These tips for writing essays are mostly aimed at students; however, the suggestions may be useful for some types of blog entries.
1. Answer the Question.
This is the first and most important suggestion. Answering the wrong question is a common mistake made by students. Unfortunately, it can be a real disaster for the grade you get in an exam. Make sure you understand what the examiner wants; it is highly advisable to refer back to the question, throughout the answer.
2. Good Introduction.
In an introduction to an essay, you should offer a short, concise summary of the main points to be raised. If appropriate, you could clarify key concepts. Introductions go wrong when students go into too much detail, and then repeat their arguments in the main body of the text. Generally speaking, it is advisable to start off with a couple of short sentences in your introduction. This is helpful for retaining clarity of thought.
3. Essay Plan.
A plan can help gather your thoughts, and make sure you do not forget to mention key arguments. It is an opportunity to brainstorm what you know about the topic. It is important not to get into too much detail; writing keywords and phrases are the best solution. However, it is worth spending 5% of your alloted time on creating a good framework for your answer.