One way to make planning, then writing, your essay easier is to establish a fill-in-the-blanks-style worksheet:

Essay Notes Worksheet

I. Topic Question and Thesis Statement to Be Used in Essay Introduction

II. Essay Arguments

A. Paragraph 1:

1. Supporting Point 1

2. Evidence (that supports the thesis statement) for Supporting Point 1:

B. Paragraph 2:

1. Supporting Point 2

2. Evidence (that supports the thesis statement) for Supporting Point 2

C. Paragraph 3:

1. Supporting Point 3

2. Evidence (that supports the thesis statement) for Supporting Point 3

III. Conclusion