what is an essay?
an essay is a collection of paragraphs related to a common theme . an essay is a discourse on a single theme , and consists of a number of paragraphs which analyze topics relating to the common theme .
there are three important elements of essay writing: having ideas , organizing them logically and expressing them effectively . an essay writer presents arguments , ideas or opinions , a counter or contrasting argument or idea; he illustrates and exemplifies ideas and arguments by presenting facts , evidence and analogies;he offers factual or evaluative comments , opinions and arguments; and he draws conclusions about these ideas and arguments .

SOME HABITS WHICH SHOULD BE AVOIDED:

1) the use of very short sentences : ( which sounds aggressive and unsophisticated )
2) the use of very short paragraphs : ( which present the arguments by assertion rather than by progression of illustrated ideas )
3) the use of rhetorical questions to excess : ( which have an emotive rather than a rational effect on the reader )
4) the use of personal examples or illustrations : ( which are not sufficient to support the common theme )
5) the omission of examples and illustrations : ( which make the argument seem like mere assertion )

SOME HABITS WHICH SHOULD BE ADOPTED :

1) linking : ( providing cohesion from one paragraph to another )
2) sequencing : ( letting the reader know where you are , e.g the first is ..... secondly ...... etc. )
3) referencing : ( ensuring that there is no ambiguity in reference , or clearly identifying each pronoun and reference word , i.e `it` and `this`)
4) using examples and summaries : ( helping the reader understand both the general and specific ideas contained in the essay )