How to write an essay

What's different about university essays?

Writing essays at university is different from writing essays at school or college. Lecturers aren't just looking for you to describe a topic. They want you to demonstrate critical thinking, evaluate evidence and construct a convincing argument.

The strongest essays:

• analyse evidence rather than simply describing it
• answer the question directly
• follow a logical structure
• present a clear line of argument
• use high-quality academic sources.

How do I write a good university essay?

Understand the question

The first step is making sure you understand exactly what's being asked.

Read the question several times and identify:

• the instruction word (e.g. ‘explain’, ‘discuss’, ‘outline’)
• the topic
• the focus
• any limitations or specific requirements.

For example:

‘Compare and contrast the representation of masculinity in two James Bond films from the 1960s and 2000s.’

You can break it down into:

• instruction - compare and contrast
• topic - representation of masculinity
• focus - two James Bond films
• parameters - one film from the 1960s and one from the 2000s.

Be aware that essays take several different forms:

• Compare and contrast - explores the similarities and differences between two or more ideas, concepts or topics.
• Analyse (analytical essay) - breaks down a topic into its key parts and explains how and why they are important.
• Critically examine (argumentative essay) - evaluates evidence and different viewpoints before making a reasoned judgement or argument.

A 'compare and contrast' essay requires a different approach to an analytical ('analyse') or argumentative ('critically examine') essay.

Ask yourself:

• What knowledge do I already have?
• What research do I need to do?
• What evidence will support my argument?
• How can I answer every element of the question?

If you're unsure about the assignment requirements, speak to your lecturer or tutor as early as possible. If you have questions, speak up when the essay is set rather than leaving it too late.

Gather resources

Once you've understood the question, identify the information you need. With so much information available, it's vital that you only look for directly relevant material when researching.

Useful sources include:

• academic books
• course materials
• journal articles
• lecture notes
• lecture notes
• reading lists
• reputable websites.

Take organised notes as you read and record full reference details immediately. This will save time later.

As your research develops, carefully note key theories, information and quotes that will help you to answer all components of the question. Start grouping these ideas into three or four key themes that will form the foundation of your essay.

Create an essay plan

Planning helps you organise your thoughts before you start writing. 'There is no right way to do this, some people go straight into the work with minimal planning, while others spend a lot of time on planning,' says Liv Jonassen, academic skills team manager at Newcastle University. 'Writing is a process, with three main parts - planning, drafting and editing - the general rule is that if you don't spend much time planning, then you'll need more time editing.'

There are two main types of essay plans:

• Linear plans - useful for essays requiring a rigid structure. They provide a chronological breakdown of the key points you're going to address.
• Tabular plans - best for comparative assignments. You'll be able to better visualise how the points you're contrasting differ across several aspects.

However, essay planning can take several forms - for example, you might try a mind map, a collage, or use headings. You might prefer to plan in written form or online. You'll also turn ideas over in your head - just remember to jot down these insights.

Write clearly and concisely

Most university essays are set with a word count and deadline in place. It's therefore important to write clearly and concisely and ensure that every sentence and paragraph works towards answering the essay question.

Avoid:

• generalisations
• repetition
• unnecessary jargon
• waffle.

'Just start writing - the process is iterative with lots of back and forth, but getting rough ideas on the page is the best starting point,' advises Liv. 'The myth of people writing a perfect essay the first time is just that - a myth.'

Aim to write a first draft where you cover everything in your plan, 'reassure yourself that no one will see this, so it doesn't matter if it is messy,' adds Liv. You can then refine and edit this in your second draft.

This is where you ensure that your assignment has a logical storyline. Make sure no idea is coming out of the blue and that the discussion flows logically.

Strong paragraphs are the building blocks of a strong essay. A simple structure is:

• point - state your main argument.
• evidence - provide an example, quotation, statistic or academic source.
• analysis - explain why the evidence supports your point.
• link - connect back to the essay question or lead into the next paragraph.

Also consider your method of referencing. Some institutions specify a preferred citation style, such as The Harvard System. Whatever referencing system you're using ensure that you're doing so correctly to avoid plagiarism. It should go without saying that your writing needs to be your own.

'At the editing stage we suggest students edit in layers, so look at the overall structure first, then the analysis and then the style. This makes the process much more manageable,' says Liv.

Carefully consider the introduction and conclusion

Starting an essay and writing an impactful conclusion are often the trickiest parts.

It can be useful to outline your introduction during the early stages of writing your essay. You can then use this as a frame of reference for your writing. Your introduction should:

• introduce the topic
• explain your argument
• provide relevant context
• signpost the main themes.

If you adopt this approach be aware that your ideas will likely develop or change as you write, so remember to revisit and review your introduction in later stages to ensure it reflects the content of your final essay.

While the conclusion may not be the first thing you write, it's still helpful to consider the end point of your essay early on, so that you develop a clear and consistent argument. The conclusion needs to do justice to your essay, as it will leave the greatest impression on your reader. The conclusion should:

• answer the essay question
• summarise your key points
• reinforce your argument.

On the other hand, if you're unsure what shape your argument may take, it's best to leave both your introduction and conclusion until last.

Evaluate what you've written

Once you've written and edited your essay, leave it alone for a couple of days. Return to it with fresh eyes and give it a final check.

Reading an essay out loud works well for some students, while swapping drafts with a classmate could also work.

Don't skip this step; final checks are important. This is when you can pick up on formatting and spelling errors and correct any referencing mistakes. You should:

• check that your introduction provides a clear purpose for your essay
• ensure that the conclusion provides a clear response to the essay question, summarising your key findings/argument
• check the structure of your paragraphs for clear topic and link sentences. Are the paragraphs in a logical order with a clear and consistent line of argument that a reader can follow?
• read your essay slowly and carefully. Writing has a rhythm - does it flow and is it correctly punctuated?
• remove unnecessary repetition
• review the examples and evidence you've used. Is there enough to support your argument?

'A successful essay answers the task set, there is a range of evidence and points are justified - there aren't generalisations and the reader doesn't have to ask 'why', because this will be made clear in the essay,' says Liv.

Can I use AI to help with essay writing?

AI tools can be useful for studying, but before you use them it's important to understand your university's rules. While some institutions allow limited use, others have stricter guidelines on when and how they can be used.

AI may be useful for:

• creating study schedules
• explaining complex concepts
• generating initial ideas
• proofreading for grammar and clarity.

However, you should avoid:

• relying on AI-generated references without verification
• submitting AI-generated essays as your own work
• using AI instead of conducting your own research.

Always check your university's guidance before using AI tools in assessed work.

What should I avoid when writing an essay?

• Failing to proofread - once you've finished writing it's tempting to consider your essay done just to get it ticked off your to-do list, but neglecting to check through and proofread is a mistake.
• Ignoring feedback - if a lecturer or tutor offers to review a draft of your essay, don't pass up this opportunity to receive feedback and once you have the feedback, don't ignore it. Make any amends they suggest.
• Informal writing styles - steer clear of slang, colloquialisms, contractions ('don't', rather than 'do not'), grand generalisations ('everyone knows that…'), gendered, and overly emotional language.
• Lack of evidence - make sure that all the statements, theories and ideas in your essay are backed up with evidence found during your research.
• Misreading the question - many students lose marks because they answer the topic rather than the specific question.
• Plagiarism - the most important thing you should avoid when writing your university essays. To do this cite all of your sources, reference correctly, and make sure it’s your own work rather than produced by AI.
• Waiting until the last minute to get started - don't leave essay writing until the last minute. Rushed essays rarely get good marks.

Find out more

• Struggling with your workload? Here are 5 ways to manage student stress.
• Discover how to revise for exams.
• Read our 7 steps to writing a dissertation.
• Learn about university grades in the UK.
• Take a look at 7 time management tips for students.