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Writing an essay is not as difficult as it first seems. The trick lies in choosing the correct essay for you, if that is possible. Choose a subject that interests you, something you will enjoy researching and discussing. If you are not given an option, look at the essay title you are given, and try and find something within that subject that you would like to know more about. This will also help you with one of the most difficult aspects of essay writing – the original approach that only YOU can give to any subject.

Seven steps to essay writing

What does the essay title mean?

Do you fully understand the essay title? If not, spend time finding out, either by yourself or in a group. Discuss the theme and see what ideas pop up. If, in the end, it still doesn’t make sense, ask your tutor – but tell them what you think it might be first, then they can let you know if you are on the right track.

Content

Now you have an idea about the title, spend some time deciding how you want to tackle it. Remember, it is your essay, your thoughts on that specific subject, so take it from your perspective. What do you want to do with this title?

Plan

How do you want to lay this essay out? Will it have an introductory paragraph, a main section, a conclusion? How will you arrange your bibliography? (See the section on How to Organise your Bibliography.) Do you want it typed or hand-written? What does your tutor prefer? How would you like to lay out your ideas – what is the clearest way to get your idea across? How much time do you have? How can you make the best use of your time?

Research

It’s now time to go out and find the extra information you need. Your course books will contain some information, but perhaps there is an area that you want to know more about. Make use of the Library, the journals and the Internet. Remember to be selective. Too much information will leave you wondering what to leave out! Try to stick to the subject and remember the work that went into the content and planning steps.

First draft

You’ve made the plan, got the information – now it’s time to arrange it on the page. You don’t have to start at the beginning, just get your ideas down on paper and then read through again. Your introduction can repeat the essay title to lead the reader into the subject. Make sure that the essay links clearly from one point to the next. Do you enjoy reading it? Does it make sense to you? Is it clear and have you made the points you wanted to?

Write and edit

Take the draft and write it out as you would like to see it at the end, making any changes you think will help to get your argument across. If you are using a PC, have a look at the essay from the Print Preview option in the File menu. How does the essay look to you? Is it displayed clearly on the page? Read it through again. Are there any spelling or grammar mistakes? Don’t forget to use a spell-checker or a good dictionary! Make any final changes you need to and either save it to a memory stick, the hard drive or print your final copy. You might want to hand write it.

Submit

After all that work – don’t forget the time factor! It is important that you submit your essay on time. The day before is even better than the day it is due, as it gives your tutor a chance to review your work before they see anyone else’s!

The most important thing is that you understand the subject and can discuss your ideas clearly. Your tutor wants to see that you understand and have researched the subject, and perhaps taken it a step beyond what you have learned in class.

Added help!

Books on essay writing are held under the following Dewey classifications (the number on the book spine!) – 371.30281, 808.066 and 808.4

The following websites may also be of some help:

www.jcu.edu.au/studying/services/studyskills/essay

http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/SupportDeps/LearnServ/HelpSup/guidedoc.htm£study

www.bham.ac.uk/english/bibliography/students/essay.htm 

If you have any questions, or anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to contact Library staff – they will be delighted to help!