Choose a topic that you wish to write about. It may be a topic that you want to know more about, something you're already an expert on or a passion of yours. If your topic is already assigned, move on to Step 2.
Turn your topic into a question. For example, if you want to write to your local farmers explaining the risks associated with pesticides, the topic could be turned into a question by asking yourself, "What are the potential risks associated with using pesticides?"
Answer your question in one or two sentences. Using the topic mentioned in Step 2, an answer to the question may begin as "The potential risks associated with using pesticides are...."
Brainstorm your topic. Pick an important part of the topic, and write it down. In the pesticide example, you could write down "health problems," as it is the foundation of the essay.
Add more information to the foundation of the essay and announce in your notes what you're going to address. For example, after writing "pesticide use," you could expand on the topic by adding "The potential risks associated with using pesticides include that they may cause health problems in the body...." Note that "health problems" is not very specific. This lack will be expanded on in the next step.
Be specific. When stating a fact, it is important that you use in-text citations to back it up. For example, to make the statement in Step 5 more specific, you may say, "According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, some pesticides are carcinogenic, may affect hormone production and possibly damage the nervous system." Notice how this statement is specific, an in-text citation is used, and the original question asked has been answered.
Research your topic extensively until you know enough to speak about it openly, confidently and with ease. The Internet (.edu, .gov, .org websites), the library and academic databases are ideal resources. Take notes.
Make an outline before writing your essay. Start with a basic introduction sentence that explains what you're talking about. Follow it with one sentence for each paragraph, outlining what the paragraph is about. Use bullets beneath each paragraph to expand on what will be explained in each paragraph. Adjust the order of your essay until it fits your needs.
Write the introduction. The introduction should hook your reader. If you lose his interest in this first sentence, it's unlikely that he'll continue reading. The introduction should build up the issue you'll be discussing and draw your reader into the argument. It should lead up to your thesis statement.
Write out the paragraphs. Do not go off topic. Focus on what each paragraph is supposed to be expanding on by writing topic sentences for each. Support any claims that you make with in-text citations. Explain as if the readers are sitting right beside you.
Close your essay with a short wrap-up sentence. After summarizing what was covered, give the reader something to think about, whether it's an interesting thought, twist or a request for action to be taken.