Writing an Essay
Definition
An essay is generally a short piece of writing outlining the writer’s perspective or story. It is often
considered synonymous with a story or a paper or an article. Essays can be both formal as well as
informal. Formal essays are generally academic in nature and tackle serious topics. In formal essay
writing, your ability to follow a set structure is as important as the quality and originality of your
arguments. Write with passion and intelligence and your formal essay will be joy to read.
Format of an Essay
A formal essay should not use slang or informal words or phrases. It is a creative process so it
should not be confined within boundaries. However, there is a basic structure that is generally
followed while writing essays. So let us take a look at the general structure of an essay.
Introduction
This is the first paragraph of your essay. This is where the writer introduces his topic for the very
first time. You can give a very brief synopsis of your essay in the introductory paragraph. Generally,
it is not very long, about 4-6 lines.
Body
This is the main crux of your essays. The body is the meat of your essay sandwiched between the
introduction and the conclusion. So the most vital and important content of the essay will be here.
This need not be confined to one paragraph. It can extend to two or more paragraphs according to
the content.
Keep these tips to mind when you are developing the body of the essay:
o You should keep using formal language and in a good grammar with the clear meaning.
o Separate the body of your paper in shorter paragraphs, so it will be easier to read. Structure
the paragraphs in accordance with the ideas you express. There must be a cohesive flow
between them.
o You may put some concrete examples to support your mind idea but keep maintaining in
the same topic.
Conclusion
This is the last paragraph of the essay. Sometimes a conclusion will just mirror the introductory
paragraph but make sure the words and syntax are different. A conclusion is also a great place to
sum up a story or an argument. You can round up your essay by providing some moral or wrapping
up a story. Make sure you complete your essays with the conclusion, leave no hanging threads.
Tips for Essay Writing
o Give your essays an interesting and appropriate title. It will help draw the attention of the
reader and pique their curiosity.
o Keep it between 300-500 words. This is the ideal length, you can take creative license to
increase or decrease it yet this task required you to write no more than 350 words.
o Most formal essays avoid using first person pronouns like "I" or "we". This is because the
essay seeks to support the thesis statement, and using first person pronouns would render
the thesis statement as mere opinion.
o A formal essay should not use slang or informal words or phrases. Think of a formal
essay as a professional or academic piece of writing, and make choices appropriate for
the audience that might be reading a professional/academic essay and all statements that
you include in your paper should be clear and realistic.
o Do not make grammar mistakes, use correct punctuation and spellings.
o Before beginning the essay organize your thought and plot a rough draft. This way you
can ensure the story will flow and not be an unorganized mess. Reread your essay at the
end of your writing process.
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DEADLINE 27 June, 2019
