12 Tips for Writing Your Essay Paper
October 12, 2008 by J.C. Hewitt
Write Out The Instructions
Write out what your instructor’s requirements in your own words so that you understand what the instructor is looking for. Check your interpretation with the instructor just to be sure you have gotten it right. Always keep the requirements in mind and check back with the instructor once you have something written so that you can be sure you are on the right track. Many papers get bad grades simply because they didn’t follow the instructions.
Map Out Your Goals
Map out your research goals by making an initial list of the sub-topics you expect to cover in your paper. Keep in mind that these sub-topics may change as you look more closely into the subject.
Do Your Research
Start researching each area of your paper. Look into each separate topic that will lead into your overall subject. Don’t limit your research to the Internet. Make sure that you have information from other reputable sources such as books, magazines and educational journals.
Make Quality Notes
Write every quote, statement or fact on an individual index card so that you can quickly go through it. You may also want to consider keeping a binder with copies of your source articles and notes. If you like to work online, use either a notes program such as Microsoft Notes or a word processor file.
Look for Answers
Write out your responses to the basic requirements of your paper. You should be able to identify the following information:
- What is the question you are trying to answer?
- What is your answer?
- How do you support that answer?
Make your Citations Properly
Know which citation/guide is required (APA, MLA, etc.) and follow those formatting guides.
- MLA Citation Style
- APA Citation Style
- Chicago Manual of Style Citation Guide
- Citing References: Turabian Style
Make Sure Your Paper Flows Smoothly
Include transitional paragraphs or sentences to ensure that the paper flows smoothly from topic to topic. Organize your paper so that the sub-topics have a logical order of discussion.
Don’t Write Your Opening Too Soon
Write the opening and closing paragraphs last, after you have already completed the body of the paper and can be sure of what points you have covered and what you did not cover.
Read What You Wrote
Read through your paper aloud. Try to catch basic structural and writing errors as well as any awkward language. Think about the way your paper progresses and try to determine if you have made your arguments effectively.
Read in Reverse
Proofread your paper backwards, sentence by sentence. Doing this encourages you to look at the individual sentences rather than the overall structure and to avoid getting caught up in the “flow” of your writing and skipping over problems.
Find Another Reader
If possible, have another person look at your paper to catch proofreading errors, logic errors or unclear sentences. If there is someone else in your class that is also working on an essay, you can read through each other’s papers.
Format Last
Finish writing the essay before doing the page formatting. Word processors can be finicky, and you don’t want to waste research and writing time on formatting. It is more important to have the content the way you want it than the formatting, and your formatting needs may change as you move forward.
I especially like the tip about writing the opening and closing LAST. Makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the tips
Kaitlyns last blog post..The big bailout has failed!
great list of tips for writing essays. i am in a crunch right now – i will try this for my next write up. thanks
In all my years of teaching, I never thought of having my students rewrite the assignment instructions. That probably would have saved them a lot of time and confusion. Great idea!
Jeremy Killians last blog post..5 Reasons You’ll Succeed as a A Freelancer while the Economy Struggles
@ Kaitlin
It is much easier to write your thesis once you know what you have managed to say.
@ Raj
Good luck with your paper
@ Jeremy
I hope it helps.
Your tips about writing on index cards brought back memories of how I had to write papers before computers were even invented (yeah, I’m that old!) I still take courses from time to time (keep the brain active) and I use that basic concept but now it hurts my poor hands to actually WRITE with pen or pencil so I use the same concept using my computer to write down my notes, brainstorming, no particular order, and then I will cut and paste them around until they make some kind of sense. I have been enjoying reading your blog, keep up the good work!
These are really useful points, especially the part about understanding the instructions. It is so important to understand not only the topic but also how the instructor expects the topic to be handled. I always try to check with my instructor because the instructions don’t always explain all the expectations. The joys of essay-writing for an instructor! Some day I’d like to try writing an essay just for fun. I imagine it’s totally different from writing one for a course.
i love this list especially the tip about reading in reverse i never thought of that. but it make so make sense, thanks
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