The first step in writing an essay is to collect the data you will use to support your thesis statement or argument, which is known as your topic sentence. Make sure that the information you gather is relevant to the topic sentence and contributes something new to it. All of the information should be correctly structured. You want the reader to be saying, “wow!” after they read what you have written; if they are left saying “huh?” then your essay has not been successful.
This article will provide some tips on how to organize your data to write the best possible essay.
Collecting Data for Essay
Most institutions provide library access, which means you have access to a variety of information. Your search should not be restricted to books; it should also include journals/periodical collections, theses, videos, DVDs, e-books, e-journals, electronic resources, and databases.
With so much information at your fingertips, converting your essay question into a search strategy or statement is a crucial first step in locating the information you require. Thinking about the kinds of words connected to your topic that you may anticipate finding in books or newspaper articles should be the first step in developing a search strategy. A proper search statement can be used with whatever source you choose, such as specific computer databases or library catalogues.
You’ll be able to look more thoroughly at the specific resources accessible to you, such as databases, to discover what material they contain once you have a clear understanding of what you need to know about your topic to cope with the assignment provided. You’ll need to evaluate the material you find and acquire a critical awareness of the perspectives reflected in what you read — authors may express a specific stance directly in some cases, but there may be concealed bias in others, which can be deceptive.
Sometimes, there are issues in writing that can bring a dead stop to the entire writing process. It’s hard to get over that writer’s block or to get anything done by the deadline. That is when you should consider consulting some essay writing service as a mark of excellence.
Structuring Data for Essay
The next step is to create a rough framework for your essay once you have analyzed the question, undertaken preliminary research, and settled on your tentative viewpoint and line of argument.
Essays mostly have a similar structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
When working on your essay structure, keep two things in mind: making sure you include the correct material in each section and selecting how you’ll organize the content within the body.
- Introduction
The introduction should contain the purpose of writing the essay and the background information of your essay’s topic. It should be worded in such a way that it draws readers in and encourages them to read the rest of the essay. Provide your thesis statement in the introduction.
- Body Paragraphs:
The body of the essay is where you will expand on your thesis statement. This part of the essay requires a lot of research and evidence (e.g. quotes) to develop your point further and provide backing for it. The body section must be able to stand alone and make sense without referencing back to your thesis statement. It should include the core arguments and analysis.
One main point should be discussed per paragraph, and each paragraph starts with a topic sentence. All paragraphs of the body of the essay relate to your thesis statement.
- Conclusion
The conclusion of your essay shows that why your argument matters. It ties together your main points. It is a small but vital part of any essay. It is the final impression you leave with your reader, and it should be written carefully to ensure that the reader remembers what you have to say. A good conclusion leaves the reader with a feeling of satisfaction and completion.
Order of Information:
It is important how you present data within the body. You can follow some general guidelines:
- Firstly, your argument should progress from the most basic to the most complicated claim. An essay with a good argumentative writing outline usually starts with simple, broadly accepted claims and then progresses to more complicated and disputed claims. For instance, start by describing a widely accepted philosophical concept before applying it to a new topic. The reader will be able to understand your particular application of the general subject because of your background in it. Sometimes a person is not argumentative but has a great idea to share. Other times, presenting ideas in an argumentative sense can take away from the idea itself. Creating an argumentative writing outline becomes easier with our help.
- The second rule is that background material should be included near the start of your essay. The introduction gives some background information. If you need to give extra background information, do it at the beginning of the body.
- The third rule is that whatever you write should be related to your topic. Examine whether each piece of information contributes to your argument or gives necessary context. Also, make sure that the writing emphasizes the importance of each piece of information.
To Wrap Things Up:
Organizing the data for your essay is a crucial part of the writing process. Make sure you are consistent in how you structure your paragraphs and that you provide sufficient proof to back up your argument.
