This paper describes a simple instructional approach which social science professors can use to teach the fundamentals of academic essay writing to their students. The paper discusses the evolution of this alternative writing approach--the instructional problems leading to its development as well as the process by which a solution was identified. To clearly delineate the steps through which an expert essay writer passes, the "task analysis," a tool frequently used by instructional technologists, was called upon. From this analysis evolved a six-step writing model which functions to guide students through each phase of the writing process. A lesson outline is provided for social science professors who wish to teach this skill to their students. Includes a diagram of the task analysis and a diagram of the essay writing model. Contains 10 appendixes, including a focused vocabulary, a systematic approach to essay writing, sample outlines, a sample written draft and revised draft, a sample student paper before using this approach, and 15 notes. (Author/NKA)