by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: August 02, 2008

An essay is basically a short piece of non-fiction prose where the author gives an objective view that analyzes, interprets, or convinces. There are several important things to remember if you want to win an essay writing contest, and they can all be summed up with a single rule: Follow the writing process. A jumbled and disorganized attempt at writing will never impress the judges, no matter how great your ideas are.

SIX TIPS FOR WRITING SUCCESS:

#1. Know your subject, audience, and purpose.

First read the rules for the contest. What are you supposed to write about? How many words should your piece be? When is your deadline? Next, determine who your essay should target. For example, if the contest is from a woman's magazine, write for women. Ask yourself how formal or informal your writing can be. Finally, make sure you are very clear about the purpose of your essay. For example, will you analyze, interpret, define or argue.

* BONUS TIP: Keep your subject, audience and purpose fresh in your mind. Writers have a tendency to veer from their original topic. Keep focused throughout the writing process.

#2. Brainstorm and write down everything you can think of.

There are no right or wrong answers when you brainstorm. Your goal is to get everything down on paper. Do whatever works best for you, whether that be clustering, free writing, or making a chart with sticky notes.

#3. Research if you need to make your argument stronger or double check your facts.

Your essay might not need research but a little research never hurt anyone. Just make sure you use your own ideas and back those ideas up with examples and facts. Never plagiarize. Use appropriate and professional sources, such as doctors or government organizations. They are more likely to have the right facts and they will hold more weight.

#4. Organize your essay.

Many writers make a formal outline. Others use diagrams. Whichever organization method you use, you need an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You can not win an essay contest if your paper is poorly organized, no matter how great your ideas are.

*BONUS TIP: Remember the five paragraph essay format for a simple, (although basic) winning formula. The introduction paragraph contains your thesis statement, three supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. The next three paragraphs are the body of your essay. Each paragraph should be about one of the three supporting sentences in your thesis statement. The concluding paragraph should wrap everything up in

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