Five Tips on Writing Effective Essays

Individual students have a knack for composing a perfect essay on the go (but there are only a few such people). It is a skill that saves a lot of time and efforts, but some people are more predisposed to other tasks, so it can be quite confusing for them to figure out how to make a proper essay. Besides, you don't always get enough time to draft, having a lot of tasks and duties within a study timetable.

But this time, we're not going to focus on the time-managing side of studies; from this article, you'll learn practical tips on how to create a winning essay without headaches. You may ask: "Am I starting a long read?" Nope - only 5 minutes separate you from learning the basics of essay writing.

How to Write an Essay?

There is a variety of essays you may have to tackle, and, without any tips on essay writing, it can be tough to come up with a well-written paper.

In any case, it is of utmost importance to make your paper adhere to requirements and formatting rules. For that purpose, you'll need to use some academic essay writing tips from experts. This simple task will be a frequent guest of yours, so you have to pick up some writing skills from professional writers. We offer you a short five-step guide derived from years of experience!

Five Steps to Writing a Winning Essay

You have a blinking text cursor on a blank page yet to be filled. "What do I need to start with?" - such a logical question appears in your head.

We identified the main elements - the five pillars on which the concept of essay writing rests.

Step 1: Select a topic

If you're writing an essay, the first thing you can't go without is a topic. Sometimes, you are given one by whoever has assigned the task, but more frequently, it is left to your discretion. The theme depends on the nature of your task. When you're writing a paper for one of your classes, choose something relevant to a study subject you're learning at the moment. Make it original, and don't write about things that are too common and boring. You'd like to make an impression and show them you are creative, right?

Step 2: Conduct the research

As smart as you are, it's impossible to make a good paper without researching first.

• Dig through the books, sites, or articles related to your topic.
• Note the statements from experts in the area and talk to some of them if you can.
• Never leave your arguments unsupported.
• Research as much as you can within the time you have.

Step 3: Build a plan

Even the most talented writers who have the ability to create an essay blindfolded need an outline. Making a blueprint helps you frame your thoughts. Write all the main points you want to cover, all the arguments and citations you want to mention, and how you would like to have your essay start and finish. Outline the general mood you want your paper to convey. Look up metaphors and proper quotes to use. Think everything through in advance!

Step 4: Choose vocabulary

Not everyone who needs to write an essay has a good command of English. People who came to study from abroad frequently have vocabularies that lack proper words, phrases, and expressions. They can visualize what they want to write about but find it hard to put it on paper with their own tone of voice. When making a paper without a vocabulary like a professor of English has, search for tools on the Internet. Those usually have synonyms and antonyms options and different word pools sorted by type and complexity. There, you will find a range of useful set phrases and expressions common for the language you study.

Step 5: Make the first draft

Keep to the basic structure of a five-paragraph essay. That's the first format they usually give to students. It goes like this:

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction
   
   • End it by developing a thesis statement, the main idea of your essay.
2. Paragraphs 2-4: Body
   
   • Start each with a topic sentence (one main point).
   • Provide solid evidence to support the idea within each paragraph.
   • Use transitional phrases and sentences at the end.
3. Paragraph 5: Conclusion
   
   • Start writing by rephrasing your thesis statement from the beginning.
   • Link to every central idea you used in the body.
   • Don't use the phrase they usually use in speeches ("To sum up," "In conclusion," etc.).

Sometimes, the writer feels such a wave of inspiration that they manage to produce a thousand words in one sitting. After that, they blissfully save the document and go to bed. Next morning, they realize that half of what they've written doesn't make much sense. That's why it is so important never to submit the first version of your essay, even if the deadline is around the corner; it's better to send your paper one minute until the due time and make it perfect than to submit everything a few hours earlier without even revising. "How to make sure that I made everything right?", you will ask; the answer is - proofread and recheck several times. Give the essay to your friend to make sure the finished document is flawless and do not forget to say thanks for the tips.

Now, we've provided you with primary anchors to prevent your writing from coming adrift. It is possible to develop a writing skill to write a good paper, and all you need to do is practice and strive for perfection. This knowledge may even be essential to succeed in your career, as you may have to use the writing skills at work. But if it gets too much, we can always offer you our professional writing help. Good luck!