Blog Creative Writing Tips: How to Write An Essay
By Jenni Harrison | Annual Showcase, Writing Tips
Step 1: Choose a Captivating Topic
The first step to writing a great essay is selecting an interesting topic. Look for subjects you're passionate about or you’re curious to learn more about. A strong topic will make the writing process more enjoyable and engaging.
Step 2: Plan and Organise
Before you start writing, take a moment to plan your essay. Create an outline with your main ideas, supporting points, and a clear introduction and conclusion. Organising your thoughts will help you stay focused and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
Step 3: Craft a Strong Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a concise sentence that outlines the main point of your essay. Your thesis statement is what the rest of the essay is trying to prove. Make sure it's clear, specific, and sets the tone for your entire piece. For example: “Computer games are important because they let us explore magical worlds, solve puzzles, and work together with friends.”
Step 4: Research and Gather Information
If your essay requires research, gather information from reliable sources such as books, articles, and reputable websites. Take notes, highlight key points, and jot down any quotes that you might use in your essay.
Step 5: Start Writing the Introduction
The introduction is your chance to grab the reader's attention. Start with a hook, such as an intriguing fact, a thought-provoking question, or an interesting anecdote. Then, provide some background information and present your thesis statement.
Step 6: Develop the Paragraphs
Each paragraph should focus on a single supporting point. Begin with a sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Provide evidence, examples, and explanations to support your point. Use smooth transitions to connect your ideas and maintain a coherent flow.
Step 7: Write a Compelling Conclusion
Summarise your main points in the conclusion and restate your thesis in a fresh way. Reflect on the significance of your topic and its implications. Leave the reader with something to think about or a call to action.
Step 8: Revise and Edit
Once you've written your first draft, take a break before revising. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing and ensure it flows smoothly.
Step 9: Get Feedback
Share your essay with a friend, family member, or teacher for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your essay.
Step 10: Finalise Your Essay
Incorporate the feedback you received and make any necessary changes. Double-check your formatting and overall presentation. Once you're satisfied, your essay is ready to shine!
Essay writing is a skill that improves with practice. By following these steps, you'll not only become a more confident writer but also develop your critical thinking and communication abilities. Remember, the more you write, the better you'll become, so don't be afraid to tackle different essay topics and explore your creative potential!
For some inspiration, take a look at Muskaan’s essay ‘Should Fairy Tales Be Changed?’ which won the 15-18 year-old category in last year’s Annual Showcase competition.
🌟🌟🌟 Back for 2023, The Young Writers' Annual Showcase 🌟🌟🌟
which celebrates all writing styles and has a 1,000-word limit.
Open to all 4-18 year-olds to showcase their best piece of work; this could be something that's already written or a new piece created especially for entry.
It's a fantastic way to appreciate extended writing on all themes, and a great opportunity for young writers to write at length.
From song lyrics and blog posts to stories, scripts, or an article, we cannot wait to read the work we receive... Find out more here!
Published: Fri 18th Aug 2023