Essay plan This is different from planning your essay. The essay plan should include: a layout of the paragraphs you will have in your essay the main points you will discuss in each paragraph (the topic sentence) the references you will include in each paragraph.

Paragraphing Paragraphs are the units of composition used for developing your topics. If there is a new topic, there should be a new paragraph. When several paragraphs are used to deal with one topic, there should be a new paragraph for each new aspect of the topic.

Paragraphing (cont.) Paragraphs assist the reader in moving from one topic to another. A paragraph should be a tight collection of sentences that all contribute to the central idea of the essay. Anything irrelevant should be left out.

Connectors Connectors are words or phrases used within paragraphs to help show the connection between one sentence and another, or one topic and another. Connectors should be used carefully and sparingly. A well-written essay will make the relationship of ideas clear to the reader.

Connectors (cont.) Connectors are used to: make comparisons or contrasts add to one idea express a result summarise illustrate or explain arrange ideas: in order in time, or in space.

Connectors (cont.) Some common connectors are: for example for instance therefore consequently besides also first, second, third meanwhile afterwards though next however but, yet, so, and in short to sum up finally similarly likewise thus then in other words

Topic sentences Paragraphs usually consist of several sentences that are arranged in a logical manner to develop a main idea. The main idea is usually contained in a single sentence, a part of a sentence, or sometimes two sentences. Topic sentences may appear at the beginning, middle or end of a paragraph (usually the beginning).

Topic sentences (cont.) Topic sentences are sometimes implied, rather than stated. Occasionally the topic sentence is the last sentence of the preceding paragraph. Clear topic sentences are vital to the organisation and development of ideas in an essay.

Paragraph checklist Does each paragraph have a definite point to make? Is there a topic sentence? Have you used a plan to develop each paragraph? Have you removed unnecessary sentences? Do all sentences now relate to the main topic in each paragraph? Have you used a variety of methods in your paragraph development? Do your ideas move forward in a straight, uninterrupted flow from beginning to end?

Paragraph checklist (cont.) Have you made effective use of connectives? Is the length of each paragraph consistent with the relative importance of the idea? Are your paragraphs developed adequately? Have you given enough information and examples? Do all of your paragraphs relate to the statement/question of the essay?

Revise and redraft Once the main issues to be discussed in the essay have been written up in paragraph format you should do the following: Write the introduction and conclusion, placing emphasis on the main points. Read over the paragraphs to see if they flow logically or need to be re-organised. Check to see if the paragraphs are connected (through ideas rather than connectors).

Introduction The introduction should be a road map for your readers. It should tell them what you will discuss in-depth later in the essay. This is why it should be written once the main points have been written up. It should contain a thesis statement that suggests your point of view to the reader. Supplement your views with generalised references but do not go into specifics in the introduction.

Conclusion Your conclusions should remind your readers of the significant points made in the essay. Do not include any new arguments or references. For most essays, one paragraph of conclusion is preferred.

Organise the reference list A reference list is a list of sources that you have cited, not just read. Read Chapter 4 for details. The reference list should include the following: an alphabetical list of all the sources based on the first author’s last name all details necessary for the style of referencing stated in your course. The reference list should correspond to the in-text references.

Proofread The final thing to do before submitting your essay. Keep a gap of at least a day between finishing an essay and proofreading it. Check your essay for stylistic or grammatical errors. Check the logical flow of the content. Check for clarity in presentation.

Final checklist Has the question/topic been addressed appropriately? Is your point of view apparent and constant throughout the essay? Have you paraphrased/quoted your sources appropriately? Do the references support your arguments logically? Are the paragraphs distinct (i.e. discuss separate points)?

Final checklist (cont.) Are the paragraphs connected (i.e. logical connections to previous and subsequent paragraphs)? Does the introduction have a thesis statement? Does the introduction have a map of the rest of the essay? Does the conclusion re-state the main points? Does the conclusion have any new ideas?

Final checklist (cont.) Are the reference list and the in-text references appropriate for the style of referencing you are supposed to adhere to? Have you proofread the essay? Is the presentation clear and readable?