How to write an

academic essay
Marketing 3
02/05/2016

Celine Govender, Micara Naidoo, Tashmika Girdhari, Ashveer Singh

The art of writing an essay is to open with a great introduction to capture the readers
interest. The introduction is a concise summary of the content. Introductions are usually 510% of the length of a typical academic essay. Readers gain their first impression from this
section; therefore an effective introduction is necessary. The introduction should begin with a
brief background that provides a focus for the paper and should introduce the thesis
statement clearly and concisely (Writing introductions and conclusions for essays).
A successful essay has to have some purpose, it has to be original and of some importance,
which is stated in the thesis statement. An essays thesis is the main point you are trying to
make (Duffin, K 2016). The thesis statement is supported in the body of the essay by a
sense of topic sentences, one in each paragraph. Each topic sentence is in turn supported
by evidence and examples from readings and research, reflection, observation and analysis.
As you start the body of your essay, you may have to refer to several books, online sources
and your essay question or thesis statement in front of you. As you develop each point,
make reference to the thesis statement and think about how the point you are making both
relates to the thesis statement and develops your argument. If its relation is not clear
enough, then explain the relevance of your point (Tertiary essay writing 2011).
An academic essay should be designed to present your argument clearly and persuasively.
Well structured essays show progression through the paragraphs using relevant examples to
demonstrate points of argument. Although presentation is vital, there is no strict convention
on layout. Using a reasonably formal style of writing is also essential. Soles (2009) states
that a good academic essay should project a forceful and confident voice. Critical analysis is
a skill used in essay writing. Transitional words and sentences are vital in academic essays
in order to connect various parts of the paper into a unified whole.
When concluding your academic essay, the thesis statement should be reinstated using
different vocabulary. Major points supporting your thesis that were presented must be
highlighted and the concluding thoughts and ideas about the essay must be presented. The
aim of the conclusion is to challenge readers and inspire them to take a different perspective
or take action based on the displayed on the topic. Do not write the end at the conclusion
of the paper, you should rather ensure that your conclusion is sufficient enough to tell the
reader that it is over. If you posed a question in your introduction, you should answer it in the
conclusion (How to write an academic persuasive essay 2013).

Reference List
Duffin, K. 2016. Overview of the Academic Essay (online). Available:
http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/overview-academic-essay (Accessed 01 May
2016).
Essential Elements of Academic Writing (online). Available:
http://www.engstrominstitute.com/apou/helps_files/essential_elements_academic_writing.pdf
(Accessed 29 April 2016).
How to write an academic persuasive essay (online). 2013. Available:
http://rhs.rrdsb.com/sites/rhs.rrdsb.com/files/How%20to%20write%20an%20academic
%20persuasive%20essay.pdf (Accessed 29 April 2016).
Soles, D. 2009. The essentials of academic writing (online). Available:
https://books.google.co.za (Accessed 01 May 2016).
Tertiary essay writing (online). 2011. Available:
http://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/468867/5299ASU_TertiaryEssayWritingWeb.pdf (Accessed 29 April 2016).
Writing introductions and conclusions for essays (online). Available:
http://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/468862/Writing_introductions_an
d_conclusions_for_essays_Update_051112.pdf (Accessed 29 April 2016).