How To Write an Essay

Writing an essay is an important skill to have for succeeding in school. Even if you aren't majoring in the liberal arts, chances are, there will be some required courses that include writing essays as part of the curriculum. The purpose of an essay is to take a position on an issue, and to make a strong case for that position by presenting evidence, the opinions of others and drawing your conclusion.

In the first paragraph of an essay, you must introduce the matter being written about and state a hypothesis. This tells the reader what point you are trying to make with your essay. For example, it could be that "the Beatles were overrated as musicians". Or it could be that "the internet was the most important technological innovation of the 20th century".

While your hypothesis is an opinion you have formed, you now must spend the rest of the essay proving why your opinion is justified. In order to do this, you should refer to academic sources. Some educational institutions will allow nonacademic sources, but you should be very careful about what sources you use. Make sure the information you are getting is reliable.

Each paragraph should begin with a sentence that summarizes what that paragraph will discuss. The writing should flow smoothly so that one paragraph naturally transitions into the next.

You can make a strong case by using a variety of sources. It's best to reference at least 10 different sources in an essay if possible. It is fine to take someone's idea and put it in your own words. Just make sure to change up the words, and provide credit in the footnotes and bibliography. Avoid copying text word for word, unless it's just a sentence or two. If you do, then use quotation marks and be clear about who wrote it originally.

The final paragraph of your essay contains the conclusion, where you summarize the points you made and how they support your hypothesis. This is a crucial part of the essay. You should not present any new facts or evidence in the conclusion. You can include a new perspective on the points you've raised if it strengthens your argument. If you write a strong conclusion, it is sure to impress the reader, increasing the likelihood of getting a good grade.