How to plan an essay

Now here is a fool proof way on how to plan an essay that has worked for me throughout my school and university studies. It is no different to the golden rules of essay writing but rather just simplifies the process. It doesn't matter whether it is a writing assignment, for school university, college or work this tips will get you well on your way to writing well.

Communication skills whether they be public speaking or writing skills are so vital in todays job market that they appear on almost all job selection criteria.

it is essential then if you are applying for a new or even contemplating a career change that your writing skills are not only up to scratch but advanced.

Introduction

As they say this is where you tell them what you're going to tell them. I usually don't launch into this but rather start writing with an introductory short paragraph that is very general. I then usually use my second paragraph to outline what I intend to say and what my objectives are or what the argument of the essay.

Body

Now before you start writing the essay take out a blank piece of paper and write the headings Intro, Body and Conclusion in 3 equal sections. You only need to worry about the body. Write 5-6 key points under the body heading that you want to cover or what the question is asking you to cover ensuring that you do what it says ie Evaluate, Outline, Describe or whatever. Ensure the points are linked in your essay and based on evidence that is both for & against. You intend to present a more compelling argument one way or another on the stronger of the two evidence.

That is all you need to do as once you know what you're going to write the Intro and Conclusion should be easy.

Conclusion

This is where you tell them what you've told them! Don't introduce new ideas in your essay or points here, you should have done that in the body. Just summarise your argument and conclude with perhaps an insightful remark. You can put an opinion in but make sure it is backed up by the evidence you have outlined.

That is a simple way to write an excellent essay!

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