How to Write a Diagnostic Essay Wisely & Examples

Today, students write diagnostic essays as a way of evaluating their writing skills, identifying areas of improvement, and helping instructors to understand their knowledge levels. In this case, one primary reason for organizing a diagnostic essay is to improve a student’s writing abilities. After analyzing such papers, instructors can identify common challenges, mistakes, or areas where students need additional support, and this process enables them to become more self-aware and educated about their writing strengths and weaknesses. As a result, an entire process suggests using learning tools for both instructors and students while seeking a possible improvement in specific areas highlighted by a diagnostic assessment.

What Is a Diagnostic Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a diagnostic essay is a unique type and form of assignment that students need to complete to evaluate their writing skills, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, the main purpose of a diagnostic essay is to allow instructors to get a better understanding of a student’s writing skills, including grammar, flow of ideas, syntax, organization, and clarity of arguments (Murphy & O’Neill, 2023). In this case, students get different topics that require them to express their thoughts, analyze a concept, or argue a particular point of view. Further on, completing such a paper creates a starting point from which both instructors and students can work toward enhancing writing proficiency and other aspects that require improvement (Perkins et al., 2020). Basically, one key characteristic is that this assignment is often completed within a limited timeframe. Moreover, compared to other types of essays, this composition should not be graded for its content or depth of analysis (Greetham, 2023). In terms of pages and words, the length of a diagnostic essay depends on academic levels, course requirements, and ideas students want to share, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

Length: 1-2 pages
Word Count: 250-500 words

College

Length: 2-3 pages
Word Count: 500-750 words

University (Undergraduate)

Length: 2-4 pages
Word Count: 500-1,000 words

Master’s

Length: 3-6 pages
Word Count: 750-1,500 words

Ph.D.

Length: 4-8+ pages
Word Count: 1,000-2,000+ words

How to Write a Diagnostic Essay in 5 Steps & Example

Format

Section	Content
Title	A concise and relevant title that reflects a diagnostic essay’s topic or main idea.
Introduction	A brief introduction of an assigned topic or prompt. A clear thesis statement or main idea that addresses a given prompt. Overview of main points to be discussed in a diagnostic essay.
Body Paragraph 1	Topic sentence introducing a first main point or argument. Supporting details, evidence, or examples that expand on a topic sentence. Explanation of how this point supports a thesis.
Body Paragraph 2	Topic sentence introducing a second main point or argument. Supporting details, evidence, or examples that expand on a topic sentence. Explanation of how this point supports a thesis.
Body Paragraph 3	Topic sentence introducing a third main point or argument. Supporting details, evidence, or examples that expand on a topic sentence. Explanation of how this point supports a thesis.
Body Paragraphs 4+	For writing any body paragraph, the same structure should be followed.
Conclusion	Restatement of a central thesis in a new way, summarizing key points discussed. Final thoughts or insights based on a main argument. A closing statement that wraps up a diagnostic essay effectively without introducing new information.
List of References (Optional)	A list of sources cited in a diagnostic essay (if any). Follow an appropriate citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian) as required by an instructor. If no external sources are used, the “References” section may be omitted.

Note: Some sections of a diagnostic essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on an expected length at each academic level, while actual requirements may differ based on instructor’s preferences or specific assignments. For example, a standard diagnostic essay format includes an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs that support a central claim with evidence or examples, and a conclusion that summarizes crucial points and reinforces a main idea (Matthews, 2020). In literature, the term “diagnostic” refers to assessing a person’s writing skills and abilities to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Further on, diagnostic writing is a form of writing used to assess a person’s current skills and abilities, often through a short, timed essay that evaluates organization, grammar, and argument development (Perin & Lauterbach, 2016). In this case, a diagnostic essay should be between 250 and 1,000 words long, depending on a student’s academic level and instructor’s requirements. Moreover, a diagnostic essay is important because this type of paper helps instructors to evaluate students’ current writing skills, identify areas for improvement, and tailor instruction to meet individual needs (Fleckenstein et al., 2020). Finally, to start a diagnostic essay, people introduce a specific topic clearly, provide context, and present a concise thesis statement that outlines a main argument or focus of an entire paper.

Structure

Formatting a diagnostic essay is essential to share ideas clearly. While specific formatting requirements may vary depending on a specific instructor or institution, general guidelines for structuring and formatting are:

Introduction (Approximately 10-15% of a diagnostic essay): Start with a compelling introduction that provides context to a reader. Clearly state a purpose of doing a diagnostic essay and introduce a topic or prompt. End an introduction with a thesis statement that previews main points of your paper.
Body Paragraphs (Approximately 70-80%): Organize your thoughts logically into paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea, starting with a topic sentence that introduces a main point, followed by supporting details or examples. Ensure smooth transitions using bridge sentences between paragraphs to maintain coherence.
Conclusion (Approximately 10%): Provide a summary of key points of your diagnostic essay and restate a central thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information in a conclusion. Instead, leave a reader with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action related to a given topic.
Language and Style: Always use clear and concise words. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure your paper follows an academic tone expected in your course. Follow any specific style guide, such as MLA, APA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, or other formatting instructions provided by your instructor.
Font and Margins: Use a legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a standard size (e.g., 12-point). Set standard one-inch margins on all sides.
Spacing: Double-space your file, including a title and references (if applicable). This spacing makes your paper easier to read.
Title Page (If Required): Some instructors may ask to provide a title page with specific information, such as your name, course name, date, and diagnostic essay title. Follow any specific instructions regarding an entire inclusion of a title page.

Note: Students must always check an assignment prompt or instructor’s guidelines for any specific formatting requirements. However, following the guidelines above ensures a professional and well-organized diagnostic essay that effectively communicates a person’s writing skills to his or her instructor. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a diagnostic essay are:

In today’s world, a topic of [issue/topic] is increasingly relevant because … .
From a broad perspective, [issue/topic] plays a significant role in … .
It is widely recognized that [issue/topic] has been a subject of debate for … .
A primary purpose of this diagnostic essay is to explore a direct impact of [issue/topic] on … .
As society continues to evolve, a question of [issue/topic] becomes more important in … .
Throughout history, [issue/topic] has shaped a way people understand … .
A closer look at [issue/topic] reveals how it influences … .
In examining a current state of [issue/topic], it becomes clear that … .
While many perspectives exist on [issue/topic], it is essential to consider … .
To fully understand crucial implications of [issue/topic], one must first consider … .

Top 20 Common Aspects to Consider

10 Strengths of Writing Skills

Clarity: Strong writing skills enable students to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, ensuring readers can easily understand an intended message.
Organization: Skilled students can effectively organize information, present it in a logical order, and enhance an overall flow of an entire content.
Creativity: Good compositions often involve creativity, allowing students to use language in unique and engaging ways to capture a reader’s attention and make a whole content more interesting.
Critical Thinking: Learners must evaluate arguments, consider different perspectives, and present well-reasoned conclusions.
Research Skills: Good diagnostic essays often involve research to gather accurate and relevant information. Learners with strong research skills can support their arguments with credible sources.
Adaptability: Skilled students can adapt their writing style to different audiences and purposes. Whether it is a formal report, persuasive essay, or creative piece, they can adjust their tone and approach accordingly.
Grammar and Punctuation: Proficient students follow all grammar and punctuation rules, ensuring their paper is grammatically correct and easy to read.
Vocabulary: A rich and varied vocabulary allows learners to express ideas more precisely and vividly. Strong authors can choose the most fitting words to convey their thoughts effectively.
Editing and Revision: Writing skills include an ability to review and revise one’s work. This process involves self-editing for clarity, coherence, and overall improvement of a diagnostic essay.
Persuasion: Whether in business, academia, or everyday communication, persuasive writing is a valuable skill. Strong learners can construct compelling arguments and influence the opinions of their readers.

10 Weaknesses of Writing Skills

Grammar and Spelling Errors: Weaknesses in grammar and spelling can undermine an overall credibility of a diagnostic essay and distract readers from an entire content.
Lack of Clarity: Poorly organized or unclear texts will confuse readers since they will not understand main ideas.
Redundancy: Repetitive use of words, phrases, or ideas can weaken an overall quality of a diagnostic essay and make it less engaging.
Weak Vocabulary: Limited word choice can result in dull and uninteresting writing. A weak vocabulary may also lead to an imprecise expression of ideas.
Inconsistency: Learners may have a weakness in maintaining a consistent tone, style, or perspective throughout their papers.
Difficulty in Synthesizing Information: Some individuals may struggle to synthesize information from various sources, leading to a potential bias in their essays due to generalization.
Overuse of Jargon: Overloading a piece with jargon can confuse readers who are not familiar with a specific terminology of a paper.
Lack of Originality: Students with weak skills may struggle to bring a fresh perspective to their work, resulting in unoriginal content.
Ineffective Research Skills: Insufficient or inaccurate research can weaken a foundation of an argument, reducing an overall strength of a diagnostic essay.
Poor Time Management: Procrastination or inadequate time management can result in writing in a rush, impacting a paper’s quality negatively.

Diagnostic Essay Topics

The Impact of Technology on Society: A Diagnostic Analysis
Discussing the Pros and Cons of Online Education in the Modern World
Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Employment: A Diagnostic Study
The Role of Education in Fostering Environmental Awareness
Analyzing the Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Public Health
The Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work in Today’s Economy
Examining the Role of Gender Stereotypes in Media Representation
Exploring the Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Well-Being
The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies: A Diagnostic Study
Analyzing the Role of Critical Thinking in Problem-Solving in the 21st Century
The Influence of Video Games on Youth Behavior: A Diagnostic Examination
Exploring the Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering
Analyzing the Role of Art and Creativity in Problem-Solving
Challenges of Balancing Work and Personal Life in a Digital Age
The Influence of Political Correctness on Freedom of Speech
Exploring the Impact of Immigration Policies on National Identity
The Role of Education in Addressing Racial Inequality
Effects of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures
Analyzing the Influence of Fashion Trends on Body Image Perceptions
The Role of Personal Values in Ethical Decision-Making

Steps on How to Write a Diagnostic Essay

To write a diagnostic essay, people begin by clearly understanding an assigned prompt, develop a thesis statement, support a central claim with organized body paragraphs, and conclude by summarizing their key points while maintaining clear, coherent language throughout. For example, the main parts of a diagnostic essay include 1 introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that support a central claim with examples or arguments, and 1 conclusion paragraph that summarizes main paper’s points (Greetham, 2023). Basically, good diagnostic essays involve evaluating students’s writing skills and presenting papers showing their abilities at the beginning of a course or program. In particular, 5 easy steps to help people to start writing their papers include:

Step 1: Understanding a Diagnostic Prompt

Students start by carefully reading and understanding an assigned prompt or topic provided by their instructor. For example, people need to identify main elements and requirements of any assignment (Greetham, 2023). In turn, they should pay attention to any specific instructions regarding a central focus, length, or format of a paper.

Step 2: Brainstorming and Planning

People need to take some time to brainstorm ideas related to an assigned prompt. For example, students should consider main points they want to address and how they can organize them logically (Matthews, 2020). In this case, they create a brief outline to structure their diagnostic essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Step 3: Providing an Introduction and Thesis Statement

Learners must develop a compelling introduction that provides context for their diagnostic essay. For example, people need to clearly state a main purpose and scope of their papers (Murphy & O’Neill, 2023). In turn, they end an introduction paragraph with a strong thesis statement that outlines main points they will address in a diagnostic essay. Besides, a thesis serves as a roadmap for a reader, previewing key aspects of an author’s analysis.

Step 4: Developing Body Paragraphs

Authors connect each body paragraph to a specific point or aspect of a given prompt. For example, students start each paragraph with a single topic sentence, followed by supporting details or examples (Greetham, 2023). In principle, they ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs, maintaining a logical flow of their arguments. Finally, the use of evidence and examples to strengthen crucial points is important for showing writing skills to a target audience, who is an instructor.

Step 5: Concluding Effectively

Students summarize main points of their diagnostic essay in a conclusion paragraph. For example, people need to restate a central thesis in a new way, emphasizing an actual significance of their analysis (Matthews, 2020). In essence, they should avoid introducing new information in a conclusion section. As a result, people end a paper with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action related to a given prompt.

Note: Throughout an entire writing process, people must pay attention to word choice, language, grammar, and style. For example, students should revise and edit their diagnostic essays to ensure clarity and coherence in writing (Murphy & O’Neill, 2023). Remember, a principal goal of a diagnostic essay is not perfection but an honest representation of a person’s current writing abilities.

Outline and Template

Remember, a main purpose of a diagnostic essay is to evaluate a person’s writing skills and identify areas for improvement. For example, a diagnostic essay may not have a specific prompt, but students still need to respond to an idea or concept assigned by their instructors (Greetham, 2023). Hence, they need to adjust a diagnostic essay outline based on specific requirements provided by their instructors.

Title: Unique Topic

I. Introduction

Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or a question related to an assigned theme.
Background: Provide a brief overview of an assigned topic without going into too much detail.
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main point or argument. Your thesis can be a reflection on your writing skills or a response to a given prompt.

II. Body Paragraph 1 (Strengths)

Identify and discuss one of your strengths as a writer.
Provide specific examples or evidence that support this strength.
Explain how this strength contributes to effective writing.

III. Body Paragraph 2 (Weaknesses)

Identify and discuss one area where you feel you can improve as a writer.
Provide examples or instances that demonstrate this weakness.
Explain why addressing this weakness is important for overall improvement.

IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Experience)

Share an experience or a specific paper assignment that highlights your strengths and weaknesses.
Discuss what you learned from this experience and how it influenced your approach to writing.

V. Conclusion

Summarize main points you discussed in body paragraphs.
Reflection: Reflect on an actual significance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
Closing Statement: End with a strong concluding statement that covers an importance of ongoing improvement.

Diagnostic Essay Example

Topic: My Writing Skills

Introduction

By considering strengths and weaknesses, my writing skills depend on a dynamic process of growth and learning. After completing my papers, I constantly refine my writing skills to be clear with readers. Moreover, I always try to ensure that my analytical and critical thinking abilities are improved after analyzing specific themes and concepts. When organizing each paper, the challenges and triumphs that I face shape not only my writing style but also improve my understanding and experience. In particular, while maintaining a formal tone and navigating the complexities of in-text citations pose challenges, each lesson I learned contributes to a better understanding of academic writing.

Body Paragraphs

My Writing Strengths

One of my main strengths as a writer includes the precision and clarity with which I provide complex ideas. This aspect can be shown in my recent diagnostic essay, where the topic demanded a clear representation of complex concepts. Through a careful selection of language, words, and precise structuring of sentences, I successfully delivered my message to readers. For instance, when providing background information, my ability to connect an issue under discussion with the simplicity and clarity of words was evident. This strength significantly contributes to effective academic writing as it enhances the accessibility of my work to a broad audience. By presenting my ideas in a clear manner, I ensure that all readers can understand my message.

My Writing Weaknesses

A notable weakness in my academic writing is the struggle with integrating in-text citations into my papers. In an attempt to support my arguments with evidence, there have been instances where some in-text citations affected the flow of ideas. In a recent diagnostic essay, the incorporation of multiple sources within a single paragraph made this part lengthy and hard to read. The transition from my analysis to supporting literature was also vague. However, I understand that addressing this weakness is important, as the effective use of in-text citations not only shows credibility to my work but also enhances the depth of my analysis. Hence, I will work more on shaping my skills in using sources and incorporating them into my papers.

My Writing Experience

My writing experience is always a dynamic process, weaving together challenges and triumphs that shape my skills. As I complete my diagnostic essay, I improve not only my writing skills but also my analytical and critical thinking abilities. I also try to maintain a formal tone since I need to follow an academic voice that strengthens my work. In turn, the integration of in-text citations into my papers results in its complexities. Despite this, within each body paragraph, I gained an invaluable lesson that allowed me to learn more about academic writing and how to deliver my thoughts. Besides, my writing experience has also helped me to improve my style and expand my knowledge of different areas under analysis.

Conclusion

My writing is based on the dynamic nature of skill development, where I have strengths and weaknesses that I should improve. In this case, my precision and clarity in presenting complex ideas include my strengths, helping my readers to better understand my messages. However, the struggle with integrating in-text citations is my weakness, suggesting a commitment to my area of improvement. The significance of considering these aspects becomes evident when organizing each paper, contributing to shaping my analytical and critical thinking abilities. Furthermore, overcoming the challenges with in-text citations will show my growth as a writer.

Tips

Writing a perfect diagnostic essay requires a strategic approach. For example, standard tips offer practical advice on organization, clarity, and effective argumentation, contributing to a more coherent and compelling diagnostic essay (Murphy & O’Neill, 2023). Moreover, people can use them to self-assess and refine their work, fostering their improvement. In turn, transforming a challenging task into a manageable and skill-enhancing experience is a way of completing any paper successfully.

10 Dos include:

Understanding your diagnostic essay task thoroughly.
Creating a concise and focused thesis statement.
Prioritizing a clear diagnostic essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
Supporting arguments with relevant evidence and examples.
Following in a formal and academic style.
Formatting a paper in specified citation styles, such as MLA, APA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian.
Editing for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
Asking peers or instructors for improvement.
Working on challenges and lessons learned in a writing process.
Considering a diagnostic essay as a learning experience.

10 Don’ts include:

Ignoring prompt instructions.
Providing a weak thesis.
Making unsupported claims.
Using inappropriate language.
Skipping a prewriting phase.
Writing out of an assigned topic.
Submitting a diagnostic essay without revising and editing.
Excluding external perspective.
Overlooking self-reflection.
Presenting a one-sided perspective.

What to Include

Element	Description
Topic Understanding	Demonstrate a clear grasp of a diagnostic essay prompt or subject matter.
Thesis Statement	Present a central argument or main idea that will be supported throughout.
Critical Thinking	Provide thoughtful insights, analysis, and interpretations of an assigned topic.
Supporting Evidence	Include relevant examples or reasoning to back up main points.
Logical Flow	Ensure ideas progress smoothly from one to the next, maintaining coherence.
Grammar and Syntax	Use proper grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation for clarity.
Original Ideas	Showcase independent thinking and a unique perspective on a given topic.
Conclusion	Summarize key points, reaffirm a thesis, and offer final thoughts.
Clarity	Write in a way that is easy to follow, avoiding overly complex language.
Relevance	Stay focused on an assigned prompt and avoid going off-topic or introducing unrelated ideas.

Common Mistakes

Lack of a Clear Thesis: Failing to present a central argument makes a diagnostic essay unfocused.
Overly Broad Introduction: Starting too generally can make it difficult for readers to focus on a specific topic of an entire paper.
Weak Topic Sentences: Without clear topic sentences, body paragraphs may lack direction and coherence.
Inadequate Support for Claims: Making points without evidence or examples weakens a main argument.
Poor Organization: Failing to structure an entire paper logically can confuse readers and undermine a text’s flow.
Overuse of Vague Language: Using unclear or imprecise language weakens a paper’s clarity and impact.
Ignoring a Prompt: Not directly addressing a given prompt can result in a diagnostic essay that goes off-topic.
Lack of Revision: Skipping proofreading often leads to grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Repetitive Points: Rehashing same ideas without adding new insights can make an entire composition monotonous.
No Conclusion: Failing to properly summarize a diagnostic essay leaves a central argument incomplete and unresolved.

Summing Up

A diagnostic essay is an ungraded assignment used to evaluate a student’s writing skills at the start of a course. Basically, this exercise helps instructors identify areas for improvement and students’ strengths. Further on, this type of paper typically follows a structured format: an introduction with a strong thesis, body paragraphs with clear arguments, evidence, and explanations, and a conclusion summarizing key points. In principle, such a format emphasizes clarity, organization, and proper grammar. Moreover, a central goal is to provide a baseline for both students and teachers to focus on enhancing writing abilities throughout an entire course. In turn, some takeaways to remember are:

Thorough Prompt Analysis: Begin by reviewing an assigned prompt to ensure a clear understanding of your task.
Compelling Introduction: Take time to write a compelling introduction, including a clear and focused thesis statement.
Logical Organization: Organize a diagnostic essay logically with a structured format — an introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
Support With Evidence: Emphasize an actual importance of supporting arguments with relevant evidence and examples to show your analytical and critical thinking skills.
Balance Clarity and Complexity: Follow a balance between clarity and complexity, avoiding overly complex language that may confuse readers.
Maintain a Formal Tone: Ensure a formal tone throughout, aligning with academic expectations.
Mind Word Limits: Be cautious about word limits of a diagnostic essay, embracing briefness and avoiding redundancy.
Focus on a Main Theme: Do not write off-topic paragraphs and stay focused on a main theme.
Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain other perspectives and identify areas for improvement.
Self-Reflection: Engage in self-reflection, considering challenges faced in an entire writing process for personal growth.
Embrace as a Learning Opportunity: View writing a diagnostic essay as a learning opportunity, committing to ongoing improvement by addressing identified weaknesses.
Strive for Excellence: A diagnostic essay is not merely an assessment but a journey toward self-improvement in academic expression. Strive for excellence in conveying ideas with precision, clarity, and academic format.

References

Fleckenstein, J., Meyer, J., Jansen, T., Keller, S., & Köller, O. (2020). Is a long essay always a good essay? The effect of text length on writing assessment. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.562462

Greetham, B. (2023). How to write better essays. Bloomsbury Academic.

Matthews, J. (2020). How to write a 5-paragraph essay step-by-step: Step-by-step study skills. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Murphy, S., & O’Neill, P. (2023). Assessing writing to support learning: Turning accountability inside out. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Perin, D., & Lauterbach, M. (2016). Assessing text-based writing of low-skilled college students. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 28(1), 56–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-016-0122-z

Perkins, M., Gezgin, U. B., & Roe, J. (2020). Reducing plagiarism through academic misconduct education. International Journal for Educational Integrity, 16(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-020-00052-8

Diagnostic Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples