Read the prompt and determine what type of essay you need to write. A process essay will detail a step by step process. Cause and effect essays will focus on one or more cause and effects, and compare and contrast essays will ask you to compare two things, contrast two things or both compare and contrast.
Write five to seven paragraphs. You will have an introduction paragraph, at least three body paragraphs and a conclusion paragraph. Be aware of who the audience will be for your essay. This will direct what language and vocabulary you use.
Start with a strong thesis. Your introduction should inform the reader what they will be reading about and your thesis will tell them what you will be covering about the topic. This should be at least three sentences long.
Build up the body with support. Use your body paragraphs to cite evidence supporting your thesis. These paragraphs could be steps, causes or effects or comparisons or contrasts. Each paragraph should be at least four sentences long.
Give as many details as you can. Any exposition essay will require exact details. Be clear and concise in your writing. Try not to impose your own thoughts or biases into this type of essay; it should be fact-driven.
Conclude with a recap of the information. Give any final statements about the topic that the audience might need to know as well as tips or warnings. You may want to close with a sentence that relates the essay to the audience.
Revise and edit your essay. Check for grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. Also make sure that you have used a variety of sentence structures and that your points are clear and concise.