As you learn about a subject, you gather various pieces of information. But you also begin to have your own ideas and thoughts about it, and in writing an essay you make these thoughts clearer. You choose relevant material to support your opinions, and you can follow up some of your own ideas. The result is a reasoned discussion of your topic of study.

This balance of ingredients has made the essay one of the principal means of assessment in universities. There are a number of steps to take in developing an essay but remember everyone goes through the process in different ways. You need to find the best strategy for you.