Choosing a Topic
The first step in writing an essay is to choose a topic. Depending on the purpose of the essay, the choice of topics may be limited or limitless. A teacher may choose the topic for you. An editor may allow you the creative freedom of topic selection. If you have this freedom, choose something that is of interest to you. Regardless of the essay’s purpose, choosing a topic is a crucial first step.
Writing a Thesis Statement
After selecting the topic, it must then be narrowed down to a specific thought. You narrow the topic by asking the question: “What is the main thing I want people to know about my topic?” Answering this question should lead you to the controlling thought or the thesis of the essay. A thesis generally consists of one or two statements that convey the focus of the essay to the reader. Developing a thesis may require research, interviews, analysis, brainstorming and other activities that help you to decide what the focus will be. The entire paper rests on the thesis statement.