By Nicholas H. Parker

Writing an essay can be a cakewalk once you have mastered the basics. The first thing that you will need to do is to research the topic on which you will be writing the essay. Use search engines to find out more about the topic and copy interesting paragraphs in a notepad or word document.

Form Arguments

After your research is complete, you will have a fair idea about your topic and you can form your own point of view and arguments. Go through all the material that you have collected so far and check if they support your arguments. Analyze and write down the important points that you wish to put down in your essay. You should also note down the potential counter arguments that you are likely to get and add explanations to counter that.

Writing Introduction

Next step would be to write an introduction to your essay. Introduction is a very important part of your essay. By giving a strong introduction to your essay you compel your readers to read through your essay. Introduce your informative topics to the readers in an interesting manner. Adding a dash of humor or a dramatic touch can catch more eyeballs for your essay. Some people start their essays with an interesting quote or dialogue.

For example, here is an introduction from an essay called Six Wives of Henry VIII –

‘Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived’ is a popular quote that adequately sums up the fates of the six women who had married King Henry VIII. Henry VIII reign was very remarkable and significant for many reasons. Determined to sire an heir to the throne, he eventually married six women during his lifetime and became the much-married man in British royal history.

The body of the essay should contain the most important points that you have dug up during your research. Each paragraph of the essay should center on an important point and you must support your arguments with facts and evidence. Be very clear about your point of view and use a clear and concise language to write your arguments.

Elaborate Conclusion

Before you conclude, you should also write about the counter arguments that are likely to come up and provide a satisfactory explanation for the same. For example, in the above given topic, one can even argue on behalf of Henry VIII and analyze the reasons that led him to behave as he did.

Your conclusion should sum up the arguments that you have put forth so far. Some people end their essays with a wit note or a quote while some give it an intriguing end and provide their readers something to chew on.

For example –

Royalty and especially monarchs seldom marry for love or infatuation. Marriages were solemnized only for political alliances between the two countries. Henry VIII was an exception to this rule. His first marriage with Catherine of Aragon was a political one but his infatuation with Anne Boleyn led him to seek divorce and form Church of England. One would have thought that love as strong as that would survive anything. If Anne Boleyn had given birth to a son, then she probably would have lived. But then, she didn’t and the honor of siring a son went to Jane Seymour. Henry VIII was a much-relieved man when he died because he thought that his son would succeed him as the king of England. But little did he know it would be Anne Boleyn daughter who would successfully reign as a popular queen whose name is still uttered with reverence.

Proofreading and Editing

When proofreading and editing an academic essay, attention to detail is critical. Unlike traditional editing methods where presentation and high-quality are desirable, failure to comply with expected AP or APA editing style can cost candidates valuable points towards their scores.

It shouldn’t matter if the essay is for online English degrees, or Zoology, most papers will be graded with the same editing expectations in mind. So sit back, read these helpful pointers, and always return to an essay with fresh eyes in order to attain a product of proofreading perfection!

Run Your Paper

Plagiarism can be an accidental mistake that could cost you big time. Run your paper through a free online plagiarism checker to ensure that any edits are completed within a 100% original document.

Tune Out Any Distractions

Turn off the TV, turn down the music and focus on the task at hand. You will be amazed at how much simpler it will be to revise your content if you are able to concentrate!

Use Double Spacing

Not only does double spacing look neater, fall in line with criteria, but it is also much easier to edit when you can see each word, sentence and structure clearly.

Use a Different Color Pen

When editing work manually or on a computer, different font colors will help you keep a straight eye for what has been changed and why. This will prevent things from becoming one big burr and help keep you organized.

Use a Tracker

A bookmark, ruler or even another piece of paper is a great way to stay on track and helps prevent you from losing your place. Go line by line and take your time, ensuring that each and every sentence is exactly as you want them to be.

Take Time Out

If you are proofreading or editing a longer piece, taking time out every twenty minutes or so is a great way to keep your eyes fresh and your ability to spot mistakes high. Try to step aside and take your mind off the editing for a moment between pages.

Check Your Sources

You wouldn’t believe how many people skip this step and only check for grammar, spelling and other basic editing points. Your sources are one of the most valuable assets in your essay, so ensure they fall into line with the editing style that has been given to you.

Read The Essay Outloud

Once you are sure you have completed your revisions, read the essay out loud to yourself. Take the time to read slowly and clearly, as this will help define any flow or final mistakes.

Do It All Again!

I know, I know, not what you wanted to hear, but the truth is, for a truly spectacular proofread or edit, you must go back after some time away and follow all these steps again. You will most likely find that one hidden piece you need to correct that will make it all worth it in the end.

Remember, you don’t have to have multiple online English degrees in order to become an awesome proofreader or editor! All it takes is time, commitment and a dedication to producing a quality piece of work. Good luck!

About the author: Nicholas H. Parker is an English teacher with a huge experience. He likes using different methods of teaching such a CLIL. Besides, he writes articles at BuyEssayClub.com to share his knowledge with others. He tries to keep up with advancing technology. For example, he is highly interested in the web design sphere.