How to Write an Essay

Writing an essay successfully involves five basic steps:

Step One: Understand the Topic

• Do you understand the essay topic question? If you are uncertain, call or e-mail your teacher or a classmate or post the question for discussion on the course discussion board.
  
• What is your view? Remember that no topic is ever black and white and you will find points for and against the topic.
  
• Form a thesis statement that you will be able to support with evidence, theories, and facts.
  
• The writer can take three different positions:
  
• in favour of the topic
• opposed to the topic
• somewhere in the middle

Generally, you will be asked "to what extent" do you support a particular position and you will find your view is somewhere in the middle ground. You can accept certain positive and negative aspects of the topic.

• Can you discuss briefly the important points of the topic without your notes or references? If not, do research in Step Two until you can.
  

Step Two: Locate Information

Where will you get your information to answer the essay topic question? Most of the information you need to complete an essay are in your course notes or your text (such as this online course).

• Think about what events and facts you have learned that support your position and take notes in your own words.
  
• Find examples. Locate specific examples to support your view. You will be evaluated on your defence of your position and your use of support, including examples.
  
• Research. Using a specific statistic, source, or quote to support your position is an excellent addition. However, be sure to cite it. If you are researching on the Internet, be sure to complete the tutorial on "How to Do Research Over the Internet".
  
• Cite your sources. Be sure to gather information for any footnotes and for the bibliography. "How to Cite Footnotes" and "How to Complete a bibliography" are also located in the tutorial section. Remember that plagiarism will not be tolerated.
  

Step Three: Organize Your Ideas

• Before you begin writing your essay, you need to organize your opinions, facts, and examples so that they make sense.
  
• An outline is essential to get your thoughts in order. Develop an outline that provides structure for your essay.
  
• Your teacher may ask to see your outline before you write the essay.
  

Step Four: Write the Essay

• Use your outline as a guide to write the first draft of your essay. Do not be concerned about spelling and grammar just yet. Your task in this first draft is to get all your thoughts and information down while you follow the structure you planned in your outline.
  

Step Five: Revise the Essay

• Revise and edit the first draft of your essay until you have a final copy suitable for handing in for assessment. Spell check and read the essay aloud to yourself so that you can catch any errors. You may wish to have someone read your draft and make suggestions for improvement. Or have Mom or Dad or big bro read it to you. If this person can't read it, it needs your attention!