How to Write an Essay

How to Write an Essay

1. The first step when one wants to write an essay is identifying the type of essay one wishes to
write. There are several types of essays that one might be required to write. These main essay
categories include:

a) Persuasive essays: These are those that are aimed at persuading the reader about a
particular perspective and making them understand why they should have that point of
view.

b) Narrative essays: This essay is more like telling a story or trying to give an orderly idea
on a particular subject in a way that might resemble a story.

c) Descriptive Essays: This essay delves into deep detail and focuses on all details of an
event or happening. This essay aims at describing something in as much detail as
possible.

d) Expository essay: This essay gives step-by-step instructions on how to perform a
particular task.

There are sub-categories of essays that are important to take note of, but for a start, the above are the
main categories.

2. Essays vary in length, and this is an important factor to consider when preparing how to write
an essay.

This enables one to know the amount of research that goes into a paper, plus the
amount of details one will need to put on the paper. For instance, when given a topic like, “My
visit to the park”, if the paper is required to be two pages long, it will call for slightly fewer details
or descriptions, as compared to one that is required to be five pages on the topic.

3. You should then identify the topic on which you are to write an essay.

It is important to do thorough research on your essay topic to ensure you cover all the bases and do not leave
anything out.

4. During the research, it is important to write an outline.

The outline will allow you to have a steady flow of ideas, plus enable you to write your essay in an orderly manner. The outline will
also allow you to develop paragraphs that will be similar in terms of length so as to look neat
and orderly in your ideas. On the outline, each point should represent a general idea for each
paragraph.

5. You should then develop a thesis statement.

The thesis statement summarizes the purpose of your essay in one sentence.

6. From the outline, it is easier to now develop the paragraphs for the essay.

The thesis will act as a  guideline and ensure that you do not deviate from it. As such, it is important that even when
developing the paragraphs you always go back to your thesis statement to confirm that you are
on the right track.

7. The introduction is important and should be written after the body paragraphs so that you
already have a general idea of how to introduce the paper. It should be captivating so that the
audience will be prompted to read the rest of the essay.

8. The conclusion summarizes the whole paper and should be the last to be written.

Good Luck!