Writing An Essay
An essay demonstrates your perspective and understanding of a particular topic. There are many different essay styles. This learning tip serves as a basic guide to essay writing. Please talk to your teacher about what is required for your subject.
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 all the ideas/points/issues you can think of on paper, regardless of how important you think they are. Then arrange these 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 (3-5). Each point will contain a number of paragraphs that discuss your argument. Begin each paragraph with a key sentence (main issue) and follow 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 whether the structure and argument of your essay makes sense.
For more information
- Check the shelves:
Writing an assignment: proven techniques from a chief examiner that really get results 808.042 SMI - Search the LLC Catalogue with the key terms 'essay writing'
- Explore the web
- Ask a Librarian!
The LLC recommends these web links:
- Essay writing: the basics
University of NSW tips and tricks; links to organising, writing and editing essays. - Essay writing
James Cook University Learning Centre guide to writing essays. Easy guide broken in to 5 sections; analysing the question, gathering information, planing, writing and editing.
