The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

Understad the formatting components of an essay

Before handing in the final draft, go over it at least one more time, focusing on smaller mistakes like grammar and punctuation. Make sure that what you wrote follows proper essay structure. Learn more about on our blog. If you need a second pair of eyes, get help from our service.

Add a citation whenever you , , or information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

Essay format refers to the structure and layout guidelines for writing an essay. This typically includes elements such as font size and style, margins, spacing, indentation, and citation style. Essay format may vary depending on the specific requirements of the assignment or citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).

First, second and Works Cited page of MLA formatted essay.

To format a college essay, start by following any specific instructions provided by the college or instructor. Generally, use a readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) and size (usually 12-point), double-space the entire essay, and set 1-inch margins on all sides. Include a title page with your name, course title, instructor's name, and date. Begin your essay with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs that develop your main points, and conclude with a summary or conclusion. Use clear and concise language, and proofread your essay for grammar and punctuation errors before submission.

To write an essay in MLA format, start by setting your document to double-spacing, 1-inch margins, and a readable font such as Times New Roman, size 12. Include a header with your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page. Create a title page with your name, instructor's name, course title, and date (unless specified otherwise). Write an introduction that introduces the topic and states your thesis statement. Use parenthetical citations to acknowledge sources within the text, including the author's last name and page number. Format your Works Cited page with hanging indents and list your sources alphabetically by the author's last name. Follow MLA guidelines for formatting quotations, tables, figures, and citing electronic sources.

Maybe what you have is the best topic for you. And if you are incredibly super sure, you can skip ahead. But if you’re not sure this topic helps you communicate your deepest stories, spend a little time on the exercises above. As a bonus, even if you end up going with what you already had (though please be wary of the ), all that brainstorming will be useful when you write your .

The Feelings and Needs Exercise in particular is great for brainstorming Narrative Structure, connecting story events in a causal way (X led to Y led to Z). The Essence Objects, 21 Details, Everything I Want Colleges to Know exercises can lead to interesting thematic threads for Montage Structure (P, Q, and R are all connected because, for example, they’re all qualities of a great endodontist). But all of them are useful for both structural approaches. Essence objects can help a narrative come to life. One paragraph in a montage could focus on a challenge and how you overcame it.

Take a look at the essay format example in MLA style:

Use the brainstorming exercises from earlier to decide on your most powerful topics and what structure (narrative or montage) will help you best tell your story.

Here is an essay format sample in APA style:

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Let’s check out a short essay format word sample in chicago style:

For a narrative, use the Feelings and Needs Exercise, and build clear bullet points for the Challenges + Effects, What I Did About It, and What I Learned. Those become your outline.

First, second and Works Cited page of APA formatted essay.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Next, we’ll discuss the three most common style formats for essays.

For a montage, outline 4-7 ways your thread connects to different values through different experiences, and if you can think of them, different lessons and insights (though these you might have to develop later, during the writing process). For example, how auto repair connects to family, literature, curiosity, adventure, and personal growth (through different details and experiences).

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.