Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing essays for years, it’s always good to have an extra set of tools and strategies at your disposal. This article introduces key tips and techniques to help you write better academic essays.
Topic Sentences
Topic sentences are important because they tell a reader what you will argue in a paragraph and how that argument will be shaped. They also make your essay easier to read and understand.
In addition, they tell a reader whether you will use facts or your own ideas to support your point of view. The topic sentence can be the most important part of a paragraph and should always be concise and clear.
Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs are crucial to writing an effective essay. They show your reader how your arguments relate to each other and also provide a logical path from your introduction to your conclusion.
Generally, a body paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding statement. Your thesis should be stated in the topic sentence, and you should explain your evidence in the supporting sentences.
First of all, start with an effective introductory paragraph. It will tell the reader what to expect and give a sense of your essay’s tone and style.
Your concluding sentence should restate your original point and reaffirm it in light of the evidence you’ve presented. You can use transition words to create a smooth flow from one body paragraph to the next.
The best body paragraphs start with a surprising fact or information related to your topic. This will make your essay seem more interesting to the reader and will hook them as they read on.
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is an important part of your essay, and it can make or break the grade you receive. A good thesis statement will tell your reader what to expect from your paper and help control the ideas you include.
It should be clear and precise, avoiding generalities that leave the reader nowhere to go. For example, if your thesis statement is “World hunger persists because of the lack of jobs and farming in infertile soil,” you may want to narrow your claim to “Hunger continues because the global economy fails to create jobs or provide sustainable agriculture.” This type of thesis makes it easier for you to marshal evidence supporting your argument.
To develop a strong thesis, start by brainstorming ideas. This will help you to identify connections between different ideas and themes.
Conclusion
The conclusion of an essay is a great place to restate your thesis statement and summarize all the main points you covered throughout the body of the paper. It’s also a chance to remind your reader why you wrote your essay in the first place, whether for your own personal reasons or because you want to impact the world around you.
A good conclusion will help your readers feel more confident in their understanding of the topic. You can do this by using a quote or phrase that helps them understand your point better or by connecting the final paragraph with something you discussed initially.
Conclusions can be tricky to write. It’s a natural reaction to try and summarise everything you’ve said in the body of the essay, but that can end up sounding like a rambling scribble.
That’s why it’s important to stick to a clear, consistent tone of voice throughout your essay and in conclusion. A rambling, uncoordinated ending can lead to confusion and may sap force from your arguments.
