How to Write Your Essay
First
- Gary Thomas - University of Birmingham
March 2027 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
‘Being asked to write an essay can sometimes feel a bit like being asked to wrestle a tiger… Where do you even start? What do you say?’
This book gives you a clear route through the essay-writing process, showing you how to turn ideas into focused, well-argued work. It covers everything from understanding the question and planning your response, to building an argument, using evidence effectively, and writing with clarity and control. You’ll also learn how to develop your own voice, think critically, and adapt your approach for different assessment types, including timed exams.
You will learn how to:
- Build a clear, structured argument that answers the question directly
- Use evidence with purpose to support and strengthen your ideas
- Write with clarity and control, avoiding common pitfalls
- Use AI wisely, understanding when to use it and when to not
Designed for students who want clear, practical guidance on writing strong academic essays.
Chapter 1: Essay structure and organisation
Chapter 2: Understanding the title
Chapter 3: Planning your essay
Chapter 4: Knowledge, understanding and evidence
Chapter 5: Searching for evidence
Chapter 6: Where’s your argument?
Chapter 7: Criticality, theory, analysis and synthesis
Chapter 8: Constructing a narrative
Chapter 9: Flow and cohesion
Chapter 10: Writing: voice and style
Chapter 11: The technical stuff
Chapter 12: Assessment