Should I ask questions in an essay?
Rarely. (And not in place of a thesis!)
What should I AVOID writing in a conclusion?
New ideas or information.
Can I use contractions like "can't" or "doesn't" in an essay?
No!
Where does an essay thesis statement go?
Anywhere in the introduction, but usually at the end of the introduction.
What name do I use for the author?
Full name the first time - then surname, or 'the author'.
Where should I state the main idea for each paragraph?
In a topic sentence at the start of the paragraph.