Check-List for Essay Management
Information Series 04/11
Please note:The points on this list and the skills required are explained in the Learning Skills Centre lecture courses. If you would like further information on any point, please ask to see a Learning Advisor.
General management
- Make note of all essay due dates for semester in diary or on calendar.
- Allocate time in proportion to each essay’s length and amount of credit.
- Set personal due dates for completion of draft.
- Arrange WASS appointments for plan and/or draft.
- Analyse essay questions to focus research.
- Make start on reading for courses where competing for books.
- Use down time for clerical tasks like looking up library call numbers, checking departmental referencing style, making notes, compiling bibliography or reference list.
- Use prime time for working out argument, writing plan, writing essay, editing.
- Allow for problems: books unavailable, computer glitches, illness. If you are brought to a standstill on one project, try to get on with something else – be flexible.
- Ask your tutor if you need help (their office hours should be on their door).
Essay writing check-list
Preparing the first draft
- Clear understanding of question
- Skeleton plan to focus research
- Focused, selective research
- All notes fully referenced
- All essential and recommended readings read
- Argument/thesis statement formulated clearly and succinctly
- Writing plan drawn up, listing all points supporting argument
Writing the first draft
- Introduction states argument plus any necessary context, definitions etc
- Each paragraph in body begins with topic sentence making a key point that supports the argument, followed by explanation, discussion, examples
- Integration of quotations, diagrams, tables etc into discussion
- Conclusion restates argument, making it clear essay question has been answered
- All material used is fully referenced
Editing
Overview
- Relevance –all material is focused on the topic
- Order /structure– arrangement of points is logical, easy to follow, and supports argument
- Progressive argument –points made cumulatively support conclusions reached
- Referencing – all material used is fully referenced (failure to do this is penalised as plagiarism)
- Length – expand or reduce as appropriate
Clarity
- Expression – what you say is clearly expressed in formal English
- Sentence structure – is concise and correct
- Mechanical errors – spelling, punctuation etc- are corrected
- Can another reader readily understand what you have written?
Format
- References in academic style required by department
- Bibliography or reference list in academic style required by department
- Presentation as required by department (cover sheet, margins, font size, spacing etc)
Other relevant topics in the Information Series
Plagiarism
Plagiarism and Documentation: A Self-instructional Lesson
Punctuation: A Brief Guide
Apostrophes