How to Write an Academic Essay: Steps, Types, and Resources
A type of writing that aims to inform, persuade, or explore a topic using evidence, analysis, and interpretation. 1 2 4
Video guide on essay writing steps✕Video guide on essay writing stepsOrganizing and summarizing search results for youTo write a good academic essay, you need to:
- Choose a topic and define your thesis statement, which is a concise claim that expresses your main point or argument.
- Do your research and gather sources, which are the books, articles, websites, or other materials that provide information or evidence for your essay.
- Create an essay outline, which is a plan that helps you organize your ideas and arguments in a logical way.
- Write the introduction, which is the first paragraph that grabs the reader's attention, provides background information, and presents your thesis statement.
- Write the main body, which is the core of your essay, where you develop and support your arguments with evidence and analysis.
- Write the conclusion, which is the last paragraph that summarizes your main points, restates your thesis statement, and shows the significance and implications of your argument.
- Edit and proofread your essay, which is the process of checking and improving your grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and style.
- Cite your sources, which is the practice of giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism. 1 2 4
Based on 4 sources:Types and Purposes of Academic Essays
Video on expository essay✕Video on expository essayDepending on the subject, level, and assignment, there are different types of essays that serve different purposes and follow different guidelines. In this section, we will introduce seven common types of academic essays and explain their features and goals. 11
- Expository essay: An expository essay explains a topic or concept using facts and examples. It does not include personal opinions or biases, but presents information objectively and clearly. The goal of an expository essay is to inform and educate the reader about a topic. 10
- Argumentative essay: An argumentative essay persuades the reader to adopt a certain stance on a debatable issue. It presents a clear thesis statement and supports it with evidence and reasoning. It also addresses opposing views and counterarguments. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader of the validity of the author's position. 10
- Narrative essay: A narrative essay tells a story, recounting events or personal experiences in chronological order. It uses vivid descriptions, sensory details, and emotional language to engage the reader. The goal of a narrative essay is to present a compelling narrative and convey emotions and personal reflections. 10
- Descriptive essay: A descriptive essay describes a person, place, object, or phenomenon in detail. It uses creative language and sensory details to bring the topic to life for the reader. The goal of a descriptive essay is to create a vivid image and impression of the topic. 10
- Comparative essay: A comparative essay analyzes similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It highlights common themes, contrasting features, and unique characteristics. The goal of a comparative essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subjects and their relationships. 10
- Cause and effect essay: A cause and effect essay investigates the relationships between events, actions, or phenomena. It explores the reasons behind occurrences and the consequences that follow. The goal of a cause and effect essay is to understand the underlying mechanisms and implications of the topic. 10
- Problem-solution essay: A problem-solution essay identifies a problem or issue and proposes potential solutions. It analyzes the causes and implications of the problem, evaluates different solutions, and recommends the most effective approach. The goal of a problem-solution essay is to provide a practical and well-reasoned solution. 10
WebMay 11, 2024 · Scribbr offers various services and tools to help you improve your academic writing, such as proofreading, plagiarism detection, citation generation, and AI detection. …
Learn how to write an academic essay with this comprehensive guide. It covers the essay writing process, structure, and tips, with examples and a checklist.
WebHarvard College Writing Center 5 Asking Analytical Questions When you write an essay for a course you are taking, you are being asked not only to create a product (the essay) …
WebJan 16, 2024 · Learn the basic steps and tips for writing an essay, from generating ideas and picking a type to revising and proofreading. Find out how to structure your essay, choose your thesis, and cite your sources.
WebFeb 9, 2015 · Learn how to write an essay with this example that shows the structure, introduction, paragraphs, transitions and conclusion. The essay topic is the development …
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