Essay writing is the foundational rock of most subjects, so it's essential to get your skills up to scratch, or you could be missing out on crucial marks.
Essay writing is a skill that takes time to develop, but mastering it can make a huge difference to your grades. The problem? Most essay advice out there is painfully obvious—"make a plan," "use topic sentences," "proofread your work"—you've heard it all before.
If you want to write essays that actually stand out, you need techniques that go beyond the basics. Here are some unexpected (but highly effective) ways to take your writing to the next level.
How to write an introduction that will hook your reader
Your introduction sets the tone for the entire essay, so it needs to grab attention while laying a strong foundation. Of course, you should define your terms, reference the question, and state your thesis, but give these a go, too:
Try writing your introduction last. Writing your introduction first can limit your thinking. Draft your main points and conclusion first—then go back and craft an introduction that actually reflects the direction your essay took.
Find the 'invisible' question within the essay prompt. Most prompts have an unspoken second layer. If the question asks what happened, it’s also asking why it happened; if it asks how something works, it’s also asking why it works that way. Addressing this hidden question makes for a more sophisticated argument.
Start with something surprising. Instead of a generic opening, hook your reader with something unexpected: a statistic, a contradiction, or a bold claim that challenges assumptions.
How to write the main body
3-4 paragraphs will usually do. Each paragraph should be a mini-argument that builds towards your overall thesis.
Flip your essay structure. Most students save their strongest argument for last, but that risks burying your best work. Instead, experiment with leading with your most compelling point to hook the reader early. Who knows, you might even think of better points.
Read your essay out loud in a dramatic voice. Overly long or awkward sentences become painfully obvious when spoken aloud. If you stumble over a sentence, it needs rewriting.
Use the 'one-sentence story' rule. Every paragraph should, at its core, tell a mini-story. If you can’t summarise it in a single, compelling sentence, it’s probably too vague or unfocused. This mini thesis should be at the start and end of each paragraph.
Pretend you’re debating someone who disagrees with you. Before finalising an argument, imagine a heated debate with someone holding the opposite viewpoint. What would they say? Address their counterarguments before they even come up.
How to write a conclusion that leaves an impact
End with a mic-drop sentence. The best conclusions don’t just tie things up, they make an impact. Try ending with:
A thought-provoking question
An important implication of your argument
A prediction about the future (especially good for transactional writing)
If you opened with a surprising fact, contradiction, or bold claim, circle back to it in your conclusion for a satisfying full-circle moment.
General tips to sharpen your writing
Even if you have a solid structure, the way you write matters.
Replace every generic word with a more precise one. Weak words weaken your argument. Instead of “important,” use “essential.” Instead of “shows,” use “demonstrates.”
Use the ‘Explain It to a 12-Year-Old’ rule. If you can’t simplify your argument into one or two clear sentences, you don’t understand it well enough. Simplify, then build back up.
Mix up the rhythm of your writing. Good writing sounds like music; use a combination of short sentences, longer sentences, and even dramatic one-word sentences for best impact.
Now, go write something that actually stands out.
Great essays aren’t just about following formulas—they’re about clarity, originality, and sharp argumentation. If you're not a natural writer, don't worry! Essay writing is a skill, and it can certainly be learned and taught.
If you'd like some extra, personalised help, don't hesitate to get in touch with us, and we'll put you in contact with one of our expert tutors.
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