How to Write an Essay - Part 2
In Part 1 we looked at the essential planning stage of writing academic essays. Here we continue our look at academic essay writing, and this time focus on the writing stage.
Essay Writing
(3) Write the introduction
- The introduction should begin with an interesting sentence to get the readers attention.
- After this first sentence, add the thesis statement.
- Use one sentence to introduce every following body paragraph.
- Finish the introductory paragraph with a short summary or what you intend to achieve in the essay e.g. “In this paper I will discuss….”
(4) Write the body paragraphs
- In each of the body paragraphs (usually a minimum of 2 or 3) the ideas you presented in the introductory paragraph are developed.Expand your body paragraphs by giving detailed information and examples remembering to include the source / citation.
- Body paragraphs should expand the central idea and at the end of each body paragraph there should be a short summary.
- There should be at least two examples or facts in each body paragraph to support the overall idea of the essay.
(5) Write the conclusion
- This summarizes your essay only.
- Begin the summary paragraph by quickly going over the main ideas of your body paragraphs once more
- The next to last sentence should reiterate your basic idea of the essay.
- Do not introduce new material, examples or citations into the concusion
- The final sentence may include a suggestion.
(6) Proofread & Edit your essay
- Check your own work for common grammar errors, spelling and punctuation.
- Examine your work for cohesion - do the ideas blend together?
- Examine the organisation - do the ideas flow logically?
- Its a good idea to get a freind to look over your work as well to give feedback.
- Check that you have included all necessary citations.
- The final sentence may include a suggestion.
(7) Write the reference list
- This should follow the conventions used by your institution - if in doubt ask
- If no convention has been applied the Harvard or APA Referencing Systems are good ones to use
Notes: A good private English tutor will be able to give you feedback on your writing and give expert tuition on writing essays in English for academic purposes.
Read about how to plan an academic English in Part 1
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