Create an outline by writing down the key points you need to address. For a general essay that gives an overview of the Middle East, cover subjects like geography, climate, government, religion, art, history and food. If you write a more specific essay, such as one that focuses only on geography, create an outline that covers the various regions or countries in the Middle East. Write down anything that comes to mind during this brainstorming stage of the essay's development. Eliminate topics later as you narrow down your focus.
Visit your local library or search the Internet to begin your research on the Middle East. This step proves especially beneficial if you have an open-ended essay assignment where you need to explore before deciding on a theme. If you already have a topic, find resources that provide information for your specific topic.
Draft your thesis. The thesis, a single sentence found in your introduction, presents your argument or the overall point of the essay. Don't worry if your thesis statement is not perfect at first; as you write the rest of your essay, adjust the thesis as needed.
Create a draft introductory paragraph. The introduction captures your reader's attention and introduces the topics you plan to cover in the essay's body. If your thesis argues that religion shapes Middle Eastern culture, three supporting topics may include religion found in cuisine, education and art.
Write a topic or introductory sentence for each section of your essay. The topic sentence is typically the first sentence in a paragraph. Use transition words that help your topic sentence flow from the last sentence of the preceding paragraph. An example: "In addition to influencing Middle Eastern cuisine, religion also extends into the classroom..."
Fill in each paragraph with support for your topic sentence, based on your research. All paragraphs should ultimately prove your thesis, the focus of your essay.
Write your conclusion. This ending paragraph pulls all your arguments together and restates your thesis. You may want to offer "for further reading" suggestions so that your readers can explore more.
Cite any sources as applicable. Add footnotes or a bibliography page following the appropriate style format you use, such as MLA or APA.
Create a cover page with your essay's title, your name, the date and any other necessary information. Also number your pages according to the appropriate style format.
Proofread your essay and check quotations and citations for accuracy.