Conduct Research

• What kind of research you conduct depends on the topic you are writing on. If you have been assigned a specific topic (for example, "Fleas on Brown Bears,") you will need to do some thorough research in a variety of places. If you are writing an essay on a literary topic (such as "Metaphors Used by Steinbeck in 'The Grapes of Wrath,' ") you will need to narrow research to within the book.
  
  

Analyze

• You are now equipped with plenty of information and quotes that support the topic you are about to cover. Sift through information for arguments that are logically sound and strong. A good argument will be supported by lots of evidence.
  
  

Brainstorm

• This portion of writing your essay is critical. Take a pen and ask yourself, "What are the best arguments I can make on this topic?" Then write freely. Narrow down your arguments to a handful of the best ones.
  
  

Find Your Thesis

• Your thesis is the most important element of your essay. It is the statement that makes a strong claim. It tells your reader what to expect from your entire essay and explains why it is important. A good thesis is clear and short, but it can be supported in many ways.
  
  

Create an Outline

• An outline is the structure your essay will follow. Include your thesis statement, then number and describe each of the following paragraphs in about one sentence apiece. Make bullet points to describe the supporting arguments for your paragraphs.
  
  

Introduce Your Essay

• Now is the time when you begin to actually write the essay. Have your outline on hand to keep you on task. The essay should begin with an engaging introduction that sets the stage for the rest of your argument.
  
  

Write Supporting Paragraphs

• Each paragraph in the middle (body) of your essay will focus on one idea that supports the argument that your thesis statement makes. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence (this will explain the idea of the paragraph). Then follow it up with at least three pieces of evidence, following each piece of evidence with analysis. Analyze the evidence by answering the question, "Why does this piece of evidence support my thesis statement?"
  
  

Conclude

• Your concluding paragraph should be memorable, but it should not present any new information to your reader. Make a statement that reaffirms why each paragraph supports your thesis statement, and end on an interesting thought or quotation.
  
  

Format

• Make sure your essay follows citation guidelines. Also be sure that you have properly attributed the sources of each quotation or bit of information within the essay itself. At the end of your essay, supply a reference page that provides details about every source you used.
  
  

Edit

• Your essay might be full of brilliant points, but if it is sloppy, it will not be well-received. Make sure your sentence structure, spelling and word choice is correct. Do not merely rely on spellcheck because spellcheck will not locate inaccurate words if they are spelled accurately. (For example, "lamb shade" will not be fixed.)