Introduction to Research for Essay Writing

Steps to Writing an Essay

Follow these 7 steps for the best results:

Read and understand the prompt: Know exactly what is being asked of you. It’s a good idea to dissect the prompt into parts.

Plan: Brainstorming and organizing your ideas will make your life much easier when you go to write your essay. It’s a good idea to make a web of your ideas and supporting details.

Use and cite sources: Do your research. Use quotes and paraphrase from your sources, but NEVER plagiarize.

Write a Draft: Ernest Hemingway once said, “The first draft of anything is always crap.” While the truth behind this statement is debatable, drafts are always a good place to get any of your “crappy” ideas out of the way and are often required by professors and instructors.

Make a strong thesis: The thesis (main argument) of the essay is the most important thing you’ll write. Make it a strong point.

Respond to the prompt: Once you have worked out any kinks in your draft, you can start writing the final draft of your essay.

Proofread: Read your response carefully to make sure that there are no mistakes and that you didn’t miss anything.