise statement that explains what your argument is about and why it is important. It should also be accompanied by relevant evidence and analysis to back up your claim. This is what enables you to make your case convincingly and effectively.
Structure your essay
Next, you must structure your academic essay correctly. It should have a logical flow that segues from one section to the next in a smooth manner. You should also follow proper citation styles. To do this, organize your thoughts and evidence into a logical structure.
Create an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you avoid plagiarism. Moreover, it will make your paper look more formal and organized.
Start writing
The essay should start with a formal yet engaging beginning. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. Make sure to end with your thesis statement.
You should then move on to writing body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should focus on a single main point that supports your thesis statement. Use evidence and examples to support your arguments.
Finally, write the conclusion. The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement in a new way. Your conclusion should wrap up your entire argument and leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should also answer the essay question.
Proofread
When you are done writing your academic essay, take the time to revise and edit. Read through your essay multiple times and make sure it is well-organized, free of errors, and effectively communicates your ideas. Also, remember to cite your sources which will measure the reliability of your paper. Use proper citation style to give credit to the sources you used in your research.