Example Essay: The Way To Write An Essay

This example essay addresses the issue of how to write an essay. The processes of writing are described: preparing to write, writing the essay editing. The need for planning and research is discussed. This is followed by an explanation of how to construct your essays, particularly how to create the introduction, main body and conclusion, and the use of sentences and paragraphs. Making use of word processors is discussed in relation to essay writing, including for editing.

Preparation is most important and entails the following: (1) analysing the task; (2) producing a plan, and (3) collecting, reading and organising relevant information. Before writing an essay the author must know what's expected, or what they want to write about! Allocated essay titles must be read and carefully analysed. Key-words should be underlined to assist with understanding. (If you are unsure about what is required then consult your teacher.)

A plan is fundamental for ensuring that an essay is crafted in a logical and coherent manner. Using a plan should increase the flow of the essay. Care should be taken to ensure the plan covers only appropriate issues. Aa an illustration the plan for this essay is shown:
1. preparing to write - planning and research
2. writing the essay - the proper layout for essays
i) how to write the introduction, main body and conclusion
ii) sentences and paragraphs
3. the benefits of editing - the use of word processors
Once a plan is determined it is simpler to determine what to include in the introduction, and how to construct the main body of the essay. Some people find mind mapping good for organising their information and ideas. In that case a linear plan may be written up later, for using during essay writing. The plan should be produced prior to, during or after reading, depending on what you know already: it can be used to direct reading and vice-versa.

Finding appropriate reading matter is essential: don't read material of limited relevance unless you're certain you have time! During reading locate quotes and examples that may be useful. All sources of information must be identified in the text of the essay, e.g. (Ryndaws et al, 2010), and properly referenced in a section at the end, for example:
References
Ryndaws, H.E., Brookes, T., and Chater, R. 2010. The re-discovery of Mesocricetus auratus in the wild. Rodent Conservation Journal 560, 30-34.

References should be ordered into groups, each appropriate to a particular section of the essay. The writer can then work on one part of the essay at a time, changing between research and writing.
An essay must consist of an introduction, a main body (or middle) and a conclusion. The introduction should indicate what's going to be said, the main body should say it and the conclusion should say what's been said, and possibly offer an opinion. Essays should be written using paragraphs, each conveying one main idea. An essay is a continuous piece of prose and should not include sub-titles.

The introduction of an essay is a paragraph in which the reader is told what the essay is about, and what kind of information it will contain. A good essay plan is especially helpful for constructing an introduction. "Attention grabbers" can be incorporated as long as they indicate what the essay is about.
The conclusion of an essay should summarise the main points. New information must not be given and no examples should be included. An opinion and overall conclusion may be included.

Each major point or argument should be discussed in one or a few paragraphs in the main body of the essay. Following a plan can help with constructing the main body, and for ensuring that only appropriate details are incorporated - and that nothing is forgotten.

The sentence structure of each paragraph is similar to the paragraph structure of the essay. First an introductory sentence reveals what the paragraph is about. Then a main body contains additional information and ideas, and might provide examples. Concluding sentences summarise the main point and guide the readers to the following paragraph. Every sentence should be concise and express a single idea. A blend of short and longer sentences can be used, but using lots of long sentences is not a great idea. Be particularly careful to punctuate lengthy sentences appropriately.

The first draft of an essay should be read through and edited at least once. Typically it is preferable to do this following a rest, when you are more inclined to uncover errors and identify modifications which need to be made. Verify that the essay truly addresses the issues it is intended to. Look for omissions and also for text that is not to the point. Be ruthless - if it doesn't contribute significantly to the theme of the essay then take it out. Consider that most teachers can detect waffle a mile off - and they don't wish to read it!
When the content of the essay is "right" look to see if the paragraphs, and the sentences within them, are arranged in a logical sequence. Word processors can drastically simplify this because sections of text can be edited and moved around readily. They are also a superb tool if your spelling or hand writing isn't very good! Word processed essays look nicely presented, and you should be able to make them read more smoothly.

One of the keys to successful essay writing is to produce a plan. This should be used to direct research appropriately, help structure the essay and serve as a check during editing. Another key is to ensure the essay is structured into an introduction indicating what is going to be said, a main body that says it, and a conclusion summarising the essential points. An essay should be ordered logically, and as concise as possible without ommitting any important points. An essay is much easier to edit - and looks more neatly presented - if it has been written on a word processor.