Do you know how to write an essay? Are you comfortable expressing yourself in written English?
Let’s talk about how to an essay is structured, so that you can feel confident writing your own.
How to Write an Essay in Ten Steps
1.) Think of an interesting thesis (main idea). What do you want to say?
Use brainstorming if you are stuck for an idea.
2.) Outline 2 or 3 supporting arguments.
3.) Research your ideas. (Use credible, high quality, recent resources.)
4.) Write an outline of your essay.
5.) Add supporting information and ideas to your arguments.
6.) Draft your introduction and conclusion.
7.) Add a bibliography
8.) Edit, edit, edit.
9.) Submit your draft for review.
10.) Use the feedback to perfect your masterpiece.
Examine an Example Essay to Understand the Structure
I asked Chat GPT to write me a 250 word essay about dogs. AI systems have their faults and drawbacks, but they write essays with classic structure. Take a look at what it wrote.
Read it aloud in class so we can review pronunciation and any new vocabulary. Then read it again by yourself. Notice the way the ideas are laid out. What is the thesis? What main arguments support the thesis? How is the essay organized?
Analyze the essay:
Here, I have identified the thesis and supporting arguments for you.
Chart out your ideas!
Practice making statements, and thinking of arguments to support it.
Practice essay writing in class with collaborative essays.
