Tips for Writing Essays in English (Even If It's Not Your First Language)

Writing essays in English can be intimidating, especially when it’s not your first language. However, it becomes much easier when you understand the purpose of your writing, choose the right topic, and design a clear outline. These are the foundation of every essay. It is important to recognize that each type of essay whether it's argumentative, informative, persuasive, or cause-and-effect requires a different structure. That’s why the very first step is to identify what you want to share, select a topic, and understand the purpose behind your writing.

Once you’ve done that, the next step is to familiarize yourself with vocabulary related to your topic. For example, if your essay is about society, you should look up vocabulary commonly used when discussing politics, social issues, or the environment. If you're writing about animals or the weather, immerse yourself in the specific terms used in those areas. This will not only help you express your ideas more clearly, but it will also make your writing sound more natural and academic.

Another essential part of the writing process is drafting an outline. This is where you begin to organize your thoughts and ideas into a basic structure. As you draft, new ideas often come to mind. It’s important to write them down, even if you're not sure how to say them in English yet. Since English is not my first language, in my case, it’s Spanish, sometimes I write down an idea in Spanish first if I don’t know how to express it in English at the moment. Later, I use a translator or a tool to help me find the right words in English. This strategy keeps my personal thinking intact while allowing me to continue writing without getting stuck.

With practice, you'll develop your own strategies that work best for you. But this one, writing in your native language when needed and translating later has helped me stay productive and creative during the writing process.

Once your draft is complete and everything has been translated, it’s time to revise and refine your essay. Read it as many times as possible. If you have access to a native English speaker, share your writing with them and ask for feedback. Sometimes, just hearing how it sounds out loud can help you identify areas that need improvement.

Finally, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to aim for perfection right away. Everyone starts somewhere, and writing is a skill that improves with time and practice. As the popular quote says, “Fake it till you make it.” Believe in yourself and act like the writer you want to become. You’re already taking the first step by writing, so keep going. Don’t wait for perfection to begin. Just start.