You can't write a successful essay unless you give yourself enough time to read, research, think and write. Don't procrastinate or leave it until the last minute; start as early as possible.
Writing down everything you know about a topic won't make a good academic essay. Analysing, then answering the essay's question or task is central.
See The Learning Centre guide Answering assignment questions.
Your starting point for an essay is your initial response to the topic or question. This response is based on what you already know. However, this is only the starting point. You then need to research, question your response and find some answers.
See The Learning Centre guide Essay and assignment planning.