College students are often tasked with writing essays as part of their coursework, and these assignments are not easy to complete. An essay can be defined as a piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one done by students as part of an academic examination (Essay). These papers can take on different forms depending on the instructor’s specific requirements.
However, there are some steps I take to ensure my essay comes out the way it should when I write my essay, you can take it too.
Planning Your Essay
It’s important to start planning your essay early. It can be easy to waste a lot of time during college if you don’t know how long each assignment will take, so sit down and outline your essay before working on it. This will allow you to create a plan of action—and have time allotments for each section.
For example, after outlining your entire essay, you might realise that you need four paragraphs, but three of them need research—so make sure you allow enough time to do research.
Choosing a Topic
As a college student, you may juggle schoolwork, extracurricular activities and personal obligations. With so much going on, it can be hard to find time to sit down and focus on your essay writing—but you must do. Your first step should be finding a topic; make sure you read your assignment thoroughly before deciding what you want to write about.
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try talking to professors or friends who took these classes in high school or have taken them in college. Ask if they’d be willing to offer advice about essay formats or common topics; often, instructors will give students tips about what types of things they’re looking for when grading papers.
Finding Relevant Sources
Before writing your essay, search online for scholarly articles and reports that discuss your topic. You can use these resources as a template or inspiration, or find parts of them you would like to rephrase in your own words.
Make sure you cite all of your sources so that readers know where you found each idea. Citing is also important if you’re going to turn in multiple drafts of an essay; it keeps track of which ideas are yours and which are lifted from others.
Getting Started on Writing
Whether you are taking a class that requires essay writing or preparing for a job in which writing is a key skill, it’s useful to have some tips up your sleeve about how to get started. (This is also known as prewriting.) An essay is similar to a story; there needs to be a beginning, middle and end.
As you think about your topic, ask yourself: Why am I writing? Who am I writing for? After reading my essay, what do I want my reader(s) to know or understand? What do I want them to feel? At what point does my story start? (Introductory paragraph.) Where does it go from there?
Body Paragraphs (three steps)
In many college courses, one important assignment you’ll be asked to complete is writing many college courses paper. Although it may seem like a daunting task, there are easy ways to write a persuasive essay or term paper that will make your work enjoyable and painless.
A persuasive essay or term paper differs from other types of papers in that it gives reasons why your reader should agree with your position; it does not merely state facts and leave it at that.
Introduction Paragraph (two steps)
The introduction paragraph is often overlooked as just a small part of your essay, but that’s far from true. This is where you introduce your topic and give a preview of what’s to come, creating intrigue in your reader, so they want to keep reading.
You want students and professors alike looking forward to learning more about your subject—and they will if you take time with your introduction paragraph. The introduction paragraph should follow these two simple steps: (1) mention any overarching concepts or theories that apply, and (2) reveal exactly what you will discuss.
Conclusion Paragraph (one step)
Restate your thesis and wrap up by telling your reader why they should care. By crafting a clear, concise essay with a strong introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, you will also develop good writing habits that can help you in other courses throughout college and your professional life.
Following these steps will help you avoid common mistakes and consistently produce better work. Good luck!
