10 Steps on How to Write an Essay in English: Format, Samples, and Tips

Essay writing is an important part of our academic and professional life. Every student must learn how to write an essay in English, for it is important for their academic and professional life. Whether it’s an essay on India, social media, or any trending or even social awareness topic, essay writing allows students to express their thoughts, and share experiences and ideas.

On this page, we will be discussing what essay writing is, and then there are 10 steps on how to write an essay in English with its format, samples, and tips. 

What is Essay Writing?

An essay is a writing where an individual expresses his or her views on a particular topic. Essays are divided into two categories; formal and informal essay writing. Our schools, academic institutions, and professional fields use formal essay writing where the tone is serious, objective, and professional. Informal essays, on the other hand, are written to express personal views. They are written for enjoyment, personal reflection, or to share opinions and experiences. Humour and contractions are some important and frequently used elements of informal essay writing.

Also Read: 200+ English Essay Topics for Students

How to Write an Essay in English?

Like any other academic task, essay writing can sound boring too. But what if I say ‘Essay writing is a lot more fun than any other academic task?’ Essays are an important part of our academics and writing an expressive essay can significantly improve our overall writing and academic performance.

The essay writing process is divided into many parts, popular ones being it’s preparation, writing and revision. Let’s check out some of the best essay-writing tips to make your essay perfect.

1. Understand Your Topic (s)

Do not just jump off the cliff. Give your brain some time to process and understand the topic. Then conduct your research according. You have to give time to your preparation, as it will lay the foundation of your essay writing. Take help from your teacher or colleague in case of any difficulty.

2. Have A Strong Opening Line

Choosing a strong thesis statement is very important to guide your audience or reader about the topic. Your opening statement will indicate the main point or argument of your essay. It helps the audience to understand the purpose and focus of your writing.

3. Follow the Structure

Once you have understood everything about your topic, start writing your essay with basic details. Every essay follows a basic structure: Introduction, Body and Conclusion. You highlight all the basic details of your topic in your introduction, then come to the body paragraphs where all the facts and figures are to be listened and then end your essay with a short and easy-to-understand conclusion.

4. A Compelling Introduction

Like any popular TV commercial or social media advertisement, you must come up with a hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage your reader. Present your thesis statement in the introduction and provide a brief overview of what the essay will cover.

For example: ‘The Earth, our only home, is burning and we must do everything to save it.’

In this statement, I’ve made it clear the issue I’ll be addressing and how it will be discussed.

5. Have a Structured Body Paragraph

The main idea of the essay must be reflected in the body paragraph of your essay. For example, start each paragraph with a topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement. Go with the flow and try to maintain it.

6. Write Clearly

To enhance your essay’s readability, use clear and concise language. Clear expressions reduce the risk of misinterpretation. It can keep the reader engaged and there are higher chances that the reader is likely to stay interested in your essay.

Here are some important things to consider when writing an essay:

• Clearly highlight your argument in the introduction.
• Each paragraph must highlight the main idea of the topic.
• Make sure to avoid redundancy and repetition.
• Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Check the overall structure of the essay.

7. List Down Your Sources

This is a professional attitude where you are acknowledging the ideas and work of others. It can also help you avoid plagiarism and establish your credibility as it shows that your ideas are grounded in established research.

8. Give A Thoughtful Conclusion

After discussing the entire essay, now is the time to summarize all the main points discussed above. Remember, this is a summary and not a discussion. It is like restating your thesis differently and providing a thoughtful conclusion for future research.

9. Make Sure to Edit/ Revise

Once you have finished writing your essay, take time to edit and proofread your essay. Check for any grammar or spelling errors, as well as the overall coherence and flow of your writing. It will work like a charm if you seek feedback from your classmates or teacher.

10. Finalize Your Essay

Make necessary revisions based on feedback from your colleagues or teacher. Ensure that all the steps you drafted have been successfully implemented and then create a polished final draft for submission.

Essay Writing Format

Whether you are writing a formal or informal essay, a basic writing format is to be followed. If you have written an essay with proper formatting and well-organized paragraphs, it will enhance the readability, clarity, and overall effectiveness of your writing. Below we have discussed the entire format of essay writing.

1. Introduction

The essay introduction involves generalised information about the topic. Here you are required to start your essay with a short and detailed overview of the topic in one of two statements. Try to answer the question with a thesis statement. Highlight a road map of your essay with all the main points.

2. Body Paragraphs

Essay body paragraphs involve all the details of your topic. Here, you are required to elaborate on all the points you mentioned in your introduction. It can include 3 to 4 short paragraphs where answers are written in discussion format. Consider this as your knowledge arena where you have discussed all the points about your topic. Whatever details you write here, try to provide evidence to support them and use relevant examples from official sources.

3. Conclusion

Essay conclusions require you to restart your answers and summarise all the main points you’ve discussed. To make your essay expressive, add a broad statement with a positive conclusion and possible implications. 

Essay Writing Samples

Below we have discussed some essay writing samples for school children. 

Sample 1

Topic – ‘Essay on Animals’

Animals play an important in balancing our ecosystem and bringing diversity to our natural surroundings. Scientists have identified more than 20 billion billion or 20 quintillion species on Earth. From small microbes to large mammals, each species plays a unique role in maintaining the health of our environment. Animals are very important to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. Each species has a specific role in the food chain, contributing to the delicate balance of ecosystems. The loss of any species can disrupt this balance, leading to cascading effects on other organisms and the environment. Animals like birds and insects play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal. This is an important process for reproduction and the continuation of various plant species. Without animals, ecosystems would struggle to regenerate and sustain themselves.  Since ancient times, humans have been close to many animals and have domesticated them for agriculture and other activities. Cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock provide food, clothing, and other essential resources. Animals hold cultural and symbolic significance in many societies. They are often featured in myths, folklore, and religious stories, representing various qualities and characteristics. However, in recent decades, human activities had a profound impact on animals. Various governments and organizations have implemented conservation efforts. These conservation initiatives ensure that future generations can experience the richness and diversity of animal life on Earth. Animals’ multifaceted roles in our lives and balancing the ecosystem are on par. We must recognize the importance of animals and contribute to the preservation of the delicate web of life that sustains us all.

Sample 2

Topic – ‘Essay on My Hobby’

‘A hobby is an activity that one loves to do in free time with passion and dedication. A hobby is a recreation that brings about personal pleasure and amusement. It is an interesting pursuit that we adopt as an occupation for our free time. It enables a  person to find some soothing work that can relax the mind and soul. I have a variety of different hobbies. As an active sociable individual, I enjoy staying fit and going to the gym. I also like to keep my commercial awareness up to date and enjoy reading the Financial Times. I enjoy meeting new people, and I am also part of a fundraising committee for a charity called St Matthew’s Children.’

Sample 3

Topic – ‘Essay on Students’ Life’

Student life is a period of transformation and exploration. It’s a period where one transitions from childhood to adulthood, navigating through the complexities of education and personal growth. Amid academic challenges, students often form close bonds with peers. These friendships provide crucial support in times of stress and celebration during moments of success. However, it’s not all smooth, the pressure to excel, manage finances, and make important life decisions can be overwhelming. The student life is a pivotal period of self-discovery and personal development. It’s not just about textbooks and lectures; it’s a journey of exploration and experimentation. From joining clubs and societies to engaging in community service, these experiences help in uncovering a student’s passions and talents. It’s a time when they build bonds that often last a lifetime, creating a support system that stands the test of time.

Sample 4

Topic – ‘Essay on Teachers’ Day’

‘Every year on September 5, India celebrates Teachers’ Day to honour and appreciate the incredible contribution of teachers in our lives. This day holds great significance for students and the nation as it commemorates Dr. Sarvepelli Radhakrishnan’s birthday, a great philosopher and India’s second President. He believed that “Teachers should be the best minds in the country.”  Teaching young minds and shaping their future is one of the hardest tasks on this planet. But our favorite teachers do that every day effortlessly. They guide us through the difficulties of our lives and instill important life lessons. In addition to this, teachers inspire us to think critically, be open to different perspectives, help others, and most importantly, give our best.  Schools and colleges in India celebrate Teachers’ Day to express gratitude. Different activities like greeting card-making competitions, slogan competitions, and essay writing competitions are held throughout the day. Moreover, special dance performances are paired with engaging singing performances. Teachers’ Day strengthens the bond between a teacher and their students. It is a gentle reminder for students to be more appreciative of their teachers and the hard work they do all year long.

Also Read: Story Writing Format for Class 9th to 12th

Top 20 English Essay Topics for Students

Here are the top 20 essay topics for school students.

• Essay on Water Pollution
• Essay on Climate Change
• Essay on my country
• Essay on Chandrayaan 3
• Essay on Women Empowerment
• Essay on Animals
• Essay on Tiger
• Essay on my pet
• Essay on New Year
• Essay on Student’s Life
• Essay on Indian Independence Day
• Essay on Teachers Day
• Essay on love
• Essay on My Hobby
• Essay on Human Rights
• Essay on Mahatma Gandhi
• Essay on Rabindranath Tagore
• Essay on Winter Vacation
• Essay on Childhood Memories
• Essay on My Favourite Season

FAQs

This was all about essay writing, its format, samples, and tips. We hope you understand all the basic details involved in essay writing. For more information on essays and speech topics, visit our school education website and follow Leverage Edu.