Essays / Studying for a degree in graphic design - I've never wrote a 3000 word Essay before [3]

I'm currently studying for a degree in graphic design, my first essay has to be 3000 words on a subject that is open for me to choose but obviously subjected towards art or design.

The problem is I have not got a clue how to write an essay? I've never had to write one nor am I any good at writing.

I have managed to find "how to write an essay" tutorials but they seem gobbledegook to me. I'm looking for something that is simple to use as a guide.

To be honest being asked to write an essay is as appealing to me as jumping off a cliff.

Can anybody help?