How to Write a Good Essay
Writing essays is one of those skills that sounds simple until you actually have to do it. Then suddenly youre staring at a blank page wondering why words wont come and questioning every life choice that led you to this moment. Been there. Lets fix it.
First things first: understand what youre being asked. This sounds obvious but you would not BELIEVE how many essays fail because the writer didnt actually answer the question. Read the prompt three times. Underline key words. Make sure you know what you’re supposed to argue or explain or analyze before you write a single sentence.
Second: outline before you write. I know I know its annoying and you just want to get started but trust me. Spend 10 minutes organizing your thoughts and youll save hours of confused rambling. Your outline doesnt have to be fancy. Just: intro point thesis point point conclusion. Done.
Your thesis is everything. This is the argument youre making in one sentence. It should be specific and debatable. “Climate change is bad” is not a thesis. “Climate change disproportionately affects coastal communities and requires immediate infrastructure investment” is a thesis. See the difference?
Each body paragraph should make ONE point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about. Then provide evidence. Then explain how that evidence supports your point. This structure works for literally any essay on any topic.
Evidence matters more than opinions. Cite sources. Use specific examples. Numbers are good. Quotes from experts are good. “I think” and “I feel” are weak. Show dont tell. The best essays make arguments that the evidence makes unavoidable.
Your conclusion should NOT just repeat your introduction. Thats lazy. Instead synthesize your points into a broader significance. What does your argument mean? Why should anyone care? Leave the reader with something to think about.
Finally: edit ruthlessly. Cut words that dont add meaning. Fix awkward sentences. Check your grammar. Read it out loud – if it sounds weird it probably is weird. Good writing is mostly good rewriting.
You got this. Seriously.