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Essay Papers Writing Online

A comprehensive guide to essay writing.

Essay writing is a crucial skill that students need to master in order to succeed academically. Whether you’re a high school student working on a history paper or a college student tackling a critical analysis essay, having a solid understanding of the essay writing process is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential tips and tricks that will help you improve your essay writing skills. From generating ideas and organizing your thoughts to crafting a strong thesis statement and polishing your final draft, we’ve got you covered.

Not only that, but we’ll also provide you with useful templates that you can use as a framework for your essays. These templates will help you structure your writing, stay focused on your main argument, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

The Ultimate Essay Writing Guides

Essay writing can be a challenging task for many students, but with the right guidance and tips, you can improve your writing skills and produce high-quality essays. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with valuable advice, tricks, and templates to help you excel in your essay writing endeavors.

1. Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing your essay, make sure you fully understand the prompt or question. Analyze the requirements and key points that need to be addressed in your essay.

2. Create an Outline: Organize your ideas and thoughts by creating a detailed outline for your essay. This will help you structure your arguments and ensure a logical flow of information.

3. Research Thoroughly: Conduct extensive research on your topic to gather relevant information and evidence to support your arguments. Use credible sources and cite them properly in your essay.

4. Write Clearly and Concisely: Avoid using jargon or complex language in your essay. Write in a clear and concise manner to convey your ideas effectively to the reader.

5. Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure that your essay flows cohesively.

By following these ultimate essay writing guides, you can enhance your writing skills and produce outstanding essays that will impress your instructors and peers. Practice regularly and seek feedback to continuously improve your writing abilities.

Tips for Crafting an A+ Essay

1. Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the assignment guidelines and requirements. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your instructor.

2. Conduct Thorough Research: Gather relevant sources and information to support your arguments. Make sure to cite your sources properly and use credible sources.

3. Create a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly outline the main point of your essay and guide your readers on what to expect.

4. Organize Your Ideas: Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas in your essay.

5. Write Clearly and Concisely: Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentences. Be direct and to the point.

6. Revise and Edit: Always proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Revise your work to ensure coherence and clarity.

7. Seek Feedback: Ask a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

8. Use Proper Formatting: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor, such as font size, margins, and citation style.

9. Stay Focused: Keep your essay focused on the main topic and avoid going off on tangents. Stick to your thesis statement.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice writing essays, the better you will get at it. Keep practicing and refining your writing skills.

Tricks to Improve Your Writing Skills

Improving your writing skills can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some tricks to help you become a better writer:

1. Read widely: Reading a variety of genres and styles can help you develop your own voice and writing style.

2. Practice regularly: The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice writing.

3. Get feedback: Share your writing with others and ask for constructive criticism. Feedback can help you identify areas for improvement.

4. Study grammar and punctuation: Good writing requires a solid understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Take the time to study and practice these essential skills.

5. Edit and revise: Writing is a process, and editing is an important part of that process. Take the time to edit and revise your work to improve clarity and coherence.

6. Experiment with different writing techniques: Try experimenting with different writing techniques, such as using metaphors, similes, or descriptive language, to enhance your writing.

7. Stay inspired: Find inspiration in the world around you. Whether it’s nature, art, or literature, draw inspiration from your surroundings to fuel your writing.

By following these tricks and practicing regularly, you can improve your writing skills and become a more confident and effective writer.

Step-by-Step Essay Writing Templates

When it comes to writing an essay, having a clear and structured template can be incredibly helpful. Here are some step-by-step essay writing templates that you can use to guide you through the process:

• Introduction: Start your essay with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on the topic and end with a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, provide evidence to support your point, and then analyze the evidence to show how it relates back to your thesis.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead focus on tying together all the points you have made throughout the essay.

Expert Advice for Writing Top-Notch Essays

When it comes to writing a top-notch essay, it’s essential to follow expert advice to ensure your work stands out. Here are some key tips to help you elevate your writing:

1. Start with a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines your main argument.

2. Conduct thorough research to support your points with credible sources.

3. Organize your thoughts logically and ensure your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

4. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to keep your writing engaging.

5. Proofread and edit your essay carefully to eliminate errors and refine your arguments.

By following these expert tips, you can take your essay writing skills to the next level and produce work that is both informative and compelling.

Resources to Enhance Your Essay Writing Process

When it comes to improving your essay writing skills, there are a variety of resources available to help you enhance your process. Here are some valuable resources that can aid you in becoming a more effective and efficient writer:

• Writing Guides: There are countless writing guides and books that offer tips, tricks, and strategies for improving your writing skills. Whether you’re looking to enhance your grammar, structure, or argumentation, these guides can provide valuable insights.
• Online Writing Communities: Joining online writing communities can be a great way to connect with other writers, receive feedback on your work, and engage in writing challenges and prompts. Websites like Writing.com and Wattpad are popular platforms for writers to share their work and receive critiques.
• Writing Workshops and Courses: Participating in writing workshops and courses can help you hone your craft and develop your writing skills. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or online courses, there are many options available to suit your needs and schedule.
• Writing Apps and Tools: Utilizing writing apps and tools can streamline your writing process and help you stay organized. Tools like Grammarly can assist with grammar and spelling checks, while apps like Scrivener can help you organize your research and ideas.
• Libraries and Writing Centers: Visiting your local library or university writing center can provide access to valuable resources, such as writing guides, research materials, and writing tutors who can offer personalized feedback and support.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can enhance your essay writing process and become a more skilled and confident writer.

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Essay Writing: A complete guide for students and teachers

P LANNING, PARAGRAPHING AND POLISHING: FINE-TUNING THE PERFECT ESSAY

Essay writing is an essential skill for every student. Whether writing a particular academic essay (such as persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or expository) or a timed exam essay, the key to getting good at writing is to write. Creating opportunities for our students to engage in extended writing activities will go a long way to helping them improve their skills as scribes.

But, putting the hours in alone will not be enough to attain the highest levels in essay writing. Practice must be meaningful. Once students have a broad overview of how to structure the various types of essays, they are ready to narrow in on the minor details that will enable them to fine-tune their work as a lean vehicle of their thoughts and ideas.

In this article, we will drill down to some aspects that will assist students in taking their essay writing skills up a notch. Many ideas and activities can be integrated into broader lesson plans based on essay writing. Often, though, they will work effectively in isolation – just as athletes isolate physical movements to drill that are relevant to their sport. When these movements become second nature, they can be repeated naturally in the context of the game or in our case, the writing of the essay.

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Planning an essay

The Boys Scouts’ motto is famously ‘Be Prepared’. It’s a solid motto that can be applied to most aspects of life; essay writing is no different. Given the purpose of an essay is generally to present a logical and reasoned argument, investing time in organising arguments, ideas, and structure would seem to be time well spent.

Given that essays can take a wide range of forms and that we all have our own individual approaches to writing, it stands to reason that there will be no single best approach to the planning stage of essay writing. That said, there are several helpful hints and techniques we can share with our students to help them wrestle their ideas into a writable form. Let’s take a look at a few of the best of these:

BREAK THE QUESTION DOWN: UNDERSTAND YOUR ESSAY TOPIC.

Whether students are tackling an assignment that you have set for them in class or responding to an essay prompt in an exam situation, they should get into the habit of analyzing the nature of the task. To do this, they should unravel the question’s meaning or prompt. Students can practice this in class by responding to various essay titles, questions, and prompts, thereby gaining valuable experience breaking these down.

Have students work in groups to underline and dissect the keywords and phrases and discuss what exactly is being asked of them in the task. Are they being asked to discuss, describe, persuade, or explain? Understanding the exact nature of the task is crucial before going any further in the planning process, never mind the writing process .

BRAINSTORM AND MIND MAP WHAT YOU KNOW:

Once students have understood what the essay task asks them, they should consider what they know about the topic and, often, how they feel about it. When teaching essay writing, we so often emphasize that it is about expressing our opinions on things, but for our younger students what they think about something isn’t always obvious, even to themselves.

Brainstorming and mind-mapping what they know about a topic offers them an opportunity to uncover not just what they already know about a topic, but also gives them a chance to reveal to themselves what they think about the topic. This will help guide them in structuring their research and, later, the essay they will write . When writing an essay in an exam context, this may be the only ‘research’ the student can undertake before the writing, so practicing this will be even more important.

RESEARCH YOUR ESSAY

The previous step above should reveal to students the general direction their research will take. With the ubiquitousness of the internet, gone are the days of students relying on a single well-thumbed encyclopaedia from the school library as their sole authoritative source in their essay. If anything, the real problem for our students today is narrowing down their sources to a manageable number. Students should use the information from the previous step to help here. At this stage, it is important that they:

●      Ensure the research material is directly relevant to the essay task

●      Record in detail the sources of the information that they will use in their essay

●      Engage with the material personally by asking questions and challenging their own biases

●      Identify the key points that will be made in their essay

●      Group ideas, counterarguments, and opinions together

●      Identify the overarching argument they will make in their own essay.

Once these stages have been completed the student is ready to organise their points into a logical order.

WRITING YOUR ESSAY

There are a number of ways for students to organize their points in preparation for writing. They can use graphic organizers , post-it notes, or any number of available writing apps. The important thing for them to consider here is that their points should follow a logical progression. This progression of their argument will be expressed in the form of body paragraphs that will inform the structure of their finished essay.

The number of paragraphs contained in an essay will depend on a number of factors such as word limits, time limits, the complexity of the question etc. Regardless of the essay’s length, students should ensure their essay follows the Rule of Three in that every essay they write contains an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Generally speaking, essay paragraphs will focus on one main idea that is usually expressed in a topic sentence that is followed by a series of supporting sentences that bolster that main idea. The first and final sentences are of the most significance here with the first sentence of a paragraph making the point to the reader and the final sentence of the paragraph making the overall relevance to the essay’s argument crystal clear. 

Though students will most likely be familiar with the broad generic structure of essays, it is worth investing time to ensure they have a clear conception of how each part of the essay works, that is, of the exact nature of the task it performs. Let’s review:

Common Essay Structure

Introduction: Provides the reader with context for the essay. It states the broad argument that the essay will make and informs the reader of the writer’s general perspective and approach to the question.

Body Paragraphs: These are the ‘meat’ of the essay and lay out the argument stated in the introduction point by point with supporting evidence.

Conclusion: Usually, the conclusion will restate the central argument while summarising the essay’s main supporting reasons before linking everything back to the original question.

ESSAY WRITING PARAGRAPH WRITING TIPS

●      Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea

●      Paragraphs should follow a logical sequence; students should group similar ideas together to avoid incoherence

●      Paragraphs should be denoted consistently; students should choose either to indent or skip a line

●      Transition words and phrases such as alternatively , consequently , in contrast should be used to give flow and provide a bridge between paragraphs.

HOW TO EDIT AN ESSAY

Students shouldn’t expect their essays to emerge from the writing process perfectly formed. Except in exam situations and the like, thorough editing is an essential aspect in the writing process. 

Often, students struggle with this aspect of the process the most. After spending hours of effort on planning, research, and writing the first draft, students can be reluctant to go back over the same terrain they have so recently travelled. It is important at this point to give them some helpful guidelines to help them to know what to look out for. The following tips will provide just such help: 

One Piece at a Time: There is a lot to look out for in the editing process and often students overlook aspects as they try to juggle too many balls during the process. One effective strategy to combat this is for students to perform a number of rounds of editing with each focusing on a different aspect. For example, the first round could focus on content, the second round on looking out for word repetition (use a thesaurus to help here), with the third attending to spelling and grammar.

Sum It Up: When reviewing the paragraphs they have written, a good starting point is for students to read each paragraph and attempt to sum up its main point in a single line. If this is not possible, their readers will most likely have difficulty following their train of thought too and the paragraph needs to be overhauled.

Let It Breathe: When possible, encourage students to allow some time for their essay to ‘breathe’ before returning to it for editing purposes. This may require some skilful time management on the part of the student, for example, a student rush-writing the night before the deadline does not lend itself to effective editing. Fresh eyes are one of the sharpest tools in the writer’s toolbox.

Read It Aloud: This time-tested editing method is a great way for students to identify mistakes and typos in their work. We tend to read things more slowly when reading aloud giving us the time to spot errors. Also, when we read silently our minds can often fill in the gaps or gloss over the mistakes that will become apparent when we read out loud.

Phone a Friend: Peer editing is another great way to identify errors that our brains may miss when reading our own work. Encourage students to partner up for a little ‘you scratch my back, I scratch yours’.

Use Tech Tools: We need to ensure our students have the mental tools to edit their own work and for this they will need a good grasp of English grammar and punctuation. However, there are also a wealth of tech tools such as spellcheck and grammar checks that can offer a great once-over option to catch anything students may have missed in earlier editing rounds.

Putting the Jewels on Display: While some struggle to edit, others struggle to let go. There comes a point when it is time for students to release their work to the reader. They must learn to relinquish control after the creation is complete. This will be much easier to achieve if the student feels that they have done everything in their control to ensure their essay is representative of the best of their abilities and if they have followed the advice here, they should be confident they have done so.

WRITING CHECKLISTS FOR ALL TEXT TYPES

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ESSAY WRITING video tutorials

How to Write an Essay - A Professional Step-By-Step Guide

• How to write an A+ grade Essay

19 common types of Essays students write

Phrases that dictate the type of essay you will write.

• Tips for writing a comprehensive essay

The standard format of an academic essay

• Great essay checklist
• 9 Common essay writing mistakes and how to avoid them
• FAQs about writing an essay

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to write a good essay. We cover this topic because essay writing is an important practice that equips you with writing skills to survive academics and the real world.

As a student, you are forever condemned to write good essays, contributing to your GPA. While a good deal might consider the process easy, many students need guidance on writing a good essay.

If your main worry is how to write an essay that scores you a good mark on the Rubric, this in-depth, step-by-step essay writing tutorial will be useful. Any student who wishes to achieve an A+ in their essay must ensure that they utilize this detailed guide.

We believe that this comprehensive guide on how to write a good essay will help any student easily score an A. It does not matter the topic you've chosen; so long as you follow these ten steps to writing, check samples of well-written essays, and proofread your papers well, you will succeed. If you are a parent seeking a great essay writing resource, this tutorial is the best on the internet.

We make writing essays such an easy task that all you have left is to ask when you are being assigned an essay next. Our website offers reliable essay help services, which you could use. However, if you want to take the bull by its horns, here is our comprehensive beginner's guide to writing an essay.

10 Steps to write an A+ Grade Essay: The Essay Writing Process

The following steps will help you write an essay, starting with nothing but the essay instructions (prompt and Rubric) and ending with a well-crafted comprehensive essay. We are determined to share this tips so that you make a top-quality essay that has clarity, wonderful organization, and a good flow of ideas.

Step 1: Read the essay prompt and instructions

Although overlooked, getting familiar with any assignment is vital to understanding what your professor, instructor, or teacher is asking for before even starting to write your essay.

Most students give in to the temptation of skipping this step and then end up with a low grade on an essay they probably spent a lot of time on or had high hopes of scoring a better grade. The primary source of poor essay grades is consistently failing to read the instructions.

Take some time to go over the assignment, understand it, and ask your professor/instructor for clarification early enough. You must carefully go through the prompts, grading Rubric, or any material given alongside the essay assignment. The better if you can highlight and take brief notes on your essay assignment.

Reading the instructions helps you understand how the essay will be graded and what your instructor wants to see for them to give you the best grades. With the instructions understood, you are on the right track to writing a good essay.

Step 2: Select a suitable topic for your essay

Understanding what you are being asked to write in your essay is now time to decide what to write about. Typically, you can't just begin writing about everything; an essay is a specific paper that focuses on a single topic.

This is the most daunting of the essay writing processes, but do not get agitated. Although some instructors will give you essay topics to write about, it is usually never given. Instead, in most cases, instructors prefer that students write essays on topics of their choice, leaving you with an elephant hill to climb. Trust us, none of the two options is a walk in the park.

Given that students mostly have to choose from a myriad of ideas when generating topics and get limited to specific topics from the instructors. It becomes a quagmire either way. But let that not confuse you, not with this comprehensive essay guide, never!

Let's crunch the process of choosing a suitable topic for your essay.

Simple steps to choose a pleasant topic for your essay

We can sum up the process of choosing an excellent topic to this statement: Choose a topic that can reasonably address the essay length and one you will most likely have fun writing your essay. A reasonable topic is not too narrow or too broad; it interests you and has research resources that can support your arguments or thesis.

If you are wondering how to choose a good topic, here are some critical seven steps to follow:

• Re-read the assignment instructions. Although you are probably familiar with the instructions, skim them and your notes. This way, you can visualize the structure of the paper and choose an exciting topic that befits the essay you are about to write. In addition, you can go back to the clarification your professor or instructor gave in case you sent a clarification email or messaged them over Canvas.
• Brainstorm your topics. If you are to select the best topic, brainstorm by developing different ideas and looking up general information. This is a stage where you can comfortably use sources such as Wikipedia, which are forbidden to be cited in academic essays. Information search when developing a topic helps you widen your scope of understanding and visualize your essay's thesis or main arguments. When you have all the information, select a suitable topic that appeals to you and meets the essay requirements.
• Focus on a single topic. You only have limited words to write an essay, so you would technically want to keep everything focused. As you select the topic, focus on a narrow topic, but not too narrow to impact your research. Do not choose too broad topics, because you will struggle to write without overgeneralizing.
• List the valuable keywords. When you've settled for a topic or a given direction, list the words that matter when describing, explaining, or analyzing a topic. Then, you can use them in crafting a title for your essay.
• Close in on one topic. You'll probably end up with many topics and have 2-3 topics of preference. At this point, you select one among those and die with it to the end of your essay or change it if you experience challenges.
• Research about the topic. Now that you have the topic, you should research more about it and proceed to the last step below.
• Formulate a title. After you've narrowed it down to a topic, use the keywords you found when researching to formulate a good title for your essay.

Guidelines/tips when choosing essay topics

In academic writing, two events are likely when choosing a topic: (i) you are assigned a specific topic or asked to choose among several, and (ii) you can be asked to come up with a topic and write your essay or send the topic for approval.

When you have to choose your own topic, keep these five tips in mind:

• Select a topic that is appropriate to the essay's length. We have seen students pick topics that are too broad to cover in a short or long essay, which denies them the chance of scoring an A+ on an essay. We urge you to select narrow topics that often lead to close observation instead of broad topics resulting in overgeneralization . This applies to every essay you write: five-page, two- or three-page, six- or ten-page, descriptive , or personal essays . But, again, don't choose a topic that is too narrow that you lack enough to write about or have difficulty finding research sources.
• Choose a topic that interests you. If you suck at writing about cigarettes and alcohol and lean more towards history, go for essay topics on history and run with the topic to an excellent grade. If you pick a topic that interests you, you will probably have more to say. Chances also are that you will write better. Ultimately, you impress the reader: your professor or instructor, and take the best grades home.
• Do not summarize but analyze and discuss. If, for instance, you are writing about The Great Gatsby , avoid the temptation of choosing the entire plot. Instead, choose specific characters, actions, or plot parts that display a given theme. The latter allows you to narrow down to a specific and reasonable thesis.
• Choose a topic you can find material. Even when writing a personal narrative essay or personal statement, you need to ensure that you have the right content to fulfill the requirements of the essay. If you have to use research, although you are not writing a research paper, select a topic where you can find good scholarly sources to support the ideas and develop coherent claims and arguments.
• Be flexible with your topic . After picking a topic, be open to changing it if it seems not working. Instructors love it when you write a good essay rather than grinding out pages and sweating over something with a regrettable topic: a reflection of a poor choice.

Step 3: Research your chosen topic

The moment of truth is finally here: research! Although different people have their own research approach, making it the most flexible essay writing process, you must remain focused and do it fast. After all, you do not have forever to write your essay.

Three quick things about researching your topic: skim, find reliable scholarly sources, and do not ignore/overlook any information.

By skimming, we mean that you do not have to read the entire internet, book, journal, or articles about everything that has been written about your topic. The truth is, you probably can't: technically, it is impossible. So, you should scan things and identify the major points or arguments without bogging down and reading every word you find.

You should find reliable sources to use in your essay. As mentioned, non-scholarly sources like Wikipedia can be used when writing an essay. However, you cannot use them as a definitive source. Instead, you use such general sources as Wikipedia to familiarize yourself with the topic, generate keywords that drive your research, and get a summary of a large pool of information available. However, for the information you will cite in your essay, you must find reliable sources such as books, journals, articles, etc.

After seeding the keywords from general sources, dig deeper into the internet and academic databases or ask an expert where you can find reliable sources: a librarian can come in handy.

Note: You can use Wikipedia for your initial research, but you should never use it as a source for your essay.

Lastly, avoid overlooking or ignoring information. Any article will say whatever it says. Just because an article claims something is wrong or true does not mean it is a proven fact to use in your essay. So, it would help if you verified by researching deeper to find the right facts. Correlate findings from one author with those of authors writing on the same topic for the information's relevance, credibility, and authenticity.

Step 5: Organize your Research

So now that you have all the information you would need, you need to have it organized to make work easier. This is also another essay process that allows flexibility: most people have diverse preferences for organizing information. After all, the end justifies the means here.

You can create a bibliography now that you've selected the best resources. MS Word document allows you to enter bibliography information. Alternatively, you can use online citation tools to organize your bibliography. Online digital bibliography tools help link to sources you found online and can always refer to.

Organizing research helps you to cite every idea as you read and write your essay. For example, instead of writing a paper and then citing later, which often leads to poor in-text citations. Therefore, citing the essay as you write the first draft is advisable.

Besides, it is also a great idea if you have to submit or turn in a bibliography alongside an outline or an annotated bibliography before getting the go-ahead to write your essay.

Either way, create a bibliography that meets the requirements of your essay. Another organization strategy is having your articles bookmarked, downloaded, and saved in a specific folder. Other people prefer writing and printing a list of resources; if it is your thing, go for it!

Step 6: Formulate a strong thesis: the working thesis

At this stage, you have owned your essay writing process. You know what is required of you, have the right topic, and have researched and organized your research. You are ready to formulate your argument, assertion, claim, or opinion. Even when there is nothing apparent to argue against, your paper needs a strong thesis statement.

Find out more about writing a thesis statement for your essay .

You must create a specific, arguable, and strong thesis statement for your essay. Our professional essay writers agree that this is the most critical part after choosing a topic because it defines the direction and scope of your essay.

A thesis is a succinct statement, usually a sentence or two, that you put forward to your readers as to what you are writing about or proving. It is the central argument or idea of your essay. It simply defines what the essay is all about.

A good thesis statement helps you to develop solid arguments and allows you the flexibility to test your ideas. For example, when developing the thesis, you can begin with a one-sentence answer: what is my essay about?

Suppose, for example, you are writing an animal testing essay. In that case, the answer could be something like this: My paper is about the abuse of animal rights by including them in research when there are alternative methods to animal testing.

Suppose you are writing about university policies on freshmen living on campus. In that case, it could read: My essay is about university policies on freshmen students living on campus.

Your essay can be about how media influences children, which means your one-sentence statement can be: My essay is about how media can influence children.

That does not sound hard, does it? However, this is just the beginning. Most students stop here and present this as a thesis statement, only to be disgruntled when an instructor grades their essays poorly.

The truth is that you have to have a definitive thesis that is not about yourself. So, for example, the above statements would transform to:

• Research has proven that there are better alternatives to animal testing, especially for the cosmetics industry, which can be pursued to save animals from unnecessary pain when used in research.
• Most colleges and universities make it mandatory for freshmen students to live on campus during their first year, which helps keep them out of trouble, enables them to concentrate on their studies for better grades, and improves their social skills.
• Media, specifically television, plays a significant role in the lives of children, so it can influence them positively or negatively depending on the programming content.

You can see the glaring differences between the first two sentences in which we began drafting the essay and the second working thesis statement. The bottom line is to eliminate boring words such as "my paper argues," "my paper is about," "this essay argues that," or "I think." Such will automatically lead to lower grades on your essay.

Avoid being too vague but make a powerful statement that makes a specific point about the topic. When crafting your strong thesis statement, ensure that it is arguable. It does not necessarily mean that you choose a controversial or opinionated thesis; it means that someone could disagree with it altogether. Such an approach helps you to create a powerful thesis. The thesis is called a working thesis because it is possible to tweak it as you write the paper.

Step 7: Create a comprehensive essay outline

You now have great ideas from your research and a working thesis. Besides organizing the research, you must organize the ideas for an impressive presentation. Creating an essay outline is a vital step, lack of which your essay will most likely lose its focus, and you'll probably spend more time revising the draft to make sense of the scattered points and thoughts.

An outline is a blueprint or a roadmap for your essay - it helps you structure your paper. For example, you probably wrote three or five-paragraph essays in high school. Maintaining the same structure when writing college, university, and graduate-level essays is okay. However, the specific format you choose should align with the length requirements, the aim of your essay, and the scope of your thesis.

When creating the outline, think critically about the central idea of your thesis, then structure your essay to organize the flow of ideas.

General Essay Outline

Here is a sample general outline for an essay. You can use it to craft your own based on your topic.

I. Introduction

• Hook statement e.g., statistics, quote, or anecdote
• Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs (Three)

• Topic sentence supporting the thesis
• Evidence supporting the argument on (a): data, facts, examples.
• Explain how they relate to the thesis
• Closing sentence and transition to the next paragraph

III. Conclusion

• Restate the thesis
• Summary/Synthesis
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement

Typical Structure for an Academic Essay

Remember that most essays follow the five-paragraph format ; when writing an academic essay in English, it will be divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Below is a visual representation of the structure of an ideal essay. You can adapt it when writing your next essay assignment.

Image credit: Bethlehem College and Seminary

Step 8: Write the essay systematically

With everything else done thus far, it is finally the time the rubber meets the road. Although you might feel you should have started writing sooner, your progress so far is critical and rewarding. It will enable you to create a strong, well-organized, interesting essay.

A warning, though: DO NOT be a perfectionist when writing. Do not give in to the hype of finding the perfect words, focusing too much on excellent subtitles or grammar, or at least making everything in your essay perfect. There is time to polish and perfect your essay. But right now, write.

We have outlined in-depth how to write an eye-catching essay introduction in a separate guide to help you craft introductions that stand out and grab the readers' attention. Of course, any essay writer would tell you that your main focus should be on the reader's attention. So, most importantly, begin your introduction with an essay hook or an attention grabbers such as a statistic, alarming fact, general thought, anecdote, or quote. The introduction should also have a background statement and then be finalized with your thesis. Sometimes, your instructor might ask you to write the roadmap of your essay after the thesis, where you highlight how points are laid down in the body paragraphs and conclusion.

You should have a good paragraph when undertaking academic essay writing. An introduction has different parts, including:

• Essay hook: This is your first sentence, also called the attention grabber. It can be a quote, statistic, fact, anecdote, rhetorical question, or unique statement.
• Background information : You should have two sentences explaining the topic.
• Thesis statement : the thesis statement should feature the argument or chief topic of the essay.
• Outline : Your introduction should let the reader know the logical arrangement of the essay.
• Scope : In this introduction section, narrow the essay's focus.

With the outline, it is time to fill the flesh to the skeleton to make sense of it. If you evolve and find out you need to tweak your outline, you have all the freedom on Earth and outer space. The main issue here is to maintain a focus on your thesis by providing evidence, facts, and points that support the thesis.

Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence, the arguments and relevant evidence to support it, and finally, the closing sentence. The closing sentence transitions your reader to the following body paragraph. As you write, remember only to maintain one key idea/point per each body paragraph: do not jumble up the points to the extent of confusing your readers.

In terms of paragraph length, maintain a word count of 150 words per paragraph or balance 80% of the total essay word count among the paragraphs. Mix short and long sentences as you present evidence, give examples, and illustrate points. The paragraphs can have 5 to 7 sentences each, where you thoroughly support the topic sentence.

When writing the body paragraph, use appropriate sentences to connect the paragraphs. Besides, back your arguments using evidence from literature through in-text citations. Finally, your concluding sentences should summarize a paragraph by restating the central point of the paragraph and including transitions to the next paragraph. Ensure that your body paragraphs have:

• Topic Sentence: This should be the chief argument of the paragraph. It comes first.
• Supporting sentence using evidence: Here, use information from credible sources such as journals, books, government websites, and periodicals to support the topic sentence. Use the relevant transition words to bring flow to your essay.
• The concluding sentence: This sentence winds up the paragraph. It should give a transition to the next paragraph for a good flow.

Wind up the essay by writing a powerful conclusion. Look at our guide to writing solid conclusion paragraphs for your essays. In a nutshell, the conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay. A firm conclusion is neatly written, clear, concise, and elaborate. A strong conclusion is necessary because:

• It shows the value of your argument and why it matters.
• It leaves the readers with a strong impression of your essay writing prowess
• it ties together the focal points in your essay.
• Restates your essay's thesis in a rephrased style to show its development from the introduction through the body paragraphs.
• Reviews the major points in your essay in summary form.

Since your conclusion offers some sense of closure or ends to your argument, it must be written well. In addition, it must show new questions or possibilities that your argument has opened up.

When writing a conclusion, never introduce new evidence. Any evidence supporting the thesis is expected to be already in the body paragraphs. Therefore, you are not allowed to introduce new ideas or sources that need further explanation.

Also, avoid cliché words like in conclusion to sum up or in summary. Although the statements are not forbidden, they water down your writing, making it sound weak. Immediately you return to your thesis; it becomes clear to a reader that you are concluding the essay .

Another tip, when concluding, do not to undermine your argument. This means that you should avoid using apologetic phrases that are uncertain and appear confusing. Even when exploring many positions, your main argument should be clear to your reader.

To write a great conclusion for your essay :

• Present a rephrased version of the overall thesis statement
• Write a brief review of the key points in your body paragraphs
• Show why your argument matters
• Reflect on the broader implications of your argument, demonstrating how your ideas can be applied in different contexts.
• Ensure it is 10-15% of the total word count for the essay

Step 9: Make your Reference and Title pages

So, you've slain the dragon already; what remains is just a bit, and you are done. Assuming you were writing your essay as you insert the in-text citations, the second last ritual is to set up your reference page, which is the last page of your essay.

When writing the references, reference list, bibliography, or works cited page, strictly adhere to each style's formatting and style requirements. Online bibliography makers allow you to save your organized bibliography and change the format without losing the entries. The same applies to the bibliography feature on MS Word.

If you use the digital bibliography, copy and paste your references and format them accordingly.

After the reference page, create a relevant title page for your essay , depending on whether it is in MLA (Modern Language Association), Harvard, Chicago, or APA (American Psychological Association) format. Ensure you use the latest formatting styles, such as MLA 8 or 9 and APA 7 or otherwise directed.

Step 10: Proofread, edit, and polish your first draft into a final draft

The final ritual in the essay writing process is to review it and edit for content and grammar before submitting your essay.

Usually, you need to pause after creating the first draft of your essay and do the revision and polishing when your mind is free, re-energized, and objective enough to see things from a different view. This is where now you can unleash your perfectionist side because it is a do-or-die stage.

Here are some tips to polish your draft into the final comprehensive essay (the final draft worth submitting for grading):

• Edit for content . Check your essay's structure, organization, flow, wording, and length. You can check your essay structure against the outline you created. If the paper is too long or too short, either lengthen or shorten it appropriately . A comprehensive essay must meet the ideal length specified in the Rubric. With the changes, counter-check whether the paper makes sense.
• Edit for grammar . It is important to edit for grammar. For this process, you can use grammar editing software such as Grammarly, Ginger, or Hemingway Editor. In addition, you can read Strunk and White's The Elements of Style , which can help you write better, especially punctuations such as commas and semicolons, and how to avoid run-on sentences. Editing might essentially take a few run-throughs. So, you can take breaks to maintain your frame when editing. Returning to the paper with a fresh mind helps focus, which helps identify and fix mistakes.
• Re-read the entire essay . Once you are done editing grammar and content, take a break, then re-read the entire essay. As you read, focus on proofreading to remove the syntax, mechanical, and style errors. Double-check your paper against the Rubric and the instructions as well. Countercheck the flow of the body paragraphs and remove any complex sentences. Also, check the format of your essay, including the indentation, alignment, margins, and page numbers. You can always use online essay grading or editing services if your essay needs more polishing.

When self-editing an academic essay, focus mainly on improving the flow of your essay. Here is a checklist to guide you:

• Subject-verb agreement
• Sentence fragments
• Confusing phrases or words
• Pronoun agreement mistakes
• Spelling mistakes
• Grammatical errors
• Misplaced words
• Run-on sentences
• Missing words
• Passive tense
• Missing references
• Missing citations
• Punctuation mistakes

We hope this makes you a better editor for your essay if you can write one.

Re-cap of how to write a good essay like a pro

We can summarize all the ten steps of writing a good essay into three main stages: preparation, writing, and revision.

• The preparation stage involves deciding on the topic, conducting your research, organizing research, formulating the thesis, ad creating an essay outline.
• The writing stage entails writing the introduction, developing the thesis using evidence in the body paragraphs, and writing a summative conclusion.
• The revision stage entails editing for content, proofreading, and polishing the essay to ensure your essay's style, format, grammar, and organization are okay.

On a typical day, our top-rated essay writers confirm that they religiously follow the steps, which is why we end up with quality written essays. The writers also confirm that once you learn how to maneuver the three stages, you will do them involuntarily when writing essays. No wonder we write last-minute essays that score A+. Equally, all the steps matter and contribute to your final grade.

Now that we know how to write a comprehensive essay that scores the best grades, wouldn't it be an injustice if we failed to cover some common types of essays you will probably encounter to know how to go about each? Well, let's jump to it, then.

There are more than five different types of essays. However, the main types of essays include expository , narrative , compare and contrast , persuasive/argumentative , and descriptive essays . Now, you might only know these five. Still, we bet you there are more than ten variants of essays you will encounter in your high school, college, or university life.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Contrary to argumentative or persuasive essays, advantages and disadvantages explore the pros and cons of a given issue without convincing the audience to adopt the author's side of the argument/perspective. An example of a topic for this essay: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources or the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana.

Analytical Essays

An analytical essay presents an argument or claims on what the author is writing about. For instance, it could involve a movie, film, play, literary work, or a piece of art. It could also entail the analysis of behavior, tendency, occurrence, or event. To write an analytical essay, the author often uses logical reasoning, critical thinking, and sound judgment to achieve some natural flow. The common analytical essays include persuasive analytical essays, analytical expository essays, analytical history essays, and analytical comparison essays. Example of a topic for an analytical essay: Why do teenagers run from home? Or why do stalkers like social media?

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays entail the author trying to persuade the readers to adopt their perspective by immaculately presenting the pros, cons, and counterarguments on a given issue. It is among the common types of essays assigned as homework in college. However, all disciplines are likely to write an argumentative essay when it comes to written assignments. Example of an Argumentative Essay Topic: Is social media a surveillance tool than a communication medium?

Classification Essays

The primary role of a classification essay is to group and separate objects, things, events, or places according to salient characteristics. Therefore, finding a unique approach to classifying things is always advisable. For instance, you can be asked to write about the five types of personalities.

College Admission Essays

Every year, students are required to submit a college application essay as part of their application process. In this type of essay, your role is to convince the admission board/committee of the reason they should admit you to the college or university. You could be out there wondering how to choose the best topic for a college essay or how to write it better, but when you are done reading this, it will be history. This is similar to the common APP essays or personal statements.

Compare and Contrast Essays

The name lays bare what a compare and contrast essay is. It simply involves comparing the differences and similarities of phenomena, events, occurrences, physical features, countries, celebrities, comedies, books, vehicles, people, etc. For example, a good topic would be to compare and contrast communism and capitalism.

Critical Essays

In a critical essay , you are meant to criticize and evaluate a piece of art, literature, or anything presented by revealing its strengths and weaknesses. It entails presenting a deep analysis of a given topic critically, logically, and flowingly.

Cause and effect essays

In a cause-and-effect essay, writers aim to explore the causes and consequences of a given phenomenon or event. There are methods or approaches to follow. You can begin by outlining the causes and then the effects or do a cross-comparison in paragraphs. You can choose an appropriate cause-and-effect essay topic from our topics for cause-and-effect essays.

Definition Essays

In this type of essay, you define a term, concept, idea, vocabulary, process, phenomenon, or occurrence by providing in-depth details. When writing one, you should explore the origin/genesis, meanings, applications, and maybe pros and cons, where necessary. For instance, an excellent topic for a definition essay would be Exploring the concept of divorce. Or Define the concept of social media or Hacktivism.

Descriptive/Description Essays

Your role as an author of a descriptive essay is to describe things, people, events, or phenomena. It should be written from a personal perspective point of view and should offer your general impression. For example, describe the appearance, smell, feeling, etc.

Discursive Essays

In a discursive essay , the role of the author is to offer an unbiased and reliable assessment of a given issue. It is close to an argumentative essay in that it requires choosing a controversial topic, only that the discursive essays present a balanced discussion. Common discursive essays include opinion essays and for and against essays.

Expository Essays

An expository essay explores a subject or phenomenon from the author's point of view. It is all about simplifying an explanation to a given topic without trying to prove anything. Your key role is to present the advantages and disadvantages, merits and demerits, or pros and cons to the readers. Example of Expository Essay Topic: Explain why art therapy can be used in mental health hospitals. Or Explore the possibility of using laughter as medicine.

Narrative Essays

In a narrative essay, you must always use the first person to tell a story about yourself. It is like writing an autobiography.

Personal Essays

These are essays you write about yourself. It is almost similar to the narrative essay. It is a variant of a narrative essay. Examples of personal essays are essays about yourself, such as scholarship essays, statements of purpose, transfer letters, appeal letters, and admission essays.

Persuasive Essays

This type of essay is the extreme opposite of an argumentative essay. It is meant to change the readers' point of view so that they adopt that of the author as an axiom. Even though it sounds simple, it is one of the toughest types of essays. Write it well so everyone who reads your essays eventually agrees with your thoughts and reasoning. In a persuasive essay, the reader must find worth in your statements. Here is where your negotiation skills and power of conviction play a role.

Poetry Essays

A poetry analysis essay , as the name suggests, entails discussing the critical components of an essay. For example, it could explore a poem's literary devices, themes, and central claims. Example of a poetry essay topic: Explore the theme of heroism in the Beowulf Poem.

Process Essays

As the name suggests, you offer a step-by-step guide to the readers in this type of essay. It should be loaded with comprehensive information. This article could easily be a process essay as we explore the essay writing process. Example of a process essay topic: Explain the Solvay process. Or Explain how to choose an outstanding essay topic.

Profile Essays

Profile essays are essays where you describe a person, place, event, or anything in detail. It could be an essay you write about yourself or one you write about someone. For instance, you can write an essay about Elon Musk, Bill Gates, President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump, and President Vladimir Putin.

Synthesis Essays

Ranked among the type of essays as advanced-level writing, a synthesis essay explores a unique viewpoint on a central idea, a topic, or a theme.

Problem-solution essays

A problem-solution essay is a persuasive essay where the writer describes a problem, convinces the readers to care about the problem, and proposes the most effective solution while rebutting any objections. It can either describe multiple solutions or focus on a single solution to a problem.

Informative Essay

An informative essay is meant to educate your readers about a specific topic. It can define a term, compare and contrast things, analyze data, demonstrate how-to, or outline processes without presenting opinions or persuading the readers.

There are direction words that guide you on what to do to your essay.

• Describe:  Here, you should write about facts, events, and processes. It should follow a specific order and emphasize the importance of something. It is best if you interpret or explain when writing descriptive essays.
• Explain:  In such essays, you are required to analyze and clarify points. It is a common approach in cause-and-effect essays. This is a common approach to narrative essays.
• Discuss:  Such essays require that you give a point of view or perspective or expound on something. While doing so, use examples, arguments, and evidence from credible sources.
• Compare and contrast:  Just as the name,  compare and contrast essays  require that you find the differences and similarities between events, ideas, or interpretations.
• Critique:  critique essays discuss the strengths and weaknesses of articles, books, or art.
• Argue:  argumentative or persuasive essays require that you systematically or logically reject or support an idea through proper evidence.
• Classify : it should be all about clustering ideas based on given criteria. This is a common practice in  classification essays .
• Critically analyze : it should be a critical analysis. This means it can be an analytical essay.

Check out our guide on the power words to use in your essay to impress your professors and readers. 

Tips for Writing a comprehensive essay

Like any other game, some guidelines guide how essays are written. Here are the rules of academic essay writing.

• Use formal academic English . Disdain using slang when writing your academic essay. On the same note, avoid using tough English words. Instead, use appropriate academic writing phrases to present ideas in your essay. Simplicity is king when writing essays.
• Analyze the questions to ensure you write an essay that answers the prompt or assignment Rubric.
• Everything you write should be well-cited . Back up ideas using evidence from credible sources to avoid plagiarism .
• Wikipedia is never a source in academic essay writing. However, you can use it to familiarize yourself with the topic, brainstorm ideas, and gather useful knowledge on approaching a question or topic.
• Whenever you use information that is not your original idea, reference the source to avoid plagiarism. For instance, when paraphrasing an idea of an article, ensure that you correctly provide the in-text citation and the references.
• Always follow your instructor's particular formatting and citation styles relevant to your field.
• Avoid plagiarism at all costs. Professors love plagiarism-free essays.
• Write your essays in prose. However, use well-balanced paragraphs. A paragraph should never exceed 150 words.
• Always follow the five-paragraph essay format: introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Your introduction and conclusion should each be 10% of the total word count.
• An essay must have a hook and thesis as part of your introduction.

Like writing research papers, term papers, or reports, writing essays differ from the instructions provided. You need to thoroughly check the assignment instructions to get an insight into the formatting guidelines to use. However, most academic essays would require that you use the following:

• 5 by 11-inch paper
• Double spaced
• Font 12 pt. (the standard legible font)
• 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper
• Page number
• Cover page/title page
• First-line indentation for the paragraphs
• Left-aligned paper
• Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri fonts.

The assignment rubric will also contain the headings and subheadings breakdown instructions. Some professors like giving the number of pages and references for academic essays.

How to Cite Ideas in an Essay

The citation format depends on the subject matter. Sometimes, if left with the choice, it is a matter of preference of the student. However, the most common citation styles include MLA, APA, Harvard, Chicago, ASA, and Oxford.

• Academic essays on subjects within social sciences mostly use APA and  ASA style  citations.
• Academic essays are written in humanities subjects, including history and literature, and use Turabian, Chicago, or MLA style citations.
• Most medical, psychology, criminology, and nursing essays or health-related essays such as nursing academic essays are written in AMA style.
• It is good to have a clue about the citation you are using. Otherwise, you should seek essay writing help from Gradecrest. Our essay writers can format, edit, and proofread your essays. All you need to do is to request assistance from our editing and proofreading service.

Features of a Comprehensive Essay

When assigning an essay, instructors, and professors often remind you that they look forward to a comprehensive essay.

• It is thorough, well-composed, and deep. A comprehensive essay is an essay that thoroughly discusses a particular issue or presents compelling arguments that support or prove a thesis statement. Its content focus on explaining issues at a deeper level without deliberate omission of some important facts.
• It is well written. Writing a comprehensive essay is not rocket science. It is like giving your best when preparing, writing, and revising your essay. After all, any well-written essay is a comprehensive essay.
• Easy to spot and understand the main argument. When an audience reads such an essay, they should be able to understand the author's arguments, make up their mind about the topic, and reason with the content.
• Has balanced paragraphs. Depending on the length, a comprehensive essay has a well-balanced introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs.
• Has a substantial, elaborate, and reasonable thesis. The introduction of a comprehensive essay has a strong thesis that informs the readers of the essay's central aim or argument.
• Does not have errors. A perfect essay's structure, presentation, organization, and flow are flawless. Each paragraph has transitions connecting it to the following and knits the entire essay.

Thus far, we hope you will write a perfect essay to score you a better grade. If not, you can buy essays from our website to supplement your writing process. Our bespoke essays are written from scratch following the ten steps outlined above to give you plagiarism-free essays.

9 most common Essay Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Every student writing an essay expects that it will earn them the best grades. However, a thin line exists between a well-written academic essay and garbage. Yes, garbage in the sense that it makes no sense. To avoid corrections with comments from your professor, lower grades, and resubmission requests, you must avoid these nine common mistakes students make when writing their essays.

• Writing vague thesis statements . Writing a good essay depends on coming up with a strong thesis. Having a vague, weak, and unsupported thesis statement is a suicide mission on your grades. State your thesis to be specific as possible.
• Using too many quotes . An essay demonstrates your understanding of the topic and how well you research to back up arguments. Overusing quotes in an essay from the text you are analyzing r from the resources from research denies you the authority on the topic. Use quotations sparingly, and leave them out if they are unnecessary.
• Plagiarism . Avoid directly taking words from a source and using them as your own. Equally, do not reword an entire article or a section of it and claim it as your work. Instead, read, internalize, summarize, paraphrase, and cite ideas. Then, write an essay from your understanding of the topic and use facts from other sources to support your argument. Plagiarism has serious consequences, such as expulsion. There are rigorous university and college anti-plagiarism policies, adhere to them.
• Punctuation mistakes . Mind your Ps and Qs when writing your essays. Also, dot your I's in the essay. In simple terms, ensure that the commas, hyphens, semicolons, colons, quotation marks, full stops, and question marks are placed and used correctly.
• Using hard-to-read sentences. This is a common mistake most students make. They write lengthy, complex sentences, sometimes run-on sentences. Surprisingly, these sentences do not cut it. Write clear, concise, and coherent sentences instead of using complex words (jargon), phrases, and many words. Let the reader see sentence variety in your essay: you can achieve this by mixing short and long sentences.
• Using non-scholarly sources. Yes, you can use Wikipedia and other sources from the internet but do not cite them in your essay: only use them to familiarize yourself with the topic. Use scholarly sources written by academic experts and professionals. When using websites, use credible .edu, .org, and .gov websites.
• Writing descriptively and not analytically . The entire point of writing an essay is to create an argument and defend the thesis. Therefore, it is crucial to be critical. Instead of telling (restating), show your readers.
• Rewording the introduction as your conclusion . Conclusion is not rewording your introduction. Also, students begin concluding paragraphs with cliché words. To avoid this, rephrase the thesis in your opening sentence for the conclusion paragraph, summarize the main points, and reflect on the argument you made: the bigger picture.
• Lacking enough evidence to support the thesis . Students sometimes pick a topic they struggle to understand and write an essay on it. Other times, it focuses too much on the opinions and ideas of the writer rather than the evidence. To avoid this, remain flexible when writing an essay. Also, choose a topic that is narrow and has evidence. Finally, select a topic where you can find information to support ideas.

FAQs about writing a good essay

Here are some questions that students frequently ask when writing their essays. We have provided answers that can point you in the right direction with the right trajectory. Our professional essay writers  brainstormed on these questions and provided some concise answers:

Can I use images in my essay?

Yes, you can use and cite illustrations such as photos, graphs, images, and etch in your essays as long as they are directly related to your essay. However, unless your instructor wants you to use them, leave them out when writing an essay. Do not use them, thinking they will take up space. The use of images is encouraged for ad analysis essays, geography essays, visual analysis essays, or art analysis essays. Still, each image, graph, or illustration must be cited with an appropriate in-text citation.

When do I cite sources in an essay?

At high school, college, university, and graduate-level essay writing, you must properly cite the sources of your essay, just like you do when writing a research paper or a dissertation, or other academic tasks. Citations should be used when paraphrasing, quoting, or summarizing information or ideas from a scholarly source. Apart from in-text citations, you must also provide the full details of the referenced source in your references, reference list, or works cited pages, which come at the end of your essay.

Why does an essay need a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a sentence or two sentences that summarize the central idea of your essay or any academic paper. It is the main argument you make in the paper. It is essential when writing academic papers because it gives your text's scope, direction, and focus. It equally helps the readers to understand your main point concisely. It is the frame upon which you build your arguments in the essay.

Is the thesis the same as the claim in an essay?

In essay writing, the thesis is synonymous with your central aim, central argument, or main argument since it unifies the rest of the essay.  It is the reason why it should be interpretive or analytical rather than factual or descriptive.

Is a thesis the same as a research question?

No, while a thesis statement is a short and concise sentence or two that summarizes the main point or idea in an essay or research paper, a research question is a question that indicates the direction of research. A research question is often an open-ended query and not a final claim as the thesis. A thesis makes a specific claim or assertion about a topic that can be challenged or debated. On the contrary, a research question helps determine the methodology to use in subsequent stages of inquiry.

Must I write a topic sentence in an essay?

Yes, a topic sentence is a sentence that comes first in your body paragraphs. It is very critical in that it expresses the main idea of your paragraph, meaning that everything else in the paragraph that comes after it is related to it. You develop arguments, provide evidence, and offer examples supporting the topic sentence.

How do I nail the introduction of my essay?

To nail your introduction paragraph:

• Start with an appropriate opening hook or attention grabber to catch your readers' attention.
• Provide clear, concise, and coherent background information about the topic that your readers must know.
• Write a thesis that presents your major argument, main claim, or central idea.

Distribute the word count of your introduction according to the length of your essay.

Where do I find good sources for my essay?

To find good sources for your essay, research on the internet, scholarly databases, google scholar, and trustworthy websites, newspapers, and magazine articles such as the Guardian, TIME, Wall Street Journal, or New York Times . Some online scholarly databases include EBSCO, InfoTrack, ProQuest, LexisNexis, Google Scholar, or JSTOR. Avoid using non-scholarly sources in your essay. Rather, these non-scholarly general sources can be used when developing an understanding of your topic.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write an a+ argumentative essay.

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

• "Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
• "Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
• "Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

• "Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
• "Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
• "How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

• "The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
• "The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
• "The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

• "Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
• "Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
• "Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

• "Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
• "Should children be required to learn a second language?"
• "Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

• "Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
• "Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
• "Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

• A position (your argument)
• Your reasons
• Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
• Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

• Set up the story/problem/issue
• Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

• Reason #1 claim is correct
• Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

• Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

• Explanation of argument for the other side
• Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Re-state claim
• Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

Paragraph 4

Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

Paragraph 5

Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

• Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
• No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
• The argument is present, consistent, and concise
• Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
• The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

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How to write a good essay: A Comprehensive step-by-step Guide

Essay writing has become an important activity in all academic work today. Scholars can’t run away from the fact that good essays will impact their academic results. It is, therefore imperative that any student needs to be guided on how to write a good essay. And with a detailed step-by-step tutorial, any student will score an A in the essays he or she writes using this comprehensive guide.

This is a complete guide on how to write a good essay that scores an A on any topic. Learn 9 steps to essay writing and get free examples & outlines. Writing essays has never been an easy thing to do therefore you will appreciate learning how to write essays and perfect your writing skills. We offer essay help services but if you are writing it yourself, here is a comprehensive guide.

Easy navigation table

How to Write an Essay that Scores an A+

To write a good essay, you have to have a good topic for, research it well, create a thesis, detailing a good outline, starting with an introduction and following up with good body paragraphs to draft an essay. After that, conclude the essay and cite your sources as you polish it to a final draft. Here are the steps in brief

• Choose a good topic for your essay
• Do thorough research for the topic
• Formulate a strong thesis you will present
• Make a detailed outline for your essay
• Write an interesting introduction for your essay
• Write strong body paragraphs for a draft essay
• Make a summative conclusion
• Cite your sources and make a reference page
• Revise your rough draft to polish it to the final copy

Of those 9 steps. having a strong thesis is the most important. We asked our professional essay writers about the importance of a thesis statement and they confirmed it as the main thing in an essay. Let us now take a detailed and comprehensive look at each of these steps and how to complete them successfully.

1. Choose a Good Topic for your Essay

Instructors can give essay topics to their students or suggest that the students write essays on topics of their own. None of these situations is simple. Students have to choose from a vast of ideas when topics are theirs to choose and their ideas are locked and limited when instructors give specific topics to them.

How to choose a good topic for your essay

When students are choosing topics of their own, the following are required in order to select a good topic:

• Understand the parameters of the assignment given

This involves knowing what your instructor really wants. The structure of the assignment should guide you on choosing an interesting topic that fits the assignment well. If you don’t understand the parameters you can ask for help from people or the instructor to make sure you don’t write a topic that is not relating what is required.

• Brainstorm your topics of interest that fits the structure of the assignment

Most probably, instructors give a broad topic area that you are expected to chose one topic from. Access the different topics and settle with one topic that you are comfortable with.

Lookup for general information by searching on all available sources. Do not limit yourself when searching for information. The main sources of information are books, journals, and the internet. Gather all topics of study relating to the information and choose a suitable topic of your interest.

• Focus on one topic

Manage your topic well. Too narrow and too broad topics are difficult to research. Broad topics may lead to increased business and too narrow topics may lead to scarcity of information sources.

• Make a list of useful keywords.

Identify the words that are mainly used in your topic of study. Look for them in your information sources and write them down.

• Be Flexible with your topic

This means broadening your information when you have less and narrowing your information when you have excess. Flexibility is mostly determined by the length of the essay.

• Research more about your topic and formulate a title.

Find more information about the topic using keywords identified and come up with a suitable title for your essay.

2. Research the Essay topic Thoroughly

To research is to systematically investigate various topics of study in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Researching is a comprehensive process that requires the following steps for it to be successful:

• Going through the instructions given.

Make sure you are in line with the requirements the instructor has given in the instructions.

These instructions determine the freedom you will have concerning various topics when writing the essay.

When instructions are not clear liaise with the instructor to come up with a solution on the way forward.

• Brainstorm on topics of interest

When an instructor has given a wide and broad topic area, choose your best topic of interest from that category.

• Gather information about the topic

Use sources such as the internet, books, journals, and people to find information on the selected topic of interest. Collect as much relatable information to the topic selected as possible.

Determine the question that you are answering with your research

What issues of concern are under your topic? These issues raise questions that you will use your research to get answers. Identify the question.

• Find Information about your specific question and refine it

Gather information about the specific question and the number of results you get and the quality of the sources you obtained the information. After that, you need to refine your question based on found information. Adjust the question’s scope by looking at who, where and when.

• Find keywords from the topic to guide your research

Brainstorm a list of keywords that usually play part in the success of your research by helping you find initial resources.

• Categorize your information in groups and draft an outline.

Put information about similar categories together. After creating different categories create a rough outline of your essay.

• In case of holes in your research, find additional sources.

If after going through your research you realize that there are points that need further clarification or any point that may be omitted, find new sources that will help fill them.

3. Formulate a strong Thesis Statement for the essay

The third stage of writing a good essay is to formulate a strong and relevant thesis for your essay. A thesis is a position that or a claim that your essay seeks to make by directly answering a certain question. Basically, itis one sentence that contains the main idea of an essay by stating the main argument.

A thesis should clearly state the topic of your paper and comment about your position on what you argue in the essay. Most essay readers rely on thesis statements to get a clue or a guide of what the essay is all about.

At the same time, a thesis statement is important because they help you as the essay writer develop and organize arguments and test your ideas. Having a good thesis should present what you plan to argue and show how you plan to argue it. When developing a thesis, the following steps should be followed.

Steps and Tips of writing a thesis statement for your essay

• Analyze your primary sources.

Look for credible information before formulating a thesis. Access any contradictions of authors, ambiguity tension and controversy in the information you have before formulating the thesis. From the information gathered to come up with ideas about your thesis.

• List the ideas and arguments you will make

To make sure you don’t forget ideas you are obtaining from different types of sources, put them down for reference later.

• Draft the thesis statement

Access logically and clearly the ideas you have and start writing down the thesis. It’s advisable to begin your thesis as rough work because most thesis statements do not become perfect after the first attempt.

• Write your thesis in the introduction part

At the end of your introduction, include your thesis statement. This is where most readers can find it easily. The thesis statement plays an important role in influencing the reader and placing them where readers can easily locate them is a win situation for any essay writer.

• Know the arguments against your thesis

Once you have your thesis statement, you should think of any criticisms that it may face. This will help you argue your ideas in the right way as you continue writing your essay and also assist in refining your essay.

• Avoid vague or combative questions

Thesis statements should never be questions, combative, vague or written in a list. They should be arguable claims that should be specific and clear.

4. Make a detailed Outline for your essay

Outlines are writing plans that aid in organizing ideas and information when writing an essay. A good essay is defined by the quality of the outline because it guides the writer to understand the content they should place in the various essay sections. It is the part that gives the essay structure and gives you a skeleton to fill the essay with.

How to write a good outline for your essay

To make a good outline the following need to be done:

1. Research on the topic.

To write a good outline one should know the topic under study very well. Search for information on available materials and identify the keywords of the topic.

2. Know the objective of the essay.

What is the main thing required in your essay? This can either be a question or a thesis statement that will guide you through the essay for all discussions should be related to the objective of the essay. This makes sure that you don’t go out of topic.

3. List main research points.

A sketch of your paper is required on this stage. On the sketch write the ideas found through research on the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay. Brainstorm to add more points to each part.

4. Organize your ideas

This helps in polishing your outline by arranging your ideas in the order that will likely make sense. Put ideas that are similar together and summarise them to make sure that you don’t forget on what you want to talk about in each idea.

5. Revise your ideas

Go through your points and determine whether they fulfill the objective of your essay, which is genuine and relevant. Ideas that look similar can be combined to provide much more meaning. This process helps you have topics that will bring out the objective of the essay clearly.

All the irrelevant ideas and points found that do no help in disclosing the objective of the essay should be scrapped out. To organize your ideas well, consider using models of outlining an essay. A famous method is the Jane Schaffer essay method that helps organize your points and ideas logically in support of each other.

5. Write an interesting introduction for your essay

The introduction of an essay is important because its main aim is to grab the reader’s attention in order to make him or her continue reading. When writing the introduction, the essay writer should focus on points that will draw the reader’s attention. The focus should be on the following;

How to write an eye-catching essay introduction?

1. start with interesting facts and sentences.

Tell an interesting story. The story should be relevant to your essay topic and not too long that it will take much space. Consider stories that will entertain the most readers of your essay.

2. Be unique in your ideas

You can begin the essay with statements that one cannot connect the essay with. This will make the reader wonder, gain attention and will want to know how the statement will relate to the topic of the essay.

3. Write a humorously warm introduction

Consider writing an introduction that is not only funny to you but also to the readers of your essay. This makes sure that you don’t embarrass yourself to the readers or confuse them. Laughing is one of the best ways to calm a reader, attract them to your essay and prepare them for what is further written in the essay.

However, jokes are not applicable to all essays. Essays on topics such as hunger, homelessness, political issues, economic issues, diseases, and revolutions requite utmost seriousness for they are matters that may be negatively affecting the reader. For example, writing an introduction for IELTS essay should be much more formal.

4. Write an unusual introduction.

Surprise your reader by using an irregular approach in your essay introduction. Don’t use introductions that the readers could have suggested. Be unpredictable by using your creativity and imagination to write an interesting introduction.

KEY POINT: The introduction is the only attempt to impress the reader first and the writer should utilize it to the fullest. At the end of the introduction, write the thesis statements. For more information, read our guide on the 5 parts of an introduction paragraph , and learn more about each of them.

6. Write strong body paragraphs supporting your thesis

Body paragraphs are written between the introduction part and the conclusion part. They contain the main content of your essay and depend on the length required. The paragraphs number of words should not vary much from one paragraph to the other.

Paragraphs should have the following elements; a topic sentence that carries the content of the paragraph, examples which should provide a detailed explanation about the topic sentence, a clear structure, evidence supporting the topic sentence and a clear connection with the thesis.

How to write strong body paragraphs for your essay

1. prioritize your points.

In order to make a good impression, paragraphs with the strongest points and content should be prioritized and appear before paragraphs with shallow content. Each paragraph should represent one point at a time to avoid confusing your readers.

2. Write paragraphs with optimal length

Paragraphs should be 5 to 7 sentences long. Points in each paragraph need to be thoroughly explained. This cannot be possible with a few sentences. When the paragraphs are too long the reader I likely to get bored and lose interest.

3. Use transition sentences to connect paragraphs

Connect your main body paragraphs by providing a transition from one paragraph to another. For example, if one is writing an essay involving both the advantages and the disadvantages of a product, it is advisable to write the advantages first followed by disadvantages or vice versa.

4. Do not mix points up

Avoid mixing points and arguments. To create a logical flow of issues and arguments, only argue one point per paragraph. Points that are close should follow each other when paragraphed to keep the reader focused and avoid confusion.

5. Use a sub-conclusion paragraph

Sub-conclusion of paragraphs is optional in essay writing and is rarely used by scholars today. This is where one can provide a conclusion at the end of a paragraph concerning the point written in the paragraph.

This may offer contradictions when writing the essay because one paragraph may require a different conclusion and can eventually distract the reader. This makes the overall conclusion at the end of the essay more acceptable.

6. Use evidence to back your arguments

To back your arguments, use evidence from literature and other sources. Use quotes related to the essay you have written or reference one of your sources. This will help stress on your final point and confirm that all you have written is true.

7. Write relevant concluding sentences

At the end of every paragraph, it is good to write a sentence that sums up the main argument of the whole paragraph but also supports the points. The best way to write a concluding sentence for any paragraph is to restate the major point in the paragraph supporting it with reliable facts. After that, include a transition sentence that joins one paragraph to another.

7. Write a Good Conclusion

The conclusion step is the tail-end of the essay writing task. If you have reached here, you should part yourself in the back for a job well done. The conclusion is the part where you give a synthesis of what the reader has already read.

This is arguably the most important part of your essay because it is likely to stick into the reader’s memory. We asked 10 of our homework writing experts and they all stated that the conclusion is key to seal your targeted grade on your assignment. When writing a good conclusion, you should consider the following:

How to write a good conclusion for an essay

Use questions to create conclusive remarks. Asking questions may motivate readers to make readers provide their own research and think over your essay.

Give hints about developments of your topic using aspects that are interesting to the reader. This involves some further important information that your essay is related to, which is not under the topic given.

In addition, give an extremely thorough answer to the question within your conclusion. Hit the nail on the head by combining all the information on all the paragraphs and coming up with one common point that your conclusion will encompass.

Paraphrase your thesis statement or give the main idea of the first, second or third body paragraph as a conclusion for your essay. This will also help stress the essay points on the conclusion

The number of sentences or length of your conclusion depends on the length of the body paragraphs. The conclusion should not be bigger or smaller compared to the body paragraphs of your essay.

At the same time, an essay conclusion should end with something specific and unique as opposed to the introduction where general statements begin the essay.

Conclusions should not have the following; more data and facts that are not stated in the body paragraphs, new ideas, unnecessary details, changed essay tone as that used in your essay and any kind of an apology or limitation for not considering a certain fact in your essay.

8. Cite and Reference the Sources in your Essay

Citing involves the identification of the original sources of information and ideas in your essay in order to avoid plagiarism. It is important because it provides evidence for your arguments and helps people find more information on the cited sources. Citing also shows that you have researched and found out what experts have had to say about your topic and show that you understand writing ethics well.

Citations for the sources used in the essay should be done in the body paragraphs. After that, you should create a reference page at the end of your paper. One should cite quotes, information that is not common and formats. Citing varies depending on the writing style you are using.

How to cite your sources and make a references page 

Different disciplines have different approaches to writing academic papers. These approaches are the formatting styles and are supposed to be standardized and accepted by various research and educational institutions. There are no widely accepted formats because different institutions prefer different approaches. These approaches include:

How to Cite your essay in APA

The acronym APA was the short form of an organization, the American Psychological Association which created this format. Most essays that require this format are behavioral and social discipline essays. The 7th APA edition requires a title page and has a running head at the top of every page. The reference page includes the page that shows the information sources.

How to cite when Paraphrasing a source

When paraphrasing, reference the author, the year of publication and the page number.

For example: According to Jane (2000)

How to cite multiple authors

Each time you cite work done by two authors name both the authors in the signal phrase. Use an ampersand in parentheses and use the connector “and” in between the words. For example research by (Carlos and Isaac, 2004)

When three to five authors are involved, cite the source by listing all the authors in parentheses or signal phrases. For example: (Courtney, Ken, Janet, Albert & Japhet,1999)

When citing information, where six or more authors are involved, use the first author’s name followed et al. in parenthesis and signal language. For example: (Janice et al.,2006)

Citing two or more works by the same author in the same year requires one to use small letters of the alphabets in their order. For example: (Caleb, 2003a), (Caleb, 2003b)

If two or more different works appear in the same parenthesis cite them in the order they appear separated by a semicolon. For example: (Ferdinand, 2004; Mercy, 2005)

When a source you obtain information is cited in another source, name the original source in your signal phrase and include the secondary source in parenthesis. For example, Wycliffe argued that…. (as cited in Warren,1997, p. 108)

In works that the authors are unknown cite the work by its title, by underlining or italicizing the book titles and using quotation marks for titles of articles and magazines.

Use the words in the parenthesis or the title in your signal phrase with the abbreviation “n.d” (no date) when no author or date is indicated in the source. For example: (Wildlife, n.d)

When the source has no page numbers do the citing using the abbreviation “para” followed by the paragraph number. For example: (Rio,2010, para. 6)

How to cite and reference your essay in MLA

Modern Language Association style does not require a title page and is mainly used in humanity and liberal arts essays. Italics are allowed for emphasis. On the first page include your name, instructor’s name, the course, and date on the upper left Conner.

Double spacing is required when using the MLA 8th Edition . There is an order in MLA citing that one should apply based on the type of source information is obtained. The order is as follows:

• Last name of the author, First Name
• The title of the source
• The title of the container
• Other various contributors
• The version of the source
• The number of publication
• The publisher
• The publication date
• The location of the source.
• The accessed date. This is only applicable to online sources.

In MLA citations capitalize nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, adjectives and subordinating conjunctions in the titles of books, journals, and articles. Do not capitalize articles such as “a” or” an”, coordinating conjunctions such as “but” and “nor”, prepositions and “the” used in infinitives. MLA citations are done in the following ways:

How to cite authors in MLA

When citing sources of authors with the same last names use the first name initials. For example, (Mount 46) and (Mount 37)

When citing a text, use the name of the author and the page the information is found. For example: ‘Criminals can be identified by their physical appearance (Lombrosso 230).

When citing work done by different authors, not more than three, list the authors’ last names in the text. For example: “Crime causation can be explained” (Emille, Ceasare and Watson 45). When listing four authors and above use the abbreviation “et al.” and only one name of the authors for example: (Smith et al 5).

When you need to cite multiple works by the same author include the title of the source you have obtained the information to make it different from the other. Titles of articles should be quoted and those of books should be italicized.

For example, Garry argued that glaring at computers are dangerous to our eyes (“Effects of Computers” 37), though he suggested several methods of preventing the damage (“Control Measures” 48)

If you need to cite multiple sources in the same parenthetical reference, use a semi-colon to separate the citations. For example: (Mark 4; Craig 7)

How to make a reference page for your essay

1. how to make a reference page in apa.

A reference page is a page that has all the list of sources you used in your essay. References are also arranged in order of the alphabet appearing in the last name of the author.

At the end of the paper move to a clean page and type References at the top. Leave some margins as in the rest of your essay by double-spacing the whole page. Alphabetize the references and indent line of each reference. Remember all references must be from the work cited in your essay.

2. How to make a Works Cited page in MLA

In this format, it is mostly referred to as a Works Cited page. All sources sited here must be the same as those in your essay.

On a clean page at the end of your essay begin the Works Cited page with the title Works Cited at the center of your page. Do not skip places within the entry and create a 0.5 inches ident between the second and subsequent lines.

List the page numbers of the sources you obtained information and type the online database in italics for online sources. Each word of the titles of books and articles need to be in uppercase except prepositions and conjunctions and use quotations in titles of short works and italics in titles of broad works.

Other referencing styles to format your essay

There are other styles used to format and cite sources for your essay. The one you apply depends on the instructions given by your instructor and the subject of the essay. For instance, ASA is used by sociologists, while APA by psychologists.

Another unique one is the Chicago format, also known as Turabian. It is mainly used by Americans to format essays on different disciplines. Reference is done using footnotes and headnotes and the use of bibliography pages. This formatting style is therefore preferable for papers that mostly concentrate and focus on the source of origin.

9. Revise and Polish your essay into a Final Draft

Before submitting your essay, you must go through it again and again and edit places where mistakes could be.

Before handing in your essay you need to ask yourself a number of questions to interrogate the quality of your current draft.

Such questions include;

• Has my essay responded to the question?
• Did I follow the essay’s guidelines?
• Is my essay explaining the thesis?
• Am I within the submission deadline?
• What grade can my essay score as it is?
• Where can I improve in the current draft essay?

How to Polish your Draft into a Final Comprehensive Essay

Confirm that you followed the instructions and guidelines.

These guidelines include following the format the instructor specified, the word limit that was provided, reading materials that were provided, referencing the essay correctly and meeting all the requirements needed.

2. Check is the structure of your essay is perfect

These include assessing the introduction and conclusion and knowing if they talk about what was entailed, accessing the thesis statement in your introduction, checking if the topic sentences in paragraphs are clear, and checking whether the ideas in paragraphs link with each other from the previous to the next.

3. Proofread the language to ensure it is correct

This includes determining whether you have used formal language, reading through the sentences and determining whether they make sense.

Also, be keen to ensure that you check the spelling of the words and the correct use of conjunctions and abbreviations.

4. Review the structure of your paragraphs

This involves checking whether sentences in paragraphs relate to the title of the essay, whether the topic sentence determines the content of the paragraph and if each paragraph in your essay develops only one idea.

5. Read the essay aloud to ensure the sentences are correct

Proofread again by reading the essay aloud. This involves checking whether the sentences express themselves clearly grammatically and if they are complete. This step will tell you whether the length of the sentences does not vary too much and whether the punctuation of the sentence and use of articles is correct.

6. Format your paper

You can also make your final draft more perfect by doing the following:

• Numbering the pages in your essay.
• Attaching the cover sheet requested with correct information.
• Formatting your essay where necessary.

12 common Types of Essays that you may encounter

There are different types of essays. Some essays may require different approaches than others.

1. Narrative essays

These are essays that tell stories about events that have occurred in one’s personal life experiences. The writers are free to express a personal feeling of things that affected them.

Examples of such topics include;

• Why I have decided to quit alcohol.
• Narrate how you decided to pursue the career you have
• Why schools have been forced to close early.

It is like writing a story; the paper is organized according to the sequence of events or chronology. The primary objective of this type of essay is to ascertain your story-telling ability. 

2. Descriptive Essays

As the name suggests, these essays describe details of the topic given. You can describe the smell, looks or working aspects of the object under study. Examples of descriptive essay topics for your essay include;

• My troubling school life.
• Describe your childhood diary.
• My high school experience.

3. Definition essays

These essays main goal is to define subjects and review their origins. They aim at providing a more extensive definition than what is provided in dictionaries. Examples of definition essays may include;

• Define the term “judicial precedence.”
• Describe and discuss the term “ethnocentrism.”
• Define the term “forensic criminology.”

4. Analytical essays

As the name suggests these essays requires logical reasoning and structure to analyze the behaviors, tendency, events, people, among other examples. Below are a few examples of analytical essay topics.

• Why do universities have security check-ups at the entrance gates?
• Explain why most teenage boys get violent?
• Why do university students fail their main exams?

Sometimes, this type of essay needs you to focus on the methodology, conclusions or findings of previous researchers. You should conclude your research by summarizing the results and recommending a framework for use in further studies on the issue.

5. Cause and effect essays

These are essays that explain how a certain problem occurred and the consequences of the occurrence. The essay writer investigates the cause and shows the effects of the problem. Examples of common topics for Cause and effect essays include;

• What are the main causes of cholera?
• Did post-election violence sabotage the Kenyan economy?
• How do drugs affect the mental stability of an addict?

6. Process essays

These essays provide instructions on how something is done. One is required to perform the process for easier identification of the process. Example of topics fit for process essays can be as below;

• How to control your ego?
• Ways of solving your anti-social problem?
• How to take care of the environment?

7. Advantages and disadvantages essays

These are essays that show both the pros and cons of a given topic. The opposite opinions make sure that the writer doesn’t defend any side. Foe example;

• Pros and cons, of course, outlines in university studies.
• Advantages and disadvantages of being a die-hard football fan.
• Pros and cons of critical thinking before decision making.

8. Classification essays

These are essays that require the writer to put together ideas, objects, and other things into particular groups. examples of such essays are;

• Five types of crime
• Seven types of police forces.
• Types of anti-social behavior.

9. Argumentative essays

These are essays that persuade the readers to side with the writer’s viewpoint. One is supposed to use proved facts and correct illustrations in order to manipulate the reader.

Here you required to present both sides of a controversial issue objectively and factually. The examiner expects you to present valid arguments on each side without bias. You must include the arguments for and against each case. 

10. Critical essays

These essays provide the reader with weak and strong characteristics of the subject for them to determine the good and bad of the subject. Examples include;

• Access separation of powers in the building bridges initiative.
• What role does humor play in the novel “Don Quixote.”
• Access the theme of mystery in the movie “Manifest”

11. Compare and contrast essays

These are essays that require the writer to show the similarities and differences of two tendencies, devices, organs, etc. Below are examples of compare and contrast essays;

• Literature vs Real life happenings
• Waterborne diseases vs Airborne diseases.
• College students’ performances vs University students’ performances.

12. Persuasive essays

These are essays whose main aim is to change the thinking and view of the reader completely. It should be influential and deal with topics that are relevant today. Some examples include;

• Are football video games good for young boys?
• Are beauty contest and modeling practices more important to children than they are to adults
• Does marrying an older wife affect one’s marriage eventually?

13. Expository essays

These essays are aimed at estimating the subject of study in your own study view. Here are some examples of expository essays;

• Explain how lecturers influence student grades.
• Explain how fear affects one’s self-confidence
• What are the symptoms of mental illness?

Check our guide to writing a good TOK essay and learn more of another type.

Other Types of Essays

We have written a detailed guides on how to write other types of essays whose format may not necesarilly follow the flow we have taught in this comprehensive guide. This guide mostly applies for the types of essays discussed in the columns above. However, read our lessons how how to write the following types of essays.

• A guide how to write a Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) essays
• Detailed steps how to write an opinion essay
• Read more on writing a good issue paper or essay .

What is a Comprehensive Essay

A comprehensive essay is one that exhaustively discusses an issue or a topic to a deeper extent so as to prove the thesis that a writer wants to put across. It is an essay whose content explains the issue in its entirety, thereby leaving no doubt of unresolved facts. This is achieved through extensive research on an issue or a topic. After reading it, the audience will understand everything the author was discussing and agree with him or her.

A comprehensive essay has a good introduction that opens the issue being discussed in detail. That sets a place for a good thesis that is given in the last sentence of the introduction paragraph. This is followed by well researched paragraphs that deeply explain the issue to support the thesis. The conclusion paragraph of a comprehensive essay summarizes all the points and gives conclusive support to the thesis.

Common mistakes students make in Essay Writing and how to Solve them

The readers can judge the writing skills of a writer after reading an essay. To write good essays writers must avoid several mistakes when writing essays. These mistakes are:

1. Lack of concentration.

This occurs when the writer is not focused on the essay and mixes thoughts.

For an essay to be good one must be able to organize thoughts and be logical in arguments.

2. Omitting the thesis statement

If your essay doesn’t have its foundation in the introduction paragraph, then it loses the structure. The thesis statement is the origin of your writing and it makes your essay logical.

3. Writing unsupported ideas

Your readers may judge you as thoughtless and unreliable if your ideas are unsupported by the use of facts, examples and available statistics

4. Punctuation mistakes

The writer should take note of using punctuation marks correctly because they play a part in making the reader understand the meaning of your essay. Use commas, colons, semi-colons question marks and full stops correctly.

5. Misuse of words

Writers should be careful with words that have the same pronunciations and different meanings for they may distort the meaning you want to put across. Some examples of these words are “hit and heat” or “had and heard.

How to find Credible Sources for your Essay

It is very important that you use credible and authoritative sources when writing your essay. If you don’t and use weak ones, your essay will not be authoritative. In fact, readers will demean your work if you use dubious sources to obtain the information you will write in your essay. To determine the credibility of sources , you need to ask whether some kind of information is reliable, at least several sources must have talked about it.

1. Use the Internet

The internet today is the main source of information and sometimes it’s hard to differentiate credible sources with mediocre sources. When obtaining data from the internet consider the trustworthiness of the domain. .edu domain is used by education institutions and information obtained here is most reliable.

2. Follow credible domains

In addition, .org is mostly used by non-profits organizations and is reliable for they are not concerned with cheating or tricking you. .gov is used by governmental institutions and information is mostly credible but can be biased considering the political views of the different institutions.

3. Be Cautious with commercial websites

Be careful when using online sources from a .com domain. They are mostly used by commercial institutions and one must be careful when obtaining information from them because they may contain hidden content and are not careful about data provided. Learn if your source is credible from a guide by the University of Maryland.

4. Use Libraries and Journals

Other credible sources of information include online news agencies and newspapers that are well known, scientific journals, public libraries, online encyclopedias, non-fictional books, and academic libraries. Writers should avoid sources such as Wikipedia, personal blogs, word of mouth, fiction books and glossy magazines. You can also go old school and look for books in your library.

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Brief Summary of this Guide on writing Essays

To help you know how to write essays that improve your GPA, we have put a comprehensive step-by-step guide for you on any subject or topic. The guide gives you examples and free outlines on how to organize and write your essay. However, if you like guidance from our essay writing experts , feel free to ask us and we will respond and guide your essay homework.

• How to choose a good essay topic
• Making good research for a topic for an essay
• How to write a strong thesis
• How to make an outline for your essay
• Writing a good introduction for an essay
• How to write strong body paragraphs?
• How to write a good conclusion?
• Citing sources and how to make a reference page?
• How to polish the final and review key points?
• Types of essays and common examples of each
• Common mistakes in essay writing
• Credible sources for your essay

Alternatively, you can watch how to write a good essay below,

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Guide to Writing a Comprehensive Essay Introduction

Table of Contents

Today, essay writing has become a crucial component of all academic work. The importance of strong essays on academic performance is something that students cannot ignore.

A comprehensive essay introduction prepares the audience for what they are about to read. It piques readers’ curiosity and compels them to continue reading.

This article will guide you to write an enticing intro and make your reader hang on to every word.

What Is a Comprehensive Essay?

A comprehensive essay is an academic writing assignment that requires you to use everything you learned in your course to explain something. This is the opposite of the common type of essay, which aims to convince the reader of a certain point of view.

Don’t write a long or fancy introduction; instead, go right to the point. Your essay should have a clear thesis at the beginning and an orderly structure where you provide enough evidence to support your thesis.

Comprehensive essays often require the learner to present more details and use more supporting evidence to back up their argument. This is to make the essay stronger and more convincing to the reader.

What Is the Purpose of an Essay Introduction?

Writing introductory paragraphs can be very challenging for students, let alone making sure they capture the reader’s attention. It is usually difficult to start something than continue something already underway.

The importance of the essay introduction is continuously stressed to you. But it is even more important to understand its purpose. The introduction serves as the roadmap to your essay. It introduces the topic and clarifies the context by providing background information.

Therefore, it is crucial to start your essay right and give a perspective and purpose to your paper.

How to Write a Comprehensive Essay Introduction?

There isn’t a single best approach to begin an essay. Some people like to begin writing the essay right away and then compose the introduction at the end. Whenever you write the introduction, make sure to focus on the tone and purpose of your essay. Here is a quick instruction on how to construct a comprehensive essay introduction .

Start With an Engaging Hook

Instead of beginning the introduction with a long buildup, use a short, catchy opening sentence or two. Start with something engaging, clear, and concise to pique the reader’s interest. A hook will help the reader understand the main idea you’re trying to convey. It will also keep them interested until you get to the main points of your paper.

Provide Background Information

Provide some background information on the topic before deciding on the theme. The introduction always begins with a clear direction. It includes statements about how the subject relates to more significant concerns covered in the next sections of the essay.

The information you provide here should be concise and related to your essay’s main thesis. You can make reference to issues you’ll cover in the body section. However, don’t give away a lot of details.

Set the Limitations of Your Essay

You must limit the discussion of your essay topic. It’s essential to keep your talk to a reasonable scope because you can’t cover everything relevant to the topic. Narrow your focus and explain to the audience why and how you chose the suggested topic or issue.

State the Thesis Statement

The introduction must establish your thesis to write a cohesive and coherent essay. The introductory paragraph ends with the thesis statement. A brief summary of the entire essay is provided in the thesis statement. This illustrates the writer’s central concept and method of approaching the essay topic.

It’s important to write a thorough, engaging introduction for your essay to capture your audience’s attention. You want to create an essay that will hold their interest, so they will be eager to explore the rest of your essay.

The introduction of your essay should contain an attention-grabbing hook . It should also state the thesis statement and leave the audience wanting to delve further into your paper. This article aims to explain the importance of your essay introduction and how to write one.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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What is a comprehensive essay? And the purpose of writing a comprehensive essay.

• Comprehensive Essay
• August 22, 2022
• Carmen Troy

A comprehensive essay is a formal piece of writing that discusses a specific issue in depth. It explains a problem from all sides and proves the writer’s thesis. A comprehensive essay will leave no room for unresolved facts. It is best written when it is possible to conduct a good deal of research and explain all sides of an issue. By doing so, your audience can fully understand your point of view. This article can also read about how to write a comprehensive essay.

Brainstorming before writing a comprehensive essay:

While it may seem daunting to begin thinking about a long essay, brainstorming is an essential part of the process. It helps you identify what you’re passionate about, how you can interestingly approach the topic, and draw connections. Brainstorming can be a long process, so start early and give yourself plenty of time to organize your ideas. After brainstorming, write your essay in style specified by your professor.

Try creating a word map:

If you’re stuck and don’t have any ideas, try creating a word map. This method can be useful for those who think of categories rather than words. Make a circle in the middle of the page and write your main idea and related ideas in other bubbles. Connect the bubbles with lines. A word map will force your mind to break down big ideas and determine whether they’re worth writing about.

Choosing a topic for a comprehensive essay:

When deciding on a topic for a comprehensive essay, focus on a topic you have done a good deal of research on. A thorough article will discuss a topic in detail and prove your thesis. It will also fully explain an issue, leaving no doubts about what’s being discussed. You should back it up with evidence and credible authority. There are several strategies you can use to come up with an engaging topic for your comprehensive essay.

Developing a diagram to organize ideas for a comprehensive essay:

Developing a diagram to organize ideas for an analytical essay is a great way to stay on track and see your pictures more clearly. This simple technique involves putting your main ideas and supporting information into circles. Each circle contains three or four lines; the supporting information can be a paragraph or a list of ideas. Then you can write down the connections between the main ideas in the diagram.

Developing a diagram to organize ideas:

Developing a diagram to organize ideas for an essay is an effective way to keep track of the ideas you have collected throughout the writing process. This technique saves time because it lets you quickly see which ideas do not match one another. It can also help you identify flaws in your argument or lack of evidence in a way that a reader can relate to. Although some students are intimidated by the process, it is important to remember that a good argument can still earn a decent grade even if it has a few flaws.

Creating a bibliography for a comprehensive essay:

The bibliography is a list of references for a paper. It is required when an essay uses sources to explain a topic. The citation of a quotation should contain the author’s name, publication date, and the specific page number. Some authorities also require extra information that isn’t always included in the paper. These details depend on the source and citation style. For example, a work by George Santayana should only be cited if the source they cited has an author’s name and date of publication.

Developing a draft of a bibliography:

Developing a draft of a bibliography is the first step. After choosing the most relevant sources for your research, you should write a draft of the bibliography, citing one seed at a time. To find examples of a bibliography, you can visit online databases. A good example of a bibliography is the one created by the New York Times. Make sure to follow the correct formatting for your bibliography to prevent plagiarism.

APA format for a comprehensive essay:

To write a comprehensive essay in APA format, you should first know what makes an effective heading. An author can use five standard types of headers to break down a paragraph. These headings are generally written in uppercase and lowercase letters and are italicized, bold, and indented. They are aligned to the left. APA format writing also follows a strict rule about indentation. Essay writing services also apply the APA format in comprehensive essays.

Author Bio:

Carmen Troy is a research-based content writer, who works for Cognizantt , a globally recognized professional SEO service and Research Prospect; an 论文和论文写作服务 Mr Carmen holds a PhD degree in mass communication. He loves to express his views on various issues, including education, technology, and more.

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Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.

What is an Academic Essay

An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.  

Importance of Academic Essays

4 main types of academic essays.

While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

1. Expository Essay

2. Descriptive Essay

3. Narrative Essay

4. Argumentative Essay

Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.

By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.

What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay

Provides factual information without bias

Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity

Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader

Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion

When is an expository essay written.

1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.

2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.

3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.

4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.

1. Topic Selection and Research

• Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
• Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
• Develop a clear thesis statement

2. Outline and Structure

• Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
• Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
• Use transitions to maintain a logical flow

3. Objective and Informative Writing

• Maintain an impartial and informative tone
• Avoid personal opinions or biases
• Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the key points
• Reinforce the significance of the thesis

Descriptive Essays: Painting with words

Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.

It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.

What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay

Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader

Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration

Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses

Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.

When is a descriptive essay written.

1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.

2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.

3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.

4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.

1. Subject Selection and Observation

• Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
• Gather sensory details and observations

2. Engaging Introduction

• Set the scene and provide the context
• Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques

3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs

• Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
• Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
• Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint

4. Impactful Conclusion

• Provide a final impression or insight
• Leave a lasting impact on the reader

Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action

Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

What are the Key features of Narrative Essays

Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective

Based on real personal experiences

Uses an informal and expressive tone

Presents events and characters in sequential order

When is a narrative essay written.

It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:

1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.

2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.

3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.

4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.

How to Write a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.

1. Experience Selection and Reflection

• Choose a significant personal experience or event
• Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning

2. Immersive Introduction

• Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view

3. Plotline and Character Development

• Advance   the  plot and character development through body paragraphs
• Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
• Maintain a logical and chronological flow

4. Insightful Conclusion

• Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
• Leave the reader with a lasting impression

Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.

What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?

Logical and well-structured arguments

Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources

Consideration and refutation of counterarguments

Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue 

When is an argumentative essay written.

Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:

1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.

3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.

4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.

How to write an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.

• Choose a debatable and controversial issue
• Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments

2. Thesis and Introduction

• Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
• Provide background information and establish importance

3. Structured Body Paragraphs

• Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
• Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation

4. Persuasive Techniques

• Adopt a formal and objective tone
• Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)

5. Impactful Conclusion

• Summarize the main points
• Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action

To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .

5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills

Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words

Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references

Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability 

To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform  for editorial review 

Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product

By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.

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How to Write a Review Essay: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Writing a review essay is a valuable skill, especially for college and school assignments. A review essay involves summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating a piece of work, such as a book, article, or film. This type of essay sharpens your critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for excelling academically. Becoming proficient in this skill can significantly boost your academic results.

The task of crafting a review essay might initially seem daunting. You may even look for objective Do My Essay reviews to find a service that can assist you. However, learning how to craft a review essay yourself is a skill that will benefit you throughout your academic journey and beyond.

Table of Contents

What Is a Review Essay?

A review essay is a type of writing that provides a critical evaluation of a specific work. Unlike a simple summary, a review essay goes beyond just recounting the content. It delves into the strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness of the work. Understanding what is a review essay is crucial for producing a thoughtful and thorough analysis. Knowing this can significantly improve your academic writing.

Key Components of a Review Essay

• Summary : Concisely recap the key points of the material.
• Analysis : Critically assess the arguments, evidence, and methodologies used.
• Evaluation : Assess and comment on how effective and influential the work is. This structure will ensure a comprehensive review.

How to Start a Review Essay

The initial step of beginning a review essay can be particularly challenging. Here are some steps to help you start effectively and with confidence:

Choose a Relevant Work

Choose a piece of work that aligns with your academic interests or course requirements. It should be something you can critically engage with and analyze in depth. Doing so will make the process of writing more engaging.

Read and Take Notes

Thoroughly read the work and take detailed notes. Highlight key points, arguments, and any aspects that stand out to you. This preparation will lay a solid groundwork for your review and help ensure that no critical details are overlooked.

Create an Outline

Before beginning your essay, draft an outline to structure your thoughts. This organizational step will aid in producing a coherent and comprehensive essay. An outline is essential for a structured essay.

Writing the Review Essay

With your outline in place, you’re ready to begin the writing phase. Here are the key sections to include in your essay writing review:

Introduction

In the opening section, offer some contextual details about the piece you’re examining. Include its title, the author’s name, and a succinct overview. State your thesis, which should reflect your overall evaluation of the work. This sets the stage for your analysis.

Summary of the Work

This segment should contain a brief summary of the work, emphasizing the main points and arguments put forth by the author. Keep this section objective and factual without inserting your own opinions.

Analysis and Evaluation

This is the heart of your essay review. Conduct a critical analysis of the work, evaluating its merits and flaws. Consider the following questions:

• Are the arguments well-supported by evidence?
• Is the methodology sound and reliable?
• What are the work’s significant contributions and limitations?

Use specific instances from the piece to bolster your critique. Ensure your assessment is even-handed, recognizing both the strengths and the shortcomings. This will add depth to your review.

Recap the key points discussed and reaffirm your thesis statement. Contemplate the broader significance of the work and its contribution to the field. Suggest any areas for further research or consideration. This will give your review a strong closing.

Tips for Effective Review Essays

Be objective and fair.

Ensure that your review is balanced and unbiased. Ensure that your personal opinions or biases do not colour your critique. Aim for an objective approach. This will make your review more credible.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Your writing should be clear and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. The goal is to communicate your analysis effectively to your readers.

Support Your Claims with Evidence

Consistently support your critique with concrete evidence drawn from the work. This adds credibility to your review and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the material. This is crucial for an effective review.

Easy Essay Reviews

If you’re looking for easy essay reviews, remember that practice makes perfect. Start with shorter works or articles before moving on to more complex books or films. This practice will gradually bolster your confidence and enhance your ability to write insightful reviews.

Crafting a review essay might initially appear challenging, yet with persistent practice and a methodical strategy, it can be both manageable and fulfilling. Understanding how to start a review essay and what components to include will help you create a well-rounded and insightful review.

Adhering to this guide will put you on the path to refining your skills in writing review essays, thereby enhancing the quality of your academic endeavors. Remember to be objective, concise, and thorough in your analysis, and you’ll produce high-quality reviews that impress your instructors and peers. Happy writing!

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The Evolution of Isolationism in US History: a Comprehensive Overview

This essay about the United States’ history of alternating between isolationism and global engagement highlights the nation’s evolving foreign policy. From early caution against European entanglements to its role as a superpower, the essay traces key events and periods such as the Monroe Doctrine, World Wars, the Cold War, and recent shifts under Presidents Trump and Biden. It emphasizes how domestic politics, geopolitical circumstances, and global threats have influenced America’s approach to international relations.

How it works

Throughout its history, the United States has oscillated between periods of isolationism and global engagement, reflecting the nation’s shifting priorities, values, and geopolitical circumstances. From its beginnings as a fledgling republic wary of European entanglements to its emergence as a superpower with global responsibilities, the trajectory of American isolationism is complex and multifaceted.

The roots of American isolationism lie in the nation’s founding principles. In the late 18th century, the fledgling United States aimed to distance itself from European political intrigues and power struggles.

Inspired by the ideals of liberty and self-determination, early American leaders such as George Washington advised against permanent alliances and foreign interventions. This sentiment was codified in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which asserted the United States’ dominance in the Western Hemisphere and warned European powers against further colonization or interference.

Throughout the 19th century, isolationism remained a dominant theme in American foreign policy. The doctrine of “Manifest Destiny” fueled westward expansion and territorial acquisition, reinforcing a sense of American exceptionalism and self-sufficiency. The nation focused inward, prioritizing economic development and domestic growth over foreign conflicts. However, this isolationist stance was not absolute. The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a significant departure as the United States asserted itself as a global power, acquiring territories in the Caribbean and Pacific and embarking on a more assertive foreign policy.

The early 20th century saw a resurgence of isolationist sentiment following World War I. The failure of the League of Nations, coupled with the devastating human and economic toll of the conflict, reinforced the belief that America’s interests were best served by avoiding entangling alliances and overseas commitments. This policy of non-intervention peaked with the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s, which sought to prevent the United States from being drawn into another European war.

However, the outbreak of World War II shattered America’s isolationist illusions. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the nation into the global conflict, forcing it to abandon its policy of neutrality and fully commit to the Allied cause. After the war, the United States emerged as a superpower with global responsibilities, leading to a fundamental reorientation of its foreign policy. The onset of the Cold War with the Soviet Union further underscored the need for American engagement in world affairs, leading to the establishment of institutions such as NATO and the Marshall Plan to contain the spread of communism.

Despite these developments, isolationist sentiments persisted, particularly during periods of war weariness and domestic turmoil. The Vietnam War, in particular, reignited debate over America’s role in the world, leading to widespread protests and calls for withdrawal. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union briefly revived hopes of a “peace dividend” and a return to a more restrained foreign policy. However, these hopes were dashed by the emergence of new threats such as terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, necessitating continued American engagement and intervention.

In the 21st century, the pendulum has once again swung towards isolationism in response to perceived overreach and failure in Iraq and Afghanistan. The election of Donald Trump in 2016 marked a decisive break with the post-Cold War consensus, as he embraced a nationalist and protectionist agenda that prioritized “America first” over global leadership. Trump’s unilateralist approach and skepticism towards international institutions strained alliances and raised doubts about America’s reliability as a partner.

However, the resurgence of isolationism proved to be short-lived. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of the modern world and the need for coordinated global action to address transnational threats. The Biden administration, which came to power in 2021, has sought to reassert American leadership on the world stage while also prioritizing domestic renewal and resilience. The return to multilateralism and diplomatic engagement reflects a recognition that the challenges of the 21st century cannot be solved through isolation or unilateralism alone.

In conclusion, the evolution of isolationism in US history is a testament to the nation’s capacity for adaptability and change. From its humble beginnings as a fledgling republic wary of European conflicts to its emergence as a global superpower with far-reaching responsibilities, the United States has navigated a complex and often contradictory path. While isolationism has waxed and waned over the centuries, it has never been a static or monolithic doctrine. Instead, it has been shaped by shifting geopolitical circumstances, domestic politics, and competing visions of America’s role in the world. As the nation confronts the challenges of the 21st century, the lessons of history remind us of the importance of balancing the imperatives of national security and self-interest with the ideals of international cooperation and collective security.

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Scoring Academic Excellence: 7 Power Plays for Hockey-Loving Students

Students juggling their love of hockey with academic pursuits can use advanced writing tools available online to them to hone their writing game. Essay writing apps don’t just involve crafting papers; rather they employ the spirit of hockey into every paragraph, encouraging teamwork, precision, and goal-scoring prowess. Here are seven essential apps for students looking to score big academically:

1. Grammarly: Upholding Writing Skills with Precision

Grammarly Goalie: Just as goalies defend their nets with precision, Grammarly ensures your writing doesn’t contain errors. From flawless grammar and spelling to helping ensure essays hit their marks accurately – giving you confidence both on and off the ice! And don’t worry; time may be pressing so simply choose “ pay to do my homework ” so that you have support to excel academically!

2. Scrivener: Producing Comprehensive Composition Masterpieces

Scrivener Slapshot: Scrivener delivers powerful results when executed correctly. As an all-in-one toolkit, it efficiently organizes essays with the strategic finesse of a game plan, making writing projects manageable and structured. From detailed outlines to effortless rearrangements, Scrivener equips you for success on every academic venture – so take on any writing assignment with confidence knowing you have all of the tools to reach academic goals!

3. Evernote: Enhancing Writing Fluidity and Collaboration

Evernote Power Play: Evernote serves as an essential tool for academic writing, providing a flexible platform to capture ideas and conduct research. Synchronization across devices ensures a seamless drafting experience; multimedia support means your essays stand out on the academic rink with images and audio recordings that enrich the writing experience further. Evernote provides the freedom to explore creativity while organizing thoughts in ways that work best for you, providing academic excellence at its finest!

4. Hemingway Editor: Improving Clarity and Readability with Finesse

Hemingway Hat Trick: Honoring literary legend Ernest Hemingway, Hemingway Editor can ensure your essays achieve clarity and readability with precision. By streamlining complex sentences and eliminating passive voice, Hemingway Editor sharpens writing skills while real-time feedback makes revising work effortless – you’ll become an accomplished author in no time at all! With Hemingway Editor on your side, your writing can go from good to great instantly, captivating readers’ attention while leaving lasting memories behind.

5. Google Docs: Promote Collaborative Excellence in Essay Writing

Google Docs as a Penalty Kill: Google Docs can serve as an effective penalty kill against solo writing struggles, with its collaborative features enabling teammates to edit essays live while creating winning papers together. Plus, if you feel overwhelmed there’s always the option for Google Docs to “ do my paper for me “, making sure deadlines don’t slip past unnoticed. Google Docs allows students to collaborate together while sharing feedback to create polished essays that demonstrate academic prowess and academic prowess.

6. Zotero: Simplifying Research Management for Essay Success

Zotero Power Play: Zotero makes research easier by organizing sources and automating citations, offering browser extensions and word processor plugins to make research integration into essays seamless, with automated bibliography creation taking away much of the hassle associated with research management. By relieving yourself of this responsibility, Zotero allows you to concentrate on what truly matters: writing captivating essays that demonstrate your grasp of the subject matter.

7. MindMeister: Nurturing Creativity and Ideation in a Structured Way

MindMeister Breakaway: MindMeister is a scoreboard-like tool for essay writing, unlocking creativity and structure for success. With its intuitive interface and customizable templates that inspire innovative thinking, MindMeister helps visualize ideas to deliver big scores in essays. Plus its real-time collaboration features allow teams to meet academic goals more efficiently. You can use MindMeister to unleash your creative side while taking writing to new heights as one of your class’s top students!

Conclusion:

These seven essay-writing apps provide every hockey-loving student with the tools necessary for academic excellence. From perfecting grammar to encouraging collaboration, each app brings something special to your writing experience. So get on your skates, grab your stick, and embark on an exhilarating journey towards academic excellence with these seven essay writing apps by your side – whether writing about hockey history or team strategies; these tools and support will ensure that your essays make as big an impression as your slapshot!

These apps cover every aspect of academic writing, from sharpening grammar to expanding research – from grammar grading to research aid, providing you with all of the resources you need for excellence. Don’t delay; download these apps now and begin scoring academic goals like never before! With the right tools and a passion for hockey at your side, greatness awaits both in classroom settings as well as on the ice! Grab your skates, grab a stick, and get ready to score big on every aspect of your academic journey with these apps by your side – the possibilities are limitless!

Luke Turner

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