Summarize the following:
Before you begin working on your essay, it is crucial to understand what the assignment is about, and to learn if there are any specific rules you need to follow. Read your assignment thoroughly, and assess what you need to do. For example:  Does your essay need to answer a specific question or questions? Is your essay supposed to present a critical analysis of a source, such as a book, poem, film, or work of art? Is the objective to demonstrate your ability to present an original argument based on research? Have you been asked to compare and contrast two ideas, events, or literary or artistic works? Different instructors have different expectations regarding formatting. Check your assignment carefully for formatting guidelines. These might include things like line spacing, total essay length (in words, pages, or paragraphs), font size, page numbers, or requirements for cover pages and section headings. If the formatting requirements aren’t on your assignment sheet, check the course syllabus or ask your instructor. Depending on the subject matter and the personal preferences of your instructor, you may be required to use a particular citation style. In the US, for example:  Essays on subjects in the social sciences usually use APA-style citations. Essays on subjects in the humanities, such as literature or history, typically use MLA or Chicago Style. Essays on medical or health-related topics may use the AMA style, while other sciences have their own discipline-specific styles. The basic rules for most common citation styles are readily available online. For more detailed information, look for a style guide in your school library or bookstore. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor any questions you may have about the assignment. Most instructors are happy to explain anything that might be unclear, or offer advice on how to approach the assignment. Unless you have been given a very specific assignment, you will probably need to pick a topic to focus on. Before you start writing, figure out what the main point of your essay will be, and how you plan to approach it. Choose a topic that really interests you, or that sparks a particular question you would like to answer.

Summary:
Read the instructions carefully. Make note of any formatting requirements. Pay attention to citation style requirements. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Narrow down your topic.