6Cs of essay writing: the checklist for better essays

Ever sat down to write an essay and thought, "Where do I even begin?" You're not alone. For many students, essay writing is like a meandering lost cause. You get told to "structure your ideas" and "develop your argument," but no one really explains how to do that in a way that makes sense.

The truth is that most students aren’t taught how to write essays step-by-step. You're expected to just pick it up. But writing isn't a talent you're born with. Well, maybe some people are 'naturals'. However, for others, it's a bit of a challenge. But like any skill, it can be learned with the right guidance.

Here are the secrets to writing those essays

This is where the 6Cs of Essay Writing come in. These six simple ideas give you a clear path from confusion to clarity. When you focus on these, your essays become easier to write, more enjoyable to read, and far more likely to impress your teacher. Here’s a super quick 6 point checklist to validate against your essay before you can say it’s the ‘final draft’.

Let’s break them down:

1. Content: Answer the question fully and directly.

Did you answer the essay question? Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking. Break it into parts if needed. Every paragraph should clearly relate back to your answer.

2. Clarity: Make your ideas easy to understand.

Is your essay written clearly? Avoid vague language and overly long sentences. Think: would someone reading this for the first time understand what I mean?

3. Composition: Structure your essay thoughtfully.

How is your essay structured? Does it have a proper thesis statement in the introduction that encapsulates your essay? Does it have an introduction that provides a general gist of your essay. Use a clear structure consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph should present a single idea supported by examples or evidence.

4. Cohesion: Make your essay flow smoothly.

Are your paragraphs and points connected and joined together with proper transitional words and phrases? Use linking words (such as however, for example, or therefore) to connect your ideas. This makes your writing easier to follow.

5. Conciseness: Get to the point.

Is your essay providing your information and views clearly? Say what you mean without extra fluff. Trim out repetitive phrases or overexplaining.

6. Cadence: Give your writing rhythm.

Is the rhythm of your writing comfortable and smooth to read? Have a balance of a certain number of long sentences with clauses and short sentences. This makes your essay feel more natural and engaging. Find your style and rhythm when you write. With practice, you will probably end up finding your style without even knowing it.   

Getting from clunky to structured

When you follow the 6Cs, you go from staring at a blank page to knowing exactly what to say and how to say it. 

If essay writing has ever made you feel unsure, frustrated or behind, this is your way forward.

Give it a try :)