Although the essay uses objective information, its purpose is generally to develop or argue a main idea (the thesis). A good essay encourages the reader to think about ideas, and provides new insights and perspectives on a subject. It does this mostly by weighing data and the opinions of experts, and building a case for the theory - which may even be that there is no clear answer!

• An essay is one piece of writing with a central theme that is followed throughout.
• An essay should demonstrate development of an idea. An idea can be developed logically through comparison and contrast, illustration, chronological ordering, description, discourse, exposition, or analysis.
• An essay should be organised into a series of paragraphs where each deals with a single main idea.
• Each paragraph should flow logically to the next.
• Language should be simple and concise, and using correct terminology.
• Ideas presented should be objective, specific and clear, or fully explained.
• Ideas should be supported by researched information and expert opinion.
  
  

The essay should include:

• An introductory paragraph - sets the tone and content for the entire essay. It should outline the focus of the essay, the perspective that will be taken, and it should be clear.
• The body - made up of a series of paragraphs containing the information that you have researched. These should flow using linking words and phrases such as "therefore", "consequently", "on the other hand", "in contrast", "to illustrate this", etc. that clearly relate what was said to what will follow. Deal with one idea at a time rather than jumping back and forth between ideas, then relate that idea to the nest. For example, after discussing push factors affecting migration, you might start the next paragraph with: “People also choose to migrate because of pull factors, factors that attract them to other places”. The “also choose to migrate” links the previous discussion with what will follow.
• The conclusion (usually a paragraph) - should sum up the point of view or argument without introducing new information. If can refer to implications that can be inferred from the content, though. For example, it might end with the sentence: “Clearly, the research indicates that migration in the 20th century has resulted from a combination of push and pull factors. However, as was noted, there appears to be an increasing trend in people being forced out of their homelands by a range of factors, including ethnic and religious tensions”.

This is an extract from our Technical Writing ebook -publication date: April 2015​ (available in this bookshop)