How Can I Write a Strong Essay?

Start at the beginning and go all the way to the end. That’s the simple answer to the question, “How can I write a strong essay?” But we can give the process a bit more detail. First and foremost, it is important to completely understand the question and/or issue about which the essay will be written.

So, read the question or the subject matter about which you will write. In most cases, especially in school settings, the teacher or professor is not looking for some secret knowledge or some creative, earth-shaking thoughts from students. He or she is looking for knowledge. How much information do you have about the specific question or subject.

Look Closely

Somewhere in the question or in the material you have studied there are several key points, pieces of technical information or details that should be the anchors for your essay. You need something to hold you to the path. Use the key words and phrases to give you some guidance as you write. When you do this, don’t be afraid to put down a rough draft if you have time to do so. In any case, stick to the key ideas and to the original question.

Strong essays usually contain some indication that the writer has a viewpoint or a position from which he or she views the subject. This doesn’t mean the essay should be opinion. But you should be able to make some claim on the issue and support it with evidence. Make sure you don’t write several pages of argument and opinion. State your case and prove that you know what the issue is.

Be Able to Summarize

If you can answer the question or make a clear statement about the subject you will be able to stay on track as you expand through the essay. Have an outline or a couple of paragraphs that state your case. Use the outline to guide you through the writing, along with those key words and phrases. Think of these points as milestones that mark your path to the end of the road.

It helps to have a solid introduction. One great speaker and entertainer said you have to tell them what you are going to say, say it then tell them what you just said. In a similar vein, you should have a strong introduction to prepare the way for the bulk of the essay. This can be a few simple sentences, no more.

Don’t be cute. Professors, teachers and managers aren’t in business to be entertained. They want to be informed. They want to know if you know! So stick to the point and don’t try to be a comedian. Don’t steal from others. If you quote or support your essay with information from others, cite your sources. Give credit where credit is due.

As you move through your essay, always be on the lookout for those detours. Over the course of several pages it is easy to become side-tracked. Stay focused by referring to your outline, your key words and phrases and to your introduction. Read your work at least once. It’s better to read it through twice to see if you missed major points or strayed from the path. These are the basics of a strong essay.