Read and research ideas for the essay. Search for information that relates to the topic. If you are writing about current affairs or a contemporary political topic, newspapers, op-ed pieces, online sites and political discussion television programs will all give you much to think about. If the essay is more academically oriented, such as an essay on James Joyce or Marcel Proust, read what literary critics and other authors have to say on the topics. You need to be familiar with Joyce or Proust as well.
Analyze your information and brainstorm ideas critically for the essay. The goal of an essay is to contribute something interesting and original to the discussion. An essay that is merely repetitive or rehashing old ideas is not interesting. Use the analytical and brainstorming process to develop an original point of view on the topic. Jot down various ideas for addressing the topic, compare and contrast different perspectives from the different writers you have read.
Select a writing style and voice for the essay. Essay writers uses a variety of writing styles and techniques. Some essayists adopt an academic voice while others choose to use a more personalized and narrative voice. The style depends both upon the audience the essay is intended for as well as the subject matter and content of the essay.
Outline the major topics and ideas for the essay. Write a thesis statement for the essay. The thesis announces a particular theme or problem as well as letting the reader know what your solution or interpretation to the problem is. The outline for the essay sketches out the major points and the steps of the argument that will make your point. The goal of the essay is to persuade, convince, or inspire the reader about the topic.
Write a rough draft of the essay. The writing process itself is creative and you will find that your ideas about the topic change and develop or evolve as you write. Your thoughts mature as your write the first draft. After the first draft is completed, set it aside for a day or two. This provides a more critical edge when you reread the essay.
Critically read the rough draft. Ask yourself what works and what doesn't work. Some parts of the essay will be weak and need rearranging to get your point of view across. Take notes, make editorial comments, determine how to rewrite or improve the weak parts of the essay.
Write the final draft of the essay using your notes and editorial comments as a guide. Keep a copy of the original draft. Some writers repeat this process several times before they are satisfied. Compare the new draft with the the original one.
Write the introduction and the conclusion of the essay. Begin the introduction with a thought engaging sentence that sets the tone and announces the topic of the essay. Keep the introduction short and concise. The introduction summarizes the main theme and the arguments of the essay. It should prepare the reader for what is to come and make them anxious to read it. The conclusion is similar. It reminds the reader what they have just read. The conclusion also provides the writer the opportunity to summarize the essential points of the essay. Let the reader know why you think the essay is important.