Writing is perhaps the most difficult task because it starts with reading and understanding a topic. An essay can have several purposes. But its structure is always the same. Be it an argument or some steps necessary to achieve an objective, the essay will always have the same format.

• The first step in writing an essay, possibly the toughest for some, is the planning stage. Everyone has ideas on what they want to write. The problem is they do not know how to organize the ideas and focus on what the essay will talk about
  
  
• The second step is brainstorming and outlining the ideas on the topic. Write down any key word or phrase associated with the topic
  
  
• Next, ask yourself six basic questions: Who? What? Why? Where? When? How?
  
  This step will require that you read about the chosen topic and find answers for these basic questions. Note down any new information you find on the topic. Cite the source in case direct quotes or paraphrases are used
  
  
• Answering the basic questions would have given you the main idea. This can serve as the thesis sentence of the essay. Thesis sentence is the first sentence of an essay that explains the perspective from which the essay is written

Drafting the Essay

• Introduction - The introduction should show the direction of the essay. It includes the thesis statements and the basic ideas
  
  
• Body - The body of the essay will discuss in detail the information gathered on the topic. It will answer the six basic questions raised above
  
  
• Conclusion - This section summarises the main points of the essay, reiterates the thesis sentence and concludes the essay
  
  
• After the essay is written, read it for mistakes in spelling and grammar or errors in the sentence structure. Ensure that basic questions are answered. You have the best essay with you.