A well-written essay follows a number of rules of thumb. By following these rules of thumb for essay-writing, you can ensure that the quality and organization of your writing is top notch.
Every essay should have an introduction that welcomes the reader to the topic while at the same time capturing their interest. When writing a research paper, one option is to start your essay with an interesting fact about the topic you have selected. In a persuasive essay, you may want to begin with a captivating question about the topic at hand.
State Your Thesis
The introductory paragraph of your essay should also contain the thesis of your paper. A thesis is an hypothesis about a topic or a question that you wish to investigate. The body of your essay will provide facts and arguments to support this thesis.
Make Your Arguments
Your essay should contain two to three body paragraphs. The first body paragraph should present your second strongest piece of evidence, the middle body paragraph should present your least strong evidence, and the last body paragraph should present your strongest evidence. As with all things in life, you want to end on a strong note. Each body paragraph should present a complete argument, and end with a closing sentence that summarizes this argument.
Watch Your Transitions
Make sure that the transitions between paragraphs in your essay are smooth. The end of one body paragraph should transition seamlessly into the beginning of the next. When transitioning between two similar statements, you may wish to use terms such as "also", "in addition to", or "in another situation". When transitioning between dissimilar statements, you may use words such as "however", "although", and "yet". Strong transition words help to keep your writing fluid and aid in the organization of your essay.
Form Your Conclusions
Begin your concluding paragraph by briefly reiterating your thesis. Then, summarize the two or three arguments presented in the body paragraphs that support your thesis. Finally, provide the reader with the connection between the arguments and how together they support your conclusions. Your goal in the concluding paragraph is not to introduce new information, but instead to consolidate everything presented in the body of the paper.
By following these rules of thumb, you should find yourself well on your way to writing high-quality research and opinion essays. Remember, the next time that you write and essay, start strong, state your thesis, make your arguments (watching your transitions), and form your conclusions. These rules of thumb should make essay-writing a snap.