Practical Guide on How to Format a Current Event Essay 2024

Writing a current events essay can be tough if you’re not well-prepared.

It involves a lot of work, especially when choosing a current event, coming up with a topic, planning, writing, and polishing your essay within a tight deadline.

No professor will teach you how to write one as thoroughly as our detailed guide will in less than twenty minutes.

You usually present clear points or solid arguments about the event. You need to use your planning, research, writing, critical thinking, and creativity skills.

For example, good analysis, organization, and presentation are crucial when writing a synthesis or expository essay.

Now, let’s figure out how to do it. Read this article to get ideas on the elements that make a good current events paper, even if you’re doing it for the first time.

How to Format a Current Event Essay

What is a Current Events Essay?

A current events essay is a type of writing that discusses and analyzes recent or ongoing events, issues, or developments worldwide. These essays are typically written in response to current news or topics that are of public interest.

A current events essay aims to provide readers with information, analysis, and insights into the chosen topic, offering an informed and up-to-date perspective.

The content of a current events essay can cover a wide range of subjects, including politics, economics, social issues, technology, science, culture, and more. Writers often include facts, statistics, and quotes from relevant sources to support their arguments and provide a well-rounded view.

Additionally, these essays may express the author’s opinions and interpretations, making them a blend of factual reporting and personal analysis.

Current events essays are valuable for staying informed about the world, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging discussions about contemporary issues. They can be assigned in academic settings or written for publication in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.

Now that we have understood what a current events essay or the paper is let’s explore the various steps you should take to write one successfully.

Steps to Writing an Excellent Current Events Essay with Examples

Writing a current events essay involves analyzing and discussing recent news or issues in a clear and organized manner. When writing a current events essay, the best approach is to follow your teacher’s instructions to the latter. However, there is no proven record of anyone who has handled this essay topic better.

Here are steps to guide you through the process:

1. Choose a Relevant Topic

If your professor or educator has not provided specific instructions about what topic to choose or write about, start by considering your interests and the context of your assignment or class. Look for recent, pertinent topics, and societal or global significance. Use reputable news sources, academic journals, or government reports to identify potential subjects.

Example: Let’s say you’re interested in writing about the recent electric vehicle (EV) adoption surge. This topic is relevant because it addresses current trends in technology and sustainability.

2. Conduct a Thorough Research

After you select the topic you want to focus on, dive into primary and secondary sources to comprehensively understand the chosen topic. Utilize databases, official reports, expert analyses, and news articles. Take notes on key facts, statistics, and expert opinions.

Some of the best and trusted sites to get the most recent and legitimate articles for your current events essay include BBC News, Investopedia, Forbes, CNN News, TIME Magazine, Sports News, and other ranking news outlets.

From these research articles, you will gather information on the growth of EV sales, advancements in EV technology, government policies promoting EV adoption, and challenges the EV industry faces.

3. Make sure you understand the Context

Explore the historical background of the event or issue. Identify the key players, historical developments, and relevant contexts that contribute to the current situation. Understanding the context will help you present a well-informed analysis in your essay.

For example, in the above case, understand the historical context by researching the evolution of EVs, including milestones in battery technology and government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. Identify key players such as Tesla, Nissan and government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Some of the things you need to ask yourself while exploring an event include:

• What happened?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• Who was involved?
• Why did it happen?
• How did it happen?

4. Create an Outline

Develop a detailed outline with clear sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each body paragraph should have a specific focus or argument related to the current event. This structure helps maintain a logical flow and ensures that you cover all essential aspects of your chosen topic.

5. Write a Strong Introduction

Craft an introduction that captivates your reader. Start with a compelling hook, providing context for the current event. Clearly state the main thesis or purpose of your essay. Your introduction should highlight the following points:

• What is the event?
• What happened or is yet to happen?
• Where did it happen?
• Who was involved?
• Why did it happen?
• What are the consequences?
• Which media has covered the event, and when did it do so?

Example: Your hook can be: In recent years, electric vehicles have emerged as a promising solution to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Provide an overview of the topic and your thesis statement: This essay will explore the factors driving the surge in electric vehicle adoption, including technological advancements, government incentives, and environmental concerns.

Read more on how to write a strong introduction for your paper

6. Develop Clear Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence introducing the main idea. Provide evidence, examples, or quotes from your research to support your arguments. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain a coherent flow of ideas.

7. Consider Multiple Perspectives

Acknowledge various viewpoints surrounding the current event. Discuss contrasting opinions and analyze the reasons behind them. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and present a well-rounded understanding of the issue.

Example: Acknowledge different viewpoints on EV adoption, such as concerns about the environmental impact of manufacturing EV batteries and the need for infrastructure development to support widespread EV usage

8. Write a Coherent Conclusion

Summarize the main points discussed in your essay. Emphasize the significance of the current event and its potential implications. Offer insights into possible future developments or actions. Craft a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Example: Summarize the main points discussed in the essay, highlighting the key factors contributing to the surge in EV adoption. Discuss the potential impact of EVs on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for continued innovation and government support in the EV industry.

9. Cite Your Sources:

Follow the citation style specified by your instructor (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Ensure proper citation for all information, quotes, and ideas borrowed from other sources. This enhances the credibility of your essay and avoids issues of plagiarism.

Tips when writing a current events paper

Use the following tips to write the best-scoring current events essay paper:

1. Develop a Strategic Essay Plan

Begin your essay journey by creating a well-thought-out plan. This not only aids in preventing writer’s block but also helps break down the writing process into manageable components. By concentrating on each part, you can achieve greater focus and success.

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2. Understanding the Essay Question

Before diving into the writing process, always read, understand, and analyze the essay question or prompt. Identify limiting terms, content terms, and directive terms that shape the scope and focus of your essay. This initial step is crucial for setting the foundation of your essay.

3. Define Your Arguments Early

Define your arguments as part of your planning process. Ensure your essay incorporates strong claim statements, compelling thesis statements, and engaging hooks relevant to the main topic. Develop an informed opinion, position, or point of view to guide your writing.

4. Utilize Evidence, Reasoning, and Scholarship

Incorporate evidence, reasoning, and scholarship effectively in your essay. Use data, statistics, examples, and quotations to support your claims. Employ reasoning to connect evidence to your central argument, showcasing its relevance. Highlight scholarly insights to emphasize alignment with cited sources.

5. Maintain Excellent Organization

Organize your essay meticulously to enhance its overall quality. Create captivating hooks and thesis statements in the introduction, strategically structure body paragraphs for a seamless flow, and conclude in a way that leaves readers eager for more. Address the broader context of your discipline and emphasize the significance of your findings.

6. Employ an Essay Checklist

Utilize an essay checklist to refine and polish your paper. If a rubric or marking scheme is provided, incorporate it into your checklist. Otherwise, create a checklist based on critical factors for a successful essay. This ensures a thorough evaluation of your work against predefined criteria.

7. Cite Sources and Evidence

Pay careful attention to citing sources and evidence. Ensure in-text citations adhere to formatting requirements such as MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard. Verify the accuracy of your references list to maintain academic integrity.

8. Avoid Plagiarism

Emphasize the importance of avoiding plagiarism. Acknowledge and cite every piece of information used, attributing credible sources. Rely on authoritative newspapers, government journals, company data, images, and scholarly articles.

9. Maintain Impartiality

Strive for impartiality in your writing. Objectively describe events without taking a subjective stance. Analyze causes, factors, and background details critically, avoiding guesswork or misrepresentation. For future events, base your predictions on evidence, offering rationale or justifications.

10. Refine Essential Skills

Focus on refining essential skills, including writing, reading, comprehension, analytical, and organizational skills. Embrace simplicity in scholarly writing by avoiding complicated vocabulary. Collectively, these tips form the foundation for achieving excellence in your current events essay and securing the best possible grade.

50 Current Event Essay Topics to write about

Our team of professional writers and educators have brainstormed, researched, and developed various current event essay topics you can choose and write about. Moreover, these topics can be a great starting point for brainstorming and developing an appropriate topic

1. Global response to COVID-19
2. Climate change and environmental policies
3. Political developments in various countries
4. Economic impact of the pandemic
5. Vaccine distribution and accessibility
6. Cybersecurity threats
7. Technology and artificial intelligence advancements
8. Social justice movements and protests
9. International relations and conflicts
10. Space exploration and developments
11. Healthcare reforms
12. Brexit and its implications
13. Trade tensions between major economies
14. Immigration policies and border control
15. Rise of populism around the world
16. Gun control debates
17. Education reforms and challenges
18. Impact of social media on society
19. Global economic recovery post-pandemic
20. Advances in renewable energy
21. Natural disasters and their aftermath
22. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
23. Nuclear proliferation concerns
24. Rise of nationalist movements
25. Challenges in the pharmaceutical industry
26. Developments in 5G technology
27. Ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises
28. Rise of digital currencies and blockchain
29. Gender equality and women’s rights
30. Impact of remote work on the workforce
31. Aging population and healthcare challenges
32. Global efforts to combat terrorism
33. Political instability in specific regions
34. Space tourism industry developments
35. Artificial intelligence ethics and regulations
36. Autonomous vehicles and their implications
37. Sports events and controversies
38. Global efforts to address poverty
39. Developments in quantum computing
40. Mental health awareness and policies
41. Corporate social responsibility initiatives
42. Challenges in the global supply chain
43. Cultural heritage preservation efforts
44. International response to humanitarian crises
45. Nuclear energy policies and developments
46. Food security and agriculture challenges
47. Advances in medical research and treatments
48. LGBTQ+ rights and legislation
49. Impact of the gig economy on employment
50. Global efforts to address plastic pollution

Summary

Now that you have an understanding of how to write and what to include in a current events paper. We hope that you now have the courage and inspiration to craft your own paper and get the best grades.

Here are examples of some of the essays on current events that have been written in the past.

Comprehensive Current Essay Paper on the Green Revolution 2.0

Current Event Essay Example on the Rise of Digital Currencies and the Future of Finance

Do not hesitate to contact us and ask us to write your current events paper if you are not satisfied or confident with your research and writing skills, you are welcome to seek the help of our essay writing experts. We offer 24/7 professional support that can help you when stuck.