How to Write Brilliant Essays — Every Time

(Even When the Question Looks Like It’s Written in Another Language)

Let’s be honest: writing a great essay can feel like trying to put together IKEA furniture without the instructions. You’ve got all the pieces — the quotes, the topic, the ideas — but no clear idea where to start. And when you’re in Year 12, with deadlines, word counts and assessments piling up like unread texts, it’s easy to panic, overthink, or worst of all… just start writing and hope for the best. But here’s the truth: brilliant essays don’t come from talent or luck. They come from a clear, repeatable process. You don’t need to be the top of the class. You just need a system — a step-by-step map to take you from blank page to high-impact response, every single time. So here it is: seven steps that will help you write better essays — faster, clearer, and with way more confidence.

1. Start by Unlocking the Prompt

Before you write a single word, you need to decode the question. Circle the key words. Highlight the instruction. Ask: What is it really asking me to do? Are you being asked to analyse? Compare? Evaluate? If you get the prompt wrong, the whole essay wobbles — like building a house on sand. Pro tip: Turn the prompt into a question you can actually answer out loud. If you can explain it clearly to someone else, you’re on the right track.

2. Brainstorm Like a Boss (Before You Plan)

This is where you throw ideas down fast — characters, scenes, quotes, themes, techniques. Don’t edit. Don’t filter. Just get it all out. Your brain will surprise you when it’s not under pressure to “get it right.” Pro tip: Do this in a mind map or messy page dump. You're collecting treasure here — sort it later.

3. Create a Contention You Can Actually Use

Your contention is your central argument. It’s the spine of your essay. Make it strong, specific, and relevant to the prompt. Avoid vague phrases like “This essay will explore…” Instead, aim for a one-sentence summary of your position. Pro tip:Use confident language. You’re not “suggesting” or “wondering” — you’re arguing. Own it.

4. Map Out Your Paragraphs Before You Write

Plan your body paragraphs like mini-essays. For each one, jot down the main idea, the evidence (quote/scene), the technique, and how it links to your overall argument. A little time spent here saves you a lot of time mid-draft. Pro tip:Use the TEEL or PEEL structure if it helps. But don’t get stuck in formula — the goal is clarity, not robot-writing.

5. Write the Body First — Not the Introduction

Your intro sets up your essay, but you can’t introduce a house you haven’t built yet. Start with the body paragraphs. They’re where the real marks are. Once they’re strong, your intro and conclusion will be easier to write — and sound way more natural. Pro tip: Each paragraph should link clearly to the contention. If it doesn’t, either rework it or save it for another essay.

6. Use Evidence Like a Lawyer (Not a Collector)

Don’t just drop quotes in because you found them in your notes. Use them to prove a point. Embed them into your sentences. Unpack them. Show how they support your argument. You’re not showing off how much you’ve memorised — you’re showing how well you understand the text. Pro tip: Use short, sharp quotes. And make sure every quote is followed by analysis — even if it’s just one powerful sentence.

7. Edit Like You Mean It

This is where you turn your “good enough” draft into a polished essay. Read it aloud. Cut repetition. Sharpen word choices. Fix clunky transitions. Check your spelling, punctuation, and that the argument flows from start to finish. Pro tip: Don’t just look for mistakes. Look for missed opportunities — stronger words, clearer connections, better phrasing.

In Conclusion: Great Essays Aren’t Born — They’re Built

If essay writing feels hard, that’s not a sign you’re bad at it — it’s a sign you’re doing the work. And the more you follow this process, the more confident you’ll get. Essay writing becomes less about panic, and more about pattern. Less about “what do I even say?” and more about “okay, what’s step one?” So next time you face a scary prompt, remember: You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to start. Decode. Brainstorm. Contend. Plan. Write. Prove. Polish. Rinse and repeat.

You’ve got this.

This blog post was created by Felstead Education. We deliver a range of literacy programs tailored for the needs of primary, secondary and senior school students. Our programs help to generate a love of the written word amongst students, build their confidence and skill set in their writing and help to reduce anxiety around essay writing and storytelling. Some of our programs include Essay Experts and The Storyteller’s Toolkit

To find out more about how we can help your students to be well and do well, visit us at www.felstead.com.au or email: info@felstead.com.au