7 Easy Steps to Writing an A+ Essay: Tips from a Pro

Published on 11 July 2023 8 min read

1. Get to Know Your Assignment

4. Create a Solid Thesis Statement

6. Write a Compelling Intro and Conclusion

7. Proofread and Edit Your Work

Writing an A+ essay doesn't have to feel like climbing Mount Everest. In fact, with the right approach and mindset, it can be as easy as pie — or let's say, as easy as crafting easy essays. This guide, brimming with pro tips, aims to break down the process into seven easy steps, transforming the seemingly daunting task into a manageable and even enjoyable one. So, let's dive in and turn those blank pages into a masterpiece of words.

1. Get to Know Your Assignment

Before you start writing, you need to make sure you fully understand your assignment. This sounds simple, right? But it's surprising how often students overlook this first crucial step. Here are some things you should pay attention to:

Instructions: Every assignment comes with specific instructions. It's like a recipe for your essay. You wouldn't bake a cake without first checking the recipe, would you? Similarly, your essay needs the correct ingredients in the right amounts. So, make sure you read, understand, and follow the instructions.
Topic: The topic of your essay is like the theme of a party. It sets the tone for everything else. Make sure you understand what the topic is and what's expected of you. If it's a broad topic, you might need to narrow it down. If it's a narrow topic, you might need to do some research to fully understand it.
Deadline: Knowing when your essay is due is essential. You don't want to be that person running to hand in your paper as the teacher is walking out the door. Set a timeline for yourself, breaking down the task into manageable parts.

By understanding your assignment, you set a solid foundation for your essay. You won't be building a house of cards that can easily collapse, but rather a sturdy castle that can withstand the harshest criticism. So, take the time to get to know your assignment — it's the first step towards writing easy essays that earn you an A+.

2. Pick Your Topic Wisely

Once you've got a firm grasp on your assignment, it's time to pick your topic. This step is like choosing the right tool for the job. You wouldn't use a hammer to paint a wall, would you? Similarly, the right topic can make your essay writing task significantly easier. So, how do you pick a topic wisely? Here are a few tips:

Interest: Choose a topic that interests you. You're more likely to write an engaging essay on a topic you're passionate about. It's like cheering for your favorite sports team — the enthusiasm comes naturally!
Knowledge: Consider what you already know. It's easier to write about a topic you're familiar with. Think of it this way: you wouldn't enter a trivia contest on 18th-century French literature if your specialty is 20th-century American history, right?
Resources: Make sure there are enough resources available for your topic. It's like planning a road trip — you need to make sure there are enough gas stations along the way. If you can't find enough credible sources to support your argument, you might want to choose another topic.

Choosing the right topic might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, this is your chance to showcase your knowledge and skills. So, pick a topic that allows you to shine. With the right topic, you're one step closer to writing easy essays that impress your teacher and earn you that coveted A+.

3. Do Thorough Research

It's time to put on your detective hat! Research is a critical step in writing easy essays. It's like cooking a delicious meal, the better the ingredients, the tastier the result. So, what's the secret to doing thorough research? Let's break it down.

Start Broad, Then Narrow Down: Start with a general overview of your topic. Read about it in encyclopedias, textbooks, or reliable online sources. Once you've got a basic understanding, dig deeper. Find specific resources that discuss your topic in detail. For instance, if you're writing about the impact of social media on teenagers, start by understanding social media as a whole, then narrow down to its effects on teenagers.
Use Reliable Sources: Not all sources are created equal. Some are reliable, others... not so much. Stick with sources that are credible and trustworthy, like academic journals, books, or respected news outlets. Remember, your essay is only as good as the sources you use.
Take Notes: As you research, jot down important points, quotes, or data. This will make it easier to reference these points when you start writing. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for yourself — you make it easier to find your way back to the information you need.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your sources. This will help you cite them correctly in your essay and avoid any plagiarism issues. Think of it like keeping your room tidy — it's a lot easier to find what you need when everything is in its place.

Remember, research isn't just about gathering information. It's about gaining a deep understanding of your topic. With thorough research, you'll have all the tools you need to write an A+ essay with ease.

4. Create a Solid Thesis Statement

Imagine you're a tour guide. Your job is to lead your audience through the landscape of your essay. And your thesis statement? That's your roadmap. A clear, concise thesis statement guides your reader through your arguments, making your essay easy to follow. But how exactly do you create a solid thesis statement?

Answer the Question: Your thesis statement should clearly respond to the essay prompt or question. If your essay question is "What are the effects of climate change on polar bears?", your thesis statement could be something like: "Climate change has led to drastic reductions in polar bear populations by negatively affecting their hunting grounds, food supply, and mating habits."
Take a Stand: Your thesis isn't the place to sit on the fence. Make sure your thesis statement takes a clear position. Be bold, be decisive. Remember, it's not a question—it's a statement.
Keep it Focused: Your thesis statement should be specific and concise. Avoid vague language and keep it focused on your main argument. Think of it like a tweet—you have a limited number of characters to make your point, so make every word count.
Position it Correctly: Typically, your thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction. It’s like a movie trailer—it gives your reader a preview of what's to come, enticing them to read on.

Creating a solid thesis statement may seem daunting, but with these tips, you're well on your way to writing an A+ essay. Remember, your thesis statement is the lighthouse guiding your reader through the sea of your arguments—make it shine brightly!

5. Build an Effective Outline

Think of your essay as a house. Before you start building, you need a blueprint. That's what your outline is—a blueprint for your essay. It doesn't have to be complex, but it does need to be clear. Here's how you can build an effective outline for those easy essays.

Start with Your Thesis: Your thesis statement should be the centerpiece of your outline. Why? Because every point you make in your essay should support that thesis. Picture it like a sun, with each argument as a planet orbiting around it.
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea or argument that supports your thesis. For each paragraph, jot down the main point, the evidence you'll use to support it, and how it links back to your thesis.
Introduction and Conclusion: Don't dismiss these as mere bookends. Your introduction should hook your reader, introduce your thesis, and set the stage for your arguments. Your conclusion should restate your thesis, summarize your arguments, and leave your reader with a final thought or question to ponder.
Order Matters: Arrange your arguments in a logical order. Whether you're building up to your most powerful point or kicking off with a bang, make sure your points flow smoothly from one to the next.

Remember, an outline isn't set in stone. It's a tool to help you organize your thoughts. Don't be afraid to shuffle things around until they feel just right. After all, building an effective outline is the foundation for writing easy essays that earn A+ grades.

6. Write a Compelling Intro and Conclusion

Imagine you're at a party. You spot someone across the room. What's the first thing you notice? Their outfit? Their smile? It's the same with your essay. The introduction is your first impression, and you want to make it a good one.

Hook 'Em: Start your essay with a hook. It could be a fascinating fact, a thought-provoking question, or a bold statement. The goal is to grab your reader's attention and make them want to read more.
Introduce Your Thesis: After your hook, it's time to introduce your thesis statement. This is your big idea—the point you're trying to make in your essay. Make sure it's clear and concise.
Give a Roadmap: Lastly, give your reader a roadmap of your essay. Outline what they can expect to read in the body of your essay.

Now, flash forward to the end of the party. It's time to say goodbye, but you want to leave a lasting impression. That's where your conclusion comes in.

Restate Your Thesis: Start your conclusion by restating your thesis. But don't just copy and paste—try to rephrase it in a fresh way.
Summarize Your Arguments: Next, summarize the main arguments you made in your essay. This is your chance to remind your reader of the points you've made.
Leave a Lasting Impression: Finally, leave your reader with a lasting impression. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a prediction about the future. The goal is to make your reader think long after they've finished reading your essay.

Remember, the introduction and conclusion frame your essay. They're the first and last things your reader sees, so make them count. Nail these, and you're well on your way to writing easy essays that impress.

7. Proofread and Edit Your Work

So you've written your essay. Congratulations, you're almost there! But hold on—before you celebrate, there's one last crucial step: proofreading and editing.

Think of your essay like a treasure hunt. Along the way, you've collected some fantastic ideas. But in the heat of the moment, you might have also picked up some less-than-perfect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. That's what you're looking for when you proofread.

Take a Break: Before you start, take a break. You've been staring at your essay for a while now, and you need fresh eyes.
Read Aloud: When you're ready, read your essay out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences.
Check for Clarity: As you read, make sure each sentence is clear and concise. Your reader shouldn't have to work hard to understand what you're trying to say.
Watch for Errors: Keep an eye out for common errors like misplaced commas, misspelled words, or incorrect verb tenses.
Get a Second Opinion: Finally, get a second opinion. Ask a friend, a teacher, or a family member to read your essay. They might spot something you missed.

Proofreading might seem tedious, but it's the difference between an essay that's okay and an essay that's outstanding. And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the better you'll get. Before you know it, you'll be pumping out easy essays like a pro.

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