Academic Essays

Academic essays require a specific topic, writing style, and essay structure. In this article, Adam Kissel shows you step-by-step how to write a successful high school or college essay that will help you create a logical, compelling argument with detailed supporting evidence. It's easy to become a better academic writer by learning how to pick the correct thesis, support your argument, quote your sources wisely, and choose your words for maximum effect. You will discover how easy it is to write a college level essay with some simple organizational and planning skills.

• The First Sentence
• The Thesis
• The Introduction Paragraph(s)
• One Point Per Paragraph
• Don't Forget the Point
• What Counts As Evidence?
• Quote Your Sources Wisely
• Five Ways to Get Caught Plagiarizing
• Transitions: Getting From Point to Point
• Words to Use, Words to Avoid
• Style Tips
• The Concluding Paragraph(s)
• The Last Sentence
• Finishing Touches

• What's a Good Essay?
• Admission Essays
• Scholarship Essays
• Essay Writing: First-Person and Third-Person Points of View
• Elements of a Successful Research Paper
• Removing Redundancy: Writing Clearly and Concisely
• Avoiding Commonly Misused Words
• Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
• Choosing an Effective Essay Topic
• An Overview of Literary Genres
• What Makes Classic Literature Classic?
• Determining Your Writing Style
• APA vs. MLA: What Style Guide Do I Use?