How to Write an English Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever stared at a blank page, inspired to write, words running through your mind, the prom2pts are all there begging you to choose them, but then, you feel this wave of panic? This tightness in your stomach. Well, it has happened to the best of us. The English essay can be the most challenging, yet, easiest, powerful, and intimidating thing to do – all at once. So, how exactly do you write an English essay?

You see, to excel at this, you must think of English essay writing as a journey that you have to embark on – a journey with a beginning, the main purpose of the journey, and then an end. This is the only way you can lead your readers through your ideas.

In this quick read, we will talk about how you can get at this, how to start, actually write, and how to end an English essay.

How can I start my English essay?

You know you refer to some of the most difficult tasks or part of a task as the ‘Mount Everest’ of the task? That’s how essay introductions can be.

You have this idea brewing in your head but only if you give it a start, and the rest of it will come pouring, but no, it won’t, it feels like you’re stuck. Introductions can be like that. So, how do you write an English essay introduction?

Here’s something to help. First, you can begin with a surprising fact or statistic about your topic to hook the reader.

You can also start with a thought-provoking question or questions. Begin with a relevant quote, and paint a vivid image with descriptive language to get into the mind of the reader from the first read. Or, you can just start with a relatable anecdote.

There are so many ways to start an English essay, however, whichever way you choose to start will depend on the topic you’re writing on as well as your tone of writing. You can also use this method when writing a literature essay or other types of essays.

Read: 10 Unique College Admission Essays

How to Write an English Essay

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an English essay:

Step 1. Understand the Assignment

Before you start writing your essay, it is crucial to understand the assignment requirements, including the topic, length, format, and deadline.

Read the prompt carefully and identify the key terms and concepts that will guide your research and analysis. If you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor or supervisor for clarification.

Step 2: Choose a Topic

The next step in writing an English essay is to choose a topic that you are interested in and passionate about.

Ideally, the topic should be something that you have some prior knowledge about or have researched extensively. This will make it easier for you to write a well-informed and engaging essay.

Step 3: Conduct Research

Once you have chosen your English essay topic, another step is to conduct research. This involves gathering information and data from various sources such as books, journals, and online databases. Make sure to take detailed notes and keep track of your sources, as you will need to cite them in your essay.

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or argument of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. Your thesis statement should be included in the introduction of your essay and should provide your readers with a clear idea of what your essay is about.

Also, see: Can You Submit the Same Essay to Different Colleges | Full Guide

Step 5: Create an Outline

An outline is a roadmap that helps you organize your thoughts and ideas. It should include your thesis statement, main points, and supporting evidence. Creating an essay outline can help you stay focused and ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to follow.

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Step 6: Write the Introduction

The introduction is the first part of your essay and should grab your readers’ attention. It should include your thesis statement and provide some background information on your topic. Your introduction should be engaging and make your readers want to keep reading.

Step 7: Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are the main part of your essay and should provide supporting evidence for your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point and should be well-structured and easy to follow. Make sure to use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly.

Step 8: Write the Conclusion

The conclusion is the last part of your essay and should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. It should leave your readers with a clear understanding of your argument and why it matters. Make sure to avoid introducing new ideas or evidence in your conclusion.

Step 9: Edit and Proofread

Editing and proofreading are critical steps in the writing process. Make sure to review your essay for spelling and grammar errors, as well as clarity and coherence. You may also want to have someone else read your essay to get feedback and make sure it makes sense.

Also, see: How To Write A Perfect Hook For Your Application Essay | Try These

How to write an English essay conclusion

I guess you didn’t just shut down your device and give in to those tiny little voices that tried to make you feel like you needed to give up since writing the introduction was not working out. We are here!

So, the journey is not over yet, but you’re more than halfway through. You need a strong conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on your readers. Now, let’s make this easy.

To conclude, you can begin by restating your thesis or whatever your essay is about, in a new way. Now, don’t just copy lines from your introduction down here. Talk about it in a new way – rephrase your argument and now highlight the points you’ve made.

Or, you can choose to just summarize your key points by reminding your readers of your main arguments. Either way, the goal is to solidify your ideas and help your essay flow easily. Also, to leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Another important thing to do is to offer a final thought about your argument in your conclusion. A final thought, or a new perspective on the topic. Or even a call to action that will encourage the reader to think deeply about your topic or argument. That is one of the things colleges look out for in essays.

And there you have it!

FAQs: English Essays

Conclusion

Writing an English essay can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps and practicing your writing skills, you can become a proficient and confident essay writer. 

Remember to choose a topic you’re passionate about, conduct thorough research, develop a clear thesis statement, create an outline, write engaging and well-structured body paragraphs, and conclude your essay with a summary of your main points. With practice and perseverance, you can master the art of writing an English essay.

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References

• wikihow.com – how to write an essay
• essaypro.com – How to Write an Essay
• students.unimelb.edu.au – tips for writing a great essay