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Academic and Career Skills Top Tips
Writing Essays and Other Assignments Make sure you are clear about what is required Prepare
Choose topic or question
Consider:
Available time and resources
Your interest in the topic
How easy or useful you will find the topic
Analyse the question (eg ‘Discuss the effects of 1860s goldrush on NZ society.’)
Identify the key words
- topic words (‘the 1860s goldrush’)
- focus words (‘its effects on New Zealand society’)
Rephrase question in you own words
Check criteria for assessment
Read assignment instructions, marking schedule, course outline
Talk to tutor or lecturer
Make a tentative plan
Generate further questions that explore the topic
Identify key issues
Develop a tentative plan for essay to guide research
Stay focused while you research Research
Search for information
Read widely
Read efficiently (previewing and skimming)
Read actively
Look for different points of view
Question what you read
Make notes
Be selective
Summarise or paraphrase
Keep detailed bibliographic info for accurate referencing
- instruction words (‘Discuss’)
Keep purpose of research in mind
Keep question in front of you
Keep reviewing your tentative plan
Sort information into key points
Remember that clear writing comes from clear thinking Organise
Reflect / think
Mull over the question
Decide on your focus
If you cannot come up a central idea or answer continue reading, thinking and talking
Summarise your answer or central idea in one or two sentences
Develop a writing plan eg outline, mind map or hierarchical tree
Identify key points
Decide on a logical order
Identify evidence or details to support points
Get the ideas on paper
Start with the easiest section
Don’t aim for perfection
Concentrate on getting your ideas across Write the first draft
Use paragraphs to highlight the logical structure of your essay
One main idea per paragraph
Express main point in first one or two sentences; use the rest of paragraph to expand, support or argue that point
Give the source of all evidence
Include an introduction
To lead reader in, highlight central idea, preview key points
Include a conclusion
To sum up the key points
To reinforce central idea, provide sense of completion
Change from ‘writer’ to ‘reader’ or ‘critic’ Review
Revise for sense and content
Is content relevant, sufficient, balanced?
Are facts and concepts used correctly?
Is there a clear gist or point of view?
Are there clearly stated points supported by reliable evidence?
Edit for structure and style
Is there a logical thread?
Appropriate essay or report structure?
Formal English?
Clear, simple style?
Proof read for errors and presentation
Is the spelling, grammar and punctuation correct?
Does the layout etc meet the course requirements?
Are all cited sources in the reference list?
Introduces the topic (eg background, key definitions,
‘problem’ being addressed)
States the central idea (the ‘thesis’) and /or the purpose of
the paper
Previews the key points
Introduction
Body (discussion) paragraphs
Para 1
Focuses on a key point related to the theme of the essay
Includes supporting detail for the key idea
Para 2
Para 3
Link word or phrase:
Link
(Continue with as many paragraphs as needed)
Conclusion
Summarises the main points
Reinforces theme or central idea
Finishes with a final comment
Essay Structure
All types of academic writing (essays, reports etc) include a clear introduction and conclusion, and a series of logically ordered paragraphs.
An introduction leads the reader in to your essay or report and provides a map of what they will read.
Usually it is 5—10% of the total word count.
Paragraphs are the building blocks of your essay or report. Each paragraph introduces and develops a key point to back up the overall ‘thesis’ or theme of your essay.
Usually the key point is expressed in the first few sentences, and the rest of the paragraph explains the point in more detail and provides evidence to support the point.
When you use the opinions and finding of others as evidence, you need to include a reference (citation).
A conclusion draws together the ideas you have discussed and provides a sense of finality with a strong statement.
Usually it is 5—10% of the total word count.
Need more advice?
Check out our detailed booklet ‘Writing Essays and other assignments’
Available on Level 0, Library, Teaching and Learning and on our web page at https://ltl.lincoln.ac.nz
Appointments Workshops Drop-in
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