An academic or critical essay is a formal piece of writing that presents a well-researched and evidenced argument or analysis on a specific topic, text or idea.
It involves analyzing and evaluating the topic; breaking down arguments; questioning assumptions; and forming an informed opinion supported by evidence. As such, a critical essay is a process of forming a reasoned judgment rather than just stating facts or opinions.
The process of writing an academic essay requires thinking deeply and critically about a topic in a structured way. It requires planning, researching, organising, drafting, and refining this thinking into an evidenced argument or analysis which you communicate to others. It is a way of learning about what you and others think and know; and also a way of deepening understanding and getting at truth. Writing an essay is about engaging with the conversation around the topic and placing yourself within it. In terms of assessment, it is also a way to demonstrate and communicate your learning and understanding for others to evaluate and assess.
The Assignment Calculator breaks the process of writing an essay into five steps or stages: planning, researching, organising, drafting and reviewing. This guide expands on this process and offers tips and tools for each stage.
