Choose a topic with which you are familiar and that interests you to facilitate thinking and writing about the subject matter for a sustained period of time. Essay writing is challenging and time-consuming, and you are more likely to enjoy the experience if you select a topic that is personally meaningful.
Contemplate the topic you selected and consider narrowing it down. Be sure your topic genuinely reflects what you plan to discuss in your essay. For example, if you love popcorn, consider writing about "Why Popcorn is the Best Snack," as opposed to "Snacks."
Craft a thesis statement before writing the body of the paper to help guide your thinking and organize your evidence as you proceed. Write a strong, declarative sentence that states your position, but understand that your position may change upon further reflection. Realize that the "subject" of the thesis statement reflects the topic of your paper, while the "predicate" is your particular assertion about the topic. For example, you might write "Hot, buttery popcorn with plenty of salt" as the subject and "is the best snack, because it is inexpensive, easy to prepare and has a satisfying crunch" as the predicate.
Brainstorm to identify evidence that proves -- or disproves -- the validity of your thesis statement. List whatever proof you have to support or refute your original assertion. Analyze your list and re-evaluate your original thesis statement in light of the evidence. Be willing to rewrite your thesis statement if you discover that your position has changed or to express your point of view more precisely.
Write your essay. Make sure that every sentence in your text supports your thesis statement. If not, continue to revise the thesis statement until it best reflects your position. Be certain that the final version of your thesis statement is specific and concise, has a strong subject and verb, serves as an appropriate and accurate introduction to the paper and covers everything you discuss in the paper.