An essay is a short piece of writing focused on a particular subject. In other words, an essay is a coherent and self-contained piece of prose writing that thoroughly discusses a clearly defined and specific topic. However, to truly understand what an essay is, one must be aware of its features, various parts, and their functions.
Features of a Quality Essay:
To write a high-quality essay, it is essential to understand the characteristics of a good essay. A quality essay possesses several notable features, including:
- Definite Subject:
Before writing an essay, the subject must be chosen, and it must be clearly defined and specific. Without a precise topic, an essay cannot be focused or meaningful.
- Transition (Logical Flow):
A paragraph is composed of multiple sentences, and an essay consists of several paragraphs. Each paragraph discusses a distinct point or idea, and together, all these points contribute to illuminating the central subject of the essay. Therefore, just as there must be a logical flow between sentences, there must also be coherence between paragraphs. This ensures that all the components appear as interconnected and relevant parts of the essay.
- Grammatical Accuracy:
A quality essay must be grammatically accurate. While writing, one must pay careful attention to correct spelling, proper use of punctuation, grammatical structure, and word order or syntax. Simply being informative is not enough — grammatical correctness is equally important for an essay to be considered of high standard.
- The Arguments (Relevant Issues of a Topic):
Even if the writer holds a strong opinion about a topic, it is important to present opposing viewpoints as well, in order to show an understanding of both sides of the issue. A thorough essay should explore all relevant aspects of a topic.
For example, when discussing the advantages of democracy, one should also touch upon its disadvantages. Similarly, if one is writing about the causes of unemployment, one should also address possible solutions to the problem. Only then can the essay achieve completeness in its discussion.
- Cohesion (Logical Connection):
In a good essay, each sentence should be logically connected to the one before and the one after it. This cohesion can be achieved in two main ways:
- (i) Cause and Effect:
Cohesion can be enhanced by clearly expressing cause and effect.
Examples: - I was ill, so I could not attend the class.
- I was ill. Therefore, I could not attend the class.
In the above, the first sentence explains the reason (cause), and the second the result (effect).
Alternatively: - I could not attend the class because I was ill.
- I could not attend the class as I was ill.
Here, the first part is the effect, followed by the cause.
Rule:
- Cause + so/therefore + effect
- Effect + because/as + cause
- (ii) Contrast:
Cohesion can also be improved by indicating contrast using connectors such as although, but, however.
Examples: - Bangladesh is a small country but it has a huge population.
- Bangladesh is a small country. However, it has a huge population.
- Although Bangladesh is a small country, it has a huge population.
- A Wide Variety of Sentence Structure:
If all the sentences in an essay follow the same structure, the entire piece may appear monotonous and dull. Therefore, to make an essay engaging, it is essential to introduce a variety in sentence length and structure. For instance, using both active and passive voice, as well as a mix of simple, complex, and compound sentences, helps enhance diversity. A good essay should also combine different sentence types — assertive, interrogative, and exclamatory — for better effect. - Orderly Arrangement:
Just as it is necessary to arrange the sentences in a paragraph in an orderly manner to make it meaningful, the paragraphs in an essay must also be arranged logically. Since an essay is a combination of several paragraphs, writing well-structured paragraphs is essential for composing a good essay. - Paragraph Development and Its Structure:
To write a strong paragraph, it is important to understand the different parts of a paragraph, the roles of its sentences, and their functions. Generally, a paragraph consists of three parts:
(i) Paragraph Introducer or Topic Sentence:
The first sentence of the paragraph is known as the topic sentence, and it presents the main idea or subject of the paragraph. The role of the paragraph introducer is to clearly express what the paragraph is about.
(ii) Paragraph Developers:
The sentences that follow the topic sentence and expand upon or support its idea are called paragraph developers. These developers explain, prove, or elaborate on the paragraph introducer. They are connected with logical transitions and transitional words, maintaining coherence.
(iii) Paragraph Terminator:
The paragraph terminator is the final sentence of a paragraph. It serves three purposes:
(a) To restate the idea introduced in the topic sentence,
(b) To summarise the paragraph, and
(c) To add a final comment.
However, in a good essay, the last sentence or terminator of a paragraph should logically transition into the next paragraph.
Note:
To write a good paragraph, special attention must also be paid to Unity and Coherence.
- Unity:
Unity in a paragraph means that each paragraph should focus on only one central idea. The best way to ensure unity is to concentrate on the topic sentence. Any point that is not directly related to the main idea should not be included. - Coherence:
Coherence is another crucial quality of a paragraph. It means that the sentences should flow logically from one to another without abrupt or disjointed transitions.
Different Parts of an Essay and Their Functions:
It is essential to understand the different parts of an essay and their respective functions. An essay is generally divided into three main sections:
i. Introduction:
A good introduction immediately captures the reader’s attention. If the introduction is not attractive and engaging, the entire essay may appear lifeless and dull. A strong introduction gives a clear idea of what the essay is about.
Just as “The morning shows the day,” the introduction should reflect the development and structure of the entire essay.
An effective introduction should include:
- (a) A restatement of the question or topic (in your own words)
- (b) The writer’s opinion on the topic
- (c) An indication of what and how the writer is going to discuss the topic
- (d) An outline or preview of the arguments that will be used
Avoid the following mistakes:
- (i) Do not copy the question word-for-word.
- (ii) Do not provide excessive background information.
ii. The Body:
The body of an essay is made up of several paragraphs that develop and support the ideas introduced in the introduction. This section contains detailed discussions, arguments, and examples that provide evidence and explanation for the points raised.
iii. The Conclusion:
The conclusion is the final paragraph of the essay. As the saying goes, “All is well that ends well.” If the conclusion is not strong and effective, the value of the entire essay diminishes.
A good conclusion should:
- (a) Summarise the main points of the essay
- (b) Restate the writer’s opinion
- (c) Arrive at a final judgement or decision
- (d) Emphasise the most important ideas discussed
To write a good essay, all these characteristics should be reflected in your writing.
Additional Key Aspects to Consider:
1. Generating Ideas or Idea Development:
The first step in writing an essay is to identify the main ideas or points to be discussed. Once the key points are determined, relevant sub-points should also be specified. You must also decide how you will analyse or elaborate on these ideas.
Relevant ideas can be generated by asking analytical questions from various angles using WH-words such as:
What, When, Why, Who, How, etc.
Analysis involves breaking down a topic into smaller, understandable parts. By analysing the subject, you can determine the major and minor points to include in your essay.
2. Structuring Ideas:
Once you have generated and identified your ideas, it is vital to arrange them in logical order. Decide how the ideas will be grouped and sequenced based on their importance and relation to the central theme.
Just as the sentences in a paragraph must follow a proper sequence, the paragraphs in an essay must also follow a logical order.
This structure should be carefully planned before you begin writing.
3. To Start Writing:
Once you’ve determined your ideas and arranged them correctly, you can begin writing.
While writing, ensure that the key features of a good essay — such as clarity, organisation, variety, unity, coherence, and appropriate language — are reflected throughout your work.