Step 1: Understand the Assignment

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Step 1: Understand the Assignment

Before you begin, it’s crucial to fully understand what is being asked of you. Carefully read the essay prompt or instructions provided by your

teacher or professor. Identify the key elements:

1. Essay type: Is it a persuasive essay, narrative essay, argumentative

essay, or analytical essay?

2. Topic or scope: Are you given a specific topic, or do you need to choose

one?

3. Length and format: What is the required word count? Should you follow

a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago)?

4. Deadline: When is the essay due?

Tip: Rewrite the assignment in your own words to ensure you’ve fully

grasped it. If you’re unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from your instructor.

Step 2: Choose a Topic

If a topic is not assigned, the next step is to select one. Choose a subject

that:

• Aligns with the essay’s purpose (e.g., to persuade, inform, or analyze).
• Is specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to provide

sufficient material.

• Interests you personally, as passion for the topic often results in better

writing.

Example:

Instead of writing about “climate change,” narrow it down to something more specific like “the effects of climate change on coral reefs.”

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