# Essay Writing study guides

Canonical: https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/
Updated: 2026-10-01

Ten guides that take an essay from blank page to final draft. Start with the thesis and the outline, then build each part: introduction, body paragraphs, transitions and conclusion. The last four guides cover citing sources in MLA and APA, the argumentative and compare and contrast essay, and the college application essay with the 2026-27 Common App prompts. Each guide teaches the method with weak and strong examples and ends with five practice questions. They teach you how to write; they do not write for you.

- [How to write a thesis statement](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/thesis-statement/): How to write a strong thesis statement: a specific claim someone could argue with, plus your reasons. Weak vs strong examples, a simple formula and practice.
- [How to outline an essay](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/essay-outline/): How to write an essay outline: start with your thesis, give each body paragraph one point with evidence, then plan the ending. Template and practice.
- [How to write an introduction paragraph](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/introduction-paragraph/): How to write an essay introduction: a specific hook, just enough background, and a clear thesis at the end. Weak vs strong openings, examples and practice.
- [How to write a body paragraph](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/body-paragraphs/): How to write a strong body paragraph: a topic sentence, evidence, an explanation of what the evidence proves, and a link back. Example and 5 practice items.
- [How to write a conclusion paragraph](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/conclusion-paragraph/): How to write an essay conclusion: restate your thesis in new words, pull your points together, and show why they matter. What to avoid, examples and practice.
- [Transition words for essays](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/transition-words/): Transition words for essays grouped by what they do: add, contrast, give an example, show cause, order steps, conclude. How to use them well, plus practice.
- [Citing sources: MLA vs APA basics](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/citing-sources-mla-vs-apa/): MLA vs APA citation basics: in-text citations, Works Cited vs References, and a book and a webpage cited both ways. Current editions: MLA 9 and APA 7.
- [How to write an argumentative essay](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/argumentative-essay/): How to write an argumentative essay: a debatable thesis, one reason per paragraph with evidence, a fair counterargument and rebuttal, and a strong ending.
- [How to write a compare and contrast essay](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/compare-and-contrast-essay/): How to write a compare and contrast essay: pick two subjects, find a point, write a thesis, and organize block or point by point. Examples and practice.
- [How to write a college application essay](https://duckyhelper.com/learn/essay-writing/college-application-essay/): The seven 2026-27 Common App essay prompts, quoted word for word, plus how to pick one, find your story, and write it in your own voice. With practice.

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