How to Write an Essay
Step 1: Look at the prompt and think about it for a while. I like to read the prompt a day or two before I start writing so that I have some time to think. If the prompt is not a question, make it into a question or multiple questions.
Step 2: Write a bunch of stuff down. Write this casually, chaotically, whatever works for you.
Your answer to the prompt. Make this 1-2 sentences.
Why does your answer to the prompt matter? Why do we care? 2-3 sentences.
Why is your answer to the prompt correct? Give as many reasons as you need paragraphs (usually 3, but that may vary). Each should be around 2-3 sentences at this point.
What order do you want these answers to go in and why? This is to help you organize your paper.
What might people say is wrong with your argument (s)? Why are you correct despite what those people say? Note: This information is only necessary for some types of essays; it can be omitted depending on the assignment.
What's your main point? How did you back it up? 2-3 sentences.
Step 3: Take what you've written and put it in the correct order for your paper.
#2 will usually be first. You should generally start your paper by explaining why people should care.
#1 will usually be second, at the end of the same paragraph as #2. THIS IS YOUR THESIS!
Use your answer to #4 to put your answers to #3 in order. Each answer to #3 will generally be its own paragraph.
If you answered #5, figure out where those counterarguments and responses need to go. Sometimes you'll have a separate paragraph entirely for counterarguments, and sometimes they'll be mixed into your paper. Do what makes the most sense.
#6 is your conclusion. That will go at the end.
Step 4: Elaborate and clarify.
You wrote a bunch of information down quickly and informally. Go back into your paper and explain yourself and make your writing more academic. You should really only be editing your introduction and conclusion at this point rather than adding on, but you'll need to expand on your body paragraphs to make them closer to 8-12 sentences (that number may vary depending on the length of paper).
Don't forget to add quotes and cite sources if that's necessary!
Step 5: Edit.
Your paper should now be written. You just need to go through, proofread, edit your writing style, and perfect the paper.
This is also a good time to check to make sure you have all your sources cited properly, fact-check yourself, and revisit your assignment requirements to ensure you fully meet them.
If you haven't already done the formatting of your paper, make sure that that is correct and meets all the requirements.
If you don't already have a title, now is a good time to create one. A title should generally be a catchy summarization of your main point.
I also recommend having a speech-to-text program read your paper aloud to you at this point. It helps catch errors and other issues. You can also have someone else read over your paper to make sure it's ready to go.
