Writing an Essay
An essay demonstrates your perspective on and understanding of a particular topic. There are many different essay styles. This help sheet serves as a basic guide to essay writing. Please talk to your teacher about what is required for your subject.
Remember to allow yourself enough time to research, write, review and print your essay.
BRAINSTORMING
- Before you start writing, make sure you understand the question. Underline and define the key terms in the question.
- Jot down on paper all the ideas/points/issues you can think of, regardless of how important or unimportant you think they are. Then, arrange the points you wish to discuss into groups or headings.
- Discuss these ideas with others and gain their perspective.
Keep a record of all the material you read and use in the essay to help with referencing and bibliographies. See the learning tip Referencing and Bibliographies for further information.
ESSAY STRUCTURE
Introduction: This tells the reader your perspective on the question and how you will answer it. It outlines your basic argument and the main points you will cover. It is an authoritative statement that begins your discussion of the topic.
Body/argument: The body of the essay will contain your main points, of which you should have about three to five. Each point will contain a number of paragraphs that discuss your argument. Begin each paragraph with a key sentence (main issue) and follow it with a number of supporting sentences (evidence).
Conclusion: The conclusion reinforces your argument and summarises the points made in the essay. Do not raise extra points of new evidence in the conclusion. The conclusion leaves the reader with a clear impression of your position on the topic.
Get a friend to read your essay. Ask them to look for spelling mistakes and tell you whether the structure and argument of your essay make sense.
SEARCH THE CATALOGUE
The Online catalogue is available via the LLC website. To find LLC resources on essay writing use these key terms:
- Creative writing
- Essay composition
- Essay - technique
- Essay writing
- Study skills
If you need extra help, ask a librarian! You can do this in person, over the phone (9279 2428), or send email to LLC.
