how long should a high school application essay be

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write Any High School Essay (With Examples!)

Last Updated: October 31, 2024 Fact Checked

• Research & Outlining Your Essay
• Writing the Intro
• Types of Essays & Sample Topics

Writing Techniques Cheat Sheet

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 573,951 times.

Writing an essay is an important basic skill that you will need to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. While the exact requirements of any essay will vary depending on the teacher and assignment, most high school essays follow the same basic structure. By presenting a well-written five-paragraph essay with a strong thesis statement, you can successfully write an essay for any high school class or topic!

Writing in a High School Essay Format

Decide on and research a topic, then create your essay outline. Write an introduction that states your argument with a thesis statement, then support the thesis statement with evidence in your three main body paragraphs. Finally, restate your thesis and summarize your argument in your concluding paragraph.

Writing a High School Essay: The Preparation Stage

• While most high school essays follow a similar format, different requirements are needed for different types of essays —such as a persuasive, expository, narrative, or descriptive essay. [1] X Research source
• If you need help coming up with a topic , brainstorm or search for subjects related to your assignment’s focus.

• Eventually, the sources you find in your research will be the evidence to back up the main point of your essay.

• For example, the statement “Elephants are used to perform in circuses” does not offer an arguable point—this statement just presents a fact.
• Instead, you may try a thesis statement like “Elephants should not be kept in the circus since they are mistreated.” Since people may reasonably agree or disagree with this statement, you’ll be able to find supporting arguments for and against it to use in your essay.
• Keep in mind that some types of essay writing may not require an argument, such as a narrative essay. However, the standard high school essay structure typically requires a thesis statement.

• Introduction Paragraph Hook: Thesis Statement:
• Body Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: Supporting Evidence #1: Supporting Evidence #2: Supporting Evidence #3:
• Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Supporting Evidence #1: Supporting Evidence #2: Supporting Evidence #3:
• Body Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Supporting Evidence #1: Supporting Evidence #2: Supporting Evidence #3:

• Talk to your school’s librarian for direction on specific books or databases you could use to find your information.
• Many schools offer access to online databases like EBSCO or JSTOR where you can find reliable information. If you need help, consult with your teacher.
• Wikipedia is a great starting place for your research, but it can be edited by anyone in the world, so it’s not a reliable source. Instead, look at a related Wikipedia article’s references to find the sites where the information really came from.
• Use Google Scholar if you want to find peer-reviewed scholarly articles for your sources.
• Make sure to consider the author’s qualifications when determining source credibility . If a source does not include the author’s name, then it might not be a good option.

Writing an Essay Introduction

• However, make sure that your hook is both accurate and related to the subject of your essay.
• Example : Gender inequality has been an inescapable fact of life for as long as history can remember.

• Example: Women have been seen as inferior, and have been treated as such, for centuries. But to respond to such sexist ideas and treatment, the modern feminist movement arose. Feminism has become a prevalent theme in all forms of art, including literature. Feminist criticism examines works of literature in order to analyze their portrayal of the sexes.

• Example: In John Steinbeck’s short story “The Chrysanthemums,” the lens of feminist criticism provides insight into how the issue of gender inequality affects the main protagonist, Elisa Allen.

• Mapping out this structure for the reader helps them know exactly what you’re discussing and what they should expect from the rest of your essay.
• However, this structural preview in the introductory paragraph is typically only included in longer, more advanced essays. If you’re not sure about including this segment, double-check with your teacher. When in doubt, leave it out and end the intro with your thesis.
• Example: This paper begins by exploring the limitations placed on Elisa due to her gender, then goes on to discuss the ways in which Steinbeck showcases Elisa’s struggles through symbolism and other literary devices. Finally, this essay will explore the modern-day parallels of Elisa’s story and the continuing ramifications of gender inequality.

Writing Body Paragraphs

• Check with your teacher if you’re not sure how many paragraphs should be in the body of your essay.

• Don’t assume your reader will make the connection between your info and the thesis of your paper. Analysis also gives you a chance to include your own thoughts and interpretation of the facts you provide.
• Unless you’re writing a personal essay, avoid the use of “I” statements since this could make your essay look less professional.
• When quoting or paraphrasing specific pieces of information or evidence, don’t forget to cite your sources in-text based on the format required for your paper. [10] X Research source Many high school essays are written in MLA or APA style. Ask your teacher what format they want you to follow if it’s not specified.

• For example, if your body paragraphs discuss similar points in a different way, you can use phrases like “in the same way,” “similarly,” and “just as” to start other body paragraphs.
• If you are posing different points, try phrases like “in spite of,” “in contrast,” or “however” to transition.

Writing an Essay Conclusion

• For example, if your thesis was, “The cell phone is the most important invention in the past 30 years,” then you may restate the thesis in your conclusion like, “Due to the ability to communicate anywhere in the world and access information easily, the cell phone is a pivotal invention in human history.”
• If you’re only writing a 1-page paper, restating your main ideas isn’t necessary.

• For example, if you write an essay discussing the themes of a book, think about how the themes are affecting people’s lives today.

• Try to pick the same type of closing sentence as you used as your attention getter.

• Including a Works Cited page shows that the information you provided isn’t all your own and allows the reader to visit the sources to see the raw information for themselves.
• Avoid using online citation machines since they may be outdated.

• At the high school level, most teachers dislike common concluding phrases like “To sum up” or “In conclusion,” so avoid using those in your final paragraph.

Revising & Completing Your Essay

• Have a peer or parent read through your essay to see if they understand what point you’re trying to make.
• If you find any off-topic or contradictory sections, cut them from your essay or find a way to tie it into your main focus. If you do cut parts out of your essay, make sure to reread it again to see if it affects the flow of how it reads.

Writing Different Types of High School Essays

• Write a clear thesis statement in the introductory paragraph.
• Provide evidence support for your thesis statement in each body paragraph.
• Use clear and concise language without any figurative or sensory imagery.
• Sample Topics: “What makes a good leader?,” “Describe how the internet changed the world,” “What is the theme of [literary work]?”

• Write a thesis statement in the first paragraph that clearly states your opinion.
• Use well-researched, factual, and detailed information to support your argument .
• Include a counterpoint paragraph where you present the opposing argument and point out its flows.
• Use the conclusion to synthesize the essay and provide insight into further research.
• Sample Topics: “The best music genre is…,” “Is capitalism the best form of economy?,” “Should schools have dress codes?”

• Structure your essay like a story with a plot, characters, setting, conflict, and theme.
• Use the first-person pronoun “I” as needed, since the story is told from your point of view.
• Write the events in chronological order to aid organization and help readers understand better.
• Sample Topics: “Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in,” “Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared,” “Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.”

• Structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraph, and summary conclusion.
• Use figurative and vivid language to provide a sensory description to the reader. Mention what something looks, feels, smells, sounds, and tastes like.
• Use transition words to lead the readers into the right stages of emotions and follow the logical flow of the essay.
• Sample Topics: “What is your happiest memory?,” “Write about your favorite place,” “Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.”

Community Q&A

• Your teacher should have provided you with a rubric, so use that as your final guide to make sure your essay is meeting all of the criteria for this assignment. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• If you have writer's block, take a break for a few minutes, stretch, get a snack, and come back to your essay. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Avoid using plagiarism since this could result in academic consequences. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/types-of-essays/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://facultyweb.ivcc.edu/rrambo/eng1001/outline.htm
• ↑ https://guides.libs.uga.edu/reliability
• ↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/20-compelling-hook-examples-for-essays.html
• ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement.html
• ↑ https://guidetogrammar.org/grammar/five_par.htm
• ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paragraphs/topicsentences
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions
• ↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/conclusion
• ↑ https://pitt.libguides.com/citationhelp
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
• ↑ https://www.csueastbay.edu/scaa/files/docs/student-handouts/expository-essay.pdf
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/historical_perspectives_on_argumentation/toulmin_argument.html
• ↑ https://gallaudet.edu/student-success/tutorial-center/english-center/writing/resources-for-writing-different-types-of-essays/guide-to-different-kinds-of-essays/

About This Article

Writing good essays is an important skill to have in high school, and you can write a good one by planning it out and organizing it well. Before you start, do some research on your topic so you can come up with a strong, specific thesis statement, which is essentially the main argument of your essay. For instance, your thesis might be something like, “Elephants should not be kept in the circus because they are mistreated.” Once you have your thesis, outline the paragraphs for your essay. You should have an introduction that includes your thesis, at least 3 body paragraphs that explain your main points, and a conclusion paragraph. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. As you write your main points, make sure to include evidence and quotes from your research to back it up. To learn how to revise your paper, read more from our Writing co-author! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Ariel Arias Petzoldt

Aug 25, 2020

Did this article help you?

Nov 22, 2017

Rose Mpangala

Oct 24, 2018

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

High School Essay

High school essay generator.

Navigating the complexities of High School Essay writing can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our guide, infused with diverse essay examples , is designed to simplify this journey for students. High school essays are a crucial part of academic development, allowing students to express their thoughts, arguments, and creativity. With our examples, students learn to structure their essays effectively, develop strong thesis statements, and convey their ideas with clarity and confidence, paving the way for academic success.

It is a good way to practice every student’s writing skills in writing which they might find useful when they reach college. Others might even be inspired to continue writing and take courses that are related to it.

When you are in high school, it is definite that you are expected to do some write-ups and projects which require pen and paper. Yes. You heard that right. Your teachers are going to let you write a lot of things starting from short stories to other things like expository essays. However, do not be intimidated nor fear the things that I have just said. It is but a normal part of being a student to write things. Well, take it from me. As far as I can recall, I may have written about a hundred essays during my entire high school years or maybe more. You may also see what are the parts of an essay?

What is High School Essay?

High School Essay Bundle

Download High School Essay Bundle

High School Essay Format

Opening remarks.

Greeting : Start with a warm and respectful greeting to address the audience and set a positive tone. Introduction : Briefly introduce the purpose of your essay, outlining what you intend to discuss or explore. Be clear and direct, allowing your readers to understand the direction of your argument.

Body of the Essay

Purpose : Explain the main objective of the essay. Clarify the topic being discussed and why it is important or relevant to your audience. Keep the introduction concise while ensuring it captures attention.

Acknowledgments

Key Figures : Recognize any important figures, events, or ideas that play a significant role in the essay. This could be historical figures, concepts from literature, or notable advancements in the topic you are covering.   Supporting Details : Provide in-depth analysis of the key points. Each paragraph should focus on one specific idea, supported by evidence such as facts, examples, or quotes.   Counterarguments : Acknowledge differing opinions or perspectives. Present these viewpoints and explain why your argument remains valid or superior.   Additional Insights : Introduce any relevant contributions from experts or key findings that reinforce your main argument. Offer further discussion on how these points add depth to the topic.

Closing Remarks

Summarize : Recap the essential points discussed in the essay. Reiterate your argument or thesis, ensuring that it ties together all the evidence and ideas you have presented.   Final Thoughts : Offer concluding thoughts that reflect on the broader significance of your topic. Leave the reader with something to think about, perhaps posing a question or suggesting future areas of exploration.   Farewell : End with a respectful closure, reinforcing the purpose of your essay and its overall message, ensuring that the reader feels the argument has been effectively concluded.

High School Essay Example

The Importance of Education in Shaping the Future Education is often regarded as the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. It plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. While it is widely acknowledged that education helps people to pursue their professional goals, its impact extends far beyond career preparation. It shapes individuals’ character, fosters critical thinking, and encourages responsible citizenship, all of which contribute to building a better future.   One of the key ways education shapes the future is through the development of critical thinking skills. In a world filled with information, individuals must be able to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize knowledge effectively. Education empowers students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. This ability to think critically is essential not only in academic settings but also in everyday life. For example, in a democratic society, an educated population is better equipped to make informed decisions about political matters, understand global issues, and engage in meaningful discussions.   Moreover, education promotes social responsibility and ethical behavior. Schools do not just teach academic subjects; they also play a significant role in instilling values such as integrity, respect, and empathy. These values are fundamental in fostering a harmonious society. Through education, students learn the importance of working together, appreciating diversity, and contributing to the welfare of their communities. By shaping the moral compass of future generations, education ensures that people are not only knowledgeable but also kind, compassionate, and committed to the greater good.   In addition to personal growth, education also drives societal progress. It has the power to break cycles of poverty, improve public health, and promote economic development. In many countries, access to education has been a critical factor in reducing inequality and promoting social mobility. By investing in education, societies can cultivate a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth. Furthermore, educated citizens are more likely to engage in civic activities, volunteer for community service, and participate in the democratic process, thereby strengthening the social fabric.   While education offers numerous benefits, challenges such as unequal access to quality education persist. Many students around the world still face barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, and communities to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and prosperous world for future generations.

Short High School Essay

Why Education Matters Education is vital for personal growth and the development of society. It provides the foundation for acquiring knowledge, skills, and values that help individuals succeed in life. Through education, people learn to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. These abilities are essential in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.   Beyond academics, education instills important life values such as respect, responsibility, and empathy. Schools not only teach facts but also shape students’ character, preparing them to be productive and ethical members of society. Education also drives economic and social progress, as it opens doors to better job opportunities and helps reduce inequality.   While access to quality education remains a challenge for many, it is a crucial investment in both individual success and societal advancement. Ultimately, education empowers people to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

High School Essay for College Students

High School Essay on Sports

High School Experience Essay

More High School Essay Examples and Samples

• High School College Essay
• High School Essay for Scholarship
• High School Essay on Agriculture
• High School Argumentative Essay
• Private High School Essay
• High School Persuasive Essay
• High School Admission Essay
• High School Narrative Essay
• High School Personal Essay

High School Essay Examples & Templates

High school self introduction essay template.

Sample High School Essay

Reflective High School Essay

How to Write High School Essay?

Writing a high school essay involves clear structure, logical flow, and proper argumentation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Understand the Assignment

Read the prompt carefully and ensure you understand the topic. Identify the essay type (e.g., narrative, argumentative, persuasive).

Research and Gather Information

Use credible sources for research if needed. Take notes on key points to include in your essay.

Create an Outline

Introduction : Start with a hook, introduce your topic, and include a clear thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Organize your main points logically. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and include evidence or examples. Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate the thesis without introducing new information.

Write the Essay

Introduction : Capture the reader’s attention with an interesting opening, and end with your thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Begin each with a topic sentence, provide evidence or examples, and explain their relevance to your thesis. Conclusion : Reinforce your thesis and the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Revise and Proofread

Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. Ensure your thesis is supported by your arguments.

Types of High School Essay

High school essays can be categorized into several types based on their purpose and structure. Here are the most common types:

1. Narrative Essay

• Purpose : To tell a story or recount an experience.
• Features : First-person point of view, descriptive details, and a clear sequence of events.
• Example : Writing about a memorable event in your life.

2. Descriptive Essay

• Purpose : To describe a person, place, thing, or event in detail.
• Features : Uses sensory details and vivid descriptions.
• Example : Describing a beautiful sunset or a significant object.

3. Expository Essay

• Purpose : To explain a concept or provide information about a topic.
• Features : Clear organization, facts, and logical explanations.
• Example : Explaining how photosynthesis works.

4. Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay

• Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument.
• Features : Strong thesis, logical arguments, and evidence to support claims.
• Example : Arguing why school uniforms should be mandatory.

5. Compare and Contrast Essay

• Purpose : To highlight the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
• Features : Uses comparison and contrast structure.
• Example : Comparing the educational systems of two countries.

6. Cause and Effect Essay

• Purpose : To analyze the causes of an event and its effects.
• Features : Discusses both causes and consequences in a logical order.
• Example : Exploring the causes and effects of climate change.

7. Analytical Essay

• Purpose : To analyze a text, event, or concept in depth.
• Features : Critical thinking, interpretation, and evaluation of ideas.
• Example : Analyzing the themes in a novel or play.

Importance of High School Essay

High school essays are important for several reasons that go beyond simply earning grades. Here are the key benefits:

1. Develops Critical Thinking

• Writing essays encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, sharpening their ability to think critically.

2. Improves Writing Skills

• Regular essay writing helps students enhance their grammar, vocabulary, and overall communication skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.

3. Enhances Research Abilities

• Essays often require gathering information from various sources, teaching students how to research effectively, verify facts, and cite sources properly.

4. Teaches Organization

• Structuring essays with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion helps students develop a clear, logical flow in their arguments, which is critical in both academic and professional writing.

5. Prepares for Higher Education

• Essays are a key component of college applications and college-level assignments. High school essay practice prepares students for the more advanced writing tasks they will encounter in higher education.

6. Boosts Creativity

• Through descriptive and narrative essays, students can express their creativity and explore different ways of presenting ideas and stories.

7. Builds Persuasion and Argumentation Skills

• Persuasive essays help students learn how to present strong, reasoned arguments and defend their viewpoints, a vital skill in debates, discussions, and everyday life.

8. Improves Time Management

• Writing essays requires planning, outlining, drafting, and revising, helping students develop time management skills as they work within deadlines.

Tips for High School Essay

Here are some key tips for writing a high school essay:

• Understand the prompt : Read the assignment carefully to know exactly what’s expected.
• Plan before writing : Outline your main ideas and structure.
• Create a strong thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or point.
• Use clear topic sentences : Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis.
• Provide evidence : Use facts, examples, and quotes to support your arguments.
• Stay organized : Ensure each paragraph flows logically to the next.
• Revise and proofread : Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity issues.
• Write a compelling conclusion : Summarize key points and reinforce your thesis without introducing new information.

What makes a good high school essay?

A good high school essay features a clear thesis, coherent structure, compelling evidence, and personal insights, all presented in a polished, grammatically correct format.

How long should high school essay be?

The length varies based on the assignment, but high school essays are generally between 500–1,000 words.

How many paragraphs should a high school essay have?

Most high school essays have 5 paragraphs: one introduction, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion. However, this can vary depending on the assignment.

What tone should I use in a high school essay?

Maintain a formal, academic tone. Avoid slang, casual language, and overly complex or overly simple sentences.

What should be included in a high school essay?

A typical essay includes: An introduction with a thesis statement Body paragraphs with supporting evidence A conclusion that summarizes the main points

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a High School Essay on the importance of participating in sports.

Discuss the role of student government in high schools in a High School Essay.