Crash Course on Essay Writing

Introduction

• Goal: Persuade readers through informed arguments with evidence and analysis.
• 3 main stages of essay writing:
  1. Preparation
  2. Writing
  3. Revision

Stages of Essay Writing

1. Preparation

1. Understand the assignment.
2. Choose a topic.
3. Develop an initial thesis.
   • Main point of the essay or the position to argue for.
4. Create an outline and plan the essay's structure.

2. Writing

Introduction

• Grab reader's interest.
• Provide context for the argument.
  • Brief background information.
  • Overview of important academic work or debates.
  • Explain difficult terms.
• Present the thesis statement (1-2 sentences long).
• Overview of essay structure (signposting).

Body

• Longest section (60-80% of the essay).
• Make arguments supporting the thesis.
• Provide evidence such as data, examples, or quotes.
• Interpret and explain the evidence.
• Use paragraphs centered around one argument or idea each.
  • Topic sentences to introduce the purpose of each paragraph.
  • Transition from the previous paragraph.

Conclusion

• Summarize and tie together points from the body.
• Show the outcome of arguments (new insight).
• Emphasize why the argument matters.

3. Revision

• Check and restructure arguments as needed.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
• Use a plagiarism checker if sources are cited.

Next Steps

• Create an outline for your essay.