7 Basic Essay Writing Rules
Essays seem like the worst academic-induced headache, but here’s something you may not know: there are simple, fast and easy ways to produce great essays. Astoundingly, educators overlook these tips and tricks, and students usually have to figure them out themselves! To make your life a little easier when it comes to essay assignments, just follow the seven golden essay writing rules listed below.
#1. Know what the purpose of your essay is
Are you trying to persuade someone to your point of view? Maybe answer an interesting question? Whatever the purpose of your essay, make sure you know and understand it. Nothing’s worse than writing an essay that completely misses the entire point of the assignment. Don’t look like a fool. Know what the essay is asking you to do, and address it thoroughly.
#2. Get enthusiastic
This is probably the hardest thing for students to do, especially if it’s a pretty uninspiring essay assignment. However, if you can find a way to get excited and interested in your essay, you’re far more likely to produce a riveting, creative piece. On the other hand, if you feel that essay writing is too complicate you may try making an order.
#3. Outline
Always a crucial step, don’t ever forget to make the essay outline. This will keep your thoughts together in an organized fashion and allow you to flow more naturally from one idea to the next.
#4. Introduce and conclude
The introduction and conclusion of your paragraph are directly related and highly important to the overall quality of your essay. Make sure your introduction correctly and clearly introduces your question or argument. Also ensure that your conclusion addresses that same thesis, while summing up your findings and arriving at a final verdict.
#5. Be clear and concise
Make sure you communicate directly, and without any pomp and circumstance. You may think that throwing in a lot of fancy words and roundabout ideas makes your paper more impressive. Trust us, it just makes things worse. Be as clear and to-the-point as you can.
#6. Separate ideas
Don’t squish ten arguments against the death penalty into one meaty paragraph. Attack each point separately and clearly. Make sure you have the evidence to back up each idea and supporting point, then move on to the next one. Use transitional words and topic sentences to successfully navigate from one point to the next.
#7. Edit and proof
Don’t ever turn in an essay until you’ve given it a good, solid read through and a thorough edit. This keeps you from leaving embarrassing mistakes (is it their, they’re or there?) in your work and helps establish clarity and organization. Always re-read your essay out loud and revise for precision and understanding, as well as for grammatical and spelling concerns.
