
The number one rule when writing any essay is to always, always proof read! Without completing at least two thorough proofs reads punctuation and grammatical errors will slip through the net. This is inevitable. Get a second opinion and ask someone, anyone, to read the essay out loud the check for ease of reading and to see if it all makes sense. I cannot emphasise this point enough, even if the content of your article is verging on break through, brilliant, academic literature with spelling mistakes and punctuation problems you will never get the grade your essay deserves.
The second rule of fool proof essay writing is to always plan. As the old proverb goes "Failure to plan, is planning to fail." Thus it is fundamental to make sure you complete a thorough plan to make clear everything it is that you want to say. You will also avoid repeating yourself on any point if you set every point out in your plan first. Plans should also include a brief outline of your introduction and conclusion as an essay can never be of exceptional academic standard without either of these, and as they seem basic many people often fail to plan them. However a weak introduction will not help the essay, a snappy open and close to the essay are essential and so planning is essential in order to achieve this.
Finally whenever any academic literature is being composed it is vital to make sure you have interesting yet relevant research materials. That is not to say that different trains of thought cannot be explored by putting in different or unique research, they can, just make sure that they are relevant contextually and don't lead the reader on a wild goose chase! Just remember they just add something in their own right to the piece. And of course whenever adding any research into your essay or piece do be certain to reference it correctly, using the appropriate referencing system, i.e. Harvard. Plagiarism is not an option for bright, future geniuses!
Good luck with your essays!