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Assessed essays can be easier to tackle with a little planning. See our helpful tips and techniques.

Contents

1. Introduction to study skills
2. Resources: websites, books, etc
3. Organising your time
4. Gathering information from lectures and seminars
5. Reading and note taking
6. Writing essays
7. Preparing for exams

Writing essays

The essays you write will be one of the main ways in which you show your abilities and develop as a student. But it is hard and you must define your task and get on with it.

Writing an essay is your opportunity to make a case, to set out an argument and support it with evidence.Ìý

The case is yours and it is your job to persuade your reader to share your point of view.Ìý

To do this you must have knowledge and understanding of the subject.Ìý

You will get higher marks for originality and remember, you are required to analyse and interpret information, not just to regurgitate other people's opinions.Ìý

You should find this task easier to achieve if you choose an essay title that interestes you.ÌýIf there isn't one on the list, talk to your tutor, who may devise an alternative title to suit you.

Your essay should present an argument, which is precise, logical, backs your case with evidence, and is open to doubt and criticism.Ìý

Essay arguments should lead from an initial question to a conclusion.

Analyse the title

This should identify the question you must answer by finding an acceptable solution to the problem it poses.ÌýÌý

Useful websites to help with titles can be found in the resources section.Ìý

Be guided by your lectures and seminars.Ìý An initial idea storm at this stage can enable your reading to be more focussed.

Collecting information

Know the required length of the essay before you begin - this will give you some idea of how much information you need to include.

Gather as much relevant material as is practical

You may already have relevant notes from lectures, seminars and related background reading.Ìý

Aim to gather as much extra relevant material as you feel is practical.ÌýYou should use your reading list to guide to help you.Ìý

Set yourself a deadline for collecting information, allowing enough time to actually write the essay and to get it in on time.ÌýIf you don't think you will finish on time see your tutor.

Idea Storming

After you have finished reading, write down the key issues and points that stick in your mind.

Planning

Think of why you are writing this essay and who your audience is.ÌýAre you required to explain, justify, describe or refute?Ìý Your analysis must achieve the intended objective.Ìý A plan provides a useful guide but it should be flexible.Ìý Essays should have: an introduction, a core and a conclusion. See fact file above.

Drafting your essay

Different people write in different ways. Find out what works best for you and plan your study accordingly.Ìý Always keep the essay title firmly in focus and make sure you are keeping to it.Ìý You may find you need to revise your essay plan as you go along - it is intended to guide not constrain.

Final draft
Find out how your department wants the work presented.ÌýEnsure you have given references and provided a comprehensive bibliography, in correct format.

Make sure you have a copy of your essay in case it gets lost!Ìý Hand it in on time, if you are unable to, then speak to your personal tutor.

Feedback

Always talk to the person who has marked your work even if it was a bad mark. It may be the last thing you want to do but remember, any criticism should be intended to be constructive and guide your future work.

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