Blank page? Start with the question, not the perfect first sentence.
Use this quick example to turn an essay prompt into a first outline. Your instructor’s prompt, required sources and citation rules come first.
1. Find the job your essay needs to do
Look for the action word: explain, compare, analyze or argue. Then mark the topic, required evidence, length and deadline.
Example prompt: “Argue whether a college should extend its library opening hours.” The job is to take a position and support it—not simply describe the library.
2. Write a working answer
Try: “The college should extend library hours during exam weeks because students with daytime commitments need a quiet study space later.” This is a starting claim, not a proven fact. Find evidence that supports or challenges it, then revise it.
3. Give each paragraph a purpose
- Introduction: identify the issue and state your position.
- First main point: investigate student access needs. What evidence would show that later hours would help?
- Second main point: investigate feasibility. What staffing, safety or cost information would matter?
- Counterargument: consider why extending hours might not be worthwhile. Respond using evidence rather than dismissing the concern.
- Conclusion: bring the reasoning together and explain what it supports.
This is one possible structure. Your assignment may need different sections or a different number of paragraphs.
4. Start one paragraph
Write one point in plain language. Add a relevant fact, quotation or example from a real source. Explain how that evidence supports your point, then connect it to the question. Do not invent a study, statistic or quotation to fill a gap.
Your next move: write your working answer and list the evidence you still need. You can improve the introduction after you know what the essay actually says.
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Try the free study guide and three sample pages first. The sample comes from the separately sold College Success Companion; it is not an excerpt of the essay guide. No signup or purchase needed.
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