Strengthen the Thesis

• Check to see that all statements in the essay support the thesis.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  When writing an essay, ensure that your thesis is clearly and strongly stated. Purdue's online writing lab encourages students to find their main point. For example, the thesis statement "Cats are better than dogs" is vague. But a thesis sentence stating "Cats are better than dogs for apartment dwellers" is more direct and easier to support. Next read your essay to ensure that all the information provided supports the thesis. For instance, saying "dogs provide more exercise to their owners" would be a statement that would not support the thesis.
  
  

Develop Paragraph Structure

• Divide arguments into distinct paragraphs.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Once the thesis is strongly written and all material that does not support the thesis is eliminated, look at paragraph structure. Supporting points should be divided into separate paragraphs and not repeated. In the example above, one paragraph might state that cats are often allowed in apartments when dogs may be too large; the next that cats do not need to be walked outside; and the last that cats are independent and do not mind being alone for long stretches of time. Within each paragraph, use five to seven sentences to explain the point.
  
  

Tighten the Conclusion

• A conclusion should tie up the argument and summarize it.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  The last paragraph needs to summarize the argument. No new material should be introduced in the last paragraph of an essay. "While dogs are beloved animals, they are better suited to suburban or rural life. Cats make superior apartment dwellers because of their size, ability to stay indoors and independent nature" would be a good concluding statement to use in the last paragraph. The conclusion should shore up the thesis sentence but add detail that reminds the reader of the strength of the argument presented.
  
  

Eliminate Common Grammatical Errors

• A well-edited essay is a pleasure to read.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  After running the spell checker, scour the paper for errors not easily caught by a computer. "Site" and "sight" are homophones, for instance. Check that the correct word has been chosen by the word processor. Check the paper for grammar errors such as those listed by the Purdue Online Writing Lab. Ensure the subjects and verbs agree. Plural nouns require plural verbs. Look for run-on sentences. Check for common mix-ups such as "to" for "two" or "they're" for "their." If possible, allow a day or two to read and reread the essay to provide ample opportunity to buff it to a high luster.