The first step to adding to your essay is making sure you’ve included all of the required information. Double check the writing prompt and rubric. You may even want to print it out and physically mark what you’ve included so that you can keep track of your progress.

Read over a section of your paper. Then determine if you’ve included enough information to answer questions related to the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of your topic. Ask yourself questions about your topic and think about whether you’ve answered them in your paper.

Check the Shapiro Library or use a search engine to find additional reliable sources about your topic. New sources may help you understand the topic better and may also give you additional pieces of evidence that you can include in your paper.

There are two types of evidence that you can include in your writing. Direct quotes are taken word for word from another author. Paraphrasing is when you summarize the ideas of another author in your own words. Both types of evidence need to be followed by an in-text citation to give the original author credit for their work. Adding more evidence from your sources can make your writing more detailed and persuasive.

After each paraphrase or direct quote, it is important to add your own analysis. If you aren’t sure how to explain your evidence, think about why you included the evidence in this section of your paper. What does it show, and why is it important?

A topic sentence summarizes the main idea of a paragraph. It acts as a preview for the reader of what will be covered in the rest of the paragraph. Topic sentences can not only add length to your paragraphs, but they can also make your writing more organized and easier to follow.

Transitions are usually found at the end of a paragraph, or just before a topic sentence in a new paragraph. They help lead into the next paragraph’s ideas seamlessly. Add transitions anywhere you start discussing a new topic or main point.

If there are places in your essay where you use technical terms or specialized vocabulary, it’s a good idea to define them for the readers. You can define these terms using your own paraphrased definitions, or pull the definitions from one of your sources, as long as you cite it.

Make sure your essay has a complete structure. Your first and last paragraphs are typically the two sections that your readers remember the most. Include more background information on your topic in the introduction paragraph to get your readers invested in the paper. End your conclusion paragraph with a call to action or an explanation of why your topic is relevant in today’s world.

Each body paragraph should be focused on one main idea. If you notice that you have a body paragraph that looks too long, break it up into multiple, more focused paragraphs. Don’t forget to add topic sentences and transitions into any new body paragraphs that you create.

Having an outside audience read through your assignment can give you valuable feedback as a writer. Your friend can identify any spots where they get lost or need more information. If your friend is struggling to follow your ideas, your instructor may have the same problem! Use their feedback to find places where you may need to explain your ideas in more detail.