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Writing an academic essay is a vital skill for college and university students. This skill will continue to support you in your academic journey or any career that requires analytical and persuasive writing. To create a successful essay, start by thoroughly understanding the assignment requirements. Before writing, research the topic and gather reliable and credible sources. Organize your essay clearly and back up your arguments with examples and compelling evidence. After drafting, review your work and make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome before submission.
Steps
Follow the instructions in the assignment
Read the assignment carefully. Before starting your essay, it's crucial to understand the requirements and adhere to all guidelines. Read the prompt thoroughly and identify what you need to accomplish. For example:
- Does the essay need to answer specific questions?
- Is the essay required to present a critical analysis of a source, such as a book, movie, poem, or artwork?
- Is the goal of the essay to demonstrate the ability to present a new argument based on research?
- Are you asked to compare and contrast two ideas, events, artworks, or literary works?
Pay attention to all formatting requirements. Each instructor has specific formatting guidelines for essays. Carefully review the formatting instructions for your assigned topic. This may include rules about spacing, overall length (in words, pages, or paragraphs), font size, page numbering, and requirements for the cover page and headings.
- If the assignment doesn’t specify formatting rules, check your syllabus or ask your instructor.
Be mindful of citation guidelines. Depending on the subject and your instructor’s preferences, you may need to use a specific citation style. For example, in the U.S.:
- Essays in social sciences often use APA style.
- Essays in humanities, such as literature and history, typically use MLA or Chicago style.
- Essays in health and medical fields may use AMA style, while other sciences have their own specific formats.
- You can find basic guidelines for most common citation styles online. For detailed information on a specific style, look for a style guide in bookstores or your school library.
Clarify any uncertainties. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor if you have questions about the assignment. Most instructors are happy to explain unclear points or provide useful advice on how to approach the topic.
Narrow down your topic. Unless you’re given a highly specific topic, you’ll usually need to focus on a particular subject. Before writing, determine the main point of your essay and how you’ll approach it. Choose a topic that genuinely interests you or raises specific questions you want to answer.
Research your topic
Utilize your school’s resources to build your reference list. The first step in academic writing is finding reliable sources. Start by visiting your library’s website and searching for keywords related to your topic. You can also explore academic databases like WorldCat, JSTOR, Google Scholar, or ResearchGate.
- You may need to log in with your student ID or use library or school computers to access many online academic databases.
- Alternatively, you can begin compiling your reference list by checking the bibliography of introductory materials on your topic, such as encyclopedia entries.
- Your instructor or a school librarian may also recommend valuable sources for your research.
Select appropriate references. Look for credible sources with clear origins and up-to-date information. Ideally, most of your references should be published within the last 5-10 years. Academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and reputable newspapers are generally acceptable sources. Avoid using popular publications and user-contributed websites like Wikipedia.
- While Wikipedia is often unreliable and not suitable as a direct reference for most academic papers, it can still be a useful starting point for research. Check the “References” section of Wikipedia articles on your topic for potentially helpful sources.
Read your references carefully. Even information from credible sources (such as peer-reviewed journals, academic books, or news articles) may not always be accurate. Consider the following while researching:
- Where does the author get their information? Do they cite reliable sources?
- Does the author provide compelling arguments to support their claims?
- Is the author’s presentation or interpretation of information clearly influenced by bias or an agenda?
Incorporate primary sources if applicable. Primary sources are direct evidence related to your topic. Depending on the subject, these could include event recordings, laboratory data, witness interviews, or historical documents like monuments, artworks, or memoirs.
- Unlike secondary sources (e.g., academic articles or news reports), which present data through someone else’s perspective, primary sources allow you to interpret the evidence yourself.
- Your instructor will clarify whether primary sources are required for your research and how to find and use them. If unsure, ask for guidance.
Evaluate online references critically. While the internet offers a wealth of information for researchers, distinguishing high-quality sources from unreliable ones can be challenging. Generally, look for sources published on academic websites (e.g., university, library, or museum sites), by reputable news outlets (like BBC, NPR, or Associated Press), or government organizations (such as the EPA or FDA). When using online articles and resources, consider the following:
- Does the author provide evidence? Are they qualified to write on the topic?
- Does the author cite their sources? Can you verify the information?
- Is the article presented fairly and objectively?
- Is the intended audience scholarly? Is the content educational?
- What does the URL end with? Sites ending in .edu, .org, and .gov are generally more credible than .com sites.
Constructing the Essay
Develop a clear thesis statement. The thesis is the most critical part of your essay. It succinctly and clearly explains the main argument you will present. State your thesis in 1-2 sentences, then begin outlining and writing to support it.
- The thesis should appear at the end of the introduction, along with a brief outline of the arguments you’ll use to support it.
- An example thesis might be: “Increasing evidence suggests that ‘Ode to a Tufted Titmouse’ may have been written by Georgina Roodles, a lesser-known contemporary of Huffbottom. Alongside numerous stylistic similarities to Roodles’ known works, personal letters between Roodles and her brother reveal her keen interest in ornithology at the time ‘Tufted Titmouse’ was published.”
Create an outline. Once you’ve narrowed your topic and completed your research, it’s time to organize your ideas. List the most important points you want to address in the order you plan to present them. A basic outline structure might look like this:
- Introduction
- Body
- Point 1, supporting evidence
- Point 2, supporting evidence
- Point 3, supporting evidence
- Opposing viewpoints
- Rebuttal
- Conclusion
Elaborate on your arguments. Following the introduction is the “body” of the essay. This is the main section, consisting of several paragraphs that present your key points and evidence supporting the thesis.
- Each paragraph should have a “topic sentence” that clearly states its main idea. For example: “The poem is characterized by several stylistic features found in many of Roodles’ works, including alliteration, humorous metaphors, and wordplay.”
Support each argument with examples, evidence, and analysis. Simply making claims is not enough. To make your argument persuasive, you must provide specific evidence and analyze it. For each body paragraph, include a topic sentence (stating the main idea), supporting evidence, and analysis that connects the evidence to both the thesis and the paragraph’s topic sentence.
- For example: “The alliterative phrase ‘timid and tremulous twittering’ in the first stanza of ‘Ode to a Tufted Titmouse’ can be compared to ‘mild and melodious meowing’ in the second stanza of Roodles’ 1904 poem ‘Sadie: A Cat.’ In contrast, initial alliteration is almost entirely absent in the contemporary works of Reginald Huffbottom.”
Write the introduction. Before diving into the body of the essay, provide some background information on your topic. Often, it’s easiest to write the introduction after drafting the rest of the essay. The introduction doesn’t need to cover every aspect of your topic but should provide enough context to guide the reader and highlight the key points they need to know. It should also summarize the main argument and outline your approach. For example:
- “In 1910, an anonymous poem titled ‘Ode to a Tufted Titmouse’ appeared in the winter edition of Bertram’s Bogus Ballads Quarterly. Later, the poem was republished in a collection edited by D. Travers (1934, pp. 13-15), crediting Reginald Huffbotton as the author. In this essay, we will combine stylistic analysis of the poem with evidence from private correspondences to determine the true authorship of ‘Tufted Titmouse.’”
Use transition sentences. An essay should flow smoothly and logically. Find ways to transition between paragraphs seamlessly. You can start each paragraph with a concise sentence linking it to the previous topic (or end each paragraph with a sentence connecting to the next). For example:
- “In addition to consonant alliteration, ‘Ode to a Tufted Titmouse’ frequently employs metaphors, a stylistic feature often found in some of Roodles’ earlier works.”
Cite sources accurately and clearly. It’s crucial to identify your sources whenever you include information from others, whether through direct quotes or paraphrasing. Follow the citation style you’re using to format each reference (e.g., in-text citations, footnotes, or endnotes).
- Remember to distinguish between paraphrasing (restating someone’s ideas in your own words) and direct quotes (using someone’s exact words).
- When paraphrasing, rephrase the source’s ideas in your own words but still credit the source with a footnote or in-text citation. For example: Percival Bingley argues that ‘Ode to a Tufted Titmouse’ most closely resembles Roodles’ early works and was likely composed before 1906 (2015, p. 357).
- For short direct quotes, enclose the text in quotation marks (“”) and cite the source immediately after with a footnote or in-text citation. For example: In a May 1908 letter to her brother, Roodles stated that she found “rhyming with Bay-breasted Warbler impossible” (Twistleton, 2010, p. 78).
- Longer quotes (three lines or more) should not be enclosed in quotation marks. Instead, indent each line from the left margin.
Acknowledge opposing arguments. If you encounter compelling arguments that contradict your thesis, address them in your essay. If possible, provide evidence to refute these points. Acknowledging alternative interpretations shows thorough research and allows you to present your argument objectively and fairly. Effectively countering major opposing views can make your argument more compelling. For example:
- “Vogle argues that Roodles cannot be the author of ‘Tufted Titmouse’ because none of her known works mention birds (2007, p. 73). However, in several letters to her brother between 1906 and 1909, Roodles referred to ‘those cursed bird poems I’ve been working on’ (Twistleton, 2010, pp. 23-24, 35, and 78).”
Write the conclusion. After presenting your arguments and evidence, bring everything together in a concise summary. Clearly and confidently explain why your argument supports the thesis and recap the key points or discoveries you’ve made. If you have final thoughts, such as ideas for further research or unanswered questions, this is the place to include them.
- Don’t simply repeat the introduction. Use a few sentences to emphasize the significance of your argument and its potential impact on future research in the field.
Compile a reference list. Your bibliography should include every source you referenced in your paper, no matter how minor. The format of the reference section may vary depending on the citation style you use, but each entry should include (at minimum) the following details:
- Author's name.
- Title of the work.
- Publisher's name and (usually) the place of publication.
- Publication date.
Finalize your essay
Take a short break. Once you've completed your first draft, set your essay aside for a while. It's challenging to review your work objectively after spending hours on it. If possible, close your books and return tomorrow: this will allow you to approach your writing with a fresh perspective.
Read through your draft. As you read, look for obvious issues in writing style, transitions, and organization. If helpful, read aloud. Note any areas for improvement you identify. Keep the following questions in mind while reading:
- Is your writing concise? Can any sentences or words be removed?
- Is your writing clear? Does everything make sense?
- Is your writing well-organized? Can any sections be rearranged for better flow?
- Do transitions between sections need smoothing?
Evaluate the language and tone of your essay. As you review your essay, consider whether the language you've used is appropriate for academic writing. Avoid slang, idioms, clichés, and overly emotional or judgmental language. Your tone should be formal and objective.
- For example: “Compared to his later works, Roodles' earlier pieces were terrible!” is unsuitable for academic writing.
- Instead, you could write: “Roodles' pre-1910 poems lack the depth of poetic understanding and rhythm found in his later works.”
Revise your essay. After reviewing everything and noting all necessary changes, it's time to refine and edit your essay. Once done, give it another thorough read.
- Make sure to save a separate copy in case you make extensive edits and later change your mind.
Proofread carefully. At this stage, focus on correcting formatting errors, typos, spelling mistakes, punctuation, and grammar. Read your essay slowly, line by line, and fix any errors you encounter.
- Reading aloud can help you catch issues that might be missed when reading silently.
Get a second opinion. When it comes to editing, two sets of eyes are better than one. If possible, ask a friend or classmate to review your essay before you finalize and submit it. They might spot errors you overlooked or suggest areas that need clarification or rephrasing.
Tips
- Avoid using unusual fonts or adjusting margins to make your essay appear longer. Some teachers may deduct points for such practices.
- Use formal language. Slang, idioms, and colloquial expressions are not suitable for academic writing.
- Manage your time wisely. Unless you can write well under extreme pressure, allocate uninterrupted time to complete your essay.
Warning
- Avoid plagiarism. Using someone else's words or ideas without proper attribution is deceptive. It is dishonest, a form of cheating, and often easily detectable. Plagiarism can have severe consequences for your academic career.
- If you're concerned about unintentional plagiarism, use tools like Turnitin.com to check your work before submission.
