Top essay writing tips

Guest post by Mark Green

 When it comes to essay writing, there are probably three groups of students. The first group, a strange bunch, enjoy the whole essay writing process. They enjoy finding and reading their references, as well as having a sense of satisfaction after ordering their piece of work and checking it over.  The second group, which is the position most students tend to occupy, are those who enjoy certain aspects of the process. For instance, they may enjoy the chance to express their opinion, but really despise the mechanical aspects to it.  The final group seem to hate essay writing altogether, to which I would probably ask why you decided to do that specific degree!

Despite these varying experiences, there are some golden tips which most of us can follow that will ease the pains of essay writing...

1) Don't leave it 'til the last minute - This may seem to be a pretty straightforward one, but it is ridiculous how many students keep putting off an essay just because the deadline seems so far away.  You ease the guilt of a deadline that is four weeks away by thinking to yourself, 'oh well, I did attend the lecture and seminar this week, I've worked really hard recently...'  Keeping on top of your reading and doing a little of the essay each day/week can easily put a stop to the all-nighters in the library.  A nervous breakdown in one of your university libraries at 4am, surrounded by soul-destroying energy drinks like 'Red Trojan' and 'Blue Electric' is hardly ideal.

2) Set yourself realistic targets - Try and break down your essay into reasonable chunks.  Trying to dedicate a block of five hours to write solidly isn't realistic.  Cut it down into more bearable and probably more enjoyable chunks.

3) Active note taking - Depending on the required word count and the style of the question, you may be faced with a great deal of reading to do.  You'll find yourself taking notes from books, journal articles, blogs, maybe even videos.  It is extremely important not to copy everything you read word for word, as you may be susceptible to losing marks for lack of originality.  Read an argument; put it in your own words.  You will understand it more for yourself, which is even more important if the essay is a topic you could revise for a later exam. 

4) Answer the question - It may seem a bit patronising, but it is true.  Many students will see an essay question, and then write everything they know about it in order to fill up the word count, without answering the actual specifics of the question to achieve your desired mark.  On a related note, don't be afraid to challenge the question.  If you don't agree with the statement in the question, why not?  Define it in your own terms and justify why you are doing it.

5) Use Scholarly to help you!  Need a programme to quickly and accurately proofread your work for you?  We can do it.  Are you stuck for ideas of what to read next?  Not a problem.  Have you got a 5,000 word limit but you still find yourself 2,000 over the limit with a day to go?  Give it to us; we'll assist you, no issue there.  We are here to give you a hand and leave you to the debating.

Leave a comment below with your top essay tips!