A Step-by-Step Process for Writing an Essay
Step 1:
Go online, head to the library or search an academic database. Don't hesitate to ask a reference librarian to help you. That's why they're there.
•Know which sources are acceptable to your teacher. •Does your teacher want a certain number of primary sources and secondary sources?
•Can you use Wikipedia? Wikipedia is often a good starting point for learning about a topic, but many teachers won't let you cite it because they want you to find more authoritative sources.
•Take detailed notes, keeping track of which facts come from which sources. Write down your sources in the correct citation format so that you don't have to go back and look them up again later.
•Never ignore facts and claims that seem to disprove your original idea or claim. A good essayist either includes the contrary evidence and shows why such evidence is not valid or alters his or her point of view in light of the evidence.
Step 2:
Analyze some well-written essays. In your research, you'll probably come across some really well-written (and not so well-written) arguments about your topic. Do some analysis to see what makes them work. •What claims does the author make?
•Why do they sound good? Is it the logic, the sources, the writing, the structure? Is it something else?
•What evidence does the author present?
•Why does the evidence sound credible? How does the author present facts, and what is his/her approach to telling a story with facts?
•Is the logic sound or faulty, and why?
•Why is the logic sound? Does the author back up his/her claims with examples that are easy to follow?
Step 3:
Brainstorm your own ideas.
Sure, you can use the arguments of others to back up what you want to say. However, you need to come up with your original spin on the topic to make it uniquely yours. •Make lists of ideas. You can also try mind mapping.
•Take your time. Walk in your neighborhood or local park and think about your topic. Be prepared for ideas to come to you when
Go online, head to the library or search an academic database. Don't hesitate to ask a reference librarian to help you. That's why they're there.
•Know which sources are acceptable to your teacher. •Does your teacher want a certain number of primary sources and secondary sources?
•Can you use Wikipedia? Wikipedia is often a good starting point for learning about a topic, but many teachers won't let you cite it because they want you to find more authoritative sources.
•Take detailed notes, keeping track of which facts come from which sources. Write down your sources in the correct citation format so that you don't have to go back and look them up again later.
•Never ignore facts and claims that seem to disprove your original idea or claim. A good essayist either includes the contrary evidence and shows why such evidence is not valid or alters his or her point of view in light of the evidence.
Step 2:
Analyze some well-written essays. In your research, you'll probably come across some really well-written (and not so well-written) arguments about your topic. Do some analysis to see what makes them work. •What claims does the author make?
•Why do they sound good? Is it the logic, the sources, the writing, the structure? Is it something else?
•What evidence does the author present?
•Why does the evidence sound credible? How does the author present facts, and what is his/her approach to telling a story with facts?
•Is the logic sound or faulty, and why?
•Why is the logic sound? Does the author back up his/her claims with examples that are easy to follow?
Step 3:
Brainstorm your own ideas.
Sure, you can use the arguments of others to back up what you want to say. However, you need to come up with your original spin on the topic to make it uniquely yours. •Make lists of ideas. You can also try mind mapping.
•Take your time. Walk in your neighborhood or local park and think about your topic. Be prepared for ideas to come to you when