The Ultimate Essay Writing Checklist

1. Preparation Before Writing

1. Read the assignment brief carefully

   • Note the word count, submission deadline, formatting instructions, and essay type.

   • Identify if the essay is reflective (personal insight, often uses first person) or non-reflective/academic (formal, objective, third person).

   • Check if there are any specific topics or themes required.

2. Understand the aim of the essay

   • Ask yourself: What is the purpose? To argue, explain, analyse, evaluate, compare, or reflect?

   • Ensure every paragraph contributes to this aim.

3. Highlight learning outcomes

   • Identify the knowledge or skills your essay must demonstrate.

   • Make a list of learning outcomes and tick them off as you cover them in your essay.

4. Identify task words

   • Common words include:

     • Analyse: Break down concepts and examine relationships.

     • Evaluate: Assess strengths, weaknesses, and significance.

     • Discuss: Present multiple perspectives and reasoned arguments.

     • Compare/Contrast: Examine similarities and differences critically.

5. Brainstorm and plan

   • Create a mind map or outline to visualise your argument.

   • Identify main points, supporting evidence, and examples.

   • Consider the order of paragraphs to ensure logical flow.

6. Preliminary research

   • Gather credible academic sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, and official reports.

   • Avoid blogs, commercial websites, Wikipedia, or unverified content.

   • Take detailed notes and record page numbers for citations.

7. Develop a thesis statement

   • Write a clear, concise sentence summarising your main argument.

   • Ensure it aligns with the essay aim and learning outcomes.

8. Seek guidance

   • Consult your teacher, tutor, or supervisor if you are unsure about the topic, structure, or expectations.

2. Essay Structure

Introduction

• Begin with a hook (statistic, question, or context).

• State your thesis clearly.

• Outline your roadmap: briefly mention the main points you will cover.

• Use formal, academic style: concise, objective, and precise.

• Reflective essays may use first person; non-reflective essays should avoid “I” or “you”.

Main Body

• Each paragraph should have 100–150 words, with a clear topic sentence.

• Use the PEEL method:

  • Point – state the paragraph’s main idea.

  • Evidence – support with references from academic sources.

  • Explanation – analyse and link evidence to the thesis.

  • Link – transition to the next paragraph.

• Make sure each paragraph contributes to learning outcomes.

• Use transition words to maintain flow: furthermore, however, therefore, in contrast, consequently.

• Support all claims with references. Do not rely on blogs or commercial websites.

Conclusion

• Summarise the main arguments.

• Restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented.

• Offer a final reflection, implication, or recommendation if appropriate.

• Do not introduce new information.

3. Academic Style and Point of View

• Non-reflective/academic essays: use third person. Avoid “I” and “you”.

• Reflective essays: first person is acceptable.

• Use formal, precise language. Avoid slang, casual expressions, and contractions.

• Be critical: analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information. Avoid mere description.

• Support ideas with academic references only.

4. Word Counts and Paragraph Guidance

• Paragraphs: 100–150 words each. Focus on one main idea per paragraph.

• Short essays: 500–1000 words – usually 4–6 paragraphs.

• Standard essays: 1500–2500 words – usually 6–10 paragraphs.

• Extended essays: 3000–5000+ words – 10–15+ paragraphs.

• Ensure word count meets requirements (UK/Australia ±10%, US/Canada stricter).

5. Referencing

• Use the appropriate referencing style:

  • UK & Australia: Harvard, APA

  • US & Canada: APA, MLA, Chicago

• Include in-text citations for all ideas, quotes, and paraphrased material.

• Include a full reference list at the end.

• Double-check for accuracy and consistency.

• Avoid unverified sources; focus on peer-reviewed and academic materials.

6. Critical Thinking

• Analyse rather than describe – explain why evidence is important.

• Compare and contrast multiple viewpoints.

• Identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature.

• Make logical links between evidence, paragraphs, and thesis.

• Ensure all content contributes to learning outcomes.

• Avoid unsupported generalisations and assumptions.

7. Editing and Proofreading

• Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation (note regional differences: UK/Aus colour/organise/analyse; US/Can colour/organise/analyse).

• Ensure every paragraph links back to the thesis and learning outcomes.

• Remove repetition, filler words, and informal language.

• Read aloud to detect awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

• Verify referencing consistency and formatting.

• Ensure your essay meets word count requirements.

8. Additional Tips

• Break writing into stages: research → outline → first draft → editing → final draft.

• Draw a map/outline before starting to organise ideas.

• Read widely to strengthen arguments and develop critical perspective.

• Focus on academic referencing; avoid blogs, commercial sources, or unverified websites.

• Seek feedback from teachers or tutors before submission.

• Practice regularly to improve clarity, critical thinking, and speed.

• Do not use AI-generated content – submit entirely original work.

• Keep a research log with notes, references, and key page numbers for easy citation.

• Always ensure the essay answers the question fully and covers all learning outcomes.

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