End with a strong final thought or a "burning question" to leave a lasting impression. 3. Writing Your First Draft
List 3-5 main points that support your thesis. Each of these will become a body paragraph. 2. The Standard Essay Structure Most academic essays follow a reliable three-part format: The Introduction (~10% of length): End with a strong final thought or a
Periodically re-read your essay's title or the assignment prompt to make sure you haven't drifted off-topic. Each of these will become a body paragraph
A great essay is built on a clear argument supported by evidence. You can follow these steps to turn a blank page into a solid first draft. 1. Preparation: Finding Your Focus A great essay is built on a clear
Use transition words (like "furthermore," "however," or "consequently") to move smoothly between ideas.
Use the method for each paragraph: P oint (topic sentence), E vidence (facts or quotes), E xplanation (how the evidence proves your point), and L ink (connect it back to your thesis). Start a new paragraph for every new idea. The Conclusion (~10% of length):
A rough draft is for getting your ideas down, not for perfect grammar.