1. Gasp! An Essay! What do I do now?

2. Attitude is Everything! Don't worry! If you feel overwhelmed by the assignment, think of it as a series of small, manageable steps. For example, an 1000 word essay might include: Introduction: 100 words Main body: 600 words (3 ideas at 200-250 words each) Conclusion: 100 words

3. Attitude is Everything! Devote time and energy to your essay and you are well on your way to a good mark! Waiting until the last minute to begin only causes you stress. Don’t jeopardise your grade by putting off the work.

4. Get the Facts Straight Double-check your assignment to make sure you understand the requirements: How long is the essay supposed to be? When is it due? How much research is required? What format is acceptable?

5. Get the Facts Straight The amount of research often depends on how long the paper needs to be. Because research is a lengthy process, give yourself lots of time. Even a few days before is much too late!

6. Choose Your Argument Have you been asked to state your own opinion? Even if you do not completely agree with it, choose a side that interests you, and for which you think there is adequate information available in the library.

7. Know Your Topic Gain at least a basic familiarity with your topic before beginning in-depth research. Your course text-book will provide you with a well-written overview of the topic to guide your research process and give you confidence in your ability to handle the assignment.

8. Analyze Your Topic Think about your assignment. Analyze your thoughts before starting to research. What is your personal view of the topic, as you understand it now? What points do you expect to discuss? What information do you need to find?

9. Analyze Your Topic Think of different words, phrases and synonyms that describe your topic, so that you have a variety of words to use when conducting research. By making lists of these related ideas, your library research will progress more smoothly.

10. Analyze Your Topic Have a firm grasp of your topic before turning to secondary commentaries or criticisms. In other words, read your notes and text first, then write down some of your own impressions and ideas related to your essay topic; then research other people's opinions. An essay incorporates research and personal opinion; the research offers evidence that supports opinions. A research paper is heavily focused on documentation, but it should include a thoughtful evaluation of available evidence (Barnett 344).

11. The Thesis Statement A thesis statement identifies the purpose and focus of the essay; it expresses the main ideas and your point of view. It should be a statement that covers the topic. The thesis statement is the hook that snags your reader and makes him/her want to read the whole essay.

12. Just Add Research! Research will provide you with the details, opinions, and facts you need to develop your thesis. The best place to conduct your research is the Library.

13. Evaluate and Organize Organize and clearly document the information you find, or you will waste valuable time. Be sure to record all bibliographical information at the beginning of your notes: author, title, place, publisher, and date.

14. What to Include in Your Notes In gathering notes and quotes, you should be looking for: 1.Ideas that outline each side of an issue, argument or topic. 2.Details that prove that the ideas are more than just an opinion or speculation. 3.Quotations that illuminate the subject.

15. What to Include in Your Notes In your own words, paraphrase or summarize the information you have read. Remember that ideas from other sources, as well as direct quotes, need to be footnoted.

16. The Outline Some form of outline is crucial to planning and organizing your ideas. The outline should reflect the three parts of the essay: the introduction, the body of the paper, and the conclusion.

17. The Outline The introduction includes the thesis statement and engages the interest of the reader. The body of the paper presents and discusses your evidence and arguments in paragraphs, each of which should have its own unity. The conclusion links back to the introduction. It summarizes the main points of the paper. The conclusion expresses a final judgement.

18. Example Topic Outline: An essay on mountain climbing (1000 words): Introduction Preparation  training  equipment and food planning the assault Getting to the top  techniques  difficulties  examples Conclusion

19. Writing the First Draft If you have trouble starting, or if you stall in the middle, write anything! - even random thoughts. Don't wait for the "perfect first sentence" - get the creative juices flowing. You will be able to edit your writing later! Keep checking your focus: are you still following the intended organization of your ideas? Are you still on track? Do your ideas flow in a logical order? Are you succeeding in developing your thesis statement?

20. Writing the First Draft Check grammar and spelling; don't rely completely on your computer's spell checker and grammar checker. Read your sentences carefully to ensure that they actually say something and that they are relevant and clear.

21. Writing the First Draft If necessary, replace words with better ones, sharpen sentences or rearrange paragraphs. Check that each sentence does not repeat ideas you have already expressed. Watch for sexist or other inappropriate language.

22. An Editing Check List Have you followed a well-organized plan and kept to the point? Have you included all essential material (and no irrelevant material) from your notes and outline? Is your presentation logical? Is your reasoning sound? Are your conclusions based on facts? Have you dealt with possible objections to your ideas? Have you made the point without exaggeration or over-simplification? Does your introductory paragraph state the purpose of the paper and draw the reader's interest?

23. An Editing Check List Are your paragraphs unified and fully developed? Have you made smooth transitions from paragraph to paragraph? Is your language appropriate and interesting? Have you followed standard grammar and sentence structure? Does your last paragraph wrap things up and give a sense of completion? Are your footnotes and bibliography complete and in the correct style?