1. Choose a topic for the essay

In brainstorming for an essay topic, students should think of themes and subjects that fascinate them. This way, their scholastic paper would be about something that they care about they could find themselves getting engrossed with.

2. Set off to the libraries for some serious research

The next step is to research and collect reading materials relevant to the topic. Proceed to the primary sources first which includes books, magazines, and periodicals. Spend time combing through the paperbacks, manuscripts, and hard covers at the library. Give special attention to the new books as they can provide latest information and new trends, which may later on prove useful in the essay.

3. Read the materials

Students should then collate their reading materials for the essay and start going through them. They should scribble down notes especially when coming across interesting ideas and quotations from experts.

The advantage of carefully reading and analyzing the materials is that students obtain a wealth of ideas for academic writing. These sources do not only provide them with brilliant ideas but also introduce them to new perspectives and different viewpoints on their topics. Hence, their knowledge of the subject matter becomes more extensive and they have several things to discuss on their paper.

4. Plan the structure of the essay

To plan an essay is to decide on its presentation and the strategies on how the students will put forward their arguments and convince the people of their stance. It is much like creating a blueprint for a house and laying its foundations.

TIP: To ensure a tight structure, create an outline for the paper. Students should identify the main idea or thesis statement. Then, think of the main divisions of the outline and then the sublevels. By having an outline, students can easily assess the logic of their essay and fortify the areas they find weak.

5. Free writing

After planning the essay's structure, it is time to flesh out the details and write the essay. However, students should realize that writing their composition is not a one-time only activity. They have to go to several drafts, as many as necessary, before they submit their papers.

Thus, in writing the first draft, students should simply let their thoughts to flow easily or what the experts call free writing. Do not be conscious of grammar rules and typographical errors. Students should simply write what they want to say, the way they want to say it.

6. Revising

When students finish the first draft of their composition, it is time for the revisions. Have a look at the text and edit it. Delete superfluous words and ensure that the tone is formal. Ensure that the sentences are clear and cross out all ambiguities. Repeat as necessary.

7. Proofreading

Students should make it a habit to proofread their essays before submitting it. By doing this, they reduce, if not totally eliminate, the chances of technical and mechanical errors.

Re-read the essay carefully and check for capitalization and punctuation errors. Be on the lookout for misspellings, grammatical lapses, and do not forget to check for dangling modifiers and awkward phrasings.