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• How to Write an Argumentative Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide
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• James Prior
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• Updated November 9, 2024

Learn how to write an argumentative essay. Follow our guide to craft strong arguments, support your views with evidence, and persuade your readers.

Writing an argumentative essay allows you to present your opinion on a subject and support it with reasoned arguments and evidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, helping you develop a well-structured, persuasive argumentative essay.

Table of Contents

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing where you take a position on a specific issue or topic and use evidence and reasoning to convince the reader of your viewpoint. It requires presenting well-structured arguments and addressing opposing views to strengthen your position.

The goal is not only to inform but also to persuade the reader to agree with your viewpoint or see things from your perspective by supporting your claims with reliable facts, examples, and logical reasoning. This kind of essay encourages critical thinking, clear expression, and careful research to make a compelling case.

Types of Argumentative Essays

There are a few main types of argumentative essays. Knowing which one suits your topic best can make your argument stronger.

1. Classical Argument

A classical argumentative essay follows a traditional structure, grounded in the principles of classical rhetoric. It aims to persuade readers through logical reasoning, evidence, and well-organized arguments, presenting a clear stance on a topic.

• Structure : Introduction, narration (background), confirmation (arguments), refutation, and conclusion.
• Purpose : Present straightforward arguments to persuade the reader.

The classical structure is effective because it organizes arguments logically, guiding the reader through your reasoning process. It also strengthens your credibility by demonstrating consideration of alternative views and showing respect for the reader’s own critical thinking.

2. Rogerian Argument

A Rogerian argumentative essay takes a collaborative approach to argumentation, focusing on finding common ground rather than winning over the other side.

Developed from the ideas of psychologist Carl Rogers, this essay style emphasizes empathy and understanding between opposing viewpoints.

In a Rogerian essay, you begin by acknowledging the strengths of the opposing perspective, demonstrating respect for differing opinions. Then, you carefully present your position, showing how both viewpoints might coexist or complement each other.

• Structure : Introduction, exploration of opposing views, your position, and finding common ground.
• Purpose : Acknowledge opposing views and promote compromise, making it ideal for contentious issues.

This approach aims to reduce conflict, fostering compromise or mutual understanding between writer and reader.

3. Toulmin Argument

A Toulmin argumentative essay is a structured approach to presenting an argument, developed by philosopher Stephen Toulmin. It breaks down an argument into specific components to build a logical and persuasive case.

• Structure : Claim (thesis), grounds (evidence), warrant (connection between claim and evidence), backing, rebuttal, and qualifier.
• Purpose : Break down complex arguments into smaller parts, ideal for nuanced topics with strong counterarguments.

The Toulmin model helps you create a clear, rational argument that considers opposing perspectives while firmly supporting your position.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a persuasive and well-structured argumentative essay. Follow these steps to present your position effectively, build strong evidence, and guide readers through a logical, compelling argument.

1. Understand the Purpose of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is not just about sharing opinions. The goal is to present a claim, support it with evidence, and persuade readers to see your perspective. Unlike opinion pieces, argumentative essays rely on credible evidence and a clear structure to present both sides of the issue while defending your viewpoint.

Why It’s Important

The argumentative essay sharpens your analytical skills. You’ll learn to evaluate sources, structure information logically, and write persuasively—essential skills in both academics and real-world scenarios.

Key Characteristics

• A Clear Thesis : Summarizes your position on the topic, often in a single sentence.
• Evidence-Based Support : Relies on facts, statistics, and expert opinions rather than assumptions or emotions.
• Counterargument Acknowledgment : Strengthens your position by showing awareness of opposing views.

2. Choose a Strong, Debatable Topic

A strong topic is essential to any argumentative essay. Choose one that you’re passionate about and that has room for debate. Avoid broad topics; instead, focus on a specific aspect to make your essay manageable.

Tips for Choosing a Topic

• Interest and Knowledge : A topic you’re curious about will make the writing process more engaging.
• Relevance : Current events and trending issues can make your essay feel timely and relevant.
• Debatability : Ensure there’s a legitimate argument on both sides of the issue.

Example Topics

Here are a few examples of suitable topics:

• Should college education be free for all?
• Do social media platforms encourage unhealthy behaviors?
• Are standardized tests an effective measure of student success?

These topics are relevant, open to debate, and narrow enough to explore in a single essay.

3. Conduct Thorough Research

Effective research is the foundation of a convincing argumentative essay. Gather information from reliable sources to support your points, and examine opposing views for a well-rounded perspective.

Research Tips

• Focus on Credible Sources : Use academic journals, government publications, and reputable news sources. Avoid biased sources.
• Document Key Points : Take notes on quotes, statistics, and insights that support your argument, as well as details from opposing viewpoints.
• Consider Counterarguments : Knowing opposing views helps you address and refute them convincingly.

Helpful Research Tools

• Google Scholar for academic articles.
• JSTOR and PubMed for peer-reviewed sources.
• Library Databases for credible research.

Exploring counterarguments in-depth helps solidify your understanding of the topic and prepares you to address challenges to your position.

4. Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay, clearly presenting your argument in a single, concise sentence. It should convey your stance and hint at the structure of your essay.

Crafting Your Thesis

A strong thesis is specific, arguable, and evidence-backed. Avoid vague language or overly general statements.

Examples of Thesis Statements

• Weak Thesis : “Pollution is bad for the environment.”
• Strong Thesis : “Stricter emission regulations for factories are necessary to reduce pollution and protect public health.”

The strong thesis provides a clear position and can be supported with evidence, whereas the weak thesis is too broad.

Here are a few more examples of effective thesis statements:

Effective Thesis Statements

• Direct Stance : “Animal testing should be banned because it is inhumane and unnecessary in modern medicine.”
• Complex Claim : “Although some argue that free healthcare may burden taxpayers, it ensures a healthier, more productive society.”
• Cause and Effect : “The rise in global temperatures directly results from increased carbon emissions, which must be regulated.”

5. Outline Your Essay Structure

An outline is a roadmap for your essay. It helps you organize your thoughts, keep your argument logical, and maintain a clear flow. Here’s a standard structure for an argumentative essay:

• Introduction : Hook, background, and thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph presents one supporting point, backed by evidence.
• Counterargument : Acknowledge the opposing view and refute it.
• Conclusion : Restate your thesis and summarize your main points.

Sample Outline

• Hook : Start with an interesting fact or question.
• Background : Brief overview of the topic.
• Thesis Statement : Your main claim in a single sentence.
• Each begins with a topic sentence.
• Evidence follows to support each point.
• Explanation clarifies how the evidence supports the thesis.
• Presents a common opposing view.
• Refutes it with evidence.
• Restates the thesis and reinforces the main argument.
• Leaves readers with a final thought or question.

An outline ensures that each point logically builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive and convincing argument.

6. Write a Captivating Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and set the stage for your argument. Begin with a hook — a surprising fact, a compelling question, or a brief anecdote related to your topic.

Example Introduction

For an essay about social media’s impact, try this: “Is social media connecting us more deeply, or pushing us further apart? As platforms like Facebook and Instagram continue to grow, concerns about their effect on mental health have intensified. This essay will argue that social media negatively impacts well-being and relationships, urging users to approach it with caution.”

This introduction establishes interest, provides background, and presents a clear thesis.

7. Develop Clear, Evidence-Backed Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should center around a single supporting point. Start with a topic sentence, add evidence, and follow with an explanation. Use data, examples, and quotes from credible sources to make your argument more persuasive.

Structure of a Body Paragraph

• Topic Sentence : States the paragraph’s main idea.
• Evidence : Facts, statistics, or quotes supporting the point.
• Explanation : Explains how the evidence backs up your thesis.
• Transition : Lead smoothly into the next paragraph.

Example Structure

• Topic Sentence : “Renewable energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
• Evidence : “Research shows that solar energy reduces emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels (Green Energy Journal, 2022).”
• Explanation : “By reducing emissions, renewable energy sources help slow climate change and improve public health.”

Repeat this structure for each body paragraph.

Using specific evidence like statistics, expert quotes, and research studies strengthens your points and makes your argument more credible. It also enhances credibility and makes your argument more persuasive.

8. Address Counterarguments

Acknowledging counterarguments demonstrates that you’ve considered multiple perspectives and strengthens your position. Present the opposing view in a fair, respectful way, then refute it with evidence to reinforce your stance.

How to Address Counterarguments

• Introduce the Counterargument : Explain the opposing viewpoint fairly and objectively.
• Refute It : Use evidence to counter the argument.
• Explain Your Perspective : Reinforce your own position and show why it’s stronger.
• Counterargument : “Some argue that renewable energy is too costly for widespread adoption.”
• Refutation : “However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs.”
• Reinforcement : “Investing in renewable energy is a practical step towards a sustainable future.”

Showing awareness of other views can enhance your essay’s persuasiveness by demonstrating a well-rounded argument.

9. Write a Persuasive Conclusion

Your conclusion should restate your thesis and summarize your main points without introducing new information. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression, so consider ending with a thought-provoking question, call to action, or compelling fact.

• Restate the Thesis : Reinforce your main argument without simply copying your thesis.
• Summarize Key Points : Briefly recap the main arguments from your body paragraphs.
• Closing Statement : Leave the reader with something to think about.

Example Conclusion

“Switching to renewable energy sources is essential for a sustainable future. Not only do these sources reduce pollution, but they also offer economic benefits that fossil fuels cannot match. By embracing renewable energy, we’re investing in a healthier, more prosperous world.”

A memorable conclusion reinforces your argument and encourages readers to reflect further.

10. Revise and Edit Your Essay

Revising is essential to ensure clarity and polish. Take time to read through your essay, check for logical flow, and correct grammar errors. Edit with a focus on strengthening arguments, improving clarity, and eliminating redundancy.

Editing Tips

• Read Aloud : Hearing your essay helps you spot awkward phrases and transitions.
• Use Editing Tools : Grammar checkers like Grammarly can help, but remember to review suggested edits critically.
• Take Breaks : Reviewing your work after a break can help you see it with fresh eyes.

Strong editing is the final touch that can make a good essay great.

11. Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoiding common pitfalls makes your essay clearer and more convincing. Certain mistakes can weaken your argument. Here are some to avoid:

• Overreliance on Emotion : Use evidence rather than emotional appeals.
• Ignoring Counterarguments : Failing to address other views weakens your argument.
• Weak Thesis : A vague thesis can make your essay less convincing.
• Overloading with Information : Stick to the strongest arguments and avoid excessive details.
• Failing to Edit : Ensure your essay is free from grammar and punctuation errors.

Additional Tips for Avoiding Mistakes

• Stay objective. Avoid language that could come across as biased or overly personal.
• Cite your sources. Proper citations build credibility and avoid plagiarism.
• Check transitions. Smooth transitions between paragraphs improve readability and flow.

12. Final Tips for Writing a Strong Argumentative Essay

Following these tips will help make your argumentative essay convincing and well-written.

A. Stay Focused and Concise

Avoid rambling. Keep each sentence relevant to your argument. Clear and direct language strengthens your essay.

B. Use a Formal Tone

An argumentative essay should be professional. Avoid slang or overly casual language. Use formal, clear, and concise language.

C. Use Transition Words

Transitions improve flow and guide readers through your essay. Words like “however,” “therefore,” and “for example” help make connections between ideas.

D. Edit and Proofread

Editing improves clarity and eliminates errors. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Reading aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing.

E. Cite Your Sources

Cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism. Use a consistent citation style, like APA, MLA, or Chicago. This adds credibility and allows readers to verify your information.

F. Practice and Seek Feedback

Practicing improves your writing skills. Ask others to review your essay and give constructive feedback.

13. Checklist Before Submitting Your Essay

Before submitting, review this checklist:

• Does your essay have a clear thesis?
• Are your claims supported by evidence?
• Did you address counterarguments?
• Is each paragraph focused on a single point?
• Did you proofread for errors?

Argumentative Essay vs Persuasive Essay

An argumentative essay and a persuasive essay may appear similar because they both aim to convince the reader, but they differ in approach, tone, and structure. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the differences:

Purpose and Approach

• Argumentative Essay : The primary goal is to present a well-reasoned argument based on evidence. You explore both sides of an issue, showing balanced consideration before firmly supporting one side with facts, research, and logical reasoning.
• Persuasive Essay : The focus is on persuading the reader to adopt your perspective. It’s more emotionally driven, often relying on personal opinions, emotional appeals, and less formal evidence.

Tone and Style

• Argumentative Essay : This essay maintains an objective tone. It’s more formal and analytical, prioritizing facts over feelings. You aim to logically sway readers, which can make the tone neutral or detached.
• Persuasive Essay : This essay often uses a personal, conversational tone. Persuasive writing may appeal to emotions and values to connect with readers and convince them to agree with you.

Evidence and Support

• Argumentative Essay : You rely on factual evidence, such as statistics, studies, and expert opinions. Your argument builds on objective, verifiable sources.
• Persuasive Essay : While evidence can be included, the emphasis is more on personal beliefs and appeals to the reader’s emotions. Persuasive essays may include anecdotes or subjective opinions.

Structure and Balance

• Argumentative Essay : You present both sides of the issue, giving fair attention to each perspective. Addressing counterarguments is a key component, which helps you strengthen your stance.
• Persuasive Essay : You focus mainly on your side of the argument, often dismissing or downplaying opposing views to emphasize your perspective.
• Argumentative Essay Topic : “Should social media platforms regulate fake news?” You would provide evidence for both sides before concluding with your own stance.
• Persuasive Essay Topic : “Why everyone should adopt a pet from a shelter” Here, you would aim to convince readers of the emotional and moral benefits of adopting animals.

When to Use Each

• Use an argumentative essay when discussing academic, scientific, or societal issues where balanced analysis is essential.
• Use a persuasive essay when writing for marketing, opinion columns, or when aiming to inspire action through a personal appeal.

In summary, both types aim to convince, but argumentative essays rely on logic and evidence, while persuasive essays focus more on personal conviction and emotional appeal.

Writing an argumentative essay develops valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and persuasive writing.

By understanding what an argumentative essay is and by following the steps in this article, you can create a structured, well-supported argument that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Start with a strong topic, support your position with evidence, and address counterarguments thoughtfully. With practice, you’ll master the art of argumentative writing and become a persuasive communicator.

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• College Application Tips

Updated: Monday, November 04, 2024

10 College Application Essay Dos and Don’ts

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Delaying your work on college application essays isn’t the best move, particularly because the National Association for College Admission Counseling classifies application essays as the most important “soft” factor, or non-quantitative elements, that colleges consider when making admissions decisions, right behind “hard” factors, or quantitative components, like grades, curriculum, and test scores. And in a year where more colleges than ever are test-optional , soft factors like the essay will carry even more weight in the admissions process this fall.

However, if you’re behind on your college admissions essays, don’t panic. There are a number of steps that students can take to put together the most accurate and compelling personal statements  and school-specific supplements that will help their chances of gaining admission to their top-choice colleges.

Here are some college application essay dos and don’ts for students to keep in mind as they complete their applications before Jan. 1 deadlines.

DON’T use the personal statement essay to repeat your activities list.

This can’t be stressed enough. The personal statement is your opportunity to reveal something about yourself that can’t be found anywhere else in your application — use it! Many students use this essay to expound upon activities or interests that are already heavily demonstrated in their application through courses, the activity list, and more. Instead of reinforcing a top activity or interest, write about something that reveals another dimension of your life or personality. If your top activity is swimming, don’t write about the big championship meet. Find something else that reveals something new and that shows you put a lot of thought into your essay. If your study of AP biology conflicts with your religious views, write about that and how you reconciled the two. Dig deep to find an essay topic that’s meaningful.

DO show a slice of your life.

When developing a topic that reveals something new, find a way to frame the story or idea that shows a slice of your life or the event. Be descriptive and give details that appeal to the senses — taste, touch, smell, etc. When writing about a meaningful experience or event, you don’t have to give a long timeline of events. Instead, give the reader the piece of the puzzle that conveys your message. Particularly when you’re feeling stressed for time, it can be helpful to remember that your job isn’t necessarily to tell a full-length story; it’s to focus on something smaller that demonstrates who you are and what you stand for.

DON’T copy and paste.

With upwards of 25 or more essays to write for a balanced college list of 10-12 schools, it’s tempting for students to repurpose essays across applications if the prompts are similar, especially when working down to the wire. While students can use the same main essay on the Common App for multiple schools, we always recommend that students tailor their supplemental essays to the individual colleges. Telling Caltech why you want to attend MIT is a quick way to end up in the “no” pile.

At the end of the day, attempting to repurpose essays isn’t the time-efficient solution either. While it might seem like a quick-fix, you’ll likely spend more time trying to rework an existing piece than you would if you started from scratch. Instead, give each essay a fresh start and set aside time to give every prompt your all.

DO show your knowledge of the college.

When tailoring responses to individual college prompts, it’s important to use specific details you’ve learned through visiting and research. Not only does this show colleges that you’ve have done your homework, but it also demonstrates your interest in the college – and colleges want to admit students who are likely to enroll. Show your knowledge of the college by mentioning specific courses, professors, places of interest, and more. Show how you fit into the campus culture and how you will impact the community through specific examples.

DON’T say what you think the admissions office wants to hear.

So many students think that they “know” what colleges want from an applicant , and this can have a big influence over their essays. Students will overuse the thesaurus and write about strange topics in an effort to impress and stand out. Instead of writing what you think the admissions office wants to read, write about what you want them to know.

Again, the essay is a great space to reveal something new about you, so stand out by being authentic and showing another side of yourself. For students who feel like they’re pressed for time, being genuine is likely also your most efficient strategy. Forget about trying to concoct a version of yourself that you think the admissions office wants to see and let your authentic personality shine through.

DO use your voice.

Using lofty language and complex sentence structure can make you sound sophisticated, but is that really how you speak? Don’t let your voice get lost in the pursuit to impress readers. Instead, write like you speak – keeping in mind that proper grammar and spelling is still important.

DON’T rely only on spellcheck.

Spellcheck won’t catch every spelling or grammatical error! Take the time to read over all your essays carefully and keep an eye out for things like “out” when you meant to say “our” and other common typos. Especially when you’re short on time, it can be easy to overlook spelling and grammar, but it’s always worth the few extra minutes to make sure you have error-free content. To be extra safe, have a parent or counselor read over the essay, too, to catch any errors you might have missed. Spelling and grammar errors can take away from an otherwise stellar essay – so be mindful.

DO double check that you’ve addressed the prompt.

This is one of the most common mistakes that students make . In the pursuit to write the perfect essay, many forget to connect it to the original prompt. While the Common Application prompts for the main essay are general enough to allow students to write about whatever they choose, it still needs to be clear how that essay addresses the prompt. The same applies to school-specific essays. Check and double check that a clear connection is made between the topic of your essay and the question the prompt is asking.

DON’T panic.

Working down to the wire can undoubtedly be stressful. Instead of beating yourself up for not starting sooner or worrying that you won’t be able to finish everything on time, focus on what you can control. Put all of your energy toward your application essays and devote as much time to writing and editing as possible. Keep tabs on every admissions deadline and prioritize what you will work on first accordingly. Create a strategy for completing every essay and stay accountable to the timeline you’ve created.

DO seek feedback when you can.

While it’s imperative that students write their own essays and use their authentic voice, every writer can benefit from a second set of eyes. Your college counselor can provide valuable insight into how to improve your college application essays, so seek feedback on your drafts as soon as possible.  School-based counselors  have a lot of students to advise and are very busy, so don’t wait!

Essays are an important component in the college application process. While the essay alone won’t gain you admission to your top-choice college, a poorly written one can send you to the “no” pile pretty quickly. Consequently, it’s important to give every essay your all and seek guidance when you need it – especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed leading up to critical deadlines.

If you need additional help with your college application essays, IvyWise offers a number of services designed to help high school seniors with their college applications . Contact us today for more information on our programs for seniors!

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Imagine that you’re applying to 10+ schools this fall. You’re spending what seems like an eternity trying to find that one email X college sent you, scrolling endlessly through your inbox. Maybe you can’t remember where you saved your latest essay draft for Y college on your laptop. What a headache!

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The Common Application opens this weekend on August 1, and for many rising seniors this is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on their college applications before the start of the school year. However, before students dive into their college application essays, they need to know what’s true, and what’s false, about these common application essay myths.

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• What is an essay? 

What makes a good essay?

Typical essay structure, 7 steps to writing a good essay, a step-by-step guide to writing a good essay.

Whether you are gearing up for your GCSE coursework submissions or looking to brush up on your A-level writing skills, we have the perfect essay-writing guide for you. 💯

Staring at a blank page before writing an essay can feel a little daunting . Where do you start? What should your introduction say? And how should you structure your arguments? They are all fair questions and we have the answers! Take the stress out of essay writing with this step-by-step guide – you’ll be typing away in no time. 👩‍💻

What is an essay?

Generally speaking, an essay designates a literary work in which the author defends a point of view or a personal conviction, using logical arguments and literary devices in order to inform and convince the reader.

So – although essays can be broadly split into four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive – an essay can simply be described as a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. 🤔

The purpose of an essay is to present a coherent argument in response to a stimulus or question and to persuade the reader that your position is credible, believable and reasonable. 👌

So, a ‘good’ essay relies on a confident writing style – it’s clear, well-substantiated, focussed, explanatory and descriptive . The structure follows a logical progression and above all, the body of the essay clearly correlates to the tile – answering the question where one has been posed. 

But, how do you go about making sure that you tick all these boxes and keep within a specified word count? Read on for the answer as well as an example essay structure to follow and a handy step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay – hooray. 🙌

Sometimes, it is helpful to think about your essay like it is a well-balanced argument or a speech – it needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question in a coherent manner. ⚖️

Of course, essays can vary significantly in length but besides that, they all follow a fairly strict pattern or structure made up of three sections. Lean into this predictability because it will keep you on track and help you make your point clearly. Let’s take a look at the typical essay structure:  

#1 Introduction

Start your introduction with the central claim of your essay. Let the reader know exactly what you intend to say with this essay. Communicate what you’re going to argue, and in what order. The final part of your introduction should also say what conclusions you’re going to draw – it sounds counter-intuitive but it’s not – more on that below. 1️⃣

Make your point, evidence it and explain it. This part of the essay – generally made up of three or more paragraphs depending on the length of your essay – is where you present your argument. The first sentence of each paragraph – much like an introduction to an essay – should summarise what your paragraph intends to explain in more detail. 2️⃣

#3 Conclusion

This is where you affirm your argument – remind the reader what you just proved in your essay and how you did it. This section will sound quite similar to your introduction but – having written the essay – you’ll be summarising rather than setting out your stall. 3️⃣

No essay is the same but your approach to writing them can be. As well as some best practice tips, we have gathered our favourite advice from expert essay-writers and compiled the following 7-step guide to writing a good essay every time. 👍

#1 Make sure you understand the question

#2 complete background reading.

#3 Make a detailed plan 

#4 Write your opening sentences 

#5 flesh out your essay in a rough draft, #6 evidence your opinion, #7 final proofread and edit.

Now that you have familiarised yourself with the 7 steps standing between you and the perfect essay, let’s take a closer look at each of those stages so that you can get on with crafting your written arguments with confidence . 

This is the most crucial stage in essay writing – r ead the essay prompt carefully and understand the question. Highlight the keywords – like ‘compare,’ ‘contrast’ ‘discuss,’ ‘explain’ or ‘evaluate’ – and let it sink in before your mind starts racing . There is nothing worse than writing 500 words before realising you have entirely missed the brief . 🧐

Unless you are writing under exam conditions , you will most likely have been working towards this essay for some time, by doing thorough background reading. Re-read relevant chapters and sections, highlight pertinent material and maybe even stray outside the designated reading list, this shows genuine interest and extended knowledge. 📚

#3 Make a detailed plan

Following the handy structure we shared with you above, now is the time to create the ‘skeleton structure’ or essay plan. Working from your essay title, plot out what you want your paragraphs to cover and how that information is going to flow. You don’t need to start writing any full sentences yet but it might be useful to think about the various quotes you plan to use to substantiate each section. 📝

Having mapped out the overall trajectory of your essay, you can start to drill down into the detail. First, write the opening sentence for each of the paragraphs in the body section of your essay. Remember – each paragraph is like a mini-essay – the opening sentence should summarise what the paragraph will then go on to explain in more detail. 🖊️

Next, it's time to write the bulk of your words and flesh out your arguments. Follow the ‘point, evidence, explain’ method. The opening sentences – already written – should introduce your ‘points’, so now you need to ‘evidence’ them with corroborating research and ‘explain’ how the evidence you’ve presented proves the point you’re trying to make. ✍️

With a rough draft in front of you, you can take a moment to read what you have written so far. Are there any sections that require further substantiation? Have you managed to include the most relevant material you originally highlighted in your background reading? Now is the time to make sure you have evidenced all your opinions and claims with the strongest quotes, citations and material. 📗

This is your final chance to re-read your essay and go over it with a fine-toothed comb before pressing ‘submit’. We highly recommend leaving a day or two between finishing your essay and the final proofread if possible – you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes, allowing you to return with a fresh pair of eyes and a more discerning judgment. 🤓

If you are looking for advice and support with your own essay-writing adventures, why not t ry a free trial lesson with GoStudent? Our tutors are experts at boosting academic success and having fun along the way. Get in touch and see how it can work for you today. 🎒

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