An essay is a short, expository composition.
An essay is a short literary composition on a particular theme or subject. Focus is important, but the genre provides room for exploring ideas as well, and going beyond the original thesis, as demonstrated by great essay writers such as Virginia Woolf and E. B. White. Often, an essay can be used to express the development of a line of thought or idea---usually in prose---or to analyze poetry or a work of fiction.
Topic
Pick a topic of interest, if not working from an assignment. The closer the topic is to something that you think about or care about, the more natural writing the essay will be.
Research
Research the topic carefully. A research to writing ratio of 4-to-1 is not uncommon. Be sure to use multiple, credible sources, and cross-check facts against sources to ensure their accuracy. Keep an eye out for unusual ideas that could lead to interesting elements in your essay. Frequently, you will find information that could not have been anticipated that will spur creativity.
Outline
Write an outline or do a pre-write to begin. An outline is a skeleton; a pre-write organizes your ideas and gets you directly into the writing process. A pre-write consists of taking a creative approach to starting your essay. Imagine being interviewed about your topic, or describing it to a friend. These less formal techniques can get the words flowing. Either an outline or pre-write helps you stay focused on your thesis and provide architecture for the essay. Whichever one you choose, don't be afraid to modify it as you go as your ideas develop. Adding to original ideas or information can easily be changed after the outline or pre-write has been set up.
Process
If you don't already have a thesis stated, write that first. It is the statement of the point you wish to prove. When writing the body, use a topic sentence for each paragraph and develop it with three or more sentences. Cite sources to back up your facts and use footnotes or endnotes if they are required. If you get stuck in any point of the writing process, take a break and do some brainstorming, writing what comes into your head on the topic and arranging it later to generate ideas. You can edit or arrange it later. Another option it to go back to your sources to find new information. The conclusion at the end of the essay should be a restatement of the thesis, with a recapitulation of the major points, along with any corollary conclusions you reached along the way.
Timing
Start early, which can't be overemphasized. The more time you have to let what you have written percolate, the better the finished product will be. Write the essay and then let it sit for a day or so. Pick it up again and read it, and notice where there is room for improvement.
Proofreading
Proofread carefully. Ideally, have a friend or colleague proofread the essay, too. This is key to producing a professional finished product.
Tags: outline pre-write, back your, essay short, find information, finished product, that could, writing process