4 Things You Need to Write Perfect Essays

Most students have simple and straightforward strategies to write their essays. For example, to get inspired and let your thoughts flow freely. Alternatively, to stock up on relevant quotes and stick them everywhere until you meet the required word count. Unfortunately, those strategies, albeit widely popular among students, rarely yield great results.

What makes a great essay are two things that are easy to define and difficult to deliver: meaningful content and masterful form.

Now, this may come as a surprise but the content isn’t the biggest problem. Most of us have interesting things to say. The trick is how to do it. Want to know how do I do my paper A-worthy?

You need system

Following the traditional structure (introduction, the body of paragraphs, conclusion) is a good start. It doesn’t sound like a groundbreaking tip but without those basics, you won’t go far.   

Sticking to plan (pick a topic, come up with a thesis statement, outline, write, proofread) is also helpful. You cannot do your work inside out, though some of the students I know try to. Another crucial element of planning is assessing the time you will need to complete each stage. Don’t leave everything until the last day.

You need substance

Words for the sake of words make teachers bored to tears and miserable. I know that you have that word count to fill but first and foremost you must have a meaning to convey. You must be getting somewhere with your ruminations.

Instead of simply going through the motions and writing shallow essays full of truisms (Mark Twain is a great American writer. Friendship is very important. We all need love. Education is different now thanks to the Internet) try to teach your reader about something – make them understand. Imagine that they ask you “why?” or “so what?” after every statement and try to explain it to them, convey your meaning.

You need to show first

You show a toddler a bright yellow rubber duck. You say “This is a duckling. It floats on the water. You can take it with you to the tub and have fun while you take your bath”. This is the most efficient way of introducing a new concept. In order to make your essays dynamic, you must follow this simple scheme:

1. Show your point in action
2. Tell your reader what it is
3. Help to understand by explaining why it matters

That is, you start with an example. Traditionally, textbooks do it in reverse. They introduce a piece of theory and then condescendingly throw some real-life scenarios into the mix. Only then, the average student understands what is going on and goes back to the theory with an example in mind to reread it and let it sink in. It doesn’t have to be that way with your essay.

You need a story

Better still, make your example a story. People respond to stories with interest – it’s a basis for the entire human culture. There is no better way to illustrate your point or to start your essay than a story. Stories make your readers instantly hooked.

You can make it into a plot that gradually unfolds throughout your essay, or use short little stories for every issue you are explaining. Even the driest topics can be made more human if you tell a personal story about why this particular topic is of interest to you.