What makes a good philosophy essay?

The most important part of any long piece of philosophical work is evaluation. How strong/weak is an argument? What makes it strong? Are there any counters to these arguments? Are these counters strong/weak? All these things are necessary to take into account when thinking of your thesis and your conclusion. Make sure therefore that you have made an effective plan before you jump into any essay. Take time to list your points, list your counters and decide on your thesis BEFORE starting your essay.