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.