method of essay writing

How to Write an Essay

How To Write An Essay

‍ Start by thoroughly analyzing the question to grasp its essence. Define your central argument or thesis. Support your argument with a combination of solid evidence, logical reasoning, and references to scholarly works. Ensure the essay is well-organized, presenting ideas coherently. Maintain clear and concise writing throughout. Finally, accurately cite all sources and evidence used, adhering to appropriate academic referencing standards.

All you need to know about essay writing is right here. So, let’s take some consistent baby steps.

Read through our guide until the end, and in time, you’ll become an exceptional essay writer, and the process will become automatic and natural to you. ‍ ‍

Pre-writing Tips

Get to know pre-writing tips to help you figure out how to write a good essay. Before you start writing, consider all of the following without skipping any steps:

• Truly understand your task : Make sure you grasp what the essay task is asking.
• Brainstorming : You can try to use techniques like mind mapping and freewriting to let yourself generate ideas in a free flow.
• Create an outline : You’ll save yourself some time and effort by outlining. This helps you structure your ideas and main points.
• Consider your audience : Make sure you remember who you’re writing for.

Lay the groundwork for your essay writing by considering the points above. If you want a smoother process, then work smart and not hard. 

Learning The Importance of Essay Structure

Structure and adaptation are important when it comes to figuring out how to write a good essay.

Organizing Your Essay Writing Process Effectively

Make sure that your college essay is well-structured. This is crucial, and it ensures you are presenting your arguments as logically and comprehensively as possible. You need your ideas to flow smoothly and to engage your audience. 

By organizing your essay, you convey your ideas logically and creatively. This boosts your power to not just inform but to persuade as well. Master how to write an essay in an organized manner, and you've already mastered half of it.

Adapt To Different Prompts

Adapting to various prompts involves fitting your writing to the specific requirements. Do this by remembering these tips: 

• Analyze the prompt.
• Identify the essay type and topic.
• Tailor your writing style, tone, and approach to the criteria.

If you need help to write an essay don't forget Studyfy, since you'll find plenty of writing help on the platform.

Picking Your Topic

Picking the right topic is a crucial element in how to write a compelling essay. The right topic captures your audience’s interest easily. Moreover, the right topic also resonates with YOU. Still confused? If you need help writing an essay, you know where to go.

And please, do be mindful of the following: 

• Consider what you’re interested in and what you already have prior knowledge of.
• Take into account who your audience is.
• Take into account the essay’s purpose and aim.
• Make sure that your chosen topic is actually manageable to write but also allows for in-depth analysis and exploration.

Creating A Good Title

If you want to draw your audience in from the get-go and if you want to come off strong, after choosing your topic, you’ll want to create a captivating title. It should be engaging and relevant. Does this confuse you? You can send a “ write my essay ” order on Studyfy right now, and it’s off your hands and into an expert’s hands.

Here are a few pointers to remember: 

• Create a title that’s relevant to your essay’s thesis but is also capturing/engaging. The first impression you give to your readers can set the whole tone for how they take in your essay.
• Be concise but also descriptive. Find the good middle. 

Building Your Thesis, Body, and Conclusion

Writing an essay can be rewarding once you get the hang of it. If you learn and apply effective ways to construct and write its parts, you can truly create something impressive. The three central pillars of your essay are your thesis, body, and conclusion.

Whether you're writing admissions essays, five paragraph essay, argumentative essays or other types of college essays, the paragraph structure is very similar for any particular topic.

Like acts of a play, each part is vital. We’re going to learn the exact ways in which you can write great theses, bodies, and conclusions. Read carefully. 

Crafting a Compelling Central Argument - Guiding Your Essay's Direction

Good essay writing means starting with an effective and well-thought-out thesis statement. Think of your thesis statement as a compass. It serves to guide your writing. It needs to be clear and have conviction. Remember these pointers when making one: 

• Zero in on the best potential “core” idea : After brainstorming, you should have a list of ideas you can sift through. Find the best one with the most potential to develop.
• Take a stance while being informative : Thesis statements should represent your stance. They don’t merely inform. It needs to open up to debate or a perspective you want to prove/convey in the entirety of your essay. 
• Be precise and engaging : Be specific but engaging at the same time when writing your thesis statement.
• Remain flexible : When you write, remember that the topic has a chance of evolving or changing. Your thesis should reflect/change with it. If you need to refine it as you write, you should. Just make sure it’s relevant/related to what you’re writing.

Struggling with the Write An Essay

Get your assignments done by real pros. Save your precious time and boost your marks with ease.

How To Write A Great Academic Essay Body: The Main Arguments

• Start with a Topic Sentence, setting the paragraph's focus like a mini-thesis.
• Elaborate on the Topic Sentence.
• Present Supporting Evidence.
• Examine and Interpret the Evidence.
• Establish how it supports your main argument.
• Conclude with a Transition to the next point.

Your body paragraphs are where you’ll develop your arguments that support your thesis. This is where you will present evidence and examples in a cohesive and impactful way through your writing. Always reference back to your thesis statement so as not to go off-topic. Remember these pointers: 

• Arrange your points logically : This means ensuring each paragraph transitions seamlessly to the next. By structuring logically, you strengthen your arguments and persuasiveness, and you remain coherent. You convey your ideas smoothly to the reader. 
• Develop each point completely : You should finish exploring and developing a point in its wholeness. Use evidence, present strong examples, and show the reader your unique stance/thoughts on the argument. 
• Use transitions : For seamless reading, use academically approved transition words, like “Furthermore” or “Additionally.” 

The foundation of learning how to do an essay properly is by understanding that each part of the essay is a cohesive whole. To provide context means to glue the first sentence to the main argument and, for example, tie the main stages with transitional phrases.

How To Write An Essay: Ending with Impact

Another crucial element of how to write essays effectively is writing a strong conclusion. You should reinforce your thesis statements and your main points in this part. Here is what you need to remember: 

• Revisit your thesis statement : Rephrase, reiterate and showcase your developed arguments.
• Emphasize key findings and thoughts : Rewrite and recap the key points in your college essay to help your audience retain your core arguments.
• Conclude with a strong thought : Conclude with a call-to-action, idea, or provocative question that encourages the reader to explore the topic of your essay even after they’ve read your entire paper.
• Keep it concise : Be concise and focused in your conclusion. Don’t introduce new information. 

Bonus Tips: Improving Your Style and Argumentation

We’ve gone through all the main information you’ll need for essay writing, but you should know some of these additional tips to truly step up your writing game. Another way to step up your writing game is to consider Studyfy’s admission essay writing service and other writing services. Let’s dive deeper into bettering your style and arguments.

Becoming A Master Persuader

To become a true master at essay writing and never need help with writing an essay, you’ll want to practice the art of persuasion. You want to sway and influence your readers by engaging them deeply in your arguments. Remember these points: 

• Analyze your audience : When tailoring your voice and writing for your audience, you should also tailor your ARGUMENTS to them so they resonate. Try to speculate your audience’s perspectives, values, beliefs, and thought patterns. This will give you a deeper insight when developing your arguments. 
• Use strong opening sentences : Make sure to grab your readers’ attention right from the start. 
• Persuasive language : Using words and sentences that foster a sense of importance and urgency and ignite curiosity. Integrate persuasive language throughout your essay, like call-to-actions, emotional appeals, rhetorical questions, inclusive language, and testimonials. 

Appeal to Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

When writing an essay, a good way to strengthen your argumentation is to appeal to ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) in your readers. Take a look at these pointers: 

• Establishing credibility (appealing to ethos) : Use reliable sources, cite experts, use strong evidence, and use testimonials. By showing your audience you're backing up your arguments with credible facts, you strengthen your persuasion power. 
• Connect on an emotional level (appealing to pathos) : When you have their heart, you have them. Use vivid language, relatable anecdotes, and examples, and tap into the power of emotion.
• Logical reasoning is powerful (appealing to logos) : Using facts and logical points to present clear data and statistics can strengthen your argument significantly. An argument that has solid evidence is hard to deny. 

Bonus Tips: Empowering Your Writing Skills

When pondering on how to make an essay better, it’s important to look beyond the obvious advice. In this section, we remind you to go above and beyond. Let’s find out some additional techniques that you can apply to your essay writing to improve it even further.

Infusing Your Voice Into Your Writing

Overwhelmed by the amount of things you need to learn for essay writing? You can always pay for essay services and get a professional’s help any time. Now, to infuse your voice into your essay writing, take note of these pointers:

• Be authentic and share your perspective : Your beliefs, experiences, and values should not be completely avoided when writing. If relevant to the topic, your stance can provide a fresh and new angle on your essay, and it can help your essay stand out.
• Do not be afraid to be creative : Play with language by using metaphors, descriptive language, similes, and other literary tools. It makes your writing memorable and enjoyable when done right.

Cross-Referencing

If you need help with writing an essay to make it better, try to integrate interdisciplinary concepts into your writing. Cross-referencing other fields like history, psychology, science, and literature to provide deeper insights into your arguments can strengthen your essay. Ensure your references add to your arguments, and don’t go off-topic.

Develop Flexibility In Perception

Another way to empower your writing skills and determine how to write an excellent essay is to view and present arguments and statements from different angles. This niche skill is invaluable. If you learn how to master it, you can be a very persuasive writer. Find ways to examine and defend both sides of a topic. Present counter-arguments, and so on.

This requires a lot of practice to use effectively but is easily one of the best things you can develop in essay writing and life. Usually, an argumentative essay is a successful essay if its body paragraphs create a basic structure of opposing context for a specific topic. Your writing process and your introduction paragraph can open the way for the entire essay to delve into opposing topics.

Make sure to do proper research, develop a good idea about what the topics are different or similar to, and, for example, explain your main thesis in a few paragraphs. A clear thesis makes the main body almost write itself - in any type of essay, including an argumentative essay.

Bonus Tips: Remaining Ethical In Writing

Remaining ethical and upholding integrity and credibility in your essay writing is key to passing academia since your professors will double-check your work to make sure you haven’t engaged in cheating. How do you write an essay while remaining ethical? Let’s find out.

How To Avoid Plagiarizing

You’ll need to avoid plagiarizing completely. The degree of punishment you can get for plagiarizing will vary from institution to institution, with some proving to be more lenient while others will be less forgiving. Need help? Try Studyfy’s custom essay writing service and get an expert writer to help you.

 Remember these points to save yourself the grief: 

• Remember : Plagiarism isn’t only copying text; it’s also using other people’s data, ideas, concepts, and so on without properly crediting them. 
• You SHOULD paraphrase : Master paraphrasing by reinterpreting the information you’ve examined. Use your own words. 
• Improve research and note-taking skills : If you research effectively and take notes on the data you collect, it will be easier to distinguish your original ideas from your resources.

Essay Checklist

If you’ve read everything thoroughly and applied what’s been stated in our guide, you should be much better at writing essays. To further improve your experience, here’s an essay checklist you can use to make sure you’ve done everything you need to. 

Remember to focus on the formatting issues as well, including common mistakes, passive voice, too much everyday experience, and ambiguous word choice.

Checklist Item

• Strong and Clear Thesis Statement
• Effective Introduction
• Well-developed Arguments
• Evidence and Support
• Paragraph Structure
• Transitions
• Strong Conclusion
• Correct Citations and References
• Plagiarism-free
• Editing, Proofreading, and Revision
• Complied With Word Count
• Correct Formatting

Did you like our article?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay writing services!

Which key elements make up a strong essay structure?

A strong introduction that grabs the audience and introduces the thesis statement effectively. A body that presents ideas and arguments that support the thesis. A conclusion that sums up the main points of the essay and reintroduces the thesis in light of the arguments stated. This is how to write an essay in English effectively.

How do I write a clear and strong thesis statement?

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I write an essay that has a strong thesis statement?” We remind you to narrow your ideas and zero in on a key idea. This idea should be specific, and it should be an idea that you can fully develop and explore.

This blog is here to provide guidance and ease the essay writing process - we're here for you from the moment you start writing to the moment you reach the central point and reach the next paragraph.

What can I do to ensure my essay is engaging and persuasive?

Be sure your introduction is compelling and uses strong, active verbs. Your arguments should be presented logically, and you should back them up with strong evidence. Make sure to use persuasive language like rhetorical questions, analogies, metaphors, inclusive words, call-to-actions, etc. Varying sentence structures will keep readers interested.

To keep the reader on the hook, most essays use clever paragraphs, a clear thesis, a robust main body, and a polished final draft.

What’s the best way to write an essay?

The best way to write a college essay is to be prepared. Read our guide thoroughly and give yourself enough time to write the whole essay. Don’t start at the last minute. 

When you begin writing, your writing process is in its first draft. What's important is that you remember that an essay outline is not the final essay, and your college essay can change and adapt as you go. Whether an introductory paragraph, main points or conclusion paragraph, make sure to catch the reader's attention and lead with concrete examples.

And don't forget to focus on editing. Double-check the line spacing, structure, outline, number of paragraphs, word choice, and the cohesion of the final paragraph.

Featured Posts

How to write a term paper.

How To Make An Essay Longer

How to Write a Dissertation

How to Write a Research Paper

How to Write a Discussion Post

How to Write a Lab Report

Essay Writing: A complete guide for students and teachers

P LANNING, PARAGRAPHING AND POLISHING: FINE-TUNING THE PERFECT ESSAY

Essay writing is an essential skill for every student. Whether writing a particular academic essay (such as persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or expository) or a timed exam essay, the key to getting good at writing is to write. Creating opportunities for our students to engage in extended writing activities will go a long way to helping them improve their skills as scribes.

But, putting the hours in alone will not be enough to attain the highest levels in essay writing. Practice must be meaningful. Once students have a broad overview of how to structure the various types of essays, they are ready to narrow in on the minor details that will enable them to fine-tune their work as a lean vehicle of their thoughts and ideas.

In this article, we will drill down to some aspects that will assist students in taking their essay writing skills up a notch. Many ideas and activities can be integrated into broader lesson plans based on essay writing. Often, though, they will work effectively in isolation – just as athletes isolate physical movements to drill that are relevant to their sport. When these movements become second nature, they can be repeated naturally in the context of the game or in our case, the writing of the essay.

THE ULTIMATE NONFICTION WRITING TEACHING RESOURCE

• 270  pages of the most effective teaching strategies
• 50+   digital tools  ready right out of the box
• 75   editable resources  for student   differentiation  
• Loads of   tricks and tips  to add to your teaching tool bag
• All explanations are reinforced with  concrete examples.
• Links to  high-quality video  tutorials
• Clear objectives  easy to match to the demands of your curriculum

Planning an essay

The Boys Scouts’ motto is famously ‘Be Prepared’. It’s a solid motto that can be applied to most aspects of life; essay writing is no different. Given the purpose of an essay is generally to present a logical and reasoned argument, investing time in organising arguments, ideas, and structure would seem to be time well spent.

Given that essays can take a wide range of forms and that we all have our own individual approaches to writing, it stands to reason that there will be no single best approach to the planning stage of essay writing. That said, there are several helpful hints and techniques we can share with our students to help them wrestle their ideas into a writable form. Let’s take a look at a few of the best of these:

BREAK THE QUESTION DOWN: UNDERSTAND YOUR ESSAY TOPIC.

Whether students are tackling an assignment that you have set for them in class or responding to an essay prompt in an exam situation, they should get into the habit of analyzing the nature of the task. To do this, they should unravel the question’s meaning or prompt. Students can practice this in class by responding to various essay titles, questions, and prompts, thereby gaining valuable experience breaking these down.

Have students work in groups to underline and dissect the keywords and phrases and discuss what exactly is being asked of them in the task. Are they being asked to discuss, describe, persuade, or explain? Understanding the exact nature of the task is crucial before going any further in the planning process, never mind the writing process .

BRAINSTORM AND MIND MAP WHAT YOU KNOW:

Once students have understood what the essay task asks them, they should consider what they know about the topic and, often, how they feel about it. When teaching essay writing, we so often emphasize that it is about expressing our opinions on things, but for our younger students what they think about something isn’t always obvious, even to themselves.

Brainstorming and mind-mapping what they know about a topic offers them an opportunity to uncover not just what they already know about a topic, but also gives them a chance to reveal to themselves what they think about the topic. This will help guide them in structuring their research and, later, the essay they will write . When writing an essay in an exam context, this may be the only ‘research’ the student can undertake before the writing, so practicing this will be even more important.

RESEARCH YOUR ESSAY

The previous step above should reveal to students the general direction their research will take. With the ubiquitousness of the internet, gone are the days of students relying on a single well-thumbed encyclopaedia from the school library as their sole authoritative source in their essay. If anything, the real problem for our students today is narrowing down their sources to a manageable number. Students should use the information from the previous step to help here. At this stage, it is important that they:

●      Ensure the research material is directly relevant to the essay task

●      Record in detail the sources of the information that they will use in their essay

●      Engage with the material personally by asking questions and challenging their own biases

●      Identify the key points that will be made in their essay

●      Group ideas, counterarguments, and opinions together

●      Identify the overarching argument they will make in their own essay.

Once these stages have been completed the student is ready to organise their points into a logical order.

WRITING YOUR ESSAY

There are a number of ways for students to organize their points in preparation for writing. They can use graphic organizers , post-it notes, or any number of available writing apps. The important thing for them to consider here is that their points should follow a logical progression. This progression of their argument will be expressed in the form of body paragraphs that will inform the structure of their finished essay.

The number of paragraphs contained in an essay will depend on a number of factors such as word limits, time limits, the complexity of the question etc. Regardless of the essay’s length, students should ensure their essay follows the Rule of Three in that every essay they write contains an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Generally speaking, essay paragraphs will focus on one main idea that is usually expressed in a topic sentence that is followed by a series of supporting sentences that bolster that main idea. The first and final sentences are of the most significance here with the first sentence of a paragraph making the point to the reader and the final sentence of the paragraph making the overall relevance to the essay’s argument crystal clear. 

Though students will most likely be familiar with the broad generic structure of essays, it is worth investing time to ensure they have a clear conception of how each part of the essay works, that is, of the exact nature of the task it performs. Let’s review:

Common Essay Structure

Introduction: Provides the reader with context for the essay. It states the broad argument that the essay will make and informs the reader of the writer’s general perspective and approach to the question.

Body Paragraphs: These are the ‘meat’ of the essay and lay out the argument stated in the introduction point by point with supporting evidence.

Conclusion: Usually, the conclusion will restate the central argument while summarising the essay’s main supporting reasons before linking everything back to the original question.

ESSAY WRITING PARAGRAPH WRITING TIPS

●      Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea

●      Paragraphs should follow a logical sequence; students should group similar ideas together to avoid incoherence

●      Paragraphs should be denoted consistently; students should choose either to indent or skip a line

●      Transition words and phrases such as alternatively , consequently , in contrast should be used to give flow and provide a bridge between paragraphs.

HOW TO EDIT AN ESSAY

Students shouldn’t expect their essays to emerge from the writing process perfectly formed. Except in exam situations and the like, thorough editing is an essential aspect in the writing process. 

Often, students struggle with this aspect of the process the most. After spending hours of effort on planning, research, and writing the first draft, students can be reluctant to go back over the same terrain they have so recently travelled. It is important at this point to give them some helpful guidelines to help them to know what to look out for. The following tips will provide just such help: 

One Piece at a Time: There is a lot to look out for in the editing process and often students overlook aspects as they try to juggle too many balls during the process. One effective strategy to combat this is for students to perform a number of rounds of editing with each focusing on a different aspect. For example, the first round could focus on content, the second round on looking out for word repetition (use a thesaurus to help here), with the third attending to spelling and grammar.

Sum It Up: When reviewing the paragraphs they have written, a good starting point is for students to read each paragraph and attempt to sum up its main point in a single line. If this is not possible, their readers will most likely have difficulty following their train of thought too and the paragraph needs to be overhauled.

Let It Breathe: When possible, encourage students to allow some time for their essay to ‘breathe’ before returning to it for editing purposes. This may require some skilful time management on the part of the student, for example, a student rush-writing the night before the deadline does not lend itself to effective editing. Fresh eyes are one of the sharpest tools in the writer’s toolbox.

Read It Aloud: This time-tested editing method is a great way for students to identify mistakes and typos in their work. We tend to read things more slowly when reading aloud giving us the time to spot errors. Also, when we read silently our minds can often fill in the gaps or gloss over the mistakes that will become apparent when we read out loud.

Phone a Friend: Peer editing is another great way to identify errors that our brains may miss when reading our own work. Encourage students to partner up for a little ‘you scratch my back, I scratch yours’.

Use Tech Tools: We need to ensure our students have the mental tools to edit their own work and for this they will need a good grasp of English grammar and punctuation. However, there are also a wealth of tech tools such as spellcheck and grammar checks that can offer a great once-over option to catch anything students may have missed in earlier editing rounds.

Putting the Jewels on Display: While some struggle to edit, others struggle to let go. There comes a point when it is time for students to release their work to the reader. They must learn to relinquish control after the creation is complete. This will be much easier to achieve if the student feels that they have done everything in their control to ensure their essay is representative of the best of their abilities and if they have followed the advice here, they should be confident they have done so.

WRITING CHECKLISTS FOR ALL TEXT TYPES

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92 Reviews)

ESSAY WRITING video tutorials

A clear, arguable thesis will tell your readers where you are going to end up, but it can also help you figure out how to get them there. Put your thesis at the top of a blank page and then make a list of the points you will need to make to argue that thesis effectively.

For example, consider this example from the thesis handout : While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake”(54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well”(51) is less convincing.

To argue this thesis, the author needs to do the following:

• Show what is persuasive about Sandel’s claims about the problems with striving for perfection.
• Show what is not convincing about Sandel’s claim that we can clearly distinguish between medically necessary enhancements and other enhancements.

Once you have broken down your thesis into main claims, you can then think about what sub-claims you will need to make in order to support each of those main claims. That step might look like this:

• Evidence that Sandel provides to support this claim
• Discussion of why this evidence is convincing even in light of potential counterarguments
• Discussion of cases when medically necessary enhancement and non-medical enhancement cannot be easily distinguished
• Analysis of what those cases mean for Sandel’s argument
• Consideration of counterarguments (what Sandel might say in response to this section of your argument)

Each argument you will make in an essay will be different, but this strategy will often be a useful first step in figuring out the path of your argument.  

Strategy #2: Use subheadings, even if you remove them later  

Scientific papers generally include standard subheadings to delineate different sections of the paper, including “introduction,” “methods,” and “discussion.” Even when you are not required to use subheadings, it can be helpful to put them into an early draft to help you see what you’ve written and to begin to think about how your ideas fit together. You can do this by typing subheadings above the sections of your draft.

If you’re having trouble figuring out how your ideas fit together, try beginning with informal subheadings like these:

• Introduction  
• Explain the author’s main point  
• Show why this main point doesn’t hold up when we consider this other example  
• Explain the implications of what I’ve shown for our understanding of the author  
• Show how that changes our understanding of the topic

For longer papers, you may decide to include subheadings to guide your reader through your argument. In those cases, you would need to revise your informal subheadings to be more useful for your readers. For example, if you have initially written in something like “explain the author’s main point,” your final subheading might be something like “Sandel’s main argument” or “Sandel’s opposition to genetic enhancement.” In other cases, once you have the key pieces of your argument in place, you will be able to remove the subheadings.  

Strategy #3: Create a reverse outline from your draft  

While you may have learned to outline a paper before writing a draft, this step is often difficult because our ideas develop as we write. In some cases, it can be more helpful to write a draft in which you get all of your ideas out and then do a “reverse outline” of what you’ve already written. This doesn’t have to be formal; you can just make a list of the point in each paragraph of your draft and then ask these questions:

• Are those points in an order that makes sense to you?  
• Are there gaps in your argument?  
• Do the topic sentences of the paragraphs clearly state these main points?  
• Do you have more than one paragraph that focuses on the same point? If so, do you need both paragraphs?  
• Do you have some paragraphs that include too many points? If so, would it make more sense to split them up?  
• Do you make points near the end of the draft that would be more effective earlier in your paper?  
• Are there points missing from this draft?  
• picture_as_pdf Tips for Organizing Your Essay

How To Write an Essay

Make writing an essay as easy as making a hamburger

pointnshoot / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

• Writing Skills
• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Reading Comprehension
• Business English
• Resources for Teachers

Structuring the Essay (aka Building a Burger)

Choosing a topic, drafting the outline, creating the introduction, writing the body of the essay, concluding the essay.

• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
• M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
• B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music

Writing an essay is like making a hamburger. Think of the introduction and conclusion as the bun, with the "meat" of your argument in between. The introduction is where you'll state your thesis, while the conclusion sums up your case. Both should be no more than a few sentences. The body of your essay, where you'll present facts to support your position, must be much more substantial, usually three paragraphs . Like making a hamburger, writing a good essay takes preparation. Let's get started!

Think about a hamburger for a moment. What are its three main components? There's a bun on top and a bun on the bottom. In the middle, you'll find the hamburger itself. So what does that have to do with an essay? Think of it this way:

• The top bun contains your introduction and topic statement. This paragraph begins with a hook, or factual statement intended to grab the reader's attention. It is followed by a thesis statement, an assertion that you intend to prove in the body of the essay that follows.
• The meat in the middle, called the body of the essay, is where you'll offer evidence in support of your topic or thesis. It should be three to five paragraphs in length, with each offering a main idea that is backed up by two or three statements of support.
• The bottom bun is the conclusion, which sums up the arguments you've made in the body of the essay.

Like the two pieces of a hamburger bun, the introduction and conclusion should be similar in tone, brief enough to convey your topic but substantial enough to frame the issue that you'll articulate in the meat, or body of the essay.

Before you can begin writing, you'll need to choose a topic for your essay, ideally one that you're already interested in. Nothing is harder than trying to write about something you don't care about. Your topic should be broad or common enough that most people will know at least something about what you're discussing. Technology, for example, is a good topic because it's something we can all relate to in one way or another.

Once you've chosen a topic, you must narrow it down into a single   thesis or central idea. The thesis is the position you're taking in relation to your topic or a related issue. It should be specific enough that you can bolster it with just a few relevant facts and supporting statements. Think about an issue that most people can relate to, such as: "Technology is changing our lives."

Once you've selected your topic and thesis, it's time to create a roadmap for your essay that will guide you from the introduction to conclusion. This map, called an outline, serves as a diagram for writing each paragraph of the essay, listing the three or four most important ideas that you want to convey. These ideas don't need to be written as complete sentences in the outline; that's what the actual essay is for.

Here's one way of diagramming an essay on how technology is changing our lives:

Introductory Paragraph

• Hook: Statistics on home workers
• Thesis: Technology has changed work
• Links to main ideas to be developed in the essay: Technology has changed where, how and when we work

Body Paragraph I

• Main idea: Technology has changed where we can work
• Support: Work on the road + example
• Support: Work from home + example statistic

Body Paragraph II

• Main idea: Technology has changed how we work
• Support: Technology allows us to do more on our own + example of multitasking
• Support: Technology allows us to test our ideas in simulation + example of digital weather forecasting

Body Paragraph III

• Main idea: Technology has changed when we work
• Support: Flexible work schedules + example of telecommuters working 24/7
• Support: Technology allows us to work any time + example of people teaching online from home

Concluding Paragraph

• Review of main ideas of each paragraph
• Restatement of thesis: Technology has changed how we work
• Concluding thought: Technology will continue to change us

Note that the author uses only three or four main ideas per paragraph, each with a main idea, supporting statements, and a summary. 

Once you've written and refined your outline, it's time to write the essay. Begin with the  introductory paragraph . This is your opportunity to hook the reader's interest in the very first sentence, which can be an interesting fact, a quotation, or a  rhetorical question , for instance.

After this first sentence, add your thesis statement . The thesis clearly states what you hope to express in the essay. Follow that with a sentence to introduce your  body paragraphs . This not only gives the essay structure, but it also signals to the reader what is to come. For example:

Forbes magazine reports that "One in five Americans work from home". Does that number surprise you? Information technology has revolutionized the way we work. Not only can we work almost anywhere, we can also work at any hour of the day. Also, the way we work has changed greatly through the introduction of information technology into the workplace.

Notice how the author uses a fact and addresses the reader directly to grab their attention.

Once you've written the introduction, it's time to develop the meat of your thesis in three or four paragraphs. Each should contain a single main idea, following the outline you prepared earlier. Use two or three sentences to support the main idea, citing specific examples. Conclude each paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the argument you've made in the paragraph. 

Let's consider how the location of where we work has changed. In the past, workers were required to commute to work. These days, many can choose to work from the home. From Portland, Ore., to Portland, Maine, you will find employees working for companies located hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Too, the use of robotics to manufacture products has led to employees spending more time behind a computer screen than on the production line. Whether it's in the countryside or in the city, you'll find people working everywhere they can get online. No wonder we see so many people working at cafes!

In this case, the author continues to directly address the reader while offering examples to support their assertion.

The summary paragraph summarizes your essay and is often a reverse of the introductory paragraph. Begin the summary paragraph by quickly restating the principal ideas of your body paragraphs. The penultimate (next to last) sentence should restate your basic thesis of the essay. Your final statement can be a future prediction based on what you have shown in the essay. 

In this example, the author concludes by making a prediction based on the arguments made in the essay.

Information technology has changed the time, place and manner in which we work. In short, information technology has made the computer into our office. As we continue to use new technologies, we will continue to see change. However, our need to work in order to lead happy and productive lives will never change. The where, when and how we work will never change the reason why we work.

• How to Write a Great Essay for the TOEFL or TOEIC
• Paragraph Writing
• How to Teach Essay Writing
• How to Format and Write a Simple Business Letter
• Writing Cause and Effect Essays for English Learners
• Persuasive Writing: For and Against
• Practice Speaking Skills With Impromptu Speeches
• Writing About Cities
• Graphic Organizers
• English Dictations
• How to Write a Business Report for English Learners
• 3 Tips to Improve Writing in English
• Sales Letters for English Learners
• Sentence Connectors and Sentences
• Using a Wider Range of Vocabulary - ESL Lesson Plan
• Structure of a Formal Letter

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

How To Write An Essay: Beginner Tips And Tricks

Updated: July 11, 2022

Published: June 22, 2021

Many students dread writing essays, but essay writing is an important skill to develop in high school, university, and even into your future career. By learning how to write an essay properly, the process can become more enjoyable and you’ll find you’re better able to organize and articulate your thoughts.

When writing an essay, it’s common to follow a specific pattern, no matter what the topic is. Once you’ve used the pattern a few times and you know how to structure an essay, it will become a lot more simple to apply your knowledge to every essay. 

No matter which major you choose, you should know how to craft a good essay. Here, we’ll cover the basics of essay writing, along with some helpful tips to make the writing process go smoothly.

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Types of Essays

Think of an essay as a discussion. There are many types of discussions you can have with someone else. You can be describing a story that happened to you, you might explain to them how to do something, or you might even argue about a certain topic. 

When it comes to different types of essays, it follows a similar pattern. Like a friendly discussion, each type of essay will come with its own set of expectations or goals. 

For example, when arguing with a friend, your goal is to convince them that you’re right. The same goes for an argumentative essay. 

Here are a few of the main essay types you can expect to come across during your time in school:

Narrative Essay

This type of essay is almost like telling a story, not in the traditional sense with dialogue and characters, but as if you’re writing out an event or series of events to relay information to the reader.

Persuasive Essay

Here, your goal is to persuade the reader about your views on a specific topic.

Descriptive Essay

This is the kind of essay where you go into a lot more specific details describing a topic such as a place or an event. 

Argumentative Essay

In this essay, you’re choosing a stance on a topic, usually controversial, and your goal is to present evidence that proves your point is correct.

Expository Essay

Your purpose with this type of essay is to tell the reader how to complete a specific process, often including a step-by-step guide or something similar.

Compare and Contrast Essay

You might have done this in school with two different books or characters, but the ultimate goal is to draw similarities and differences between any two given subjects.

The Main Stages of Essay Writing

When it comes to writing an essay, many students think the only stage is getting all your ideas down on paper and submitting your work. However, that’s not quite the case. 

There are three main stages of writing an essay, each one with its own purpose. Of course, writing the essay itself is the most substantial part, but the other two stages are equally as important.

So, what are these three stages of essay writing? They are:

Preparation

Before you even write one word, it’s important to prepare the content and structure of your essay. If a topic wasn’t assigned to you, then the first thing you should do is settle on a topic. Next, you want to conduct your research on that topic and create a detailed outline based on your research. The preparation stage will make writing your essay that much easier since, with your outline and research, you should already have the skeleton of your essay.

Writing is the most time-consuming stage. In this stage, you will write out all your thoughts and ideas and craft your essay based on your outline. You’ll work on developing your ideas and fleshing them out throughout the introduction, body, and conclusion (more on these soon).

In the final stage, you’ll go over your essay and check for a few things. First, you’ll check if your essay is cohesive, if all the points make sense and are related to your topic, and that your facts are cited and backed up. You can also check for typos, grammar and punctuation mistakes, and formatting errors.  

The Five-Paragraph Essay

We mentioned earlier that essay writing follows a specific structure, and for the most part in academic or college essays , the five-paragraph essay is the generally accepted structure you’ll be expected to use. 

The five-paragraph essay is broken down into one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph. However, that doesn’t always mean that an essay is written strictly in five paragraphs, but rather that this structure can be used loosely and the three body paragraphs might become three sections instead.

Let’s take a closer look at each section and what it entails.

Introduction

As the name implies, the purpose of your introduction paragraph is to introduce your idea. A good introduction begins with a “hook,” something that grabs your reader’s attention and makes them excited to read more. 

Another key tenant of an introduction is a thesis statement, which usually comes towards the end of the introduction itself. Your thesis statement should be a phrase that explains your argument, position, or central idea that you plan on developing throughout the essay. 

You can also include a short outline of what to expect in your introduction, including bringing up brief points that you plan on explaining more later on in the body paragraphs.

Here is where most of your essay happens. The body paragraphs are where you develop your ideas and bring up all the points related to your main topic. 

In general, you’re meant to have three body paragraphs, or sections, and each one should bring up a different point. Think of it as bringing up evidence. Each paragraph is a different piece of evidence, and when the three pieces are taken together, it backs up your main point — your thesis statement — really well.

That being said, you still want each body paragraph to be tied together in some way so that the essay flows. The points should be distinct enough, but they should relate to each other, and definitely to your thesis statement. Each body paragraph works to advance your point, so when crafting your essay, it’s important to keep this in mind so that you avoid going off-track or writing things that are off-topic.

Many students aren’t sure how to write a conclusion for an essay and tend to see their conclusion as an afterthought, but this section is just as important as the rest of your work. 

You shouldn’t be presenting any new ideas in your conclusion, but you should summarize your main points and show how they back up your thesis statement. 

Essentially, the conclusion is similar in structure and content to the introduction, but instead of introducing your essay, it should be wrapping up the main thoughts and presenting them to the reader as a singular closed argument. 

Photo by AMIT RANJAN on Unsplash

Steps to Writing an Essay

Now that you have a better idea of an essay’s structure and all the elements that go into it, you might be wondering what the different steps are to actually write your essay. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Instead of going in blind, follow these steps on how to write your essay from start to finish.

Understand Your Assignment

When writing an essay for an assignment, the first critical step is to make sure you’ve read through your assignment carefully and understand it thoroughly. You want to check what type of essay is required, that you understand the topic, and that you pay attention to any formatting or structural requirements. You don’t want to lose marks just because you didn’t read the assignment carefully.

Research Your Topic

Once you understand your assignment, it’s time to do some research. In this step, you should start looking at different sources to get ideas for what points you want to bring up throughout your essay. 

Search online or head to the library and get as many resources as possible. You don’t need to use them all, but it’s good to start with a lot and then narrow down your sources as you become more certain of your essay’s direction.

Start Brainstorming

After research comes the brainstorming. There are a lot of different ways to start the brainstorming process . Here are a few you might find helpful:

• Think about what you found during your research that interested you the most
• Jot down all your ideas, even if they’re not yet fully formed
• Create word clouds or maps for similar terms or ideas that come up so you can group them together based on their similarities
• Try freewriting to get all your ideas out before arranging them

Create a Thesis

This is often the most tricky part of the whole process since you want to create a thesis that’s strong and that you’re about to develop throughout the entire essay. Therefore, you want to choose a thesis statement that’s broad enough that you’ll have enough to say about it, but not so broad that you can’t be precise. 

Write Your Outline

Armed with your research, brainstorming sessions, and your thesis statement, the next step is to write an outline. 

In the outline, you’ll want to put your thesis statement at the beginning and start creating the basic skeleton of how you want your essay to look. 

A good way to tackle an essay is to use topic sentences . A topic sentence is like a mini-thesis statement that is usually the first sentence of a new paragraph. This sentence introduces the main idea that will be detailed throughout the paragraph. 

If you create an outline with the topic sentences for your body paragraphs and then a few points of what you want to discuss, you’ll already have a strong starting point when it comes time to sit down and write. This brings us to our next step… 

Write a First Draft

The first time you write your entire essay doesn’t need to be perfect, but you do need to get everything on the page so that you’re able to then write a second draft or review it afterward. 

Everyone’s writing process is different. Some students like to write their essay in the standard order of intro, body, and conclusion, while others prefer to start with the “meat” of the essay and tackle the body, and then fill in the other sections afterward. 

Make sure your essay follows your outline and that everything relates to your thesis statement and your points are backed up by the research you did. 

Revise, Edit, and Proofread

The revision process is one of the three main stages of writing an essay, yet many people skip this step thinking their work is done after the first draft is complete. 

However, proofreading, reviewing, and making edits on your essay can spell the difference between a B paper and an A.

After writing the first draft, try and set your essay aside for a few hours or even a day or two, and then come back to it with fresh eyes to review it. You might find mistakes or inconsistencies you missed or better ways to formulate your arguments.

Add the Finishing Touches

Finally, you’ll want to make sure everything that’s required is in your essay. Review your assignment again and see if all the requirements are there, such as formatting rules, citations, quotes, etc. 

Go over the order of your paragraphs and make sure everything makes sense, flows well, and uses the same writing style . 

Once everything is checked and all the last touches are added, give your essay a final read through just to ensure it’s as you want it before handing it in. 

A good way to do this is to read your essay out loud since you’ll be able to hear if there are any mistakes or inaccuracies.

Essay Writing Tips

With the steps outlined above, you should be able to craft a great essay. Still, there are some other handy tips we’d recommend just to ensure that the essay writing process goes as smoothly as possible.

• Start your essay early. This is the first tip for a reason. It’s one of the most important things you can do to write a good essay. If you start it the night before, then you won’t have enough time to research, brainstorm, and outline — and you surely won’t have enough time to review.
• Don’t try and write it in one sitting. It’s ok if you need to take breaks or write it over a few days. It’s better to write it in multiple sittings so that you have a fresh mind each time and you’re able to focus.
• Always keep the essay question in mind. If you’re given an assigned question, then you should always keep it handy when writing your essay to make sure you’re always working to answer the question.
• Use transitions between paragraphs. In order to improve the readability of your essay, try and make clear transitions between paragraphs. This means trying to relate the end of one paragraph to the beginning of the next one so the shift doesn’t seem random.
• Integrate your research thoughtfully. Add in citations or quotes from your research materials to back up your thesis and main points. This will show that you did the research and that your thesis is backed up by it.

Wrapping Up

Writing an essay doesn’t need to be daunting if you know how to approach it. Using our essay writing steps and tips, you’ll have better knowledge on how to write an essay and you’ll be able to apply it to your next assignment. Once you do this a few times, it will become more natural to you and the essay writing process will become quicker and easier.

If you still need assistance with your essay, check with a student advisor to see if they offer help with writing. At University of the People(UoPeople), we always want our students to succeed, so our student advisors are ready to help with writing skills when necessary. 

Related Articles

• Services for education institutions
• Academic subject areas
• Peer connection
• Evidence of Studiosity impact
• Case studies from our partners
• Research Hub
• The Tracey Bretag Integrity Prize
• The Studiosity Symposium
• Studiosity for English learners
• Video case studies
• Meet the online team

Academic Advisory Board

Meet the board.

• Social responsibility
• Meet the team
• Join the team

How to structure paragraphs using the PEEL method

Sophia Gardner

Sep 1, 2023

You may have heard of the acronym PEEL for essays, but what exactly does it mean? And how can it help you? We’re here to explain it all, plus give you some tips on how to nail your next essay.

There’s certainly an art to writing essays. If you haven’t written one for a while, or if you would like to hone your academic writing skills, the PEEL paragraph method is an easy way to get your point across in a clear and concise way, that is easily digestible to the reader. 

So, what exactly is PEEL ? 

The PEEL paragraph method is a technique used in writing to help structure paragraphs in a way that presents a single clear and focused argument, which links back to the essay topic or thesis statement. 

It’s good practice to dedicate each paragraph to  one  aspect of your argument, and the PEEL structure simplifies this for you.

It allows you to create a paragraph that is easy and accessible for others to understand. Remember, when you’re writing something, it’s not just you who is reading it - you need to consider the reader and how they are going to be digesting this new information. 

What does PEEL stand for? 

P = Point: start your paragraph with a clear topic sentence that establishes what your paragraph is going to be about. Your point should support your essay argument or thesis statement.

E = Evidence/Example: here you should use a piece of evidence or an example that helps to reaffirm your initial point and develop the argument. 

E = Explain: next you need to explain exactly how your evidence/example supports your point, giving further information to ensure that your reader understands its relevance.

L = Link: to finish the paragraph off, you need to link the point you’ve just made back to your essay question, topic, or thesis.

Download a free PEEL paragraph planner below. 👇

Studiosity English specialist Ellen, says says students often underestimate the importance of a well-structured paragraph. 

PEEL in practice

Here’s an example of what you might include in a PEEL structured paragraph: 

Topic: Should infants be given iPads?  Thesis/argument: Infants should not be given iPads.

Point : Infants should not be given iPads, because studies show children under two can face developmental delays if they are exposed to too much screen time. 

Evidence/Example: A recent paediatric study showed that infants who are exposed to too much screen time may experience delays in speech development.

Explanation: The reason infants are facing these delays is because screen time is replacing other key developmental activities.

Link: The evidence suggests that infants who have a lot of screen time experience negative consequences in their speech development, and therefore they should not be exposed to iPads at such a young age.

Once you’ve written your PEEL paragraph, do a checklist to ensure you have covered off all four elements of the PEEL structure. Your point should be a clear introduction to the argument you are making in this paragraph; your example or evidence should be strong and relevant (ask yourself, have you chosen the best example?); your explanation should be demonstrate why your evidence is important and how it conveys meaning; and your link should summarise the point you’ve just made and link back to the broader essay argument or topic. 

Keep your paragraphs clear, focused, and not too long. If you find your paragraphs are getting lengthy, take a look at how you could split them into multiple paragraphs, and ensure you’re creating a new paragraph for each new idea you introduce to the essay. 

Finally, it’s important to always proofread your paragraph. Read it once, twice, and then read it again. Check your paragraph for spelling, grammar, language and sentence flow. A good way to do this is to read it aloud to yourself, and if it sounds clunky or unclear, consider rewriting it. 

That’s it! We hope this helps explain the PEEL method and how it can help you with your next essay. 😊

You might also like:  Proofreading vs editing: what's the difference? How to get easy marks in an exam 5 study hacks that actually work

Topics: English , Writing , Grammar

About Studiosity

Asking for feedback on your work is an essential part of learning. So when you want to better understand a concept or check you're on the right track, we're here for you. 

Find out if you have free access through your institution here .

Recent Posts

Posts by topic.

• Students (85)
• Higher education (63)
• Student Experience (46)
• University (46)
• Education (41)
• online study (34)
• Learning (28)
• Tertiary education (28)
• Educators (27)
• Interview (24)
• Research (24)
• Parents (23)
• English (18)
• High School (18)
• Technology (17)
• students first (17)
• Writing (16)
• Podcast (14)
• Student stories (14)
• Homework (13)
• Assignment Help (12)
• Education policy (12)
• Formative feedback (12)
• Literacy (12)
• academic integrity (12)
• student wellbeing (12)
• Events (11)
• Academic Advisory Board (10)
• Studiosity (10)
• covid19 (10)
• international student (10)
• Australia (9)
• Health and Wellbeing (9)
• Learning trends (9)
• Student satisfaction (9)
• Teaching (9)
• Secondary education (8)
• Equality (7)
• Science (7)
• Student retention (7)
• UK students (7)
• staff wellbeing (7)
• Student support (6)
• UK Higher Education (6)
• academic services (6)
• online learning (6)
• CanHigherEd (5)
• Online Tutoring (5)
• Workload (5)
• belonging (5)
• CVs and cover letters (4)
• Internet (4)
• Mathematics (4)
• Partnerships (4)
• School holidays (4)
• Student performance (4)
• Widening Participation (4)
• student success (4)
• #InthisTogether (3)
• Grammar (3)
• University of Exeter (3)
• teaching & learning (3)
• Charity (2)
• Government (2)
• Mentors (2)
• Primary education (2)
• Subject Specialists (2)
• accessibility (2)
• community (2)
• diversity (2)
• plagiarism prevention (2)
• student stress (2)
• webinar (2)
• Biology (1)
• Careers (1)
• Chemistry (1)
• EU students (1)
• First years (1)
• Indigenous Strategy (1)
• Nutrition (1)
• Teacher (1)
• academic support (1)
• academic writing (1)
• business schools (1)
• choice of language (1)
• dyslexia (1)
• ethical AI (1)
• job help (1)
• library services (1)
• podcasts (1)
• reflection (1)
• university of west of england (1)
• July 2015 (12)
• March 2020 (11)
• June 2020 (10)
• July 2020 (8)
• September 2020 (8)
• March 2015 (7)
• April 2015 (7)
• October 2019 (7)
• April 2020 (7)
• May 2018 (6)
• April 2019 (6)
• May 2020 (6)
• September 2022 (6)
• June 2015 (5)
• August 2015 (5)
• December 2017 (5)
• March 2018 (5)
• February 2020 (5)
• March 2021 (5)
• June 2021 (5)
• July 2016 (4)
• March 2017 (4)
• October 2017 (4)
• February 2018 (4)
• August 2018 (4)
• May 2019 (4)
• July 2019 (4)
• August 2019 (4)
• March 2024 (4)
• February 2015 (3)
• May 2015 (3)
• September 2015 (3)
• December 2015 (3)
• January 2016 (3)
• April 2016 (3)
• October 2016 (3)
• December 2016 (3)
• April 2017 (3)
• September 2017 (3)
• April 2018 (3)
• October 2018 (3)
• March 2019 (3)
• January 2020 (3)
• October 2020 (3)
• November 2020 (3)
• June 2022 (3)
• October 2022 (3)
• November 2022 (3)
• August 2023 (3)
• November 2023 (3)
• April 2024 (3)
• March 2016 (2)
• May 2016 (2)
• August 2016 (2)
• July 2017 (2)
• January 2018 (2)
• November 2018 (2)
• December 2018 (2)
• February 2019 (2)
• June 2019 (2)
• September 2019 (2)
• January 2021 (2)
• February 2021 (2)
• April 2021 (2)
• August 2021 (2)
• September 2021 (2)
• December 2021 (2)
• August 2022 (2)
• February 2023 (2)
• March 2023 (2)
• May 2023 (2)
• December 2023 (2)
• October 2008 (1)
• August 2013 (1)
• October 2015 (1)
• February 2016 (1)
• June 2016 (1)
• September 2016 (1)
• November 2016 (1)
• January 2017 (1)
• May 2017 (1)
• June 2017 (1)
• August 2017 (1)
• November 2017 (1)
• June 2018 (1)
• September 2018 (1)
• January 2019 (1)
• November 2019 (1)
• December 2019 (1)
• August 2020 (1)
• December 2020 (1)
• May 2021 (1)
• February 2022 (1)
• March 2022 (1)
• July 2022 (1)
• December 2022 (1)
• January 2023 (1)
• June 2023 (1)
• July 2023 (1)
• September 2023 (1)
• October 2023 (1)
• February 2024 (1)

Studiosity is personalised study help, anytime, anywhere. We partner with institutions to extend their core academic skills support online with timely, after-hours help for all their students, at scale - regardless of their background, study mode or location. 

Now you can subscribe to our educator newsletter, for insights and free downloads straight to your inbox: 

    ABN 41 114 279 668

Student zone, assignment calculator, calendars and organisers, study survival guides, free practice tests, student faqs, download our mobile app, student sign in, success stories.

Student Reviews & Testimonials

Specialist Sign In

Meet our specialists

Meet the team, media and research, student reviews.

Read more on Google

Studiosity acknowledges the Traditional Indigenous Custodians of country throughout Australia, and all lands where we work, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Contact  •  (02) 9906 2700  •  FAQ  •  Privacy  • Accessibility •  Acceptable Use  •  Terms of Use Education Policies  • Academic Integrity Policy

• Writing Center
• Current Students
• Online Only Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Parents & Family
• Alumni & Friends
• Community & Business
• Student Life
• Video Introduction
• Become a Writing Assistant
• All Writers
• Graduate Students
• ELL Students
• Campus and Community
• Testimonials
• Encouraging Writing Center Use
• Incentives and Requirements
• Open Educational Resources
• How We Help
• Get to Know Us
• Conversation Partners Program
• Workshop Series
• Professors Talk Writing
• Computer Lab
• Starting a Writing Center
• A Note to Instructors
• Annotated Bibliography
• Literature Review
• Research Proposal
• Argument Essay
• Rhetorical Analysis

Organizing Paragraphs with MEAL Plan

Well-organized paragraphs guide readers logically through an essay’s development, adding to the effectiveness of the argument and the credibility of the writer. Paragraphs vary in length and structure based on context, but they should focus on only one idea. Most paragraphs also include the following elements: a statement of the paragraph’s main ( M ) idea, evidence ( E ) to support that main idea, analysis ( A ) of that evidence, and some link ( L ) to the paper’s thesis. The MEAL Plan is an easy, effective strategy to help you organize paragraphs. 

All paragraphs should have a main idea or point. Typically, this main idea is expressed in a topic sentence—a sort of mini-thesis statement for the paragraph. Often, a topic sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph, though it may come after or within a transition statement.

If you have trouble identifying the main idea of a paragraph, try writing “This paragraph is about…” and then finish the sentence. You can cross out the phrase and revise the rest into a clear, strong topic sentence: 

• This paragraph is about why Steelman is a better superhero than Green Muscle.
• This paragraph is about   Why is Steelman a better superhero than Green Muscle ?
• Steelman’s ingenuity makes him a better superhero than Green Muscle because this quality allows him to reason and make decisions based on his intellectual abilities. 

E vidence/ E xamples/ E xplanation

This next section of the paragraph elaborates on the main idea. Depending on the type of assignment, the paragraph might require one or more of these “E”s: 

• Evidence—What does the main idea of the paragraph need to support it? Make sure to cite outside information.
• Explanation—Do you need to explain key terms, concepts, or events? What information in the paragraph may be especially complex or unclear?
• Examples—Other main ideas are best suited to examples, either from personal experience or research, to illustrate or highlight elements of the main idea. 

Once the main idea has been stated and supported, it is time to break that information down and analyze it. What more do your readers need to understand about the evidence or examples you provided? How can you make it clear that you are interpreting this information in a certain way? In other words, this is the section of the paragraph where the HOW ? WHY ? or WHO CARES ? of your evidence is explained. 

Linking refers to the link between a paragraph and the paper’s thesis. Ask yourself how does this paragraph contribute to the overall effectiveness of the paper ? You may not end up including that answer as part of the paragraph, but you must make sure you have made the connection clear. Too often writers assume readers automatically will recognize the link on their own, but your job as a writer is to make it impossible for a reader to miss how each paragraph supports your overall goal for the paper. Think about this connection to your thesis as a way to develop a smooth transition to the next paragraph. 

Example of a paragraph using the MEAL Plan

1. Steelman possesses qualities that make him a more effective superhero than Green Muscle. 2.   As Steelman, Tawny Stork chose the life of a superhero. Stork, a genius engineer and the mastermind behind the steel suit, uses reason and brains to defeat villains. Impulsive as he may be, Steelman uses his intellectual abilities to overcome obstacles. Green Muscle, however, reached superhero status accidentally. Brace Bunner, the human form of Green Muscle, is an equally intelligent physicist; however, he only reaches superhero status through anger. 3.   Once Brace Bunner becomes Green Muscle, his intellect ceases to exist. While Green Muscle may possess great strength, his inability to control this strength weakens him. Steelman’s intellectual and reasoning skills and the fact that he chooses to protect the world from super villains gives him an advantage over Green Muscle.  4.   Green Muscle and Steelman make a great team if fighting together. Steelman would outsmart Green Muscle any day, but this would only make Green Muscle angrier and therefore stronger. If the two were to fight each other, it would be a close brawl. 

1. The topic sentence expresses the MAIN IDEA of the paragraph. The rest of the paragraph should relate to the qualities Steelman possesses that make him a more effective superhero than Green Muscle. 

2. EVIDENCE supports the fact that Steelman posseses qualities that make him a more effective superhero than Green Muscle are contained in the sentences following the topic sentence. 

3. These sentences explore how Steelman’s qualities make him a more effective superhero than Steelman; therefore, these sentences provide ANALYSIS of the evidence that the writer has included in this paragraph.

4. The final sentences of this paragraph explicitly LINK everything that the author has discussed in the paragraph back to the thesis. 

Additional tips for effective paragraphs

When you finish writing a paragraph, read through it again and make sure that every single sentence has something to do with the main idea. If it doesn’t, the sentence doesn’t belong in that paragraph. You may need to start another paragraph, move that piece of information elsewhere in your paper, or delete the information because it may not be relevant to your paper.

To assess your organization and paragraphing further, create a reverse outline of your paper. See the KSU Writing Center’s Reverse Outlining handout for more information and detailed instructions. 

Contact Info

Kennesaw Campus 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144

Marietta Campus 1100 South Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060

Campus Maps

Phone 470-KSU-INFO (470-578-4636)

kennesaw.edu/info

Media Resources

Resources For

Related Links

• Financial Aid
• Degrees, Majors & Programs
• Job Opportunities
• Campus Security
• Global Education
• Sustainability
• Accessibility

470-KSU-INFO (470-578-4636)

© 2024 Kennesaw State University. All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Statement
• Accreditation
• Emergency Information
• Report a Concern
• Open Records
• Human Trafficking Notice

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay Block Method: Expert Tips

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Understanding the ‍Compare and⁣ Contrast​ Essay‍ Block Method

Compare and contrast⁤ essay block ‌method, benefits of using the ‍block method in compare⁢ and contrast essays, choosing an appropriate topic for a block method ‍compare ⁢and ⁤contrast essay, structuring your compare and contrast essay using⁢ the block ⁢method, crafting⁣ effective⁣ introduction and thesis statements in a block method ⁤essay, developing clear and coherent body paragraphs in​ a⁤ block method essay, refining your‍ compare and contrast⁢ essay through effective conclusion, frequently asked questions, closing remarks.

In academic writing, ​one common type ‌of essay is the⁢ compare⁣ and contrast essay. ⁤This⁢ type ⁤of​ essay aims⁣ to explore the similarities and differences between ‍two or more⁣ subjects.⁢ One popular approach to writing a ​compare and contrast essay is using the block method. The block method⁢ allows for a more thorough⁤ examination of the subjects being compared, providing a ‍clear and organized structure.

With the block⁤ method, the‌ writer‌ divides ⁤the essay into two main sections: the introduction⁢ and the body. The introduction sets the ⁢stage‍ by⁢ introducing the‌ subjects and establishing the purpose of the essay. It‍ should also ‌provide a ‍thesis statement that presents‌ the main points of comparison. In ​the body section, each subject is discussed in separate paragraphs. Within each paragraph, the‌ writer‌ presents the similarities and⁤ differences between the subjects, using specific ⁢examples ‌and evidence to support​ their​ claims. ‍It is important to‌ use transitional ⁢phrases ⁤to ⁢smoothly transition between paragraphs and ensure​ a⁢ coherent⁢ flow of ideas throughout the essay.

• Advantages‍ of the block method:
• Clear organization and structure
• Allows‍ for a detailed analysis of each subject
• Easy to ⁤follow for⁤ the⁣ reader

When⁣ using the block method, ‌it is essential to maintain ‌a balanced discussion of the ‌subjects ‍being⁢ compared. This⁢ means devoting ⁣equal‍ attention and space to ‍both subjects, ⁤highlighting both their similarities⁤ and differences. ‌By‍ doing so, the writer ​can provide a comprehensive comparison that helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of the⁤ subjects.

The block method is a⁢ highly ⁣effective approach for ‌writing compare and contrast ​essays. It offers numerous benefits that⁤ can​ enhance the clarity ⁢and organization ⁣of your essay. ‌By structuring⁣ your ‌essay using this method, you can present‍ a​ comprehensive analysis of the‍ similarities and‍ differences ⁢between two subjects.

One major benefit ⁤of the block⁣ method is its simplicity. This⁢ method⁢ allows ‍you to focus on one⁣ subject ⁣at a time, making it easier ‍for ‍the reader to follow along. By dedicating entire paragraphs to each subject, ⁢you can thoroughly explore their ‌characteristics, ‍examples, and supporting evidence. This ‍clear​ and straightforward‍ structure ensures that⁣ your ‌points ⁢are well-developed⁣ and easy​ to understand. Moreover, the⁣ block method provides ⁤a logical‌ flow to your essay, allowing for a smooth transition from one subject to the ​next.

Another advantage of using the block method is that⁢ it allows for ⁤a more detailed and in-depth comparison. By allocating separate paragraphs to each subject, you can⁤ explore their‍ similarities and⁣ differences more‍ thoroughly. This method enables⁣ you to delve into specific ⁤aspects of each ‌subject,‍ providing⁣ a⁣ comprehensive analysis. By ​organizing your thoughts in this manner, you can‌ avoid⁤ confusion and ensure ‌that ​your essay⁢ is well-structured and​ coherent. Additionally, ⁣the block method allows⁣ you to present contrasting ideas side by ‌side, enabling ‌the reader to easily grasp the distinctions ​between the subjects being discussed.

In summary, the block ‍method is a ⁣highly effective approach⁢ for writing compare and contrast essays. Its simplicity ⁣and logical flow make it easier for readers to follow along and understand your ⁢points. ‌Furthermore, the block method allows‍ for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the ‍subjects being compared. ​Incorporating this method‌ into ⁢your writing can greatly ⁢enhance ‍the quality and ⁣effectiveness ‌of your compare⁢ and ⁣contrast essays.

Once you’ve​ decided to write a‍ block method compare and contrast essay, the next‌ step ⁤is to carefully choose an​ appropriate topic. Selecting a topic ⁢that‌ is suitable for this type of ⁤essay is‌ essential to ensure a well-structured and ⁢meaningful comparison. Here are some helpful tips to guide⁣ you in choosing the right ⁤topic:

1. Brainstorm: Begin by⁣ brainstorming ideas and jotting down ⁢potential topics that interest you or are relevant to your ‌field of study. Consider‌ subjects that ​have distinct similarities and differences, as this will provide you with ample material for comparison.

2. Research:‍ Once you have a list⁢ of potential topics,‌ conduct some preliminary​ research‍ to explore the available information. Make sure there‌ is enough ‌material to support‌ your comparisons and that you can find credible sources ‌ to ⁢back up your arguments.

3. Balance: Aim to select ⁣a topic where the similarities ‍and differences are reasonably balanced, ​allowing for‌ a fair⁢ comparison. Avoid topics that are ⁢overwhelmingly one-sided, as this can make‍ your essay appear biased.

4. Significance:⁢ Choose a topic that has significance and relevance within your academic ​field or the broader societal context. This will not ​only ⁣make your ⁢essay ⁣more interesting to read but also add value to the discussion.

5. Personal Interest: It is crucial to choose a ‍topic ⁢that genuinely interests you. Writing about something ‌you are passionate about will make the ⁣entire process more enjoyable and engaging,⁢ resulting in a more​ compelling and well-written essay.

When⁢ it‍ comes to crafting ​a well-structured compare and contrast essay, using⁢ the block method can be an effective approach.‍ This method organizes your essay by ⁣discussing​ all ⁣of ​the points related​ to one side of the topic, and‍ then‍ exploring all the points ​related to the other ‌side.​ By using this method, you can provide a clear and organized analysis that⁣ allows your readers ⁢to ⁢easily⁤ comprehend the similarities and ‌differences between the two subjects being compared.

To structure your compare and contrast⁢ essay using the block method, ‌follow these steps:

1. Start with ⁤a compelling introduction that grabs ‌the reader’s attention and clearly states the purpose of your​ essay. You can use ‍an intriguing⁢ anecdote or a thought-provoking question ⁢to engage ‍your audience from the beginning.

2. Create⁣ a thesis statement that clearly indicates the purpose of your​ essay⁣ and ‍presents the main points ‍you will⁤ discuss in your‍ body paragraphs. ⁣Your thesis should⁤ provide ⁤a clear roadmap⁣ for‌ your ⁣readers, outlining the ‌focus of your essay⁤ and⁣ what they can expect ‌to discover ⁣from your ‍analysis.

3.⁣ Begin with ⁣the first subject and present all the relevant points or arguments related ​to it. ⁢Each point should be ‍supported by‌ evidence or examples to⁤ strengthen your ‌argument. Use clear ‍and concise language⁤ to ensure your readers can easily follow your train of thought.

4. Transition smoothly into discussing the ‌second subject, and present all the relevant‍ points or arguments‌ related to it. Again, back up⁣ each ⁣point with ‌evidence or examples ⁢to ⁢solidify your ⁤analysis. Make ⁣sure your arguments are as ​logical ⁤and well-supported ​as possible.

Crafting ⁣an effective introduction‌ and⁤ thesis ​statement ‌in a block⁢ method‌ essay lays the ⁣foundation for⁤ a⁢ cohesive and well-structured‍ piece of writing. By capturing the reader’s attention‌ and clearly stating the⁣ argument, ​you can set the stage‌ for a compelling essay that presents both sides of ⁣the topic. Here are some key​ tips to master this ⁣critical part of your‌ essay:

1. Grab the reader’s ‌attention: Start ‍your introduction with a‌ captivating hook that ⁣intrigues the reader ⁢and makes ⁣them want​ to continue reading. This could be a surprising fact, ⁤a thought-provoking question, or a vivid anecdote related to your topic. It’s crucial to make a ‍strong ⁢first‍ impression ‍to⁣ engage the reader’s interest‍ right from the⁢ beginning.

2. Provide background ‍information: ‌After hooking the reader, provide some context about your topic.⁢ Briefly explain the main issue or controversy ⁣you⁤ will discuss in ​your essay. ⁢This helps ⁤your⁤ readers understand the significance of the subject ‌matter and⁤ its relevance in a broader context.

3. Clearly state your thesis: Your thesis‌ statement is⁣ the backbone of your ‍essay and should⁤ be concise, clear, and argumentative. ⁢It should present a debatable claim that you will support throughout your essay. Make sure your thesis⁤ is ‍specific and reflects the main points you will address in your ‍essay.⁢ Bold it in your introduction to make‌ it stand out and guide ​your readers.

Crafting an effective introduction and ⁤thesis statement in a block method ⁤essay requires careful consideration of your target audience ⁣and‍ the overarching‌ goal of your essay. By employing these strategies, you will create a strong foundation for your essay‍ and captivate ⁢your readers⁤ from the very beginning.

When writing a block ⁢method essay, it ‍is crucial to maintain ⁣a logical and organized ⁤structure⁤ in⁣ your body paragraphs. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure ‍that your ideas​ flow smoothly and coherently, ⁤allowing your reader to easily understand your⁣ arguments.

Here⁤ are some tips to help you ​develop clear ‌and coherent ‍body ⁢paragraphs:

• Topic sentence: Start each body ‌paragraph with‍ a clear ⁢and⁢ concise topic sentence that introduces the main idea you⁣ will be discussing. This sentence should act as a mini-thesis statement for that specific ‌paragraph.
• Supporting evidence: ⁤ Provide relevant supporting evidence, such as ⁢facts, statistics, or⁤ examples, to validate⁣ your claims and ‌strengthen your ⁢arguments. Remember to cite your sources properly.
• Transitional ⁣phrases: Use ⁢transitional phrases ⁣to smoothly connect​ your ideas ‍and create a logical flow ‌between⁢ paragraphs. Phrases like ‍”similarly,” “in contrast,” or ‌”on‌ the​ other hand” ⁤can help‌ guide your reader through your essay.

By ⁣employing these techniques, you will be able to​ craft body paragraphs that effectively present your ideas and ‌arguments in a clear⁤ and coherent⁢ manner. ⁤Remember, ‍the⁢ goal is to⁤ provide⁢ your‍ reader⁤ with a well-structured and engaging essay that leaves no room for confusion.

When‌ it comes to writing a ‌compare and ⁢contrast essay, the conclusion is a crucial element that allows​ you to leave⁢ a lasting impression on your⁢ readers. A ⁤well-crafted conclusion not only summarizes the main points you have discussed ‌but⁢ also adds depth ⁢to your analysis ‍and helps tie everything ⁤together. Here are some tips to ‍refine your ⁢compare and⁣ contrast essay through an ⁤effective conclusion:

• Revisit your ⁤thesis statement: Start​ your conclusion by⁣ reminding your readers of the ‍main argument you presented in ‌your introduction.‍ This will help⁢ reinforce your⁤ central idea and keep⁣ your essay focused.
• Summarize⁣ your main points: Provide a brief summary of⁢ the key⁤ similarities and differences you ‌discussed throughout your essay. Be concise, but ensure that all important points are⁣ included​ to leave a lasting impression on your readers.
• Pose a⁣ thought-provoking​ question: Engage your ‍readers’ critical thinking by ending your​ essay with a powerful‌ question⁢ related to ⁣the topic. This encourages further reflection and⁣ demonstrates your‌ expertise on the ⁢subject matter.

Remember, the conclusion is your last opportunity⁣ to ‌make⁤ a lasting impact ⁣on your ‌readers. Therefore, make sure ‌to follow⁣ these tips to refine your compare ⁣and contrast essay, leaving your audience with ​a sense⁢ of satisfaction and an‍ appreciation for your thoughtful analysis.

Q: What is a compare and contrast essay? A: A compare and contrast essay is a type of academic writing that requires you to analyze ⁢the similarities and‌ differences between two ‍or more⁣ subjects. It ‌helps ⁢develop critical‌ thinking‌ skills‌ and⁤ enhances your ability to analyze ‌information ⁤effectively.

Q: ‍What is the ⁣block method? A: The ⁢block method is one of the‍ most common ‍approaches used to write a⁤ compare⁤ and contrast essay.⁣ In this method, you⁤ address one subject entirely in one‍ paragraph, ‍followed by another‍ paragraph‌ focusing on ‌the ⁢second subject. The‌ block method‌ allows for ‍a clear and organized presentation of ⁢ideas.

Q: How do I start ⁤my essay using⁢ the block method? A: Begin ‍by introducing ‍your ‍two subjects and establish the⁢ purpose of‌ your essay. ​Provide some⁣ background information to give your readers⁢ a context.‌ This ‍can be done through‍ a brief description or an ⁣engaging anecdote. State​ your thesis statement, which should highlight the main‌ points ⁢of comparison and contrast​ between‍ the subjects.

Q:⁢ How do I organize the body‍ paragraphs in the block method? A: Each body ⁣paragraph ‍should focus ⁤on one ⁣subject entirely. Start by presenting the​ key ‍points and supporting‍ details relevant ⁤to that subject. Follow a logical order when presenting your ‌arguments and be ⁣sure to‍ use transitional phrases to improve the ⁣flow of ‌your essay. ​Avoid mixing the information about the two​ subjects within the same paragraph‌ to maintain‌ clarity.

Q: ⁣How do I ensure ‌coherence in my essay? A: To ensure⁢ coherence,‍ it is important to‌ establish a clear relationship between your⁤ points​ of comparison or contrast. Use topic sentences at‍ the beginning of ‌each paragraph to introduce the main idea, and provide‍ evidence or examples to support your claims. Always refer back to your thesis statement to maintain ‍the focus of your essay.

Q:​ How ⁤do⁣ I conclude my ⁢essay using the block ​method? A: In your conclusion, summarize the main points you discussed in‌ the body paragraphs. Restate ⁣your‌ thesis statement and ⁣provide⁣ a concise assessment of the similarities and differences between ⁤the ​two subjects.‍ You can also offer​ some ‍insights or‌ suggest further areas of research. Make sure your conclusion leaves a lasting‌ impression on the reader.

Q: What are some ⁣tips for writing a successful compare and contrast essay using the block method? A: – Choose subjects that​ have ⁣clear similarities and differences. – Create a well-structured outline to organize⁤ your ​thoughts before ⁤you start ‍writing. – Use appropriate transitional⁢ phrases to smoothly transition between ‍ideas. -‌ Make sure to provide evidence⁣ and examples ⁢to ⁢support​ your claims. – Proofread your essay ⁤to ⁤eliminate ⁢any grammar or spelling errors. – Seek feedback from peers‍ or professionals to improve the content and clarity‍ of your ‌essay.

Q: ⁣Are there any other methods to write a compare and contrast essay? A: Yes, ⁢apart ‌from ⁤the block ‍method, you can ⁢also use the​ point-by-point‌ method. In this​ approach, you alternate ⁤between ​discussing points related to both subjects⁢ throughout the ⁤essay. The choice between⁢ the block‍ method and the point-by-point method⁤ depends on personal preference and the⁣ nature of the subjects being compared.

In conclusion, mastering the block method for writing a compare‌ and contrast essay​ can enhance your skills and ensure⁤ an effective and organized‌ argument.​

Women’s History Month Writing Prompts: Celebrate Female Voices

Best Writing Apps for Chromebook: Write Anywhere, Anytime

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities.

Welcome to Creative Writing Prompts

At Creative Writing Prompts, we believe in the power of words to shape worlds. Our platform is a sanctuary for aspiring writers, seasoned wordsmiths, and everyone. Here, storytelling finds its home, and your creative journey begins its captivating voyage.

© 2024 Creativewriting-prompts.com

• Have your assignments done by seasoned writers. 24/7
• Contact us:
• +1 (213) 221-0069
• [email protected]

How to Write a PEEL Paragraph Essay: with Examples

Writing a PEEL Paragraph Essay

A PEEL paragraph essay is one of the most vital elements in academic writing. The purpose and structure of a Peel essay are quite similar to an academic essay but with a major difference: instead of writing about a topic, you require to come up with your own original concept and then develop this idea from different angles, thus creating a well-rounded piece.

What is a Peel Paragraph?

What is a peel (Point, Example, Explain, and Link) paragraph? The peel is a technique writers use to highlight a specific point in their writing.

The peel paragraph is used in many types of writing, including essays, research papers, and literature reviews.

A peel paragraph is a paragraph that pulls the reader in and keeps them reading. It can be used to warm up a cold introduction or the last paragraph of your essay. A peel paragraph is a great way to end your essay on a high note, but that doesn’t mean you should just tack on a few extra words at the end and call it done.

The idea behind a peel paragraph is that you want to draw attention to something specific in your opening or closing lines. You want those lines to grab readers’ attention and make them want to read more about what you have to say. When writing an effective peel paragraph:

The peel is a device writers can use to highlight a particular idea or section of their essay. There are three types of peels:

• Point Peel:  This type of peel highlights one main point of the essay. It is usually placed at the beginning or end of an essay and includes specific details about the topic as well as supporting evidence from the body paragraphs.
• Example Peel:  This type of peel includes an example from an outside source that illustrates the main point in your essay. This type of peel works best when you want to emphasize your arguments by using real-life examples or situations.
• Link Peel:  This type of peel connects one idea in your essay with another idea or section by providing links between them. This kind of peel should be used when you want to connect ideas together so they are easier.

How to write a Peel Paragraph

1. identify your point.

The first step in writing a peel paragraph is to identify your point. What is the main argument you want to make? This can be tricky because your reader may not agree with you. The important thing is to take their objections seriously and address them head-on.

For example, suppose I want to write an article about why people should eat fewer fast food meals. My main argument is that getting fat and unhealthy leads to physical problems such as diabetes and heart disease, which are expensive to treat. 

But some people might object that not all fat people have serious health problems or that excessive eating doesn’t necessarily cause health problems.

In this case, my job is to convince readers of the truth of my claim and its importance. They might stop reading right there if they think it’s silly or irrelevant!

Understand what makes your point important before you write it. Your main points are usually related directly to your topic sentence, but they shouldn’t be wordy or boring — they should be clear and concise.

Include as many details as possible when describing your point. Don’t just tell people your point; show them exactly how it works!

For example, if you’re writing about how government policy affects citizens’ lives, including specific examples from personal experience or research done by other experts in the field.

2. Incorporate your Example

Peel paragraphs are those that begin with an example, usually from the content of your article. They can introduce a new idea or show how you’ve applied something in practice.

The example should be clear and specific, so the reader understands exactly what you’re talking about. It shouldn’t be too complex, though, because this will make it harder for readers to understand what you mean.

You can use a quote from someone else as an example if you don’t have time to write one yourself. Include their name at the beginning of your paragraph and give them credit for their words (or even the full quote) in your introduction.

3. Explain how your Example Supports your Point

To create a peel paragraph, you must explain how your example supports your point. This is called “transforming the example” or “building support.”

You can do this by:

• Pointing out that the example illustrates your point. For example, if you argue that “a little learning is a dangerous thing,” show how someone who gains knowledge quickly becomes arrogant and foolish.
• Explaining why the example supports your argument. For example, if you are arguing that “a little learning is a dangerous thing,” show how someone who gains knowledge quickly becomes arrogant and foolish.

If you are talking about how college students are not doing enough to prepare for the job market after school, you might say:

There’s a difference between knowledge and skill. The vast majority of students don’t apply what they learn in college to the real world after they graduate. Instead of developing valuable skills, they spend paramost of their time playing video games or watching TV.

This example shows an imbalance between knowledge and skill in our society today. It also explains why this imbalance exists and what it means for people who have been educated on how to write a peel paragraph.

 4. Finish off with your Link

When you’ve finished your paragraph, it is time to finish it with your link. This is the most important part of the whole article, and if you do not include this in your writing, it will be difficult for readers to find your page and read more about what you have written.

As well as providing a link back to your site, there are some other things you need to include with it:

• It should be short and simple but also informative and interesting for readers.
• It should not contain any advertisements or links to other sites that may not be relevant to their interests.
• It should immediately impact the reader, so they can decide whether they want to know more at universities or other institutions of higher learning.

The setup for this type of ending is that you start with an interesting statement or question, followed by some evidence or proof of the statement, and then your conclusion. This can be as short as one or three sentences long.

Peel Paragraph Examples

The latest technology has changed our lives in many ways. We can now enjoy the best of both worlds: surfing the web, shopping online, and ordering things online.

Many companies are now using e-commerce to increase their sales by providing their customers with an efficient service and a wide range of products at competitive prices.

E-commerce is also helping small businesses to grow by providing them with a way to reach out to customers they may not have employed before.

This new way of doing business has created jobs for people who only know how to use computers and how to do business through the Internet, as well as more jobs for people in general because they can make more money working from home than they could if they had stayed in an office all day long.

Jessica Kasen is experienced in academic writing and academic assistance. She is well versed in academia and has a master’s degree in education. Kasen consults with us in helping students improve their grades. She also oversights the quality of work done by our writers.

Related posts

Past, Present, and the Future Tenses in Your Essay

Past, Present, and Future Tense in Essays: How to Switch

Can-a-Plagiarism-Scanner-Detect-AI-written-Paper

Can Plagiarism checkers detect AI Text like Jervis? Turnitin or SafeAssign

How to Write Persuasive Essay

Persuasive Essays: Introduction, Structure, & Topic Examples

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

How to write better ChatGPT prompts in 5 steps

ChatGPT is the generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool that's taken the world by storm. While there's always the possibility it will simply make stuff up , there's a lot you can do when crafting prompts to ensure the best possible outcome. That's what we'll be exploring in this how-to.

In this article, we'll show you how to write prompts that encourage the large language model (LLM) that powers  ChatGPT to provide the best possible answers. 

Also: Have 10 hours? IBM will train you in AI fundamentals - for free

Writing effective prompts, known as prompt engineering, has even become its own highly-paid discipline . Who knows? These tips could help you build the skills to become one of those highly paid prompt engineers. Apparently, these gigs can pay from $175,000 to $335,000 per year.  

How to write effective ChatGPT prompts

1. talk to the ai like you would a person.

One of the more interesting things I had to get used to when working with ChatGPT is that you don't program it, you talk to it. As a formally trained programmer, I've had to leave a lot of habits by the wayside when engaging with AI. Talking to it (and with it) requires a mindset shift.

When I say talk to it like a person, I mean talk to it like you would a co-worker or team member. If that's hard to do, give it a name. Alexa is taken, so maybe think of it as "Bob". This naming helps because when you talk to Bob, you might include conversational details, little anecdotes that give your story texture.

Also:   How to use ChatGPT to write code

When talking to a person, it would be natural for them to miss your point initially and require clarification, or veer away from the topic at hand and need to be wrangled back. You might need to fill in the backstory for them, or restate complex questions based on the answers they give you. 

This is called interactive prompting. Don't be afraid to ask multi-step questions: ask, get a response, and based on that response, ask another question. I've done this myself, sometimes 10 or 20 times in a row, and gotten very powerful results. Think of this as having a conversation with ChatGPT.

2. Set the stage and provide context

Writing a ChatGPT prompt is more than just asking a one-sentence question. It often involves providing relevant background information to set the context of the query.

Let's say that you want to prepare for a marathon (for the record, I do not run, dance, or jump -- this is merely an example). You could ask ChatGPT:

How can I prepare for a marathon?

However, you'll get a far more nuanced answer if you add that you're training for your first marathon. Try this instead: 

I am a beginner runner and have never run a marathon before, but I want to complete one in six months. How can I prepare for a marathon?

By giving the AI more information, you're helping it return a more focused answer. Even with ChatGPT's help, there's no way I'm going to run a marathon (unless I'm doing it with a V-Twin motor under my seat). Here are two more examples of questions that provide context:

I am planning to travel to Spain in a few months and would like to learn some basic Spanish to help me communicate with local residents. I am looking for online resources that are suitable for beginners and provide a structured and comprehensive approach to learning the language. Can you recommend some online resources for learning Spanish as a beginner?

In this case, rather than just asking about learning resources, the context helps focus the AI on learning how to communicate on the ground with local residents. Here's another example: 

I am a business owner interested in exploring how blockchain technology can be used to improve supply chain efficiency and transparency. I am looking for a clear and concise explanation of the technology and examples of how it has been used in the context of supply chain management. Can you explain the concept of blockchain technology and its potential applications in supply chain management?

In this example, rather than just asking for information on blockchain and how it works, the focus is specifically on blockchain for supply chain efficiency and how it might be used in a real-world scenario. 

Also:  How to use Image Creator from Microsoft Designer (formerly Bing Image Creator) Lastly, let's get into how to construct a detailed prompt. 

One note: I limit the answer to 500 words because ChatGPT seems to break when asked to produce somewhere between 500 and 700 words, leaving stories mid-sentence and not resuming properly when asked to continue. I hope future versions provide longer answers, because premises like this can generate fun story beginnings: 

Write a short story for me, no more than 500 words. The story takes place in 2339, in Boston. The entire story takes place inside a Victorian-style bookstore that wouldn't be out of place in Diagon Alley. Inside the store are the following characters, all human: The proprietor: make this person interesting and a bit unusual, give them a name and at least one skill or characteristic that influences their backstory and possibly influences the entire short story. The helper: this is a clerk in the store. His name is Todd. The customer and his friend: Two customers came into the store together, Jackson and Ophelia. Jackson is dressed as if he's going to a Steampunk convention, while Ophelia is clearly coming home from her day working in a professional office. Another customer is Evangeline, a regular customer in the store, in her mid-40s. Yet another customer is Archibald, a man who could be anywhere from 40 to 70 years old. He has a mysterious air about himself and seems both somewhat grandiose and secretive. There is something about Archibald that makes the others uncomfortable. A typical concept in retail sales is that there's always more inventory "in the back," where there's a storeroom for additional goods that might not be shown on the shelves where customers browse. The premise of this story is that there is something very unusual about this store's "in the back." Put it all together and tell something compelling and fun.

You can see how the detail provides more for the AI to work with. First, feed "Write me a story about a bookstore" into ChatGPT and see what it gives you. Then feed in the above prompt and you'll see the difference.

3. Tell the AI to assume an identity or profession

One of ChatGPT's coolest features is that it can write from the point of view of a specific person or profession. In a previous article, I showed how you can make ChatGPT write like a pirate or Shakespeare , but you can also have it write like a teacher, a marketing executive, a fiction writer -- anyone you want. 

Also: How ChatGPT can rewrite and improve your existing code  

For example, I can ask ChatGPT to describe the Amazon Echo smart home device, but to do so from the point of view of a product manager, a caregiver, and a journalist in three separate prompts: 

From the point of view of its product manager, describe the Amazon Echo Alexa device. From the point of view of an adult child caring for an elderly parent, describe the Amazon Echo Alexa device. From the point of view of a journalist, describe the Amazon Echo Alexa device.

Try dropping these three prompts into ChatGPT to see its complete response. 

I've pulled a few lines from ChatGPT's responses, so you can see how it interprets different perspectives.  From the product manager identity:  I can confidently say that this is one of the most innovative and revolutionary products in the smart home industry.

From the caregiver identity:  The device's ability to set reminders and alarms can be particularly helpful for elderly individuals who may have trouble remembering to take their medication or attend appointments.

Also:   5 ways to explore the use of generative AI at work

And from the journalist identity:  From a journalistic perspective, the Echo has made headlines due to privacy concerns surrounding the collection and storage of user data.

You can see how different identities allow the AI to provide different perspectives as part of its response. To expand this, you can let the AI do a thought experiment. Let's look at some of the issues that went into the creation of something like Alexa:

The year is 2012. Siri has been out for the iPhone for about a year, but nothing like an Alexa smart home device has been released. The scene is an Amazon board meeting where the Echo smart assistant based on Alexa has just been proposed.  Provide the arguments, pro and con, that board members at that meeting would have been likely to discuss as part of their process of deciding whether or not to approve spending to invest in developing the device.  Feel free to also include participation by engineering design experts and product champions, if that provides more comprehensive perspective.

It's also good to know that making minor changes to your prompts can significantly change ChatGPT's response. For example, when I changed the phrase, "Provide the arguments, pro and con, that..." to "Provide the pro and con arguments as dialogue, that...," ChatGPT rewrote its answer, switching from a list of enumerated pros and cons to an actual dialogue between participants.

4. Keep ChatGPT on track

As mentioned above, ChatGPT has a tendency to go off the rails, lose track of the discussion, or completely fabricate answers. 

There are a few techniques you can use to help keep it on track and honest.

One of my favorite things to do is ask ChatGPT to justify its responses. I'll use phrases like "Why do you think that?" or "What evidence supports your answer?" Often, the AI will simply apologize for making stuff up and come back with a new answer. Other times, it might give you some useful information about its reasoning path. In any case, don't forget to apply the tips I provide for having ChatGPT cite sources .

Also:  My two favorite ChatGPT Plus features and the remarkable things I can do with them

If you have a fairly long conversation with ChatGPT, you'll start to notice that the AI loses the thread. Not that that's unique to AIs -- even in extended conversations with humans, someone is bound to get lost. That said, you can gently guide the AI back on track by reminding it what the topic is, as well as what you're trying to explore.

5. Don't be afraid to play and experiment

One of the best ways to up your skill at this craft is to play around with what the chatbot can do.

Try feeding ChatGPT a variety of interesting prompts to see what it will do with them. Then change them up and see what happens. Here are five to get you started:

• Imagine you are a raindrop falling from the sky during a thunderstorm. Describe your journey from the moment you form in the cloud to the moment you hit the ground. What do you see, feel, and experience?
• You are a toy that has been left behind in an attic for decades. Narrate your feelings, memories of playtimes past, and your hopes of being rediscovered.
• Write the final diary entry of a time traveler who has decided to settle down in a specific era, explaining why they chose that time and what they've learned from their travels.
• Imagine a dialogue between two unlikely objects, like a teacup and a wristwatch, discussing the daily routines and challenges they face.
• Describe a day in an ant colony from the perspective of an ant. Dive deep into the politics, challenges, and social structures of the ant world.

Pay attention not only to what the AI generates, but how it generates what it does, what mistakes it makes, and where it seems to run into limits. All of that detail will help you expand your prompting horizons.

More prompt-writing tips 

• Feel free to re-ask the question. ChatGPT will often change its answer with each ask.
• Make small changes to your prompts to guide it into giving you a better answer.
• ChatGPT will retain its awareness of previous conversations as long as the current page is open. If you leave that page, it will lose awareness. To be clear, ChatGPT will also sometimes lose the thread of the conversation without reason, so be aware you may need to start over from time to time.
• Similarly, opening a new page will start the discussion with fresh responses.
• Be sure to specify the length of the response you want. Answers over about 500 words sometimes break down. 
• You can correct and clarify prompts based on how the AI answered previously. If it's misinterpreting you, you may be able to just tell it what it missed and continue.
• Rephrase questions if ChatGPT doesn't want to answer what you're asking. Use personas to elicit answers that it might not otherwise want to give.
• If you want sources cited , tell it to support or justify its answers.
• ChatGPT custom instructions are now available to free users. You can  give ChatGPT a set of prompts that are always available , so you don't have to retype them.
• Keep experimenting.
• Consider getting the ChatGPT Plus subscription . You can then use your own data for powerful analytics . You can also pull data from the Web . 
• Try asking the same question of Gemini  (formerly Bard) or Copilot (formerly Bing Chat). Both will interpret your prompts differently and answer differently. This is effectively getting a second opinion on your prompt, and can give you alternate perspectives.
• Ask for examples. If you want to see how well ChatGPT understands what you're asking for, ask it "Can you give me three examples of how that works?" or similar questions.
• Ask it to repeat parts of your original requests back to you. For example, if you feed it an article to analyze, you can tell it something like, "Just to be sure you understand, please echo back the first three headlines," or "I want to be sure you understand what I mean, so summarize the main conflict discussed in this article." 
• Sometimes ChatGPT just fails. Keep trying, but also be willing to give up and move on to other tools. It's not perfect...yet.

What type of prompts work best with ChatGPT? 

Part of what makes ChatGPT so compelling is you can ask it almost anything. That said, keep in mind that it's designed to provide written answers. If you want a list of websites, you're better off talking to Google. 

Also:  How to use DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT

If you want some form of computation, talk to Wolfram Alpha . Give ChatGPT open-ended prompts, encourage creativity, and don't be afraid to share personal experiences or emotions. Plus, keep in mind that the AI's knowledge ends in 2021  for ChatGPT 3.5 and December 2023 for ChatGPT 4 in ChatGPT Plus.

How can I adjust the complexity of ChatGPT responses?

You can directly specify the complexity level by including it in your prompt. Add "... at a high school level" or "... at a level intended for a Ph.D. to understand" to the end of your question. You can also increase complexity of output by increasing the richness of your input. The more you provide in your prompt, the more detailed and nuanced ChatGPT's response will be. You can also include other specific instructions, like "Give me a summary," "Explain in detail," or "Provide a technical description."

Also:  How does ChatGPT actually work?

You can also pre-define profiles. For example, you could say "When evaluating something for a manager, assume an individual with a four-year business college education, a lack of detailed technical understanding, and a fairly limited attention span, who likes to get answers that are clear and concise. When evaluating something for a programmer, assume considerable technical knowledge, an enjoyment of geek and science fiction references, and a desire for a complete answer. Accuracy is deeply important to programmers, so double-check your work."

If you ask ChatGPT to "explain C++ to a manager" and "explain C++ to a programmer," you'll see how the responses differ.

What do I do if ChatGPT refuses to answer or I don't like its answer? 

There are some guardrails built into ChatGPT. It tends to shut down if you ask it political questions, for example. That's what's built into the system. While you might be able to tease out an answer, it's probably not going to provide great value. That said, feel free to keep trying with different phrasing or perspectives. 

You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter on Substack , and follow me on Twitter at @DavidGewirtz , on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz , on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz , and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV .

More on AI tools

Google releases two new free resources to help you optimize your ai prompts, my top 5 tools to beat distractions and get more writing done - or any work, really, create your own e-book using ai for just $25.