How do I Write a Good Short Essay?

A short essay question can usually be answered in one well written paragraph. A well written paragraph contains at least five quality sentences. Good essays also consist of three main parts: (1) a topic sentence, (2) supporting details, and (3) a conclusion. Every good paragraph starts with a topic sentence. The topic sentence introduces what will be discussed within the paragraph. Supporting details give specific information about the topic which you are discussing. Most paragraphs contain three to five sentences of supporting details. Finally every good paragraph also includes a conclusion. The conclusion summarizes what was discussed within the paragraph. Think of a sandwich, your topic sentence and your conclusion represent the two pieces of bread, while the meat, cheese, and fixings inside take the form of the supporting details. Below you will find an example of all of these parts in action!

Example Essay Question: What were the main causes of the Civil War?

 The Civil War was caused by a number of different factors including Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the Dred Scott decision, and the Election of 1860. (Topic Sentence – This sentence introduces the topic and tells the reader that there are 3 causes you will be discussing.)  Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a book written by Harriet Beacher stow which exposed many northerners to the horrors of slavery for the first time.  The Dred Scott decision was also a cause of the Civil War when the Supreme Court declared slavery constitutional.  Finally, Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860 was a major cause of the Civil War because southerners feared Lincoln’s views about slavery.  (Supporting details – These are the same causes you indicated in the topic sentence.  Here you explained each one specifically).  Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the Dred Scott decision, the Election of 1860, and many other factors were major causes of the Civil War.  (Conclusion – This sentence summed up what was discussed and neatly ended the paragraph).