How can I communicate my ideas clearly when writing an essay?

It is easy for ideas to be lost in translation when writing an essay. The best way to ensure your essay is clear and concise is to structure it in clearly formulated paragraphs - with each paragraph focussing on one topic. Then before writing each paragraph, bullet point roughly the points you are trying to make. Underneath these bullet points then list quotations to support these points. Then also ensure you evaluate the point by furthering explaining it or making links between your point and the text. This system allows you to plan paragraphs and communicate your ideas clearly before you actually write the essay.