What is the number one essay writing rule?

The number one essay writing rule is to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. This includes copying text, images, or ideas from another source without giving credit to the original author. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and can result in severe penalties, including failing a class or being expelled from school.

To avoid plagiarism, it is important to:

* Always cite your sources. When you use information from another source, be sure to include a citation that gives credit to the original author. This includes citing sources for direct quotes, paraphrases, and ideas.

* Use quotation marks for direct quotes. If you are copying text directly from another source, be sure to put it in quotation marks.

* Paraphrase information in your own words. When you paraphrase information from another source, be sure to put it in your own words. Do not simply change a few words or phrases.

* Check your work for plagiarism. Before you submit your paper, be sure to check it for plagiarism. There are a number of online tools available that can help you do this.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your writing is original and free of plagiarism.