How to Write an Essay - 8 Easy to Follow Steps

The Phases of Essay Writing Process

The 7 steps of the essay writing process are spread across three main phases:

1. Preparation – The pre-writing steps that prepare you for the writing
   
2. Drafting – The actual writing part
   
3. Revising – Includes rewriting, improving and finalizing the essay

This process ensures that your essays turn out to be well-structured and well-written – whatever your exact purpose or topic may be. So let’s get into the writing steps phase-by-phase so you can write a good essay.

First Phase – Preparation

Before you can jump into the writing part, you need to fulfill some prerequisites. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1 – Brainstorm & Select Your Topic

First of all, you need a topic to get started. These tips will help you choose a topic for your essay:

• Know the type of essay you’ll be writing

There are several types of essays, and the kind of essay you’re supposed to write partly determines the kind of topic you’ll choose. 

For instance, argumentative essays require a topic with two opposing sides, descriptive essays are focused on an object, place, or person, and narrative essays are centered on a story. 

• Write down ideas

Once you know your essay type, you can start jotting down any ideas or topics that come to mind. These can be related to your personal interests, current events, academic subjects, or anything else that interests you.  

• Narrow down your options

Evaluate each topic idea based on its relevance, and potential for exploration. Also make sure that it is manageable within the constraints of your assignment, such as word count.

• Consider your audience

Think about who will be reading your essay and what might interest or resonate with them. This can help you narrow down your topics to the most interesting one.

Step 2 – Gather Information on Your Topic

Selected a topic of your interest? Now it’s time to do some research and gather relevant points that you would like to cover. 

• Find Reliable Sources 

Look for credible sources of information on your topic. For example, you can find and gather information from books, academic journals and online sources. 

• Document Your Sources

As you read relevant material, take detailed notes to record key points, quotations, and references. This helps you cite your sources later. Also, try organizing your notes according to relevant themes to help you create a structure

• Synthesize Information 

Once you have collected sufficient information, synthesize the findings to develop a coherent understanding of your topic. For example, you can identify common themes, trends, or arguments that emerge from your research.

Step 3 – Make an Outline

Creating an outline for your essay helps you organize your thoughts and structure your ideas. An outline also lays out the plan for your essay; that is, what points to include, how to introduce and conclude the topic, and how to proceed from one point to the next.

To make an efficient outline, follow this template:

Head on to our essay outline guide and get more helpful tips about creating an outline.

Second Phase – Writing Your Draft

With an outline in hand, you are all set to begin writing. Proceed step-by-step and write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, following the outline. 

Step 4 – Write Your Introduction

Write the introduction by elaborating on the points you made in the outline. Here’s how to proceed:

• Hook the Reader

Begin your introduction with a compelling hook that captures the reader's attention and encourages them to continue reading. This could be a unique question, a surprising fact or statistic, a catchy story, or a thought-provoking quotation.

• Provide Context 

Provide some background information or context to develop the topic of your essay. Here, you can briefly explain why the topic is important or relevant. Also, you can lay out and define any key terms, concepts, or arguments that will be discussed.

• Present Your Thesis Statement 

The thesis statement is the central argument or main idea of your essay, and serves as a transition into the main body. It should also preview the main points that you will go through in the essay. 

Get detailed steps and tips for writing an excellent intro in our guide on how to start an essay.

Step 5 – Draft Your Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs provide the actual in-depth discussion, where you present and develop your ideas in detail. Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea and provide evidence, examples, and analysis to support it. 

Here's how to draft effective body paragraphs:

• Begin with a Topic Sentence 

Start your paragraphs with a topic sentence that introduces the main point you will be discussing. This sentence should clearly present the point you aim to address in the paragraph.

• Supporting Evidence

After your topic sentence, provide supporting evidence to bolster your argument. This may include quotations from sources, statistical data, examples, or other forms of evidence that help substantiate your claims.

• Analysis and Explanation 

After you've presented your evidence, try to analyze and explain its relation and significance to your main point. That is, you should briefly discuss how the evidence supports your argument and why it is relevant to your overall thesis.

• Transitions

Each paragraph should build upon the previous one and advance your main thesis. Maintain smooth transitions between paragraphs by using transition words and phrases that connect ideas and maintain coherence throughout your essay. 

Step 6 – Craft Your Conclusion

Now you’re at the conclusion – the final paragraph that aims to wrap up your discussion and conclude your essay. To write a good conclusion, here’s what you should do:

• Restate Your Thesis

Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in slightly different words. This reinforces the central argument of your essay and reminds the reader of the main point you've been making throughout.

• Summarize Your Main Points

Provide a brief summary of the main points or arguments you've presented in the body paragraphs of your essay. This helps reinforce the key ideas and provides closure to your discussion.

• Offer a Final Thought or Insight

After summarizing your main points, offer a final thought, insight, or reflection that ties everything together. This could be a call to action, a suggestion for further research, or a question that provokes the readers to think more.

Does this sound like a lot? Try our AI essay writer to create flawless essays that are also plagiarism free. 

Final Phase – Revision & Improvement

The last phase of the essay writing process allows you to polish your first draft to perfection. You can repeat the final phase as many times as needed to improve and finalize your essay.

Step 7 – Revise Your Draft Until it’s Perfect

Expert writers don’t just write – they rewrite. Your first draft is never going to be perfect; expect it to be full of mistakes and weaknesses, from stylistic and structural to even grammatical. So here’s how you must revise and polish it:

• Focus on Coherence & Organization

Read through your essay carefully, checking for coherence in your overall structure. Make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next and that your ideas are presented in a clear and organized manner.

• Check Consistency in Style

Ensure that your essay maintains consistency in tone, style, and formatting throughout. Edit and revise your sentences wherever they’re getting out of your intended tone.

• Refine Your Evidence 

Analyze your arguments and paragraphs again to ensure they fulfill their goals effectively. Strengthen weak points in your reasoning and provide additional support or clarification where needed. 

Essay Example

Done with understanding the 7 steps? The essay sample below shows what your essay could look like once it’s finished. Moreover, this example can inspire you to come up with new ideas and perspectives.

Want to read more examples? Check out these expertly-written essay examples to get a better idea.

Tips for Writing an Effective Essay

Writing an effective essay requires more than just finding the right topic. Here are some tips to help you write a great essay: 

• Begin your writing early. Start writing your essay as soon as you have chosen a topic. This will give you enough time to plan, research, and write without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. 
• Keep the essay question in mind. Make sure you address the question throughout your essay. This will ensure that your points are focused and relevant to what you were asked to write about. 
• Break down your task: Divide the essay into smaller parts so that it's easier to manage. This will help you focus on each section and keep your essay organized. 
• Revise the introduction and conclusion after writing the body. Writing the introduction and conclusion after writing the essay body will ensure that your argument is focused and clear.
• Utilize ‘signpost' words throughout your writing. Signpost phrases provide a roadmap for your essay. Thereby allowing the readers to better comprehend and appreciate its structure.
• Seek out feedback before submitting your essay. Share your essay with peers, instructors, or writing tutors for feedback and constructive criticism. 
• Put the essay aside for some time: After you have finished revising your essay, put it aside for a few days and then read it again. This will help to make sure that you haven't missed any errors or typos.

To conclude, 

Once you’re done with the seven steps, you’ll have a complete essay in your hand. Remember, take your time at each of these steps. Plus, with the example and tips to help you out

Remember, some essays require you to focus more on preparation, while others would take more time in revision. The key is to stick to this writing process, and you’re sure to get better at writing essays. 

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Provide us your topic and any instructions you have, and we’ll craft a perfect essay for you. You can rest assured that your essay will be tailored to fit your needs and requirements. 

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