Step by Step Instructions on How to Write A-grade Academic Papers

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Step by Step Instructions on How to Write A-grade Academic Papers

1. Strive to Understand your Essay’s Subject

You should compose essays from an abundance of information. If you start writing on a subject while having little knowledge, you will most likely run out of content before achieving the essay’s required length. Therefore, as a first step, immerse yourself in discovering new information and data to show that you are well versed in the subject.

Here’s a hint on how to go about it; visit Google Scholar and get as much up-to-date information as possible from recognized publications. Either, you can borrow books from the Library and search for information from other authoritative sources.

2. Come up With a Unique Way of Taking Notes

You have to have a technique for note-taking. Regardless of how you record the data or information base, you can try the following procedure:

  • Use one-word or two-word keywords for each note. After writing several points in notes form, mark the points using keywords. This way, you will be able to sort out the issues later on.
  • Recognize and differentiate the primary and secondary source documents. For instance, if you are writing on Shakespeare’s “Othello,” the play would be a primary source, whereas a guide book by another author would be a secondary source.
  • Distinguish facts from opinions and assessments. Remember, you should base your paper on facts. Without fundamental realities, you can’t present your contentions, views, or feelings in an academically acceptable manner.
  • Consider having ten solid points that will act as the base for your paper. Either, ask yourself, “Which data reports and sources am I going to use as the source of my arguments?”
  • Look out for crucial statements that you can quote. However, do not be lazy by quoting vast chunks of text; this may get you penalized. Instead, use relatively few words in quotes.
  • When writing notes, do not write word for word as reported in the texts; instead, rewrite the points in your own words.
  • Keep track of all data and information sources for the reference page

3. Structure the Essay in a Reader-Friendly Way

All essays need to have a beginning, a center, and an end. Ordinarily, we think of these parts as the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. The essence of these three parts is that they help the writer to set a context for the essay logically.

4. Writing the Introduction

In an essay, use the Introduction to capture the reader’s attention by stating facts, data, and the main idea presented. For the last one or two sentences, explain the essay’s side of the argument and its essence as a short answer to the examiner’s question. Additionally, you can use the introductory paragraph to sum up the issues in a way that shows your understanding of the question.

  • Discuss issues brought about by the question.
  • Give a summary of the essay.
  • Offer a general answer to the question set and then expound it on the Body.

You can check out the sample essays here on how to write a good intro, body, and conclusion:

a) Evaluation essay.

b) Illustration essay.

c) Research proposal.

d) Interview summary

In most cases, students tend to make poor introductions that unnecessarily regurgitate too much information, which can be a turnoff to the reader. On the same note, to gain the reader’s attention, try to avoid controversial info. An eye-catching introduction is crucial and can, in a significant way, differentiate an A-grade student from the others.

 

5. Writing the Essay’s Body

The body of an essay consists of supporting paragraphs for one’s arguments. To leave a good impression on the examiner, ensure that each paragraph states and elaborates on a valid argument.

Ordinarily, one should state the point in the first sentence. One can then expound on it in a few sentences (preferably two or three) and then conclude the last sentence.

In the body’s paragraphs, ensure that:

a) You present the relevant information clearly and concisely.

b) The opinions presented are well supported.

c) Your arguments are convincing enough.

 

6. Developing the Essay’s Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the ideas, information, and arguments presented (in the introduction and body). In conclusion, you should ensure that:

  • You give a clear answer to the questions asked.
  • Reiterate the arguments.
  • Highlight the critical evidence, and
  • Write your own understanding of the question as this gives the reader the last impression on whether you answered the questions well.