Ten Tips for writing an Essay
1. Know Your Stuff!
Assess your current knowledge and understanding of the subject you will be writing about.
Collate all the information you already have – a mind map is an excellent way to do this, and it’s well worth finding a little time to dip into The Mindmap Book, by the Buzan brothers. Alternatively, list everything you know, using different colour pens to group items, to highlight the most important or relevant, or to distinguish areas you may need to revisit.
Once you know what you know, you need to know what you don’t know! List areas you need to research and possible sources, begin researching with specific questions in mind (or better still, written down!)
Make sure your research is wide-ranging but focussed. Be methodical in your note-taking and especially careful in recording your references, to avoid any possibility of unintentional plagiarism.
2. Hit the Books!
You should be reading around the subject extensively before you even get your assignment.
Make notes and list questions for further research as you read. Keep notes concise, using keywords and short quotations, briefly expanded by your own ideas.
Keeping your assignment in mind, learn to skim read for things of interest, which you can then later read in depth. This way you get to filter out irrelevancies, making more effective use of the time you spend reading.
Read a variety of texts, by various authors, expand your module reading list in all directions. Use a variety of media (radio/tv broadcasts, films, the internet) but maintain an academic focus.
3. The Best-Laid Plans …!
Take the time to make a written study plan (essential to effective time-management)
A definitive plan will help to avoid eleventh hour disasters. At the very least, list how many weeks/hours you can realistically expect to use for studying before the assignment is due. Note special lectures or tutorials.
Appreciate time as an important resource – use it wisely and avoid the destructive cycle of procrastinating and binge studying.
Expect the unexpected! Practically, this means plan to allow yourself some ‘extra’ time to deal with unexpected events.
4. Radiant Thinking!
Your brain is amazing, and one of your most important resources.
Approach your assignment with resolve, imagination and a positive outlook. Treat it as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and understanding.
Recognise your resources – be imaginative! These include physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of yourself, time and space, health, fun and relaxation, and other people.
Try mind mapping – the perfect example of radiant thinking and an excellent resource to use in all areas of your studying (in fact, in all areas of your life!)
5. Raw Ingredients!
Lectures are the raw ingredients of an assignment. You mix them together, add a few more things, some time and some care, and voilá! your recipe for success!
Preparation - To make the most of lectures, ensure you arrive on time, in the right frame of mind, and with everything you need. Don’t ignore something you don’t understand – make a note of it and approach the lecturer for some help at an appropriate time.
Notes – trying to take extensive, detailed notes during an interesting lecture is almost impossible – it means you often miss useful ideas or information. Try using key words or mind mapping. Expand, action and file notes weekly.
Appreciation – express your appreciation to lecturers – always thank them for their time and insight, and tell them when they give a lecture in a particularly useful format. Use any module feedback sheets.
6. Waving, Not Drowning!
Everyone needs a little support now and then.
There are plenty of sources of support within university, depending on the type of help you need. You may need someone to explain things in greater depth, or to advise you about your grammar, or to help you with time-keeping, to inspire you or reboot your enthusiasm, or perhaps you just need a friendly ear.
Ask for help sooner rather than later. Ensure clear communication with lecturers, your family and friends, to keep them informed of your progress and of your needs.
Recognising where you need support, and reaching out to ask for it, are strengths well worth developing as general life-skills. When stuck with an essay, a few minutes conversation with someone can make all the difference.
7. Clean and tidy!
Make sure the format of your assignment is logical, balanced, of a high academic standard, and thoroughly readable.
Ensure an academic style (language, grammar, punctuation) and follow the guidelines for presentation in module handbooks.
Pay attention to your referencing. Stick rigidly to whichever system is preferred in your area of study. Keep any footnotes succinct and take time with your bibliography.
8. Nail Your Argument!
An imaginative, innovative argument will usually be appreciated, but ensure your argument makes sense!
Use words, statistics and diagrams, to underpin your argument as necessary.
Support your argument with academic references. You must ground any argument in existing understanding or theory.
Provide an extensive bibliography to support your references. Never include texts you haven’t read.
9. Make it Shine!
Leave time at the end to polish your work before it is submitted.
A rushed finish is always evident and always disappointing. Build time into your plan to avoid the frustration of handing in a piece of work and knowing you could have done a much better job. A final, thorough proofread prevents sloppy mistakes.
If possible, have a break for a few days before your final edit/proofread, so you read it with fresh eyes. Or ask someone else to read it for you.
Pay attention to external presentation – first impressions do count! Unless told specifically which kind of folder to use, bear in mind the ease of reading when you choose. Use high quality paper and ensure your printing is crisp and clear.
10. Avoid the White Rabbit Syndrome!
Avoid the need for extensions – they do nothing for your self-esteem, your stress levels or your academic reputation.
If the unthinkable happens and for genuine reasons, beyond your control, you need an extension, approach your lecturer. Be prepared to fill in a mitigating circumstances form, and to support it with evidence. However, the following will guard against the need for extensions.
Set early deadlines. When you first receive a submission date, change it! Choose a date (1-2 weeks earlier depending on the length, the time necessary and the time available) a date that is memorable to you. From this point on, focus on this new deadline, and ‘forget’ the original.
Set yourself ‘mini’ deadlines, working backwards from the 'revised' due date, enlisting support to treat them seriously, and to stick to them.
More on this later, as it's a huge part of studying! But one more, very important tip: If you get the chance to choose your own essay title/subject, choose something you find interesting and have fun with it!
(And bear in mind that lecturers read a lot of essays, many of which are very similar, so if you choose the title or subject everyone else is avoiding, it will provide a refreshing change for the person marking your work!)
