Decide on a specific topic for your essay that relates to the theme of family education. The topic can be thought of as a question you wish to research and elaborate on in the essay. For example, the essay can answer the questions, "How does higher education change the dynamic of the child-parent relationship?" or "How can families participate in education together as a group?"
Research the topic or question you've decided to explore in your essay. Use resources that relate to the field of family education. Take notes on information that answers your question or provides insight into your topic. Write down quotes that are particularly astute and interesting so you can include them in your essay.
Write an outline for your essay that includes an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. The main body of the essay should have at least three paragraphs, with each discussing a different but related point in regard to the main thesis. For larger essays, the main body should be more than three paragraphs long. Include the main thesis or overarching point of the essay in your introduction and the topic sentences of each main body paragraph.
Write the introduction of your essay so it states the main point of your essay. This is sometimes referred to as the thesis statement. Different essay writing guidelines suggest different detailed ways to layout your introduction sentence by sentence. However, clarity and purpose are far more important than format. As long as the introduction clearly explains the main point of the essay, it has done its job. The introduction is also an opportunity to get the reader's attention and, in some cases, briefly lay out how the essay will explore the topic.
Write your body paragraphs so they flow together easily and build upon your main point. The paragraphs should present ideas that are unique from each other but can all be used to explain the main point of the essay. Use transitions at the beginning of new paragraphs, such as "Furthermore" or "In addition to" to help the essay flow.
Write your conclusion so it restates the main point while also adding deeper insight to the larger theme of family education. This deeper insight may come in the form of new questions that arise from the research. For example, you may include in your conclusion, "The clear success of family group education raises questions about the nature of public education and whether it is truly the best way to learn."