14 Practical Steps to Writing an Essay You’ll Be Proud of

Many students view writing essays as a daunting task. Some even go so far as to say they hate writing essays. So, it’s no wonder that when faced with an upcoming essay assignment, they experience stress and anxiety. The good news is that writing effective essays can be easy, and understanding the steps to writing an essay can make it even easier. This article will outline the basic steps to writing an essay so that you can approach your next assignment with confidence and ease. 

Once you understand the steps to writing an effective essay, they become much easier to follow. You can also leverage AI writing tools like HyperWrite to help you along the way. HyperWrite’s AI writing assistant can help you organize your thoughts, generate ideas, and even create an outline for your essay to make the writing process smoother. 

Why is Writing an Essay So Hard?

When it comes to essay writing, a lot of students find a reason to put it off. And when they tackle it, they find it challenging to string sentences together that sound like a decent stance on the assigned subject.

Procrastination: The Worst Part of Writing an Essay

When it comes to writing an essay, procrastination is almost an art form for students. Why start an assignment the day it's assigned when you can spend a week scrolling through social media and watching TikToks before you even open a document? It’s not that students want to write a bad essay. 

It’s just that the very idea of writing one is so overwhelming that they’d rather be doing anything else. If you can relate to this scenario, you’re not alone. Many students dread writing essays, and you can only imagine how they feel. It's an everyday struggle that can be overcome with a few easy tips.

The Blank Page is the Enemy

Students often face terrible anxiety when writing essays, and much of this comes from an overwhelming desire to write something perfect. This can lead to paralyzing writer's block, making even starting an essay feel impossible. 

If you’re experiencing this, it can be comforting to know that you’re not alone. Many students struggle with essay writing, and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. The best way to overcome this is to stop focusing on writing something that will impress your teacher or earn a good grade.

Why?

Because when you focus on external approval, you shut down your subconscious, and the subconscious is the source of your creativity.

Tapping into Subconscious Creativity for Essay Writing

The subconscious is the source of your creativity. What this means practically is that when you're trying to write that perfect, A-plus-worthy sentence, you're turning off most of your best resources and writing skills.

Stop trying to write a good essay (or even a “good-enough” essay). Instead, write an interesting essay, write an essay you think is fascinating. And when you're finished, go back and edit it until it meets your teacher's standards for “good” or “proficient”.

Aligning Personal Interests with Academic Requirements

You don't have to sacrifice your interests to make academic progress. Your goal is to learn something new and expand your practical communication skills in the process. 

You need to follow the guidelines in your assignment: 

• If your teacher tells you to write a five-paragraph essay, then write a five-paragraph essay! 
• If your teacher asks for a specific type of essay, like an analysis, argument, or research essay, then make sure you write that type of essay! 

Within those guidelines, find room to express something that is uniquely you. You'll likely receive a higher grade (although you likely will), but you can promise yourself that you'll have a lot more fun writing.

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14 Proven Steps to Writing an Essay That Flows and Scores Well

1. Understand the Question

Understanding the essay question is essential to achieving a good grade. You should approach this task methodically, breaking down the question into parts to help you unpack its meaning. 

• Examine the various components of the question and any relevant background information to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. 
• Identify the task words in the question (also known as directive or instruction words). These will indicate the structure and approach you should take when writing your essay. For example, suppose you are asked to compare and contrast two theories. 

In that case, you will need to take a critical approach and evaluate both, while making it clear that your focus is on the similarities and differences between the two. You are told to summarise one theory; you will be writing a descriptive account of the theory without any critical evaluation. Understanding the question will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes that can result in lost marks. 

2. Brainstorm Your Topic

You cannot write an essay unless you have an idea of what to write about. Brainstorming is the process by which you come up with the essay topic. You need to sit and think of ideas during this phase. 

Write down everything that comes to mind, as you can always narrow those topics down later. Use clustering or mind mapping to brainstorm and generate essay ideas. This involves writing your topic or idea in the center of the paper and creating bubbles (clouds or clusters) of related ideas around it. 

Topic Selection for Essays: Narrowing Your Focus

Brainstorming can be a great way to develop a topic more deeply and to recognize connections between various facets of your topic. Once you have a list of possible issues, it's time to choose the best one that will answer the question posed for your essay. You want to select a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow.

If you are given an assignment to write a one-page essay, it would be far too much to write about “the history of the U.S.,” since that could fill entire volumes of books. Instead, write about a specific event within the history of the United States: Signing the Declaration of Independence or when Columbus discovered the Americas. 

Choose the best topic idea from among your list and begin moving forward on writing your essay. But, before you move forward, take heed of these topics to avoid.

3. Research the Topic

Once you have done your brainstorming and chosen your topic, you may need to do some research to write a good essay. Go to the library or search online for information about your topic. Interview people who might be experts in the subject. Keep your research organized so it will be easy for you to refer back to. This also makes it easier to cite your sources when writing your final essay.

4. Choose a Writing Style

The writing style that you choose for your essay is dictated by your teacher or the topic of your paper. In general, there are three writing styles you might come across in high school and college. 

• MLA (Modern Language Association) is designed for humanities and language arts essays. It uses the author-page number citation style. This is the most common writing style used by high school and college students. 
• APA (American Psychological Association) uses the author-date citation style and was created for social science and psychology research papers and essays. It is the second most common writing style. 
• Chicago Manual of Style, also known as Turabian, has two writing styles: author-date and notes-bibliography. Primarily used by college students and professionals, the author-date style is suitable for scientific papers, while the notes-biblio style makes arts and humanities papers easier to manage. 

Each different writing style has its unique format for in-text and reference list citations.

5. Develop a Thesis

Your thesis statement is the main point of your essay. It is a single sentence that states the essay's main point. For example, your thesis statement might be “Dogs are descended from wolves.” You can then use this as the basic premise to write your entire essay, remembering that all of the different points throughout need to lead back to this one central thesis. You should usually state your thesis in your introductory paragraph. 

The thesis statement should be broad enough that you have enough to say about it, but not so wide that you can't be thorough. To help you structure a clear thesis, check out these thesis statement examples.

6.  Outline Your Essay

The next step is to outline what you are going to write about. This means you want to draw the skeleton of your paper. Writing an outline can help to ensure your paper is logical, well-organized, and flows properly. If you’ve been tasked with an argumentative essay, here’s the best formula for an argumentative essay outline. 

• Start by writing the thesis statement at the top, then write a topic sentence for each paragraph below that. This means you should know precisely what each of your paragraphs is going to be about before you write them. 
• Don't jumble too many ideas in each paragraph, or the reader may become confused. 
• Ensure you have transitions between paragraphs so the reader understands how the paper flows from one idea to the next. 
• Fill in supporting facts from your research under each paragraph. 
• Ensure that each paragraph ties back to your thesis and contributes to a cohesive, understandable essay. 

Does your teacher follow the APA guidelines for writing papers? If so, these APA outline format examples should help you pull it all together. As you progress into the meat of the essay (following our tips below), these APA format examples should prove beneficial! 

7. Write a Comprehensive Introduction

After creating the basic outline, it is essential to know how to write an essay. Begin your essay by introducing your voice and point of view to the reader. An introduction is usually a paragraph or two long and consists of three main parts: 

• A hook, Background information 
• Thesis statement 

Let’s better understand this with the help of an example: 

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane in 1903 revolutionized the way humans travel and explore the world. Before this invention, transportation relied on trains, boats, and cars, which limited the distance and speed of travel. However, the airplane made air travel a reality, allowing people to reach far-off destinations in mere hours. This breakthrough paved the way for modern-day air travel, transforming the world into a smaller, more connected place. In this essay, we will examine the impact of the Wright Brothers’ invention on modern travel, including the growth of the aviation industry, the increased accessibility of air travel to the general public, and the economic and cultural benefits of air travel. 

Let’s understand how to construct each of these sections in more detail: 

Construct an Attractive Hook 

The opening sentence of an essay, also known as the hook, should include a powerful or startling statement that captures the reader’s attention. Depending on the type of your essay, it can be an interesting fact, a surprising statistic, or an engaging anecdote. 

Provide Relevant Background Information 

When writing the introduction, it’s essential to provide context or background information before presenting the thesis statement. The background information may include the time before a groundbreaking invention, the pros and cons of a significant discovery, or the short- and long-term effects of an event. 

Edit the Thesis Statement 

If you’ve constructed your thesis statement during the outlining stage, it’s time to edit it based on the background information you’ve provided. Observe the slight changes we’ve made to the scope of the thesis statement in the example above. This accommodates the bits of information we’ve provided in the background history.

8. Form relevant body paragraphs

Body paragraphs play a crucial role in supporting and expanding the central argument presented in the thesis statement. The number of body paragraphs depends on the type of essay as well as the scope of the thesis statement. Most school-level essays contain three body paragraphs, while college-level essays can vary in length depending on the assignment. 

‍A well-crafted body paragraph consists of the following parts: 

• A topic sentence supporting information,
• An analysis of the information 
• A smooth transition to the following paragraph 

Let’s understand this with the help of an example: 

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane revolutionized air travel. They achieved the first-ever successful powered flight with the Wright Flyer in 1903, after years of conducting experiments and studying the principles of flight. Despite their first flight lasting only 12 seconds, it was a significant milestone that paved the way for modern aviation. The Wright Brothers’ success can be attributed to their systematic approach to problem-solving, which included numerous experiments with gliders, the development of a wind tunnel to test their designs, and meticulous analysis and recording of their results. Their dedication and ingenuity forever changed the way we travel, making modern aviation possible. 

Here’s a detailed overview of how to construct each of these sections: 

Construct Appropriate Topic Sentences 

A topic sentence is the title of the body paragraph that elaborates on the thesis statement. It is the main idea on which the body paragraph is developed. Ensure that each topic sentence is relevant to the thesis statement and flows seamlessly within the essay. 

The order of topic sentences is key in creating an impactful essay. This order varies depending on the type of essay you choose to write. These sentences may be arranged chronologically, in order of importance, or a cause-and-effect format. 

Provide Supporting Information 

It is necessary to provide relevant supporting information and evidence to validate your topic statement. This may include examples, relevant statistics, history, or even personal anecdotes. You should also remember to cite your sources wherever you use them to substantiate your arguments. Always give researchers and authors credit for their work! 

Analyze the Supporting Information 

After presenting the appropriate evidence, the next step is to conduct an in-depth analysis. Establish connections and provide additional details to strengthen the link between your topic sentence and the supporting information. Depending on the type of essay, this step may also involve sharing your subjective opinions and key takeaways. 

Create a Smooth Transition 

In case you plan to create multiple body paragraphs, it is crucial to create a seamless transition between them. Transitional statements not only make the essay less jarring to read but also guide the reader in the right direction. However, these statements do not need to be overly lengthy and complicated. Use words such as:

• However
• In addition to
• Therefore

9.  Quoting, paraphrasing, and plagiarism

Academic writing requires a careful balance between novel argument and drawing on arguments presented by others. Writing a completely novel essay, without drawing on a single source, indicates that you haven’t made yourself familiar with what has already been published. 

Citing someone for every point made suggests that you haven’t produced a novel argument. As such, you must provide evidence (a credible citation) when you are making a statement of fact or drawing on arguments, frameworks, and theories presented by other academics. These should support the overarching argument of the novel that you are making. 

Quoting vs. Paraphrasing in Academic Writing

When drawing on other authors, it is essential to understand the distinction between quoting and paraphrasing. The general rule of thumb is that you should paraphrase wherever possible and quote only when necessary or if it clarifies the point you are making. 

That said, paraphrasing can be difficult without losing the inherit value of the argument presented. In case you are unsure about the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, we’ve included an example below:

• Quote: “Cultural capital can be acquired, to a varying extent, depending on the period, the society, and the social class, in the absence of any deliberate inculcation, and therefore quite unconsciously” (Bourdieu, 1986: 18). 
• Paraphrase: Unlike economic capital, the amassing of which requires some conscious effort, cultural capital can be built simply by existing and consuming (Bourdieu, 1986). 

Both the quoted and the paraphrased versions convey essentially the same meaning, with the exception that paraphrasing demonstrates a slightly broader understanding of Bourdieu (through the mention of another form of capital) and presents an argument that, while true to Bourdieu's writings, better aligns with the overall argument.

The Importance of Proper Citation in Academia

Properly citing the sources upon which you draw also ensures that you will not be accused of plagiarism, which is a serious offence in academia. Repeated and grievous plagiarism can lead to the suspension of your studies at the majority of academic institutions!

10.  Construct an impactful conclusion

An impactful conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the reader's mind. Although it varies in length depending on the specific essay, the conclusion is typically a paragraph long. It consists of:

• A restated thesis statement 
• Summary of the main points 
• The broader implications of the thesis statement 

Here’s an example of a well-structured conclusion: 

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane forever changed history by paving the way for modern aviation and countless aerospace advancements. Their persistence, innovation, and dedication to problem-solving led to the first successful powered flight in 1903, sparking a revolution in transportation that transformed the world. Today, air travel remains an integral part of our globalized society, underscoring the undeniable impact of the Wright Brothers' contributions to human civilization. 

Let’s take a closer look at how to construct each of these sections. Here are some key steps to writing a firm conclusion: 

Summarize the Key Points 

The first step in writing the conclusion is to summarize the key points of your essay. This might involve restating your research question, summarizing your findings, and reiterating your arguments. 

Reflect on the Implications of Your Research 

The conclusion should reflect on the implications of your research, considering the broader context of your study and its contributions to the field. This might involve discussing the potential applications of your findings, considering any ethical implications, or discussing future directions for research.

Provide Closure

The conclusion should provide closure to your reader, bringing your argument to a logical end and resolving any outstanding issues. This might involve suggesting a conclusion based on your research or providing a final perspective on your topic. 

Avoid Introducing New Information 

The conclusion should avoid introducing new information or arguments that were not discussed in the body of your essay. This might confuse your reader and undermine the coherence of your argument. 

Write Concisely 

The conclusion should be concise, using clear and concise language to summarize the key points of your essay. Avoid using technical jargon and ensure that your writing is clear and easy for your reader to understand. By summarizing the key points, reflecting on the implications of your research, providing closure, avoiding introducing new information, and writing concisely, you will be able to provide a compelling conclusion to your argument.

11.  Revise and Edit Your Essay

Once you have completed the first draft of your essay, it is time to revise and edit. Review your essay for any mistakes, including grammatical errors, punctuation errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward sentence structure. 

Make sure that your essay is well-structured and that your arguments are well-supported with language that follows the conventions of academic writing and is appropriate for the essay assignment. 

12. References

The references section of an academic essay is a crucial component that provides a list of the sources you used in your research and writing. The purpose of the references section is to give credit to the authors whose work you have used, to provide evidence for your arguments, and to support the validity of your research. 

Here are some key steps to writing a strong references section: 

Follow a Specific Citation Style 

The first step in writing the references section is to follow a specific citation style. There are several citation styles used in academic writing, including:

• APA
• MLA
• Chicago

It is essential to choose the one that is appropriate for your discipline and the type of essay you are writing. 

Cite All Sources Used in Your Essay 

The references section should include a citation for all sources that you used in your essay, including books, journal articles, websites, and other types of sources. 

Follow the Format Guidelines 

The references section should be formatted according to the specific citation style that you have chosen. This might involve including information such as the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication date, and the page numbers for any direct quotes or paraphrased material. 

Alphabetize the References 

The references section should be alphabetized according to the author’s last name or the first word of the title for sources without authors.

Check for Accuracy 

Before submitting your essay, make sure to check the references section for accuracy, verifying that all of the information is correct and that all of the sources are cited properly. By following a specific citation style, citing all sources used in your essay, following the format guidelines, alphabetizing the references, and checking for accuracy, you will be able to provide a comprehensive and well-documented references section for your essay.

13. Appendices

The appendices section of an academic essay is an optional component that provides additional information that supports the central argument or research findings. This section might include materials such as graphs, tables, maps, images, or other types of data or supplementary information. 

‍Here are some key steps to writing a strong appendices section: 

Decide What to Include 

The first step in writing the appendices section is to decide what to include. This might involve evaluating the relevance of different types of information and determining which data is necessary to support your argument. 

Label and Organize the Appendices 

The appendices should be clearly labeled and organized, making it easy for the reader to understand the information presented. This may involve including a title or description for each appendix and numbering them in a logical order. 

Refer to the Appendices in the Main body of Your Essay 

The appendices should be referred to in the main body of your essay, helping to connect the appendices to your argument. This might involve including a reference to the appendix in your text or including a cross-reference to the appendix in your table of contents. 

Use Clear and Concise Language 

The appendices should be written using clear and concise language, making it easy for the reader to understand the information being presented. Avoid using technical jargon and ensure that your writing is accessible to your reader. 

Check for Accuracy 

Before submitting your essay, make sure to check the appendices section for accuracy, verifying that all of the information is correct and that all of the tables, graphs, and other materials are properly labeled and organized. 

By deciding what to include, labeling and organizing the appendices, referring to the appendices in the main body of your essay, using clear and concise language, and checking for accuracy, you will be able to provide a comprehensive and well-documented appendices section for your essay.

14. Seek out another pair of eyes

This tip is not just for essays; it’s always advisable to have someone else read over your writing before finalizing it. All too often, we miss the forest for the trees, and thinking long and hard on the same topic can give us tunnel vision. The solution is to get a fresh take from someone who’s seeing it for the first time. 

Typically, you can swap with a friend and edit each other’s work. If that’s not an option, however, you can also use a writing center or join a writing group online. At the very least, you should sleep on it and take another look when you’re refreshed. 

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