1. Introduction to essay writing Judith Elkin & Marishona Ortega

2. Steps to writing an essay 1.Understand the title 2.Start your research 3.Plan 4.Further research 5.Draft 6.Edit 7.Proof-read 8.Submit

3. …is the first step to planning your assignment… Understanding the title…

4. Start your research What do you already know on the subject? What do you need to know? Collect evidence to help you plan your essay – Lecture notes – Books – Journal articles – Official reports – Statistics & surveys – Relevant websites

5. Planning your essay Helps you develop a structure Keeps you focused on the question Gives you a chance to think through & develop your argument Helps you to avoid repetition

6. Further research Expand on your initial research and collect evidence Remember to record information as you go along

7. "The only skills a student needs nowadays are cutting and pasting from the internet". Discuss.

8. Structuring your answer You will need: 1. Introduction 2. Main body 3. Conclusion

9. Structuring your answer: 1 Introduction State how you interpret the question and how you intend to address it in your essay Possibly give your essay a context – what are the wider issues/areas Keep in mind the words ‘this essay will argue that…’

10. Structuring your answer: 2 Main body One idea = one paragraph Support your ideas with your evidence (references) Relate one idea to another… always referring back to the question Proceed step-by-step to a logical conclusion

11. Developing your argument http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=164

12. Developing your argument Try to present a balanced argument: look at both sides, write about what each side says and offer your own critical opinion Opinions must be backed up with evidence

13. Sources & how to use Demonstrate that you have not only read widely, but also critically Use a range of sources, not just those which back your opinion When you use a source make sure you discuss it (and reference it!)

14. Stick to the question Keep referring back to the question when you are writing Waffle will not get you marks

15. Structuring your answer: 3 Conclusion Use this to reemphasize the main points made in your essay Relate your conclusion to your introduction Are there any wider implications or lines of further research Avoid raising new issues in your conclusion

16. Learning Development@the Library http://lncn.eu/abi London Metropolitan University http://lncn.eu/bj8 Hull University - podcasts and video clips http://lncn.eu/hjx Open University http://lncn.eu/pqx2 University of Surrey http://lncn.eu/cgsw University of Sussex http://lncn.eu/ir3 University of Worcester http://lncn.eu/jnrv Useful websites