1. Format

• Typed- use a processor in a computer like Microsoft word.
• Spacing- double-space your work
• Font size- the standard size is 12-point
• Font style- standard font, Times New Roman.

2. Structure of the Essay

You can divide your script into three parts:

• Introduction

You will introduce your topic and give your thesis statement in one single paragraph. Introduce your topic in the first paragraph, which should guide the reader and give a clear map of the paper. Secondly, give your thesis statement, which is the main point of the essay. Be sure to make it crystal and on-topic. You should do this in one or two sentences at the end of the first paragraph.

• Body

The body houses several paragraphs that support your thesis statement with reason, evidence, and justification. Every paragraph in the body section must have a topic sentence, which is the point you are attempting to get through in the paragraph. It comes first before other sentences in the paragraphs.

• Summary

The summary section is a recap, normally short, of what you are in the essay. You can sum up the body section here in support of the thesis statement. The summary section is normally one paragraph long.

3. General Writing Tips

• Think and Discuss

Before you begin writing, familiarize yourself with content and material. When you get an assignment from your instructor, think about the topic you will use.

• Rough Drafts and Editing

Jot down rough drafts beforehand. It may help you see your ideas more clearly. Have breaks in between when editing. Have a repeat of this process until it gets completed.

• Review/comments

When you get done with your draft, you can give it to someone to look for errors and provide you with the necessary feedback. Many educators urge students to turn in their papers early for comments.

• Style and Punctuation

In general, the paper should illuminate a solid writing process. Try and avoid spelling, punctuation, grammar, tense, and vocabulary errors at all costs. Examples are:

Have punctuation inside quotation marks

1. Place the parenthetical citation after the quotations
2. Make an introduction of quotes
3. Make it a habit of spelling out numbers in your essay.
4. Keep away from the use of abbreviations or notations that are not formal.
5. Write crisp and have a consideration of your readers.

Most common grammar mistakes you should avoid

1. Misusing i.e. and e.g.
2. Having ‘if’ in place of ‘whether’
3. ‘there’ and ‘their’ confusion
4. Verb misconnection
5. Writing with an accent.
6. Proper plural of possessive of names
7. Using semi-colons improperly
8. Having a confusion between ‘then’ and ‘than’.
9. Confusing between its and it’s

Writing guidelines that are humorous

1. Proofread your work to check on mistakes
2. Don’t use sentence fragments
3. Do not write rhetorical questions
4. Avoid using the passive voice
5. Use exclamation marks only when it is necessary
6. Stick to the point. Be more specific
7. Do not use bad grammar
8. Use the apostrophe appropriately
9. Avoid the use of vernacular and archaic languages

4. Citations and References

If your essay involves research, or you quote somebody, you need to mention and cite the sources. There are many citing and reference styles. They are; MLA, Chicago, APA.

When you are writing an introduction about anything, the main purpose is to ease them slowly into what you are writing about and why you chose this specific topic/subject. This manual by an expert from WriteMyEssayToday is a clear-cut and brief collection of tips that you can utilize when composing a great persuasive essay.

1. Start out with an open-minded tone

When you are looking to get your opinion across on paper, the first thing that you want to establish with your readers is an open mind. There is absolutely no problem in having a concrete belief in what you are speaking of. However, you do not want to be off-putting to your readers by condemning them in any way just because you do not share the same thoughts. Have an open mind with knowing that you have a firm reason to your opinions, but allow for other to say “Okay, well I understand where he/she is at least coming from.”

2. Choose your language carefully

It is key that when you are writing a persuasive paper introduction that you choose your language carefully. Words and phrases that include vulgar/demeaning language are things that you should definitely stay away from.

3. Make your standpoint clear

With the latter, two tips do not feel as if you cannot make your standpoint clear. The entire point of a persuasive essay is to explain what you personally believe in. When you are making your case, do it from the sense that you are teaching someone why you think that way instead of “telling” them how they should think your way.

As you can see, these tips can be utilized for any type of topic and/or subject that you choose to write about. The introduction is the gateway to your point of view that others should feel welcomed to read. Don’t try to run your readers off before they even get a chance to see why you have your specific opinions. At the end of the day, keep in mind that your introduction can be the deal-maker or deal-breaker (especially to those who may oppose your ideology).