Get a full understanding of the topic.
Make sure you understand what the essay prompt is asking for. Know whether you are meant to write to inform, write to entertain, or write to persuade. Each type of writing calls for a different approach, so once you understand what you is being asked of you, then decide how you will tackle the subject.
Brainstorm.
During this process, develop your main ideas of your essay. Your thesis statement will summarize your stance or your point. The information you provide following that statement will support your thesis, serving as proof of your claim or explanation.
Plan your writing.
Create a quick outline of your writing, structuring it to include the most important parts of an essay: thesis statement, at least 3 supporting details, examples of those details.
Fact Check.
No matter the purpose of your essay, you must make sure that what you are writing is not only accurate, but firmly supports your thesis statement. Your essay could lose credibility if you include random, irrelevant facts, so make sure that you do yourself a favor and double check that the facts you include are correct.
Be straight forward.
Your teachers are not looking for “fluffy” language. Get to your point quickly and don’t derail it by becoming too wordy.
Don’t be afraid to be creative.
Contrary to the point above, sometimes it’s totally okay to play around with structure and deliver your points in creative ways. Perhaps instead of writing an essay in a “hard news” sort of style, perhaps you choose to write it in a narrative way, telling a story.
Use reliable sources.
Your teachers will be the first to tell you that Wikipedia is not a reliable source and when it comes to writing for a grade, it’s best to believe them. The biggest problem with Wikipedia is that random users can add, take out, or completely make up facts and pose them as truth. If for any reason you decide to use Wikipedia, the best thing you could do is to double check using another source. Your teacher or school may already have a list of qualified and verified websites for you to use, so check those sources out first and double check using another source on the list. If your school didn’t provide a list, you can check out these sources:
