To achieve these ends, an essay must incorporate four elements: an appropriate tone, a clear thesis, a coherent structure, and ample, appropriate evidence.

A good personal essay should contain an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Avoid common cliches like opening with a famous quote (especially if this is a college essay), and try to form a unique connection with your audience.

The story/narrative typically includes an introduction, a plot, characters, a setting, a climax, and a conclusion. The narrative builds to a climax or the resolution of a problem (usually resulting in personal growth for the author).

The personal essay has loose structure and conversational tone. It is usually written in the first person. The writer uses self-disclosure, honesty, and truth. The writer can write about any subject, topic, or personal experience.

Start by writing a thorough plan. Ensure your essay has a clear structure and overall argument. Try to back up each point you make with a quotation. Answer the question in your introduction and conclusion but remember to be creative too.

Elements of Essay Writing

• Thesis. The thesis is the statement of an essay that determines the primary focus.
• Outline. One of the main steps in writing an essay is creating an outline of material to create the most effective structure.
• Introduction.
• Body.
• Conclusion.

Thesis. Probably the most important element of any argument essay besides research is the thesis statement. The thesis statement summarizes, usually in one sentence at the end of the introductory paragraph, the essence of your argument.

Good essays must contain the following:

• a strong contention, supported by ideas, arguments and evidence.
• the summary and analysis of other writers’ research and opinions.
• a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• a reference list.

In an essay, a paragraph discusses one idea in detail that supports the thesis of the essay. Each paragraph in the body of the paper should include a topic sentence, supporting details to support the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence.

There are four main types of essays: narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative. Each has a unique purpose. Some tell a story, some are descriptive, and others attempt to alter opinions. One of the best ways to understand each type is to review a batch of essay examples.

1. Step 1: Hook your reader. Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.
2. Step 2: Give background information.
3. Step 3: Present your thesis statement.
4. Step 4: Map your essay’s structure.
5. Step 5: Check and revise.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

1. An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
2. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
3. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.” You want to publish a book for a reason.

5 common types of essay hooks

• 1 Statistic hook. The statistic hook gives your audience a true and hard fact to latch onto from the get-go.
• 2 Quotation hook.
• 3 Anecdotal hook.
• 4 Question hook.
• 5 Statement hook.

Try these creative hook ideas for essays:

1. Start with a question. Asking your readers to think about the topic is a great way to get them ready to hear more.
2. Use descriptive words. Creating a picture in the reader’s mind can make him or her feel connected to your writing.
3. Leave it a mystery.

1. Example:
2. 1) Think about your topic.
3. 2) Choose a relevant hook.
4. 3) Provide a background.
5. 4) Narrow the background to introduce a topic.
6. 5) Write a thesis statement.
7. 6) Avoid clichés.
8. 7) Make your introduction as brief as possible.