general paper essay tips

• Tips for Reading an Assignment Prompt
• Asking Analytical Questions
• Introductions
• What Do Introductions Across the Disciplines Have in Common?
• Anatomy of a Body Paragraph
• Transitions
• Tips for Organizing Your Essay
• Counterargument
• Conclusions
• Strategies for Essay Writing: Downloadable PDFs
• Brief Guides to Writing in the Disciplines

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General Essay Writing Tips

Despite the fact that, as Shakespeare said, "the pen is mightier than the sword," the pen itself is not enough to make an effective writer. In fact, though we may all like to think of ourselves as the next Shakespeare, inspiration alone is not the key to effective essay writing. You see, the conventions of English essays are more formulaic than you might think – and, in many ways, it can be as simple as counting to five.

Steps to Writing an Essay

Follow these 7 steps for the best results:

• Read and understand the prompt: Know exactly what is being asked of you. It’s a good idea to dissect the prompt into parts.
• Plan: Brainstorming and organizing your ideas will make your life much easier when you go to write your essay. It’s a good idea to make a web of your ideas and supporting details.
• Use and cite sources: Do your research. Use quotes and paraphrase from your sources, but NEVER plagiarize.
• Write a Draft: Ernest Hemingway once said, “The first draft of anything is always crap.” While the truth behind this statement is debatable, drafts are always a good place to get any of your “crappy” ideas out of the way and are often required by professors and instructors.
• Make a strong thesis: The thesis (main argument) of the essay is the most important thing you’ll write. Make it a strong point.
• Respond to the prompt: Once you have worked out any kinks in your draft, you can start writing the final draft of your essay.
• Proofread: Read your response carefully to make sure that there are no mistakes and that you didn’t miss anything.

Of course, every essay assignment is different and it’s important to be mindful of that. If one of these steps isn’t applicable to the essay you are writing, skip it and move to the next one.

The Five Paragraph Essay

Though more advanced academic papers are a category all their own, the basic high school or college essay has the following standardized, five paragraph structure:

Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph 2: Body 1 Paragraph 3: Body 2 Paragraph 4: Body 3 Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Though it may seem formulaic – and, well, it is - the idea behind this structure is to make it easier for the reader to navigate the ideas put forth in an essay. You see, if your essay has the same structure as every other one, any reader should be able to quickly and easily find the information most relevant to them.

The Introduction

The principle purpose of the introduction is to present your position (this is also known as the "thesis" or "argument") on the issue at hand but effective introductory paragraphs are so much more than that. Before you even get to this thesis statement, for example, the essay should begin with a "hook" that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read on. Examples of effective hooks include relevant quotations ("no man is an island") or surprising statistics ("three out of four doctors report that…").

Only then, with the reader’s attention "hooked," should you move on to the thesis. The thesis should be a clear, one-sentence explanation of your position that leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind about which side you are on from the beginning of your essay.

Following the thesis, you should provide a mini-outline which previews the examples you will use to support your thesis in the rest of the essay. Not only does this tell the reader what to expect in the paragraphs to come but it also gives them a clearer understanding of what the essay is about.

Finally, designing the last sentence in this way has the added benefit of seamlessly moving the reader to the first paragraph of the body of the paper. In this way we can see that the basic introduction does not need to be much more than three or four sentences in length. If yours is much longer you might want to consider editing it down a bit!

Here, by way of example, is an introductory paragraph to an essay in response to the following question:

"Do we learn more from finding out that we have made mistakes or from our successful actions?"

"No man is an island" and, as such, he is constantly shaped and influenced by his experiences. People learn by doing and, accordingly, learn considerably more from their mistakes than their success. For proof of this, consider examples from both science and everyday experience.

The Body Paragraphs

The middle paragraphs of the essay are collectively known as the body paragraphs and, as alluded to above, the main purpose of a body paragraph is to spell out in detail the examples that support your thesis.

For the first body paragraph you should use your strongest argument or most significant example unless some other more obvious beginning point (as in the case of chronological explanations) is required. The first sentence of this paragraph should be the topic sentence of the paragraph that directly relates to the examples listed in the mini-outline of introductory paragraph.

A one sentence body paragraph that simply cites the example of "George Washington" or "LeBron James" is not enough, however. No, following this an effective essay will follow up on this topic sentence by explaining to the reader, in detail, who or what an example is and, more importantly, why that example is relevant.

Even the most famous examples need context. For example, George Washington’s life was extremely complex – by using him as an example, do you intend to refer to his honesty, bravery, or maybe even his wooden teeth? The reader needs to know this and it is your job as the writer to paint the appropriate picture for them. To do this, it is a good idea to provide the reader with five or six relevant facts about the life (in general) or event (in particular) you believe most clearly illustrates your point.

Having done that, you then need to explain exactly why this example proves your thesis . The importance of this step cannot be understated (although it clearly can be underlined); this is, after all, the whole reason you are providing the example in the first place. Seal the deal by directly stating why this example is relevant.

Here is an example of a body paragraph to continue the essay begun above:

Take, by way of example, Thomas Edison. The famed American inventor rose to prominence in the late 19th century because of his successes, yes, but even he felt that these successes were the result of his many failures. He did not succeed in his work on one of his most famous inventions, the lightbulb, on his first try nor even on his hundred and first try. In fact, it took him more than 1,000 attempts to make the first incandescent bulb but, along the way, he learned quite a deal. As he himself said, "I did not fail a thousand times but instead succeeded in finding a thousand ways it would not work." Thus Edison demonstrated both in thought and action how instructive mistakes can be.

A Word on Transitions

You may have noticed that, though the above paragraph aligns pretty closely with the provided outline, there is one large exception: the first few words. These words are example of a transitional phrase – others include "furthermore," "moreover," but also "by contrast" and "on the other hand" – and are the hallmark of good writing.

Transitional phrases are useful for showing the reader where one section ends and another begins. It may be helpful to see them as the written equivalent of the kinds of spoken cues used in formal speeches that signal the end of one set of ideas and the beginning of another. In essence, they lead the reader from one section of the paragraph of another.

To further illustrate this, consider the second body paragraph of our example essay:

In a similar way, we are all like Edison in our own way. Whenever we learn a new skill - be it riding a bike, driving a car, or cooking a cake - we learn from our mistakes. Few, if any, are ready to go from training wheels to a marathon in a single day but these early experiences (these so-called mistakes) can help us improve our performance over time. You cannot make a cake without breaking a few eggs and, likewise, we learn by doing and doing inevitably means making mistakes.

Hopefully this example not only provides another example of an effective body paragraph but also illustrates how transitional phrases can be used to distinguish between them.

The Conclusion

Although the conclusion paragraph comes at the end of your essay it should not be seen as an afterthought. As the final paragraph is represents your last chance to make your case and, as such, should follow an extremely rigid format.

One way to think of the conclusion is, paradoxically, as a second introduction because it does in fact contain many of the same features. While it does not need to be too long – four well-crafted sentence should be enough – it can make or break and essay.

Effective conclusions open with a concluding transition ("in conclusion," "in the end," etc.) and an allusion to the "hook" used in the introductory paragraph. After that you should immediately provide a restatement of your thesis statement.

This should be the fourth or fifth time you have repeated your thesis so while you should use a variety of word choice in the body paragraphs it is a acceptable idea to use some (but not all) of the original language you used in the introduction. This echoing effect not only reinforces your argument but also ties it nicely to the second key element of the conclusion: a brief (two or three words is enough) review of the three main points from the body of the paper.

Having done all of that, the final element – and final sentence in your essay – should be a "global statement" or "call to action" that gives the reader signals that the discussion has come to an end.

In the end, then, one thing is clear: mistakes do far more to help us learn and improve than successes. As examples from both science and everyday experience can attest, if we treat each mistake not as a misstep but as a learning experience the possibilities for self-improvement are limitless.

Taken together, then, the overall structure of a five paragraph essay should look something like this:

Introduction paragraph.

• An attention-grabbing "hook"
• A thesis statement
• A preview of the three subtopics you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

First Body Paragraph

• Topic sentence which states the first subtopic and opens with a transition
• Supporting details or examples
• An explanation of how this example proves your thesis

Second Body Paragraph

• Topic sentence which states the second subtopic and opens with a transition

Third Body Paragraph

• Topic sentence which states the third subtopic and opens with a transition

Concluding Paragraph

• Concluding Transition, Reverse "hook," and restatement of thesis.
• Rephrasing main topic and subtopics.
• Global statement or call to action.

More tips to make your essay shine

Planning pays.

Although it may seem like a waste of time – especially during exams where time is tight – it is almost always better to brainstorm a bit before beginning your essay. This should enable you to find the best supporting ideas – rather than simply the first ones that come to mind – and position them in your essay accordingly.

Your best supporting idea – the one that most strongly makes your case and, simultaneously, about which you have the most knowledge – should go first. Even the best-written essays can fail because of ineffectively placed arguments.

Aim for Variety

Sentences and vocabulary of varying complexity are one of the hallmarks of effective writing. When you are writing, try to avoid using the same words and phrases over and over again. You don’t have to be a walking thesaurus but a little variance can make the same idea sparkle.

If you are asked about "money," you could try "wealth" or "riches." At the same time, avoid beginning sentences the dull pattern of "subject + verb + direct object." Although examples of this are harder to give, consider our writing throughout this article as one big example of sentence structure variety.

Practice! Practice! Practice!

In the end, though, remember that good writing does not happen by accident. Although we have endeavored to explain everything that goes into effective essay writing in as clear and concise a way as possible, it is much easier in theory than it is in practice.

As a result, we recommend that you practice writing sample essays on various topics. Even if they are not masterpieces at first, a bit of regular practice will soon change that – and make you better prepared when it comes to the real thing.

General Do's and Don'ts

Do: use transitions to start new thoughts and paragraphs., don’t: start a new thought without a transition or overuse transitions., do: use paragraph structure to organize thoughts and claims., don’t: write one big paragraph without any sort of organization., do: use quotes and paraphrase to back up your claims., don’t: plagiarize., do: use active voice, meaning verbs and action words., don’t: use passive voice or i/my. try to avoid words like “have” or “be”, and never use i or my unless the essay is being written in the narrative form., do: use vivid and descriptive words to bring your essay to life., don’t: misuse words that you don’t know the meaning of., related content:, get the international student newsletter.

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5 Tips for Writing a General Paper Essay that Will Score You an 'A'

Students often fall into two camps when it comes to how they approach the General Paper (GP) essay. The first group believes religiously in spotting questions and the power of the memorised template essay. However, tweaks to familiar questions by crafty examiners can negate the template’s effectiveness, and what if the spotted questions fail to turn up altogether? The second group is the opposite, and regard GP as a subject they can breeze through without much studying. Just choose any question that looks easy or interesting, write what comes to mind and hope for the best, right? Sadly, the best is rarely achieved. You have probably been in one or even both of these groups at some point. Neither approach is entirely wrong or correct - they wouldn’t exist if they didn’t work to some extent. However, if your goal is to write a GP essay that will score you an A, then you will need more than an approach that works to some extent. 

Here are 5 tips from The Learning Lab that will help you improve your writing and your chance at an A for the General Paper. 

1. Read the Questions Carefully

You get a total of 12 questions to choose from for your GP essay. Take a moment to read all of them carefully. While you should choose a topic that you are familiar with or passionate about (e.g. tech, government legislation, foreign affairs, generation gaps), avoid choosing a question immediately just because it seems familiar. As your teachers would have told you, some questions are traps! You may have studied the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union in A-Level History, but that doesn’t mean you have the arguments and examples to adequately answer if communism is dead today. 

Conversely, you may find that some of the general knowledge you have absorbed in preparation for the exam can be applied to a question on a less familiar topic, and provides the breadth of examples that markers look for. A good practice is to shortlist two or three questions before you start planning, just in case you hit a snag when formulating your argument and need an alternative.

2. Plan Out Your Essay

Planning out your essay is essential for many reasons. Firstly, it helps you avoid the perils of jumping straight in with a template argument or no argument at all, only to realise after an hour that you haven’t really been answering the question. The subject may be called General Paper, yet your essay should be anything but. This is also when you spot the trap questions and steer clear. Secondly, it allows you to structure your points and counterpoints in a logical flow to best support your thesis statement and overall argument. Thirdly, planning enables you to take stock of the examples you have to back up your points.

Ask yourself:

Do you have enough to substantiate each point? 

Which example is better used for which point?

 Are there obvious gaps that you can’t think of a way to fill, and should you quickly go and look at another question instead?

3. A Clear and Concise Introduction is Better than a Stylish One

A good introduction in a GP essay does its job and quickly moves both you (the writer) and the reader on to the meat of the essay. It sets up your argument clearly and provides a preview of what is to come. Under timed conditions, style that piques the reader’s attention is a bonus. Remember that a complete essay with all points substantiated and a conclusion will always score better than an incomplete essay with an impressive and memorable introduction.

You should also avoid giving too detailed a description of your points in the introduction. A good rule is to keep the introduction as short as possible: you should not write much more than an opening sentence, a thesis statement, and a sentence to link your introduction to your first point. 

4. Link Your Arguments Together and Stay on Point

This is often the difference between an average essay and a good one, and between a good essay and an excellent one. The highest-scoring GP essays are not the ones with the most distinctive style or the most flowery language, but the ones with the tightest arguments and structure. Everything you write should aim to answer the question, so that your thesis statement, points, and examples mutually reinforce each other and your overall argument. Signposting is your best friend: leave the examiner in no doubt of which piece of evidence supports which point and why, and use keywords from the question and your thesis statement repeatedly. 

If a favourite example of yours doesn’t quite fit the argument you are crafting, cut it. Unlike Mathematics or the Science subjects where plonking down some calculations or facts could earn you some marks, in GP, it’s better to keep your examples on point rather than try to show everything you know.

5. Pay Attention to Grammar and Spelling 

While you don’t have to be Shakespeare to ace the General Paper exam, you do need to communicate what you have to say clearly. If you have followed the previous 4 tips to the letter, the last thing you want is to distract your marker from your compelling argument with basic spelling or punctuation errors. Writing essays under exam conditions can often be a mad rush, but it’s wise to slow down a little to make sure you don’t spell words wrongly or leave them out by mistake. And of course, if you happen to have time to spare after finishing, do read through your essay again!

Nurturing Independent Thinkers and Writers 

The ability to write clearly is an asset for students even when they move from the classroom to the working world, as effective communication is what greases the wheels of the corporate world.

At The Learning Lab, we want our students to go beyond simply learning how to read and write. Our teachers work closely with students to instil in them the fundamental principles of good writing. Find out more about our writing programmes here . 

The Learning Lab is now at 9 locations . Find a location that suits your needs.

If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may fill in the form below or contact us at 6733 8711 or  [email protected] .

The Learning Lab is now at  9 locations . Find a location that suits your needs.

If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may contact us at 6733 8711 or drop us an email at  [email protected] .

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The 13 Best College Essay Tips to Craft a Stellar Application

College Essays

In many ways, the most labor-intensive part of your college application process is the essay. It’s not just about forwarding transcripts or entering a list of extracurricular activities—you have to craft something personal and compelling to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your resume.

In this article, we’ll go over our 13 best tips for writing college essays. We’ll give tips for every step of the process including planning, writing, and editing your essay, as well as some quick and easy tips to boost any essays you already have written! With these college essay tips, you’ll be that much closer to the best admissions essay ever!

5 Tips for College Essay Planning

Doing a good job planning makes the college essay process that much easier. These five college essay tips will help you get started and pave the way for a great final product.

#1: Make a Plan of Attack for Your Essays

The first thing you’ll need to do is identify all the essays you’ll need to write and their deadlines. It may help you to make a spreadsheet with the essay guidelines for each school, the word count, the prompts, the due date, and any special instructions. This will help you figure out:

How many essays you’ll need to write, and how long those essays need to be.

Whether you can reuse any essays: In general, you can reuse essays for prompts that are about your life, broadly similar in theme, and have a similar word count. You probably can’t reuse essays that are very specific to the college, like “Why This College” essays .

Which essay you should write first: You’ll probably want to start first on the essay with the earliest application deadline. Alternatively, if you have plenty of time or the deadlines are close together, you could start with the longest essay (which will take the most time) or the essay that will be used for the most schools (like a Common Application essay). Do what you feel most comfortable with.

With all this information gathered, you’ll be able to make a plan of attack for your essays and make sure nothing gets lost in the application shuffle. (In fact, I actually advise keeping track of all necessary components of your application in a spreadsheet for the same reason).

#2: Start Early

You want to start writing way before the deadline. If possible, give yourself at least two months, and maybe even more time if you can. This will make sure that you have enough time to adequately plan your essay, draft it, and edit it.  

And, of course, the more essays you have to write, the earlier you should start!

#3: Choose the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic has two facets: first, choosing the right prompt (if there’s a choice) and second, choosing the right topic to write about for that prompt.

The Right Prompt

If there’s a choice of prompts, you may want to actually start by brainstorming the specific topic or thing in your life that you want to write about, and then reverse-engineer back to the most appropriate prompt. Most college essay prompts are pretty vague, so a broad range of topics and issues can be applied.

You can also use prompts to help you brainstorm if you’re having a hard time figuring out what to write about. Think about the prompt that seems most appealing to you at first. What intrigues you about it? What do you think you could communicate about yourself through that question?

Here’s some tailored guidance on some of the most common college essay prompt types . And if you’re writing a Common Application essay, here’s advice on how to choose the right Common App prompt for you .

The Right Topic

When you’re trying to choose something about your life to write about, consider the following:

What are you excited to write about? A good college essay can be about a wide variety of topics, but it should show that you’re passionate about something. This could be anything from a hobby you have to your favorite book or even your most beloved stuffed animal, just so long as you can make it memorable and positive. Also, your writing will be a lot better if you are writing about something you care about and are interested in!

Whatever you write about should be primarily about you. You should be the focal point. Even if you’re writing about someone who has influenced you, for example, you need to relate it back to yourself. What does this tell admission officers about you?

What makes you stand out? This should be something that goes beyond what’s in the rest of your application. Your test scores and GPA are already there. What really shows something unique about you?

Choose a topic you can be honest about . If you’re not being genuine, it will end up coming through in your writing. So don’t write about how much your membership in Youth Group meant to you if you only went to make your mom happy and you actually didn’t care that much.

In general, you should avoid topics that are overly controversial, like things that are politically charged, doing things that are illegal, or anything involving graphic descriptions of any bodily function. So if you’re going to write about recovering from hip surgery, probably leave out the gory details of you being constipated and your oozy scars.

Check out our 35 brainstorming techniques for college essays for even more help coming up with a topic!

If you’re really stumped, consider asking your friends and family what they think could be good topics. They may help you figure out something memorable and interesting. But also, don’t feel like you have to write about a topic just because someone else thinks it would be great. You need to be genuinely interested in what you’re writing about to write an engaging essay!

#4: Decide on Your Approach

In general, there are two main approaches you might take to write your essay. It might primarily take a narrative format, or it might take a thematic format.

In a narrative format, you’ll be relating a particular anecdote or experience and what it means to you. In a thematic format, you’ll present a particular theme—say, your love of parakeets or your secret talent for balancing books on your head—and expound on that theme in a descriptive way to reveal more about you and your personality.

Sometimes your approach will be determined by the prompt or topic that you choose. For example, if a prompt says to relate a particular event or anecdote, you’ll probably use a narrative approach. By contrast, if you want to write about how your favorite book changed your life, that will probably be a thematic essay.

#5: Write an Outline

Doing a little bit of outlining before you put fingertips to keyboard to write your essay is always a good idea. You don’t necessarily need to make a super-detailed plan before you starting writing, but a general idea of where you are going and the points you want to make will be very helpful when you start drafting. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending a lot of time staring at a blank Word document.

Yes, good, very detailed essay plan. 

4 Top College Essay Writing Tips

Here are four tips for writing college essays and making sure your work  stands out in a good way:

#6: Use Specific Details

The more details you use, the more your writing will come alive. Try to use words that are vivid and specific, instead of ones that are vague like “nice,” “good,” and so on. This will really flesh out the scene and help the reader picture what’s going on.

So take something like this:

One of my biggest accomplishments in life was teaching my little brother to ride a bicycle. I encouraged him to keep going when he fell down. Now he’s a great cyclist!

To something more like this:

One of my biggest accomplishments in life was teaching my eight-year-old brother to ride the racy red bicycle he got for his birthday. He wanted to give up when he took a tumble and skidded across the sidewalk. But while I bandaged up his knees with Batman band-aids, I convinced him to give it another try. I told him to think about how he would be able to bike all around the neighborhood exploring. Now I smile whenever I see him zooming down our street—wearing his helmet, of course!

See the difference? Wouldn’t you rather read the second one?

#7: Be Genuine

It’s important to get beyond the superficial in your personal statement. You should be writing about something that’s genuinely important or significant to you, so try to get beyond the surface. Instead of writing vague platitudes about how you really like the violin but it’s hard, really get at the meat: did you ever think about quitting? What’s frustrated you the most? What really keeps you going?

This means you shouldn’t try to write about things where it’s too painful to be honest. So if your parents got a divorce last year, it may be too raw to write about, which is perfectly fine. If, however, they got divorced when you were 5 and you can honestly reflect on how it changed your life, go for it.

Of course, you want to be honest in a reasonable and appropriate way. If you overshare, it will make it seem like you have bad judgment or don’t understand social norms—not good impressions to give the admissions committee. So probably don’t write about how much you despise your mother and think she is evil since she had an affair with your school librarian. It’s fine to feel how you feel, but there are some things that are a little too charged to write in your college essay.

#8: Be Unique, but Not Bizarre

You definitely want your writing to set you apart—but you want it to set you apart in a good way. This means you want high-quality writing about unique experiences and qualities you bring to the table that aren’t covered elsewhere in your application.

This does not mean you should get really avant-garde with your essay formatting. Don’t send in a piece of art instead of an essay, or make a video, or write a poem instead of an essay, unless those things are explicitly allowed.

Similarly, while your essay doesn’t have to be 100% deadly serious in tone, you should be careful with humor. This doesn’t mean absolutely no jokes or tongue-in-cheek moments or that your essay should read like an 18th-century book of sermons. But if your essay relies too much on humor, you’ve got a lot riding on whether or not the person reading your essay “gets” it. They may well be annoyed. So deploy humor carefully and selectively.

#9: Avoid Cliches and Platitudes

The more cliches you use in your writing, the more boring and less insightful your essay will be. Cliches are phrases that are so overused that they are essentially meaningless, and they are likely to make any reader roll their eyes. Phrases like “a dime a dozen,” “outside the box,” “cold as ice,” “dirt cheap,” “flash in the pan,” and so on are frequently deployed in conversation because they convey a common idea quickly. But you don’t want your essay to be common, so avoid cliches. Try to think about how you can communicate the same idea in a more specific and interesting way.

Here’s a list of over 600 cliches . But for the most part, you won’t need a list; you’ll know something is a cliche because you will have heard it a million times already.

You should also avoid platitudes or sweeping generalizations about life. These are statements that are so broad and far-reaching as to be both obvious and completely uninsightful.

So avoid making statements like “And that’s how I learned that hard work pays off,” or “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” You may think you sound sage or wise, but the truth is, platitudes are going to sound immature and poorly-formed to the reader. Similarly, don’t say things that sound like they could come from an inspirational quote account on Instagram. (See, ahem, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take,” “Shoot for the moon,” and so on.)

How do you avoid the platitude problem? Try to keep what you’re saying specific to you. So instead of saying “And that’s how I learned that hard work pays off,” try, “This experience helped me to realize that when I put concentrated effort into something that’s important to me, I can accomplish it even when there are roadblocks.” Keep the focus on what you can and will do in your own life.

Avoid  trite sayings like this one.

2 Tips for Editing Your College Essay

You may think that once you’ve gotten a draft done that you’re good to go. Not so! Editing is one of the most important parts of writing the best college essay possible, and here are two essential college essay tips for editing.

Tip #10: Ask for Help

It’s always wise to get another set of eyes on your college essays. In fact, several sets of eyes is even better! Other people can help you make sure your essay flows, you have enough detail, that everything is relevant, and that you sound as engaging and interesting as you really are! They can also help you catch typos and other minor errors—although you’ll want to double and triple-check for that yourself before submitting.

Here’s advice on how to ask for help with all parts of the college essay process , including editing.

Tip #11: Be Prepared to Cut a Lot

Brace yourself for cutting up your initial draft into tiny little ribbons and rearranging the remaining pieces Frankenstein-style. A first draft is really just a starting place to get your ideas down before you revamp the entire thing into a more streamlined, better organized, highly polished version. So you have to be ready to let go of pieces of your essay, no matter how much you love a particular turn of phrase or analogy. The ultimate goal is to turn the rough stone of your first draft into a polished and clear piece of writing—and that’s going to take a lot of chipping and sanding!

2 Final Tips for College Essay Success

Here are two quick but essential college essay tips you can implement easily.

Tip #12: Have a Standout First Sentence

One thing you can do to give any essay a boost is to make sure that your first sentence is attention-grabbing. If you can pique the interest of the admissions counselor right away, you’ll help keep their attention throughout your essay.

Here’s our guide to getting that perfect first sentence!

Tip #13: Triple-check for Typos and Errors

The most important quick thing you can do for your essay is to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. It will make your essay look sloppy and unfinished, and that’s the last thing you want! College admissions officers expect a polished product, and there’s nothing less polished than misspelled words and comma splices.

13 College Essay Tips: Key Takeaways for a Great College Essay

To recap, here’s our 13 tips for the best college essay ever:

College Essay Planning Tips:

• Create a plan of attack for all of your essays so you can keep track of everything.
• Start early—at least two months before the due date, if not more.
• Choose the right prompt and topic for you.
• Decide between a narrative or a thematic approach to the topic.
• Outline before you start writing!

College Essay Writing Tips:

• Use vivid, specific details.
• Be genuine—get beyond the superficial.
• Be unique, but not bizarre.
• Avoid cliches and platitudes; they are boring and unimaginative.

College Essay Editing Tips:

• Get other people to look at your essay.
• Be prepared to change, cut, and rearrange a lot!

Final Tips for College Essays:

• Make sure your first sentence is stellar.
• Triple check for typos and grammatical errors!

What’s Next?

You’ve read our tips for success—now see 10 college essay mistakes to avoid .

Looking for some college essay examples? See 133 essay examples and expert analysis here , along with 11 more places to find great college essay examples .  

Check out our complete guides to ApplyTexas essays , UC Personal Insight questions , and the Common Application essay !

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Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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How to Study General Paper (GP): 3 Secrets to Success

This is the first in the Subject Guides series, which gives detailed advice on how to study and score well for specific subjects. It contains edited excerpts from Chapter 4 of the book “How I Study” .

General Paper, or GP, is probably one of the most daunting papers we’re confronted with in the A Levels. It demands not just knowledge of current affairs and global issues, but also an ability to think critically on those issues.

What’s more, these can’t be mere thoughts in your head—you have to express them eloquently on paper. In other words, your proficiency in the English language is put to the test.

You Can Study for GP

“GP? Just wing it.”

Heard that before? Well, let’s face it, if you want an A, waiting for the exam to come and improvising on the spot is simply not going to make the cut.

At the start of the year, I met with a junior to give her a bit of guidance for GP. I spent more than an hour talking non-stop about all my GP study methods.

She looked a little stunned. Some (or perhaps most) of what I was saying seemed to be things she was hearing for the first time.

That’s when I realised perhaps not all students studied for GP they way I did. Perhaps not everyone knew that if they simply used the right methods, they could ace GP. Without incurring expensive tuition fees. Even if you think you are terrible at writing or suck at English.

So I decided to put together a comprehensive post on how exactly I studied for GP (and got consistent As, and had my essays featured as model essays). By the end, you’ll discover how you can master the subject—in just 3 simple steps.

Understanding the GP Exam Format

I will not go into the details here, since your teachers will likely be going through with you, in-depth, the format of the two papers, as well as exam skills for each. You can also check out the SEAB syllabus document for GP .

This is a very concise overview of what each paper entails:

Expanding Your GP Inventory

You can rely purely on your school’s resources if they are good enough. However, since GP is not a facts-based subject (unlike the Sciences), and concepts are not neatly laid out for you to absorb, you may find it worthwhile to curate your own notes.

That begins from reading widely and keeping up with the latest news.

Where Can I Start Reading and Gathering Content?

I recommend subscribing to two news magazines : TIME and The Economist . These are paid subscriptions, but it’s a worthy investment.

Newsletters (free!) are a great way to keep abreast of current affairs. I mainly got my news from The Straits Times (local news) and The New York Times (global news). Any credible news site is fine.

Other resources include TED talks and books. These are entirely optional.

The 3 Secrets to GP Success

1. focus on two topics (only).

There are so many topics you can possibly be tested on. It’s impossible to know all of them and to know each one in-depth.

You have to be selective. Choose two—and only two—topics that interest you most (you can also go for topics you think have the highest likelihood of coming out in the A Levels).

The smart thing to do would be to focus on “Your Society” (Singapore)—either as one of your two topics, or as a third. This is essential for the Application Question (AQ) in Paper 2. It can also be used for “your society” essay questions in Paper 1.

Then, importantly, study your two chosen topics exclusively and intensively . Prepare for them so well that you become an expert on these topics. So, how do you do that? For each topic:

• Make content notes : Read relevant articles on your topic. Condense them into key points. Make sure to cover all aspects—you can do this systematically by breaking the broad topic (e.g. “Science and Technology”) into subtopics (e.g. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, “Artificial Intelligence”, etc).
• Save good articles : Some articles are so well-written they are worth keeping in full. These are usually opinion articles that analyse (rather than describe) a news event or issue.
• Practise writing essays : For every test and assignment hereafter, write essays for only those questions on your chosen topics. This will give you ample practice.

Details and examples of exactly how I make GP notes can be found in How I Study . (While I find value in making my own notes, if you wish to skip the arduous process of synthesising vast amounts of information from different sources, I’ve actually done it for you. My GP notes are available here .)

2. Express Your Opinions (Write!)

To ace the GP paper, you need to (1) present a balanced argument , and (2) take a nuanced stand . If you’re not used to expressing your opinions—with felicitous vocabulary—you’ll find it hard to convince the GP examiner to elevate you to the highest band.

There are many ways to hone your skills, including engaging in an intellectual debate at the dinner table. And that’s a great place to start. But I would suggest that you force yourself to write sometimes. (You’ll be writing for the GP exam, after all.)

One way to do this is to write news journals . It’s simple. Select a new article, then write a response with the following components:

• Summary : What the article is about in your own words
• Reflections : Your response to the article
• Vocabulary : Words that you don’t know and their definitions

The “Reflections” portion should form the bulk of your news journal (2 to 3 main points).

Your news journals do not have to be long. And you should commit to writing them regularly (weekly or fortnightly, for instance). You will see improvements in the long run.

3. Expand Your Vocabulary

Note that for Paper 1, 20 out of the total 50 marks (40%) are awarded for the “Use of English”; for Paper 2 it’s 15 out of 50 marks (30%).

In Paper 1, you need apposite expressions to argue your case convincingly. In Paper 2, you have to be able to express ideas using your own words for the Short Answer Questions and paraphrase adroitly for the Summary.

I keep a Vocabulary List (using Google Docs, so that it’s easily accessible from my phone and any other device). Every word I come across that I don’t know, or know but seldom use in writing, goes into this list.

Another useful list to have on hand is a compilation of common words and their paraphrasing for Summary. Just note that you cannot be rigid about it when doing the paper. Chucking in any synonym won’t work; you have to paraphrase in context.

A-Level General Paper (GP) Notes

Have a question? Leave a comment below or drop me a message anytime. Don’t forget to check out the other articles in the Subject Guides series too.

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How To Study for General Paper and Score A

How do you study for the a level gp paper many students struggle with studying for gp due to how demanding it is. not only does it demand a strong command of the english language but it also requires an understanding of popular a level gp topics. there are a few strategies that can help any student see tremendous improvements in their grades for the a level gp paper..

Navigating the rigorous demands of the A Level General Paper (GP) can often seem daunting for many students. Contrary to popular belief, success in GP isn't achieved by merely 'winging it', but is a product of a methodical and multifaceted approach to how you study and learn. This includes understanding global affairs, expanding your vocabulary, developing strong analytical abilities, and consistently honing your writing skills. It's a journey that calls for a well-rounded preparation.

As a pioneering force in the domain of General Paper tuition, illum.e stands at the forefront of educational excellence. We are deeply committed to providing students with a plethora of necessary tools, effective strategies, and bespoke learning experiences to help them transcend their academic potential and truly excel in their GP examinations.

1. Keep Up With Current Affairs

Perhaps the most obvious but most overlooked aspect of preparing for the A Level GP paper is keeping up with local and international affairs. Knowledge of current affairs is vital to the GP essay portion and the AQ portion of the A Level GP paper. Particularly in A Level GP paper 1, students are not given a choice of GP questions. Hence, students need to study and have a working knowledge of a wide range of popular A level GP topics.

The Straits Times  is the first and most important resource that any student should consult to improve how they tackle GP questions. All will receive a complimentary Straits Times Online Subscription. The 'Opinions' section is particularly valuable for writing GP essays. This section will introduce students to a range of argumentative writing approaches in order to help them improve their GP essays.

Aside from The Straits Times, you might also want to consider other reputable news sources such as BBC News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. Remember, your aim is to expand your horizons and diversify your knowledge base.

To further complement your learning, students can rely on GP notes curated by  GP tuition  centres such as illum.e. Curated notes would enable students to swiftly establish basic knowledge for popular A level GP topics. In this way, notes can help students get a jump start on their A Level GP paper journey. It should be stressed, however, that curated GP notes are not a substitute for being up to date on current events by reading newspapers.

2. Learn From Others

The best practices of other students and even their mistakes are very useful to a student on their A Level GP paper journey. For instance, by reading GP model essays produced by their peers, students will become familiar with the standards expected in their essays.

Crucially, by borrowing ideas from these GP model essays, students will learn how to study and approach a range of  GP essay questions . KS bull, a collection of good essays produced by Rafflesians, is arguably the most famous source of GP model essays.

By reading non-ideal answers to GP questions, students can learn to avoid common mistakes. By being exposed to such errors, students will be able to identify these errors in their own GP essays or in their comprehension answers.

Good GP tuition centres focus on both aspects of learning from one another. They pick up best practices from essays that have  done well in tests  or written by experienced tutors. They would also have GP tuition classes focused on identifying errors in GP essays and AQ answers.

3. Expand Your Vocabulary

Having a diverse vocabulary is like wielding a powerful weapon in the realm of GP. In addition, it enables you to articulate your ideas with more precision and nuance, thereby securing essential marks. There are various ways to build your word arsenal, such as by reading broadly, consulting a thesaurus, understanding the origins of words, and incorporating newly learned words into your daily discourse and written work. Moreover, a robust vocabulary doesn't just improve your writing style; it breathes life into your arguments and makes your essays more compelling.

4. Learn to Analyse & Answer Questions

Central to excelling in GP is the skill to interpret questions correctly and craft pointed responses. The key lies in maintaining your focus and directly tackling the query — this distinction can elevate your work from satisfactory to exceptional.

At illum.e, we take great pride in providing our students with a  comprehensive essay guide . Moreover, we enhance your ability to dissect questions accurately and equip you with strategies to ensure your responses align perfectly with the question's demands. Through our approach, we aim to instil in you the expertise to respond effectively to any GP question, thereby securing your path to excellence.

5. Practice Writing Often

Lastly, it is vital that students keep practising. There is this misconception that as the A level GP paper is only a H1 subject, it does not require much effort. However, this is simply not true. The A level GP paper not only requires great amounts of content for popular A Level GP topics but it also tests language and writing skills. Without practising these skills, they may get rusty and impede the student’s ability to do well in the A Level GP paper.

This is especially vital to the short answer GP questions in the A Level GP paper 1. These questions require a great amount of skills in identifying the GP question type, identifying relevant text and paraphrasing.

Without sufficient practice, these skills can and will get rusty. Hence, it is crucial that students keep practising their craft by writing GP essays or doing past year comprehension papers. Often GP tuition centres have dedicated drill sessions for both papers to ensure that students are well equipped to answer any GP questions that come their way.

For example, at illum.e we have comprehension drill sessions where students learn how to answer GP questions of different types. Our  GP notes  for these sessions will provide students with ample opportunities to practise answering GP questions of the various types. Hence leaving them in good stead to tackle similar GP questions in the A level GP paper.

To study for the A Level GP paper comes down to these 3 main things. If students are able to keep up with current affairs, learn from others and practise a lot, they would most definitely do very well for the A Level GP paper!

How illum.e Can Help You Excel in Your GP Paper

Acing the A Level GP paper boils down to mastering three primary aspects: staying informed about current affairs, learning from the successes and mistakes of others, and engaging in continuous practice. Rigorously adopting these strategies can significantly elevate your GP scores.

At  illum.e , we're committed to facilitating your journey to A Level GP excellence. How? Our unique curriculum replicates the advantages of a one-on-one learning experience, with tailored learning paths designed by multiple expert tutors. We focus on immediate learning and progress, further bolstered by the real-world exam scenario replicated in our in-house mock examinations.

Our comprehensive curriculum ensures you develop a broad spectrum of necessary skills, from expanding your vocabulary and learning how to analyse GP questions accurately, to mastering the craft of essay writing. Moreover, you'll have access to a wide array of study resources, including, but not limited to, carefully curated notes and model essays.

Begin your journey to GP success with illum.e today. Learn how our team of dedicated, experienced tutors, proven teaching methodologies, and a wealth of learning resources can help you unlock your potential and achieve that coveted A grade.

Essay Papers Writing Online

Tips and tricks for crafting engaging and effective essays.

Writing essays can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and strategies, you can create compelling and impactful pieces that captivate your audience. Whether you’re a student working on an academic paper or a professional honing your writing skills, these tips will help you craft essays that stand out.

Effective essays are not just about conveying information; they are about persuading, engaging, and inspiring readers. To achieve this, it’s essential to pay attention to various elements of the essay-writing process, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft. By following these tips, you can elevate your writing and produce essays that leave a lasting impression.

Understanding the Essay Prompt

Before you start writing your essay, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the essay prompt or question provided by your instructor. The essay prompt serves as a roadmap for your essay and outlines the specific requirements or expectations.

Here are a few key things to consider when analyzing the essay prompt:

• Read the prompt carefully and identify the main topic or question being asked.
• Pay attention to any specific instructions or guidelines provided, such as word count, formatting requirements, or sources to be used.
• Identify key terms or phrases in the prompt that can help you determine the focus of your essay.

By understanding the essay prompt thoroughly, you can ensure that your essay addresses the topic effectively and meets the requirements set forth by your instructor.

Researching Your Topic Thoroughly

One of the key elements of writing an effective essay is conducting thorough research on your chosen topic. Research helps you gather the necessary information, facts, and examples to support your arguments and make your essay more convincing.

Here are some tips for researching your topic thoroughly:

By following these tips and conducting thorough research on your topic, you will be able to write a well-informed and persuasive essay that effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

Creating a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a crucial element of any well-crafted essay. It serves as the main point or idea that you will be discussing and supporting throughout your paper. A strong thesis statement should be clear, specific, and arguable.

To create a strong thesis statement, follow these tips:

• Be specific: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main idea of your essay. Avoid vague or general statements.
• Be concise: Keep your thesis statement concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
• Be argumentative: Your thesis statement should present an argument or perspective that can be debated or discussed in your essay.
• Be relevant: Make sure your thesis statement is relevant to the topic of your essay and reflects the main point you want to make.
• Revise as needed: Don’t be afraid to revise your thesis statement as you work on your essay. It may change as you develop your ideas.

Remember, a strong thesis statement sets the tone for your entire essay and provides a roadmap for your readers to follow. Put time and effort into crafting a clear and compelling thesis statement to ensure your essay is effective and persuasive.

Developing a Clear Essay Structure

One of the key elements of writing an effective essay is developing a clear and logical structure. A well-structured essay helps the reader follow your argument and enhances the overall readability of your work. Here are some tips to help you develop a clear essay structure:

1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic and clearly states your thesis or main argument.

2. Organize your ideas: Before you start writing, outline the main points you want to cover in your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas.

3. Use topic sentences: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This helps the reader understand the purpose of each paragraph.

4. Provide evidence and analysis: Support your arguments with evidence and analysis to back up your main points. Make sure your evidence is relevant and directly supports your thesis.

5. Transition between paragraphs: Use transitional words and phrases to create flow between paragraphs and help the reader move smoothly from one idea to the next.

6. Conclude effectively: End your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

By following these tips, you can develop a clear essay structure that will help you effectively communicate your ideas and engage your reader from start to finish.

Using Relevant Examples and Evidence

When writing an essay, it’s crucial to support your arguments and assertions with relevant examples and evidence. This not only adds credibility to your writing but also helps your readers better understand your points. Here are some tips on how to effectively use examples and evidence in your essays:

• Choose examples that are specific and relevant to the topic you’re discussing. Avoid using generic examples that may not directly support your argument.
• Provide concrete evidence to back up your claims. This could include statistics, research findings, or quotes from reliable sources.
• Interpret the examples and evidence you provide, explaining how they support your thesis or main argument. Don’t assume that the connection is obvious to your readers.
• Use a variety of examples to make your points more persuasive. Mixing personal anecdotes with scholarly evidence can make your essay more engaging and convincing.
• Cite your sources properly to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. Follow the citation style required by your instructor or the publication you’re submitting to.

By integrating relevant examples and evidence into your essays, you can craft a more convincing and well-rounded piece of writing that resonates with your audience.

Editing and Proofreading Your Essay Carefully

Once you have finished writing your essay, the next crucial step is to edit and proofread it carefully. Editing and proofreading are essential parts of the writing process that help ensure your essay is polished and error-free. Here are some tips to help you effectively edit and proofread your essay:

1. Take a Break: Before you start editing, take a short break from your essay. This will help you approach the editing process with a fresh perspective.

2. Read Aloud: Reading your essay aloud can help you catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors that you may have missed while writing. It also helps you check the flow of your essay.

3. Check for Consistency: Make sure that your essay has a consistent style, tone, and voice throughout. Check for inconsistencies in formatting, punctuation, and language usage.

4. Remove Unnecessary Words: Look for any unnecessary words or phrases in your essay and remove them to make your writing more concise and clear.

5. Proofread for Errors: Carefully proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to commonly misused words and homophones.

6. Get Feedback: It’s always a good idea to get feedback from someone else. Ask a friend, classmate, or teacher to review your essay and provide constructive feedback.

By following these tips and taking the time to edit and proofread your essay carefully, you can improve the overall quality of your writing and make sure your ideas are effectively communicated to your readers.

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Strong English Proficiency in General Paper Essays: A Key Ingredient for Success

A Level General Paper (GP) is a subject that demands critical thinking, analytical skills, and eloquence in expressing ideas. You may be wondering whether a good command of the English language is a guarantee of an A grade in GP essays . There is no doubt that English is essential. However, it is not the only factor that determines success in this subject. In this article, we will look at the importance of English language skills in GP essays and important tips that contribute to the achievement of excellence.

Understanding the Importance of English Proficiency

A good grasp of the English language is very important when writing GP essays. Being skilled in English helps students express their thoughts clearly, use many different words, and make their sentences sound smart. This skill lets them communicate complicated ideas well, which makes their essays better.

Also, being good at English is crucial for using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These things are needed to make an essay organized and well done. If an essay has lots of mistakes and is hard to understand, it won’t be able to share its message well. So, English is a key part of writing good GP essays.

Beyond Language: Developing Critical Thinking Skills

While a strong command of English provides the foundation, the essence of GP essays lies in the development of critical thinking skills. GP essays require students to critically analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Proficiency in English can help convey these analyses clearly, but the ability to think critically and engage deeply with the topic is equally, if not more, important.

Students need to develop the skill of identifying key arguments, evaluating evidence, and presenting well-reasoned counterarguments. These skills allow students to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of complex issues, showcasing their ability to think critically and independently. A thoughtfully constructed argument, supported by evidence and logical reasoning, can significantly enhance the quality of the essay, leading to a higher grade. According to Kelvin Hong, Chief Tutor of Ace GP Tuition , “It is the strength and logic of a student’s arguments that usually make or break their essay. This is why we focus a lot on effective argumentation in our weekly GP classes.”

Effective Research and Source Integration

In addition to critical thinking , doing good research and using sources are important for a great GP essay. Students have to find sources that make sense and are trustworthy, take out the useful information, and put it in their essays smoothly. Being good at English helps with understanding and explaining hard sources, so students can use different ideas and expert thoughts in their essays.

Also, English skills help with giving credit to the sources and showing where the information came from. This makes sure the essay is honest and doesn’t copy other people’s work. When the essay has good research and reliable sources, it makes the arguments better and shows that the student can talk about serious ideas the right way.

Structural Organization and Coherence

A well-organised essay with a clear structure and logical flow of ideas is essential for effective communication. English language skills enable students to form coherent paragraphs, ensuring that each idea flows smoothly into the next. Logical organisation enhances the readability of the essay and allows examiners to follow the argument effortlessly.

Here is a simplified format and GP essays can vary in complexity and structure depending on the specific topic and requirements. It’s important to adapt your format and content to the specific essay prompt and guidelines.

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Good points for writing general paper essay. Thanks!

A Level General Paper STUDY NOTES

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How to Study for General Paper (GP) Essay (4 Easy Strategies)

How to Study for GP? (4 Easy Strategies )

1. understand that gp essay is really about content + skills .

I will first discuss Paper 1. Students often find GP so elusive because the grading seems so subjective ; it is unlike maybe the math and sciences where there is indeed a fixed correct answer. If you are reading this now, chances are, you too feel that GP is pretty intimidating and difficult to master 😅

The good news is I discovered a very simple way to approach and study for GP. Once you break GP down into two components: Content + Skills , your efforts to study it become much more focused 💪🏻

Content refers to knowledge that you can acquire to feel prepared for GP. This is the exact same method of how you would master different chapters for other subjects. I will explain more in the next point how this is done. But the idea is, knowing specific content will give you the material needed to craft a good essay .

Skills is the next tricky part because content alone is insufficient to get a good grade. Often, the reason for not scoring well is because the student has not managed to address some question requirements. Or, they could have mentioned the relevant content but do not know how to show its relevance nor elaborate upon it in a persuasive manner. These all involve skills. And the best part? Skills can be practiced and mastered , which makes GP a lot easier to score than we think! (Quick tip: think of GP like you would think of your other subjects, it’s not that different, the same strategies you use for those can be applied to GP!)

To share a little story, i am often asked why I want to help others with GP. Well, it is because i have been in your seat just a couple of years back and i understand the struggle and helplessness associated with GP. The annoying thing is how GP seems like it cannot be systematically studied for. I was determined to find a solution to circumvent this and thankfully after a while i started to understand that GP is really about content and skills.

Believe me when i say i struggled. I was failing essays back in Sec 4 😥 (came from an Integrated Programme school and we kind of started GP earlier) and early J1. But after i changed my approach, i actually went up all the way to 100th percentile in my school. I was so surprised by the grade i could not believe it but it spurred me to work even harder to ensure that this result could consistently be attained. From there, i developed a specific strategy and method to conquer GP and it makes me really excited to share that with other students who i can so deeply empathise with!

2. Approach Content using Topics/Themes

The first step to mastering content is recognising that there are indeed key topics in GP just like the various chapters in mathematics or economics for example. There are major topics and minor topics, the former being the ones you need to focus on. How do we know what the topics are if there is no set textbook? Taking a look at past year questions and analysing the trends would give us a good idea of what topics are recurring and significant .

I know that every school focuses on slightly different themes but from my experience and detailed analysis so far, i believe the major topics are: Science, Arts, Media, Environment, Politics, General, Individual/Values. The other  secondary themes are: Society, Sports, Crime & Punishment, Education, Poverty etc.

The logical question you would be thinking about is: So, how many topics do i have to study for? 😮

My recommendation is that you should know 3 out of 7 of the major topics to get a foolproof repository of knowledge that enables you to answer at least ONE question confidently in the A Levels. The trick about focusing on topics is that you start to get better at it the more you read about this topic and attempt its questions . To better get an idea of these topics, you can check out the article i wrote previously.

I can offer a simple step-by-step approach 💯 for you to start mastering content:

• Pick a topic that really interests you out of the 7
• Check out some of the past year prelim or A Level questions associated with that topic to understand the entire scope of this topic and what issues it is concerned with
• Read up on the content points for this topic. (Quick tip: to make this easier, i recommend reading some essays OR doing your own research but in a targeted way where you attempt to answer a specific question rather than randomly google stuff about this topic)
• Start writing and answering a question, focus on developing sound arguments and substantial examples
• Repeat this process for more questions and very soon you will master the ENTIRE topic. You have an entire year to do this, so it’s totally possible if you start right now! 🙂

PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE AN UPVOTE ON THE REDDIT POST IF YOU FOUND THIS USEFUL 😀

3. Hone Question Analysis Skills

I will address two major skills that are useful for GP: Question Analysis, Persuasive Explanation

If GP was all about content, then the solution would be real simple: memorise essays and regurgitate them. That’s not the case at all. In fact, memorising is essentially leaving it up to luck and hoping that your answer will somehow address the requirements posed by the question.

Hence, the better way is to be proficient in analysing questions . The trick is to focus on the keywords . (Quick tip: you can practice this skill by looking at many different questions without writing out the essay. Take a look at maybe all 12 questions in a paper and see if you can successfully identify all the requirements!)

Consider this 2019 A Levels question for example: “Can fiction teach us anything meaningful about the real world?” . Take a moment to try and identify the keywords before you read on. ⌛️

The subject focus is of course “Fiction” and the claim is “teach us anything meaningful”. All examples will have to be related to fiction and you would have to think about the different forms of fiction to provide comprehensive examples : books, movies, games, myths etc. If you memorised some general essay about the arts, that would have been out of point because fiction is a very specific type of work among the arts.

Then, you will need to define “meaningful” and think about the various definitions of it – how is it manifested? how do you know something is meaningful? For e.g. it is about providing lessons, value , making an impact etc. But  you have to be more specific since it is about “the real world”. We can say that fiction reflects real world problems happening around the world to raise awareness about them. From there, it teaches important lessons that we can take away.

So if you were to regurgitate an essay about fiction’s value, without connecting it to the real world, that would be insufficient 😔 If you regurgitated an essay about “Is it worthwhile to invest in the arts” and listed all of arts’ value, it’s also not accurate because you would miss out on the tension part about fiction being a fake story while having real value to the world around us.

This is not to say that you don’t read model essays; you should, and in fact, i strongly recommend reading essays because it exposes you to new perspectives and better understand the level of persuasion required. But if you go for the memorising strategy without proper skills, then it’s going to be problematic. Check out model essays here!

4. Hone Persuasive Explanation Skills (via paragraphs)

Persuasive explanation means your arguments are impactful and not just giving a lot of information about the topic without relevance to the question.

For the same question, if you were to describe some of the benefits of fiction: providing entertainment value, allowing the reader to become immersed in a different world, or offering a relatable story — all these do not address the idea of “meaning for the real world”. They are not properly explained to connect to the question.

Explaining in a persuasive way to strengthen your argument is a very key skill. It all starts with asking the right questions because when you ask them, you mind effectively receives a trigger 😍

You should think of the SO WHAT . So what if we become immersed in a different world, why does that mean fiction has value for the real world?

Perhaps, it’s because the fictitious world is a reflection of our actual society and presents real-world problems in an accentuated way to better illuminate and emphasise these problems . From the awareness of these problems, readers can become connected to these actual issues and even feel propelled to make a change. An example would be Uncle Tom’s Cabin being pivotal in the Civil Rights movemen t to evince the cruelty and prevalence of slavery in pre-modern US.

(Quick tip: this technique of elaboration is essentially an essay writing skill of asking yourself a trigger question. The more you practice the better you become at it) And, you should practice using paragraphs. It may feel like a chore writing an entire essay. Hence, the way to go is to simply attempt ONE main paragraph for different questions to see what difficulties you encounter for each question. Check whether you address the SO WHAT to enhance your argument.

Practicing writing just a paragraph is extremely effective , more effective than trying to write out a whole essay and getting it entirely wrong. Paragraphs are good at the start because it exposes you to many questions while still challenging you to develop a cogent argument . Once you get better, you can proceed to try and write out complete essays!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you found this useful, check out our new GP Tips & Resources Telegram Channel! Click here to join . This channel is meant to act as a GP companion to share knowledge and help all students, regardless of whether they are a part of ZAscension.

Everyday there will be tips of the day, answers to faqs, articles and many more. so if you enjoyed this article, this channel will definitely be useful for you 😃 i am very passionate about sharing knowledge, let’s help to build this community to enhance the pool of collective knowledge.

We are happy you stopped by ZAscension! If you need extra help that is more comprehensive and more personalised, don’t be afraid to seek it, we are more than happy to guide you in this journey.

Find out more about the writer, Mr Zach!

Whatsapp 9722 3187 to sign up for lessons 😃.

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Want to write a college essay that sets you apart? Three tips to give you a head start

1. Keep it real. It’s normal to want to make a good impression on the school of your choice, but it’s also important to show who you really are. So just be yourself! Compelling stories might not be perfectly linear or have a happy ending, and that’s OK. It’s best to be authentic instead of telling schools what you think they want to hear.

2. Be reflective . Think about how you’ve changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large?

3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What about college excites you the most, and what would you like to do after you graduate? Answering these questions will not only give colleges insight into the kind of student you’ll be, but it will also give you the personal insight you’ll need to choose the school that’s right for you.

Have questions about college prep? We're here to help.

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How to Start An Essay- Steps with Examples

Once you have a single idea to anchor your essay, build the entire piece around it. Starting an essay can be challenging; it's like revving up the engine and keeping your ideas flowing throughout. But I've got a foolproof plan for you. In this article I will show you how to start an essay and write a powerful, impactful piece for your class.

What is the Process of Writing an Essay?

Just like any task that requires organization, writing an essay follows a structured process. If you want to ensure that your essay is well-organized and not just a free flow of ideas, consider the following process:

Read and Understand the Prompt: Begin by carefully reading the essay prompt to fully grasp what is being asked of you. Break it down into manageable parts to ensure you cover every aspect in your essay.

Plan Your Essay: Take time to brainstorm and organize your ideas. Creating an outline or a web of your ideas and supporting details will make the writing process much smoother. This will help you structure your essay logically and ensure all your points are well thought out.

Use and Cite Sources: Conduct thorough research to gather information and evidence to support your arguments. Use quotes and paraphrases from credible sources, but always avoid plagiarism by properly citing your sources.

Write a Draft: Start by writing a rough draft. As Ernest Hemingway said, “The first draft of anything is always crap.” This stage allows you to get all your ideas down without worrying about perfection. Drafts are essential for organizing your thoughts and refining your arguments.

Develop a Strong Thesis: Your thesis statement is the main argument of your essay and the most important sentence you'll write. Make it clear and compelling, setting the stage for your entire essay.

Respond to the Prompt: Once you've refined your draft, ensure that you are directly addressing every part of the prompt. Your final draft should be a polished version of your ideas, with a clear and logical flow.

Proofread: Review your essay carefully to catch any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward sentences. Proofreading is crucial because even small mistakes can undermine the professionalism and clarity of your essay.

What is the Structure of an Essay?

Although more advanced academic papers have their own unique structures, the basic high school or college essay typically follows a standardized five-paragraph format:

1.Introduction

Writing a well-structured essay is crucial for clearly conveying your ideas and arguments. While advanced academic papers may have complex structures, the basic high school or college essay typically follows a standardized five-paragraph format. This format includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion, each serving a specific purpose to guide the reader through your argument.

The introduction paragraph is where you start by grabbing the reader’s attention with an engaging "hook," such as a relevant quote or a surprising fact. Following this, you introduce your thesis statement, which is the central argument or point of your essay. To set the stage for the rest of the essay, you provide a brief preview of the three main points that will be covered in the body paragraphs.

The first body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that introduces the first subtopic related to your thesis. This paragraph includes supporting details or examples that illustrate your point, followed by an explanation of how these details or examples support your thesis. This structured approach ensures clarity and coherence, making your argument more persuasive.

The second body paragraph follows a similar format. It starts with a topic sentence that introduces the second subtopic. Again, you provide supporting details or examples and explain their relevance to your thesis. This repetition of structure helps reinforce your argument and makes it easier for the reader to follow your reasoning.

The third body paragraph introduces the third subtopic with a topic sentence. Just like the previous paragraphs, it includes supporting details or examples and explains how they support your thesis. This consistent format throughout the body paragraphs ensures that each point is clearly presented and thoroughly examined.

3.Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph begins with a concluding transition, such as "in conclusion," signaling that you are wrapping up your essay. You restate your thesis in a new way to reinforce your main argument. Then, you summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs, tying them back to your thesis.

Finally, you end with a "global statement" or call to action, leaving the reader with a final thought or suggestion related to your topic. This structured approach to essay writing helps ensure that your arguments are clear, cohesive, and compelling from start to finish.

How to Start an Essay [3 Steps with examples]

Starting an essay can bring a mix of thoughts: how to begin, how to end, what supporting points to use. This confusion often leads students to produce subpar essays. Writing an essay is a process that requires structure, which is why learning how to start an essay is crucial.

From my experience, the first tip is to analyze the question and begin brainstorming. This is followed by a series of steps I'll discuss to help you craft an essay that communicates your message effectively. Let's explore how to start an essay, including examples, samples, and techniques like opening with a thought-provoking question. Whether you're looking for "how to start an essay with examples" or a "how to start an essay sample," these tips will guide you towards a strong introduction that sets the tone for your entire piece.

1.Writing the Introduction

Your introduction sets the tone for your entire essay. It's your opportunity to grab the reader's attention and provide a roadmap for what's to come. Let's break down the key components following up with how to start an essay examples:

The hook is your opening statement that captivates your audience. It should be intriguing, thought-provoking, and relevant to your topic. A strong hook can take various forms, such as a startling statistic, a provocative question, or a vivid anecdote. The key is to pique your reader's curiosity and make them eager to read more.

a) "Imagine a world where your morning coffee could power your entire house for a day. While this might sound like science fiction, recent advancements in bioenergy are bringing us closer to this reality."

b) "In the time it takes you to read this sentence, over 200 species will have gone extinct. The alarming rate of biodiversity loss is not just a statistic—it's a call to action that we can no longer ignore."

Context / Background

After hooking your reader, provide context that helps them understand the significance of your topic. This background information should bridge the gap between your hook and your thesis statement. Explain why your topic matters, touch on recent developments or historical context, and set the stage for your main argument.

"The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from the realm of science fiction to a cornerstone of modern technology. Over the past decade, AI has permeated various aspects of our lives, from voice assistants in our homes to complex algorithms driving social media platforms. As AI continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it raises profound questions about the future of work, privacy, and even what it means to be human. Understanding the implications of this technological revolution is crucial as we navigate an increasingly AI-driven world."

Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the cornerstone of your essay. It clearly articulates your main argument or purpose, providing a preview of what you'll discuss in the body of your essay. A strong thesis should be specific, arguable, and concise. It sets expectations for your readers and guides the structure of your essay.

"This essay will examine the ethical implications of AI development, arguing that while artificial intelligence offers tremendous benefits in fields such as healthcare and environmental protection, it also poses significant risks to privacy, job security, and social equality. By analyzing these challenges and proposing a framework for responsible AI development, I aim to demonstrate that proactive ethical considerations are essential to harnessing AI's potential while mitigating its dangers."

Overview Ending (Optional)

To round off your introduction, you might choose to provide a brief overview of your essay's structure. This can help orient your readers and give them a clear idea of what to expect. However, be careful not to give away too much—you want to maintain some element of anticipation.

"In exploring the ethical landscape of AI, we will first delve into its transformative potential across various sectors. Then, we'll critically examine the challenges and risks associated with widespread AI adoption. Finally, we'll propose a set of ethical guidelines and policy recommendations aimed at fostering responsible AI development. Through this analysis, we'll uncover how balancing innovation with ethical considerations is crucial for creating an AI-enhanced future that benefits all of humanity."

Once we have written our overview ending, our introduction paragraph is complete. Here is an example of an introduction paragraph:

This might initially appear daunting due to its size, but leveraging WPS AI can streamline and condense the content effectively. Here's how you can simplify and refine it:

Step 1: Select your entire introduction paragraph, and then click on the "WPS AI" icon in the hover menu.

Step 2: From the list of WPS AI options, click on "Make shorter" to help reduce the length of your content.

Step 3: WPS AI will display a shorter version of your introduction in a small window; click on "Replace".

Step 4: The introduction paragraph will now be replaced with a shorter version for your essay.

2.Writing the Body

The body of your essay is where you develop your arguments and provide evidence to support your thesis. It's the meat of your essay, where you dive deep into your topic and showcase your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Present and develop the main arguments that support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea or argument that contributes to your overall thesis. This structure helps your reader follow your logic and understand your points clearly.

Let's say your thesis is about the impact of renewable energy on climate change mitigation. One argument could be:

"The widespread adoption of solar power technology has significantly reduced carbon emissions in countries that have invested heavily in this renewable energy source."

Support each argument with solid evidence that reinforces your point. Evidence can include facts, statistics, research findings, expert opinions, or examples from real-life situations. The stronger and more varied your evidence, the more convincing your argument will be.

"According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency, countries with high solar power adoption have seen an average reduction in carbon emissions of 15% over the past five years. For instance, Germany, a leader in solar energy, has cut its carbon emissions by 28% since 2010, with solar power contributing to more than half of this reduction."

Ideas (Paragraphs)

Organize your ideas into coherent paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Follow this with your evidence and analysis, explaining how this information supports your argument and relates to your thesis.

Topic sentence: "Beyond reducing carbon emissions, solar power adoption also stimulates economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy sector."

Evidence and analysis: "A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that solar panel installer will be the fastest-growing job in the United States over the next decade, with an expected growth rate of 52%. This surge in employment opportunities not only helps to offset job losses in traditional energy sectors but also contributes to overall economic resilience. For example, in California, the solar industry has created over 86,000 jobs, boosting the state's economy while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint."

This structure is followed for each body paragraph added. So, if you think you have 3 sub-topics, you will have 3 body paragraphs, stating the sub-topic followed by evidence to back your argument.

Transitions

Use transitions to link your paragraphs and ideas together smoothly. These can be words or phrases that show how one idea leads to another or how different viewpoints contrast. Good transitions help your essay flow logically and coherently.

"While solar power demonstrates significant benefits for both the environment and economy, it's essential to consider other renewable energy sources that complement its strengths and address its limitations."

Here is how a body paragraph would look like:

3.Writing the Conclusion

Your conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. It should tie together all the threads of your essay and reinforce your main points.

Summary / Synthesis

Summarize the main points you have discussed throughout the essay. This reminder helps solidify your arguments in the reader's mind.

"Throughout this essay, we've explored the multifaceted impact of renewable energy, particularly solar power, on our fight against climate change. We've seen how solar technology significantly reduces carbon emissions, stimulates economic growth through job creation, and complements other renewable energy sources. Moreover, we've examined the challenges of energy storage and distribution that come with increased reliance on solar power."

Importance of Your Topic

Explain why your topic is important or relevant. Connect the discussion back to the broader context or implications of your thesis statement.

"The transition to renewable energy sources like solar power is not just an environmental imperative; it's a pivotal moment in human history. As we face the growing threats of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss, our energy choices today will shape the world for generations to come. The widespread adoption of solar and other renewable energy sources offers a path to a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future."

Strong Closing Statement

End your conclusion with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking question.

"As we stand at this critical juncture, the choice is clear: embrace the power of the sun and other renewable sources, or continue down a path of environmental degradation. By investing in solar technology, supporting policies that encourage renewable energy adoption, and making conscious energy choices in our daily lives, we can harness the immense potential of renewable energy. The future of our planet is bright - if we choose to make it so. Will you be part of this solar revolution?"

The final conclusion, including all the main functions, would look something like this:

Bonus Tips: How to Polish your Essay with WPS AI

The great thing about WPS Office isn't just that it comes equipped with everything a student in any field needs and has all the tools for you to write the perfect essay, but also that WPS AI helps you improve the quality of what you have at hand.

Grammar and Spelling Check:

WPS Office includes advanced grammar and spelling check tools that automatically identify and correct errors. This feature ensures that your writing is free of typos and grammatical mistakes, enhancing the overall readability and professionalism of your essays.

Let's say you have your completed essay open in WPS Office. With the help of WPS AI spell check, proofreading and spell-checking would become much easier. Simply click on "Accept All" to make all the necessary changes.

Style and Clarity Enhancement:

Beyond just fixing errors, WPS AI offers suggestions to improve your writing style and clarity. It helps you refine your sentence structure, choose more precise words, and eliminate unnecessary jargon. This ensures that your arguments are presented clearly and effectively, making your essays more compelling and easier to understand.

Writing Assistance:

WPS AI acts as a writing assistant, providing guidance on how to continue developing your ideas. Whether you’re stuck on how to transition between paragraphs or need help expanding on a particular point, the AI offers suggestions and tips to keep your writing process smooth and efficient. This can be especially helpful in maintaining a logical flow and ensuring that all your points are well-supported and clearly articulated.

FAQs About Starting an Essay

1. what is the purpose of the introduction in an essay.

The purpose of the introduction in an essay is to familiarize the reader with the topic, highlighting its significance and relevance. It captures the reader's interest while providing essential background information. Additionally, the introduction outlines the main points of the essay and presents the thesis statement, which acts as the core argument that forms the foundation of the entire essay. By laying out these components, the introduction clarifies the importance of the topic and prepares the reader for what lies ahead in the essay.

2. What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence is a statement that conveys the primary idea of a paragraph. It conveys the main point and establishes the paragraph's focus, ensuring that all subsequent sentences are connected to this key idea. Every paragraph in your paper should include a topic sentence to clarify its purpose.

3. Why do I need a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is crucial because it defines the main argument of an essay, guiding the writer's direction and helping the reader understand the central focus. It serves as a roadmap for the content that follows, ensuring that all points are relevant to the main idea.

4. How can I make my essay introduction stand out?

To create a memorable essay introduction, begin with an engaging hook, such as an intriguing fact, a thought-provoking quote, or a vivid illustration. Additionally, ensure that your introduction is concise, focused, and directly related to the main topic of the essay. This approach will draw the reader in and establish a solid foundation for your argument.

Create Compelling Essays With WPS Office

Learning how to start an essay will ultimately help you transform your ideas into a compelling narrative. All you need is a prompt and a topic to craft the best essay possible. Remember to infuse your work with a bit of heart to give it a personalized touch, making your writing truly unique and engaging. WPS Office is an excellent tool to help you achieve a well-crafted essay. It assists in forming proper sentences and generating new ideas, ensuring your essay is both coherent and creative.

With features like grammar and spelling checks, style and clarity enhancement, and writing assistance, WPS Office supports you every step of the way in your writing process. Download WPS Office now and experience its capabilities for yourself. It’s designed to make essay writing easier and more efficient, allowing you to focus on expressing your ideas and arguments effectively.

• 1. Amazing AI Essay Generator - Make Your Essay Writing Easier
• 2. How to Start an Email (in Company and College)
• 3. How to Craft the Perfect Academic Essay Steps & Examples
• 4. 10 Must-have software for college students to start school
• 5. How to Use Transitions to Start a Paragraph [Tips with Examples]
• 6. How to Write an Argumentative Essay- Steps with Examples

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August 19, 2024

HEC Paris MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024-2025], Class Profile

While the number of essays HEC Paris wants you to submit as part of its MBA application might initially be daunting, you should view them as a wonderful opportunity to share aspects of your whole self in telling your story. The adcom is looking to gain insight into your hopes, dreams, and accomplishments and into who you are as a person. They want to see that you are a well-rounded individual. They look beyond what you’ve done to assess how you think and respond, even how you imagine. 

Most importantly, HEC requires you to communicate complex thoughts and experiences directly. Don’t worry about waxing poetic here – you can approach the shorter essays in particular in a straightforward and succinct way. (But take care not to go over the word limit!) Jump right into your point or story, and use clear sentences without  (e.g., “had the opportunity to”). Don’t hesitate to use direct, declarative sentences. This writing approach has an added benefit: it conveys confidence.

Before you start writing your essays, sit down and brainstorm. Sketch out ideas for all of the school’s essays so that when you go to write them, you can tell a full story. After putting the puzzle pieces of your story together in an outline, step back to assess how the facets add up as a whole, and adjust topics as necessary to avoid redundancy and ensure a well-rounded presentation – one that will make the adcom feel they must invite you for an interview!

Ready to get to work on your HEC application essays? Read on.

HEC application essay tips

Hec application deadlines, hec class profile.

Why are you applying to the HEC MBA Program now? What is the professional objective that will guide your career choice after your MBA, and how will the HEC MBA contribute to the achievement of this objective? (500 words maximum)

This is a traditional goals question , with a couple of twists. Your best bet is to answer these questions in order and in a direct fashion. Don’t overthink it. Tell the adcom why you want an MBA now, what your goals are, and why you want to attend HEC. Follow this approach: 

• First, the “why now” part should be explicitly addressed, even if it seems obvious. Doing so briefly is fine; your overall essay should ultimately make this case.
• Second, your “professional objective” is essentially your long-term career vision. The question implies that this vision or goal will drive your preceding steps, so present your shorter-term goals in that context: show how they pave the way for you to pursue and achieve your ultimate professional objective.
• Be brief but specific when discussing the HEC MBA. Tie aspects of its program directly to the achievement of your goals, and detail the two or three elements of the program that are most meaningful to you.

Finally, connect the dots. If well done, this essay will convey how your goals grow organically from your experience and are achievable given your previous experience and an MBA from HEC.

What do you consider your most significant life achievement? (250 words maximum)

Because you’re applying to a professional degree program, it can be tempting to write primarily or exclusively about your work experiences and goals – don’t. Here, HEC wants to learn about you as a person, so don’t tell them about the biggest deal or project you completed. Imagine, for example, that you state that boosting your organization’s bottom line (by whatever amount) is your greatest life achievement. The adcom might wonder about your values or whether you really have a life! On the other hand, if you can say that at work you saved jobs or lessened negative environmental impacts or were instrumental in developing a new medical advancement, that would be more substantial and could possibly fit the bill. Or, if moving to another country and building your career there has been your biggest achievement, that’s fine – but talk about the situation in a way that gives context to the impact on your life, rather than focusing on the work itself. 

For most people, this story will be personal. I think about clients who have persevered through, managed, and overcome major family crises. For others, it will involve impact with community, religious, and/or social organizations or groups; for yet others, it could involve a major milestone, such as a national sports ranking or photo exhibit or music performance.

Whatever topic you select, you have only 250 words, so simply narrate the story , and include the results or impact. It would be fine to have a sentence or two of reflection on why the experience is so meaningful to you, but don’t make a long explanation. The reason should be clear from the content.

Leadership and ethics are inevitably intertwined in the business world. Describe a situation in which you have dealt with these issues and how they have influenced you. (250 words maximum)

It feels like we hear about a new scandal in the business world on a daily basis, so that ensuring students have a fundamental grasp on business ethics is becoming increasingly important for MBA programs. HEC wants to make sure you have a strong moral compass when it comes to business, so even though you might not have had the level of seniority that would impact a major business crisis at this point in your career, no doubt you’ve had myriad opportunities to do the right thing when presented with an alternative. 

Again, keep the structure of your essay simple: tell the story, and end with a brief discussion of how the experience has influenced you. Don’t feel the need to present an overly dramatic story; many such situations are gray, not black and white. It might feel like a challenge to identify an experience that encompasses both leadership and ethics. However, addressing an ethics challenge will almost inherently require leadership (even if informal), whether on your part or someone else’s. When you explain how the situation influenced you , don’t just state generalities; give a specific example.

Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be? (250 words maximum)

This essay is another opportunity to reveal a different side of yourself. I would use this as a chance to talk about something you are passionate about, such as a hobby or interest. If you’re not sure how to answer this, think about what you loved to do when you were a kid or something you have always wanted to learn or do.

Describe an imagined life that reflects something meaningful to you . Make it vivid, and show your passion . Note that the question does not ask what you would do if you were not in your current life/role; it asks you to imagine a life. Use that openness to express your creativity. In doing so, however, avoid being abstract. Weave in and employ your actual knowledge and experience; for example, if you love sports and are an avid athlete, you could build your imagined life in a way that portrays your knowledge and passion there. The reader should learn something interesting about you and your prospective contribution to the social milieu of the HEC program. 

Please choose from one of the following essays: (250 words maximum)

a) What monument or site would you advise a first-time visitor to your country or city to discover, and why? b) Certain books, movies or plays have had an international success that you believe to be undeserved. Choose an example and analyze it. c) What figure do you most admire and why? You may choose from any field (arts, literature, politics, business, etc.).

All these options are equally good, so choose the one that resonates most with you – the one that you want to answer. This is another opportunity to showcase your interests and passions. The “why” part is key. Avoid platitudes, be specific, and present focused, fresh insights.

Is there any additional information you would like to share with us?(900 words max)

This question invites you to explain anything that needs explaining (e.g., a gap in employment, choice of recommender, a bad grade) as well as to present new material that will enhance your application. If you choose to do the latter, make sure that what you offer contributes to a clear and full picture of your candidacy. The school gives you a lot of words to work with, but don’t think that you must use all 900! As with any essay, convey what you need to without excess. 

Source: HEC Paris website

The school notes, “The HEC Paris MBA attracts the best candidates from all over the world. Due to the large number of applications that we receive, we encourage you to apply as early as possible, especially if you require on-campus housing or need a student visa.”

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with HEC directly to verify its essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Here is a look at HEC’s Class of 2025 (data taken from the Paris HEC brochure ).

Number of participants: 235

Nationalities: 49

Average age: 30

International participants: 95%

Average years of work experience: 6

Average GMAT: 690

Geographic Origins:

• Asia and Oceania: 56%
• Europe: 16%
• Latin America: 11%
• Africa and Middle East: 9%
• North America: 8%

For expert guidance with your HEC Paris MBA application, schedule a free consultation with an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you, too!

Kara Keenan Sweeney has more than 15 years of experience in MBA admissions, having worked for some of the world’s top business school programs, including Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and The Lauder Institute’s joint degree MA/MBA program with The Wharton School and the MA/JD program with Penn Law at the University of Pennsylvania. Kara has guided, coached, and counseled thousands of MBA and EMBA applicants, reviewed innumerable applications, sat on admissions committees, and interviewed countless applicants, including while running Wharton’s Team Based Discussions both virtually and in person. Want Kara to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! 

Related Resources:

• How to Get into HEC Paris MBA , podcast Episode 565
• Optional and Open-Ended Essay Questions: What’s the Best Strategy?
• Should I Use AI for My MBA (Grad/College) Applications? 

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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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• Generate topic ideas for an essay or paper | Tips & techniques

Generate Topic Ideas For an Essay or Paper | Tips & Techniques

Published on November 17, 2014 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

If you haven’t been given a specific topic for your essay or paper , the first step is coming up with ideas and deciding what you want to write about. Generating ideas is the least methodical and most creative step in academic writing .

There are infinite ways to generate ideas, but no sure-fire way to come up with a good one. This article outlines some tips and techniques for choosing a topic – use the ones that work best for you.

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Table of contents

Understanding the assignment, techniques for generating topic ideas, tips for finding a good idea, other interesting articles.

First, you need to determine the scope of what you can write about. Make sure you understand the assignment you’ve been given, and make sure you know the answers to these questions:

• What is the required length of the paper (in words or pages)?
• What is the deadline?
• Should the paper relate to what you’ve studied in class?
• Do you have to do your own research and use sources that haven’t been taught in class?
• Are there any constraints on the subject matter or approach?

The length and deadline of the assignment determine how complex your topic can be. The prompt might tell you write a certain type of essay, or it might give you a broad subject area and hint at the kind of approach you should take.

This prompt gives us a very general subject. It doesn’t ask for a specific type of essay, but the word explain suggests that an expository essay is the most appropriate response.

This prompt takes a different approach to the same subject. It asks a question that requires you to take a strong position. This is an argumentative essay that requires you to use evidence from sources to support your argument.

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Getting started is often the hardest part. Try these 3 simple strategies to help get your mind moving.

Talk it out

Discussing ideas with a teacher, friend or fellow student often helps you find new avenues to approach the ideas you have and helps you uncover ideas you might not have considered.

Write down as many ideas as you can and make point form notes on them as you go. When you feel you’ve written down the obvious things that relate to an idea, move on to a new one, or explore a related idea in more depth.

You can also cluster related ideas together and draw connections between them on the page.

This strategy is similar to brainstorming, but it is faster and less reflective. Give yourself a broad topic to write about. Then, on a pad of paper or a word processor, write continuously for two or three minutes. Don’t stop, not even for a moment.

Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how nonsensical it seems, as long as it somehow relates to the topic you began with. If you need to, time yourself to make sure you write for a few minutes straight.

When you’ve finished, read through what you’ve written and identify any useful ideas that have come out of the exercise.

Whichever strategy you use, you’ll probably come up with lots of ideas, but follow these tips to help you choose the best one.

Don’t feel you need to work logically

Good ideas often have strange origins. An apple fell on Isaac Newton’s head, and this gave us the idea of gravity. Mary Shelley had a dream, and this gave us her famous literary classic, Frankenstein .

It does not matter how you get your idea; what matters is that you find a good one.

Work from general to specific

Your first good idea won’t take the form of a fully-formed thesis statement . Find a topic before you find an argument.

You’ll need to think about your topic in broad, general terms before you can narrow it down and make it more precise.

Maintain momentum

Don’t be critical of your ideas at this stage – it can hinder your creativity. If you think too much about the flaws in your ideas, you will lose momentum.

Creative momentum is important: the first ten in a string of related ideas might be garbage, but the eleventh could be pure gold. You’ll never reach the eleventh if you shut down your thought process at the second.

Let ideas go

Don’t get too attached to the first appealing topic you think of. It might be a great idea, but it also might turn out to be a dud once you start researching and give it some critical thought .

Thinking about a new topic doesn’t mean abandoning an old one – you can easily come back to your original ideas later and decide which ones work best.

Choose a topic that interests you

A bored writer makes for boring writing. Try to find an idea that you’ll enjoy writing about, or a way to integrate your interests with your topic.

In the worst case scenario, pick the least boring topic of all of the boring topics you’re faced with.

Keep a notepad close

Good ideas will cross your mind when you least expect it. When they do, make sure that you can hold onto them.

Many people come up with their best ideas just before falling asleep; you might find it useful to keep a notepad by your bed.

Once you’ve settled on an idea, you’ll need to start working on your thesis statement and planning your paper’s structure.

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a good thesis on your topic, it might not be the right choice – you can always change your mind and go back to previous ideas.

Write a thesis statement Make an essay outline

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If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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Bryson, S. (2023, July 23). Generate Topic Ideas For an Essay or Paper | Tips & Techniques. Scribbr. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/generating-topic-ideas/

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Shane Bryson

Shane finished his master's degree in English literature in 2013 and has been working as a writing tutor and editor since 2009. He began proofreading and editing essays with Scribbr in early summer, 2014.

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