Even though Shakespeare said, “the pen is mightier than the sword,” just having a pen doesn’t make you a good writer. We might all want to write like Shakespeare, but inspiration alone isn’t enough for good essay writing. English essays have a more formulaic structure than you might think, making the process as simple as counting to five. Whether you use an essay writing service, like a professional essay writing service or a cheap essay writing service in Ireland, knowing these basics can help improve your writing.
Steps to Writing the best Essay:
To achieve the best results, follow these 7 steps:
- Read and Understand the Prompt: Make sure you fully grasp what is being asked. Breaking the prompt down into parts can be helpful.
- Plan: Brainstorm and organize your thoughts to simplify the writing process. Creating a web of your ideas and supporting details is effective.
- Use and Cite Sources: Conduct thorough research. Incorporate quotes and paraphrase from your sources, but always avoid plagiarism.
- Write a Draft: As Ernest Hemingway noted, “The first draft of anything is always crap.” While this may be up for debate, drafts are useful for getting initial ideas down and are often required by instructors.
- Make a Strong Thesis: Your thesis, or main argument, is the most crucial part of your essay. Ensure it is a compelling statement.
- Respond to the Prompt: After refining your draft, start composing the final version of your essay.
- Proofread: Carefully review your work to catch any errors and ensure you haven’t overlooked anything.
Keep in mind that every essay assignment varies, so if any of these steps don’t apply to your specific task, feel free to skip them.
The Five Paragraph Essay
While more complex academic papers have their own formats, a basic high school or college essay typically follows a five-paragraph structure:
- Paragraph 1: Introduction
- Paragraph 2: Body 1
- Paragraph 3: Body 2
- Paragraph 4: Body 3
- Paragraph 5: Conclusion
This structure, while seemingly formulaic, helps readers easily navigate the essay’s ideas. When essays maintain a consistent format, readers can quickly locate the information they need.
The Introduction
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The introduction’s main goal is to present your stance (the “thesis” or “argument”) on the topic, but effective introductory paragraphs do much more. Start with a “hook” that captures the reader’s attention, such as a relevant quote or surprising statistic.
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Once you have engaged the reader, present your thesis—a clear, one-sentence statement of your position. Following this, include a mini-outline that previews the examples you will discuss in support of your thesis. This not only prepares the reader for what’s to come but also clarifies the essay’s focus.
An introductory paragraph doesn’t need to be lengthy; three to four sentences is often sufficient. If yours is longer, consider condensing it.
For example, in response to the question, “Do we learn more from finding out that we have made mistakes or from our successful actions?” you might write:
“No man is an island,” and thus, he is continuously shaped by his experiences. People learn through action, and they often gain more insight from their mistakes than their successes. For illustration, consider examples from both scientific endeavors and everyday life.
The Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs serve to elaborate on the examples that support your thesis. Begin the first body paragraph with your strongest argument or most compelling example, unless a different order is more appropriate (as in chronological explanations). The opening sentence should be a topic sentence that directly connects to the mini-outline from the introduction.
Simply citing an example, such as “George Washington” or “LeBron James,” isn’t enough. An effective essay elaborates on the topic sentence by providing details about the example and its relevance.
Context is essential even for well-known figures. If you mention George Washington, clarify whether you’re referring to his honesty, courage, or another attribute. The reader should understand your intent, and it’s your responsibility as the writer to provide that context. Include five or six relevant facts to illustrate your point clearly.
Then, explain how the example supports your thesis. This step is crucial; it ties your example back to your main argument.
For instance, consider Thomas Edison. He became famous for his inventions in the late 19th century, but he believed his successes were built on countless failures. It took him over 1,000 attempts to create the first incandescent light bulb, yet each attempt taught him valuable lessons. As he said, “I did not fail a thousand times but instead succeeded in finding a thousand ways it would not work.” Edison exemplified how mistakes can lead to important learning.
A Word on Transitions
You may have noticed that the previous paragraph had a transitional phrase at the beginning, such as “Take, by way of example.” Transitional phrases, including “furthermore” and “in contrast,” enhance good writing by signaling where one idea ends and another begins.
Transitions serve as cues, guiding the reader through the essay. For example, in the second body paragraph:
Similarly, we all experience the learning process like Edison. When mastering a new skill—whether it’s riding a bike or baking—mistakes are part of the journey. Few are ready to go from training wheels to a marathon overnight, but early missteps can help us improve over time. As the saying goes, “You cannot make a cake without breaking a few eggs.”
This not only demonstrates an effective body paragraph but also shows how transitions clarify shifts between ideas.
The Conclusion
Though the conclusion appears at the end of your essay, it should not be treated as an afterthought. It’s your final opportunity to make an impact and should adhere to a structured format.
Think of the conclusion as a second introduction; it shares several features with the introductory paragraph. While it doesn’t need to be long—four well-crafted sentences are typically sufficient—it can significantly influence the essay’s effectiveness.
Start with a concluding transition, like “in conclusion,” and refer back to the hook from your introduction. Next, restate your thesis statement, which may be the fourth or fifth time you’re reiterating it. While varying your wording is encouraged in the body paragraphs, some original phrasing can reinforce your argument.
Finally, include a brief review of the three main points from the body of your essay. Conclude with a “global statement” or “call to action” that signals the end of your discussion.
Ultimately, it’s clear that mistakes play a crucial role in our learning and development. As evidenced by both scientific and everyday examples, if we view each mistake as an opportunity for growth, the potential for improvement is limitless.
