ES Dubai - Academic English: How To Make Your Essays Unique
course in dubai learn academic english english for academic purposes course

Academic English: How To Make Your Essays Unique

Like our Post? Share Now!

Writing essays can be tough, especially when you’re writing them in a language that isn’t your first. With a few handy tips and a bit of practice through our English for academic purposes course, you can master the art of academic writing. Whether you’re a student of our course in Dubai or just looking to improve your essay-writing skills, this guide will help you produce high-quality essays.

1. Understand the Assignment

The first step in writing a great essay is to understand the assignment. Before you start writing, make sure you know exactly what is required of you. What is the topic? What is the word count? Are there any specific guidelines or formatting requirements? Understanding these details will help you stay focused and ensure that you meet all the requirements.

Tip: If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher or professor for clarification. It’s better to ask questions early on than to realise you’ve misunderstood the assignment after you’ve already written half of your essay.

2. Choose a Topic You're Passionate About

Whenever possible, choose a topic that interests you. Writing about something you’re passionate about can make the process more enjoyable and your writing more engaging. If the topic is assigned, try to find an angle that excites you or relates to your experiences or interests.

Tip: If you’re struggling to find an interesting angle, do some preliminary research. Sometimes, learning more about the topic can spark your interest and give you new ideas for your essay.

3. Conduct Thorough Research

Good research is the backbone of any high-quality essay. Take the time to gather information from reliable sources. This could include books, academic journals, reputable websites, and other scholarly articles. Make sure to take notes and keep track of your sources for citation purposes.

Tip: Use your school’s library resources, online databases, and academic search engines like Google Scholar to find credible sources. Avoid relying solely on Wikipedia, as it’s not always reliable.

4. Create an Outline

An outline is like a roadmap for your essay. It helps you organise your thoughts and ensures that your essay has a clear structure. Start with a basic outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Then, add more detail to each section.

Example Outline:

1. Introduction

– Hook: Start with an interesting fact or question.

– Background information: Provide context for your topic.

– Thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument or point.

2. Body Paragraphs

– Topic sentence: Introduce the main idea of each paragraph.

– Supporting evidence: Provide examples to support your topic sentence.

– Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your argument.

3. Conclusion

– Restate your thesis: Summarise your main points.

– Final thoughts: Leave the reader with something to think about.

Tip: Your outline doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s a flexible tool that can be adjusted as you write.

5. Write a Strong Introduction

Your introduction is your first chance to grab your reader’s attention. Start with a hook that draws them in, such as an interesting fact, a question, or a quote. Then, provide some background information to give context to your topic. Finally, end your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main point of your essay.

Tip: Keep your introduction concise. You don’t have to make sure your reader gets enough information right away.

6. Develop Clear and Coherent Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports your thesis. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence, followed by supporting evidence and analysis. Make sure your paragraphs flow logically from one to the next, using transition words and phrases to guide your reader.

Tip: Use a mix of different types of evidence, such as statistics, quotes, and examples, to support your arguments. This will make your essay more convincing and well-rounded.

7. Craft a Compelling Conclusion

Your conclusion should wrap up your essay and leave a lasting impression on your reader. Start by restating your thesis in a new way, summarising the main points you’ve made. Then, provide some final thoughts or suggestions for further research. Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion.

Tip: End your conclusion with a strong closing sentence that reinforces your main point and leaves your reader thinking.

8. Revise and Edit

Writing the first draft is just the beginning as you learn academic English. Revising and editing are crucial steps in the writing process. Take the time to review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Look for any grammatical errors, awkward sentences, or unclear ideas. Make sure your essay flows well and that your arguments are well-supported.

Tip: Take a break between writing and revising. This will give you a fresh perspective and make it easier to spot mistakes. Consider reading your essay out loud or having someone else review it for you.

9. Use Proper Citation

Citing your sources properly is essential in academic writing. Not only does it give credit to the original authors, but it also helps you avoid plagiarism. Make sure to follow the citation style required by your assignment, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Tip: Use citation management tools like Zotero or Mendeley to keep track of your sources and format your citations correctly.

Writing high-quality essays in English doesn’t have to be intimidating. By understanding your assignment, choosing a topic you’re passionate about, conducting thorough research, creating a detailed outline, and carefully crafting each section of your essay, you can navigate the complexities of academic writing with confidence. Remember to revise and edit your work, use proper citations, and, most importantly, practice writing regularly. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and successful essay writer.

Check out
Our Other Posts

Like what you read? We love to keep you updated about everything at ES. Check out our different courses, exciting facts about Dubai, news, updates, amazing success stories from us and much more.

We don't say that,

our students do!
Check out
Our Social Media

At ES Dubai, we make studying English a fun and fascinating experience for every student. A family-like atmosphere in a culturally diverse community at our school is our asset. Our school will become your second home while you learn, discover, and enjoy Dubai.

JLT Campus

UOWD Campus