How to write an essay

Writing an essay doesn't have to be hard. In fact, it's remarkably formulaic.

Your first paragraph should always an introductory purpose and should be relatively short.

• Your first sentence describes the purpose of your essay and why you are writing about your topic
• In the next sentence you pinpoint which subjects you will look at.
• You will now need to provide an synopsis of each main point you will make in your essay.
• Lastly, you end the first paragraph with a final sentence expresses the final position which will lead into the report.

You will then deliver these main points in the order described in your introduction. The structure is as follows;

• Describe the main purpose of the paragraph in the first sentence
• In the following sentence add details to the first sentence and explains it in a different way
• You will now need to provide references or examples to support your statements
• The final sentence summarizes the main point again, preferably in a single clear statement.

Once you have delivered all the separate points, the last step is a concluding paragraph.

• Firstly you rephrase your very first sentence to remind the reader the purpose of your essay
• Followed by an overview of each main point in your essay
• You will then need to integrate these points into an overarching argument or theme
• The last sentence states the value of this argument or position

After you have this basic structure down, you can then start adding things to distinguish your essay such as quotes, side point paragraphs, etc.
Of course this structure won't help you if you don't actually know anything about your topic.

Best of luck with your essays.