Can’t Start Writing Your Essay? Here Are 13 Tips to Get You Going:
Writing essays can be a daunting task, especially when you find yourself staring at a blank document not knowing where to start. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or uninspired at the beginning stages of an essay. With some planning and strategy, you can get past that initial writer’s block and start putting words on the page. Here are 13 tips to help you if you’re struggling to start writing your essay:
Take some time for pre-writing: Before you even begin typing, take 15-30 minutes to brainstorm and prepare. Jot down any initial thoughts, ideas, or notes you have about your topic or prompt. You can make an outline, free write, or do a mind map to get your creative juices flowing. Pre-writing gets your thinking processes started and is a great way to explore the topic before diving into the formal writing.
Re-read the prompt or question: Going over the essay instructions again, highlighting key words, and underlining what is being asked of you can help refresh your memory on what needs to be addressed. Make sure you understand what the prompt is asking for before beginning. Clarify any uncertain points with your professor if needed.
Formulate a thesis statement: Developing a clear, focused thesis early on gives your essay a foundation and direction to build upon. Your thesis is essentially an argument that you’ll prove over the course of your essay. Take time to craft a strong, arguable thesis before writing the introduction paragraph with it.
Create an outline or mind map of your main points: Whether detailed or loose, outlining the key arguments, examples, and evidence you plan to use helps you visualize the essay structure before writing. It ensures your points are organized in a logical flow and that you have content to fill each paragraph.
Start with the introduction paragraph: After developing your thesis and outline, lead with the introduction as your opening paragraphs. The introduction should introduce the topic, give relevant context and background, and present your thesis statement upfront. Getting the intro down on paper lets you dive right into developing the body.
Choose your strongest topic sentence first: Don’t stress about writing in chronological order. Pick the body paragraph where you feel most knowledgeable or have the clearest ideas to begin with. Starting with confidence on one part can get the momentum going for the rest.
Free write about a key point: If the introduction is written but you’re still stuck, focus writing down all that you know about just one main idea or argument from your outline. Freewriting a single thoughtful paragraph untaps your thought processes.
Turn an outline point into a full paragraph: Similarly, transform one of your outlined topics or arguments into a complete paragraph of about 5-7 sentences. Developing a fully-realized paragraph gives you sample text to refer back to or build from.
Explain examples, evidence, and analysis: Dive deeper by explaining how specific examples or data you found relate to and support your thesis. Write out how you will analyze and interpret certain evidence or experiences to justify your position.
Try switching up your environment: Working somewhere new like the library or coffee shop versus your usual space can spark fresh creativity. Standing while writing or listening to relaxing instrumental music may also help switch up your mental state.
Take a short break when stuck: If hitting a wall, step away for 15-30 minutes to recharge by getting a snack, calling a friend, or going for a walk. Oftentimes a brief break improves perspective and ideas start flowing again once refreshed.
Revisit your goals and due date: Remembering why this paper matters and staying motivated by its purpose can overcomeprocrastination urges. Knowing the deadline also helps keep you accountable to making progress each day or week.
Don’t worry about perfection: Remind yourself that the first draft doesn’t need to be flawless or fully polished. Allow yourself permission to write messy, imperfect sections knowing they can always be improved later through the revision process.
The beginning of writing an essay is sometimes the hardest part, but these strategies should help get your mind and fingers moving in the right direction to start forming ideas on the page. With practice, getting past those initial barriers to writing becomes easier over time. The most important thing is taking that first step – so pull out your laptop, choose a strategy, and start writing!