Many college and university students tend to dread essay writing. Well, it’s not a surprise due to the fact that the assignments are quite challenging and daunting. The process of accomplishing an essay usually includes a lot of research, time, effort, and concentration. What is more, this type of academic assignment also requires you to be able to break up your project into several logical steps that turn the process of writing into an enjoyable and manageable routine.
In this article, we have provided some of the easiest tips on how to craft an essay that will help you gain the desired grade.
Without further ado…
It’s Just a Story, After All
Every story should be based on change and conflict, and the reality is that college essays are exactly the same. The difference is that when it comes to essays, you’re discussing the conflict between a range of ideas, the change is in the way you should perceive each idea.
How to know what exactly it is that you have to tell in your essay? What is your story? This is when you should look for the answer in the prompt. The list of essay prompts comprises a range of topics and tasks that are usually associated with them. Those topics usually include various characters (topical, fictional, historical) that have to make difficult life choices. Your task here is to consider those choices, analyze, discuss, research, and argue each in detail.
Avoid Some Words and Phrases
- Clichés
- You (when it comes to writing the blog posts, using the word you is a good idea. However, when you’re working on your college essay, ensure to avoid the second-person)
- That
- Some
- To Be verbs (am, were, are, is)
- Things
When it comes to I, a lot of professors tend to say that students shouldn’t use I in their essays. Nonetheless, the reality is that high-quality academic projects usually use the phrases like “In my opinion” and “I believe,” especially when you’re working on your introductory section.
If You Don’t Know What to Do, Choose a 5-Paragraph Essay
A typical college essay usually comprises five original sentences that are supported by paragraphs that you use to back up the sentences. If you have no ideas where to start, make sure to choose five sentences to describe your key points.
Below is the standard plan for the five-paragraph essay:
- The introduction. While the majority of college and university students believe that every other essay is just a waste of time, if you have the right mindset, you will find out that writing an essay can be enjoyable. In the introduction, your task is to hook your readers’ attention and make them want to keep on reading.
- The body paragraph #1. In this section, your task is to take one of the points listed in the introduction and discuss it. First, you have to write a topic sentence that sums up the point. This is going to be the first sentence of the paragraph. Next, provide your argument, or why you believe the topic is appropriate. Finally, provide your readers with solid evidence (stats, quotes, examples, facts) in order to support your argument.
- The body paragraph #2. In this section, your task is to take one of the points listed in the introduction and discuss it. First, you have to write a topic sentence that sums up the point. This is going to be the first sentence of the paragraph. Next, provide your argument, or why you believe the topic is appropriate. Finally, provide your readers with solid evidence (stats, quotes, examples, facts) in order to support your argument.
- The body paragraph #3. In this section, your task is to take one of the points listed in the introduction and discuss it. First, you have to write a topic sentence that sums up the point. This is going to be the first sentence of the paragraph. Next, provide your argument, or why you believe the topic is appropriate. Finally, provide your readers with solid evidence (stats, quotes, examples, facts) in order to support your argument.
- The concluding paragraph. The last paragraph of your paper must sum up your work. As a rule, this part is the most difficult to deal with. When it’s time to write the conclusion, make sure to restate your thesis statement and link it to the body of the paper in a sentence that will let your readers know how every point supports your thesis. Keep in mind that the final sentence of the essay should uphold your key idea in a compelling and concise manner. It is important to never give any new information in this section.
Edit Your First Draft
Before you can submit your essay, make sure to take your time and do some thorough proofreading and editing. It is important to check the general structure of the paper, as well as ensure you have used the correct format. Keep in mind that you have to put your strongest points in the first and the last paragraphs of the essay. Everything else should be included in the body (middle) section of your work.
Before you can consider your piece a finished project, read and reread it to ensure all the paragraphs flow logically into each other while all the sentences are sensible. Take into account all the spelling, grammar, and punctuation issues to fix them appropriately. Enhance expressions by choosing some other words from the vocabulary, cutting off any irrelevant segments. Check the word count required by your school to make certain your work includes an adequate amount of words.
It’s no doubt that editing and proofreading your piece of writing on your own can be tough. Consider giving your paper to a friend or a family member who can check it and highlight all the mistakes that you failed to identify.
If, at some point, you feel like you’re stuck with your college essay, do not hesitate to contact someone from professional writers to get competent help online. They will not only write your essays for you but will also guide you on the process of writing to make sure you will be able to produce a top-notch piece of writing on your own.
