When writing documented essays, students are given certain documents by their professors where they can conduct thorough research on the subject matter and give insight on the issue. The process of writing a documented essay helps writers learn how to recognize real documents, acquire needed information from the documents and even use the information to support their thesis.

What is a documented essay

An academic essay is used to identify an issue or trend in question, and provide a standard report on the matter from secondary documents provided. Apart from giving personal opinions, the writer is expected to bring forth factual information and arguments.

Documented essays are different from normal essays and can be hard to compose, if you are having a hard time or have no idea how to go about it this article is meant to act as a guide. You will get a guideline on how to write a documented essay, document based formats and even documented argument essay topics you can use on your documented essay.

How to write a documented essay

After receiving your assignment conduct your research on the subject matter then use the process below to write your essay paper. Make sure you put all the rules and instructions given by your professor into consideration.

1. Gain knowledge on the subject matter and instructions provided

Learn more about the subject matter before you being your writing. All essays come with their specified instructions on the required length, documents to be used for citation and even a chosen format. Note what type of documented essay you will be writing about so that you can narrow down your research and look in the right place.

2. Outline your documented essay

When you figure out what purpose the essay should serve, you will be able to come up with the best outline for your essay. Make sure all the issues are discussed accordingly and each main point is on its own paragraph with enough evidence to back up your claim.

3. Research

Get a hold of all the documents that were assigned for the paper. Following your outline do a thorough research of the subject matter and look for evidence that can be used to support your main points. It is advisable to begin with a broad view then specify. As an example, when writing about religion you will discuss religion as a whole then venture into the different types of religions like Christianity and Islam.

     4. Draft your work

Write down notes that you will use for your essay. Make sure you gather all the information that you want to put in the essay and come up with a few strong evidence. You can pick the most relevant for the main essay. Writing down points helps you arrange your work and make sure you don’t leave anything out like the necessary citations.

5. No plagiarism

The work of a reader is to come up with their own factual information on the subject matter with supportive evidence. You are required to add to already existing information rather than steal from other writers. You can use the documents as citations but don’t claim the work.

6. Write the essay

Use the rough draft to compose your paper and make sure all the citations are included as per your format.

7. Format your paper

As per the instructions provided, use the given style to format your paper not forgetting the reference page.

8. Revise your essay

The last step is ensuring your paper is up to standard. Check for any formatting or grammatical errors. Make sure it is the right length and all your information is relevant and presented correctly before submitting.

Documented essay outline

1. Introduction

This part of the essay is meant to educate the reader on your subject matter. You can start by giving some little background information of what you will be discussing and state your stand on the matter. The last paragraph should contain the thesis statement.

2. Body paragraphs

The number of paragraphs for your documented essay will vary with a couple of things like, the length of your paper or information available. Make sure each paragraph has a topic of its own to discuss. Each main point should have supportive evidence in the same paragraph and all information should be relevant to the material provided.

3. Conclusion

Restate your thesis statement and write a brief summary of your paper. Talk about why proving the information was necessary and how it benefits people. If need be call on people to take action.

4. References

All you have to do is cite all your secondary sources used in the documented essay. Use the author’s names and list them alphabetically. In the absence of a name, go for the title.

Documented essay format

A document based essay format is very straightforward and should be done in accordance with the instructions. After placing your documented essay in Microsoft word, the essay should be double spaced with the times new roman font or any other if requested by your instructor. Your font size should be 11. Finish by formatting the paper using the citation style requested. For instance, you can use either of these styles MLA, APA, Chicago or Harvard.

Documented essay topics

The biggest challenge in writing any essay is picking the perfect topic. It is best to choose a topic that excites you and will hook your target audience. Topics you are familiar with automatically make’s your work easier but you can also try new documented essay ideas. All you have to do is ensure your topic is of interest to your reader and informative.

Documented argument essay topics

Technology documented essay topics

1. Is it right that social media apps request their user’s personal information for registration?
2. What will happen to human workers who are being replaced by machines in their jobs?
3. As a way of reducing accidents on the road should the government ban cell phones in cars?
4. Write down the advantages and disadvantages of internet in our communities
5. How many hours should children be allowed on the screen?
6. Has internet become a basic need in this generation and should it be free?
7. Does technology hinder social behavior?
8. As per the effects of cyber-bullying on its victims should it carry legal consequences?

Government documented essay topics

1. Why can’t the government be in charge of climate change?
2. Has the Electoral College influenced America in a positive or negative way?
3. Is automatic voter registration the future?
4. Are the current elections ballots effective or should they be automated?
5. Can people in prison be trusted to make the right decisions when voting for a leader?
6. Who should elect Supreme Court judges?
7. Write the importance of paying interns
8. Because of the change in the economy should there be an increase in the minimum federal wages?
9. Instead of taxing citizens more why not tax corporations more?
10. Is the government in a position to give its citizens basic income?
11. Should the government be given the power to control what we consume?
12. What should be the maximum serving age of people in the government?
13. Is it fair to impose a single official language in the United States?
14. Owning a gun is a lot of responsibility and should be made illegal. Discuss
15. 18 year olds are adults and should be allowed to drink

Health documented essay topics

1. GMOs have been known to cause cancer and should be banned
2. Why it is necessary for schools to provide vaccinations for children’s
3. Development of a universal healthcare and its importance to the less fortunate
4. Should medicine be provided freely to the sick?
5. Should kids be limited to a given number of activities to avoid burnout?
6. What is making this generation more depressed than the ancient generation?
7. The do’s and don’ts of fasting
8. Is social media the reason people do not value sleep anymore?
9. Can we say car seats have been known to protect children in car accidents?

Economic documented essay topics

1. Should parents be paid by their companies when on leave?
2. Why are fathers not given paternity leave?
3. Can we say the only people who benefit from our tax are government workers?
4. Can we say celebrity’s salaries are too exaggerated?
5. Is the reason CEOs are paid large amounts because they are the company’s backbone?
6. Should countries reduce or increase their working days?
7. Can we say male and female incomes are problematic?
8. Are remote workers more productive than on-site workers?

To wrap up

You will notice that when writing any documented essay the writing process discussed above will always remain the same. This article has given you the documented essay meaning and taken you a step closer to writing a documented essay. We are available to write your documented essay if you are having any problems. We will provide documented essay samples you can go through and make sure you get perfect grades in all your papers. We have professional writers who make sure our work is quality. We boast of reliable report writing services tailored to suit your needs.