How To Write Better Essays

How To Write Better Essays A clear interpretation of the question and a well-structured plan are essential. This may involve discussing your questions, needs and concerns with your tutor, lecturer or subject coordinator to clarify the assignment question or by speaking to a HELPS Advisor. Naturally, you will need to do some background reading to consolidate your ideas before your start planning your essay. To improve the flow of your essay make sure the last sentence of one paragraph links to first sentence of the next paragraph. It’s very important to ensure that you fully analyse and understand the question before you start writing. Ultimately, your conclusion must demonstrate that you have fully answered the question. Please keep in mind the keywords ‘in red’, which we will identify in our sample conclusion in a moment. A concluding sentence that restates your point, analyses the evidence or acts as a transition to the next paragraph represents effective writing. You will also find a section dealing with the differences between writing for the humanities and writing for the sciences and social sciences. The information and guidelines in these sections will provide blueprints you can apply elsewhere. There should also be an appropriate balance between these two essay components. Most students make the mistake of writing too much knowledge and not enough evaluation . If it’s a ‘compare and contrast’ kind of question, you’ll need to demonstrate both sides of the argument. If it’s a ‘define and explain’ kind of question, you’ll need to show that you have a deep understanding of the topic. So many students either forget to write a conclusion or fail to give it the attention it deserves. If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your conclusion. It is often best to write your introduction when you have finished the main body of the essay, so that you have a good understanding to the topic area. You need to be concise, and clearly articulate your argument. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences. An effective way to argue a point can be to present the opposing view first then counter this view with stronger evidence. Essays are used as assessment at University to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a topic. They are also useful tools to promote thinking and learning. If it has two parts, divide your essay into two parts to answer the question. Read widely around the topic before you even start and you’re halfway there. You will find a number of great books on essay writing in the Laidlaw Library, Level 1, under Skills E-5. Following body paragraphs These follow the same structure for as many arguments as you wish to put forward in support of the topic. Examples of this type of essay include questions which ask you to take a position on a topic, such as a particular decision or policy, and present arguments which support your position. This will help the essay flow and make it easier to read. If you are unsure of what to write read the essay question and answer it in one paragraph. Please feel free to come and visit us and chat to an Advisor about receiving academic language support to complete your assesements. In a previous online tutorial video we introduced you to a real-life assignment question and talked about how to structure the introduction to an essay. Notice the keywords including academic learning and literacy centres and the most effective approach. The guide is a toolbox of essay writing skills and resources that you can choose from to suit your particular needs. That is, it tells you what things mean and what they are; and it uses examples to show you how they work. Welcome to Writing Essays, the RLF’s online guide to everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask about writing undergraduate essays. If you feel that you need more help in writing an assignment - then you can get free help at the HELPS unit. We’re located in building 1 level 3 room 8, just across from the Concourse café and the Careers Office. HELPS is dedicated to providing English language and academic literacy support to UTS undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students via free con-credit programs and services. Please refer to the assignment question on the right hand side of the screen. Notice the key words which in this case they are ‘academic learning and literacy centres’. Also notice these key words ‘ the most effective approach’. Regardless of the topic or the task, it is very important to understand and analyse the assignment question before embarking on any assignment writing exercise.