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View the course outline for assessment guidelinesÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýformatting requirements.Ìý

Carefully read the essay question to understand what it's asking you to do. Note down any key words from the question.Ìý

Suggestion: The essay's required length indicates how much research and depth you are expected to go into.

Note down your initial thoughts and ideas about the topic.

• What is your initial response to the question? Can you think of some possible answers?
• What are your opinions on the topic? Write them out even if they feel like unusual points for an essay.
• How much knowledge do you already have about the topic? Can you build on what you know using your knowledge of related topics and frameworks? Make a note of it all – it can help you realise what you know!

To advance your thinking, 'question the question'. This helps to form sub-questions about the question and topic. Use this to focus your ideas:

• Question the terms – is there a response or approach commonly agreed-upon for the topic?
  • If not, how do different approaches, arguments or theories differ? Can you use any of these?
• Understand the question's key concepts and how they are connected.

Strong academic writing draws on the work of other writers and researchers. This means that reading and researching are vital to essay writing and will help you develop a thesis and argument to answer your essay question.Ìý

Read about the topic

Start reading early so you have plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the topic and develop your ideas. Always read with a purpose. Ask yourself:

• What do I already know about the topic? Start with what you know. If a topic is unfamiliar, do some introductory reading. View your lecture notes and course reading for help.
• What do I need to read to be able to answer the essay question?
• Is this material useful and relevant to my thesis or argument?
• How will this material help me further explore my argument?

Use a reading list

If you are given a list of suggested readings, consult as many as possible. Otherwise, locate relevant material in the library. Use the catalogue to perform topic and subject searches.Ìý

Once you have your readings:

• Use the table of contents and index to find relevant material
• Skim through the text to locate specific information
• When you find something you need to read closely, mark the pages with a post-it note so you can return to it later for a close reading
• Photocopy useful sections of texts so you can underline key points and make notes.Ìý

Take notes from readings

Your notes will form the basis of your essay, so it's important to take notes from what you read.Ìý

• Don't take notes during your first reading. Absorb the material first and return to it later to take notes.
• Have the essay question clearly in mind when you're taking notes. You must use evidence to support your argument, so look carefully for relevant information.Ìý
• Take note of your sources by copying down the bibliographic details of everything you've read. This will help you with referencing later.Ìý

Should I write while doing research?

Yes! Writing is a means of thinking and working out ideas.

Strategies to try:

1. During each study session, spend 5-10 minutes writing. Try to express your ideas in short paragraphs. You might produce some that are well developed and require little revision. Other fragments will need to be revisited for rewriting. Either way, you won't be starting with a blank page.Ìý
   
   
2. Use the split-page note-taking method as you read. Divide your page into two columns. In the left column, note specific information from your research. In the right column, write your comments and ideas. You don't have to write perfect sentences, but writing as you go will give you a framework of notes and comments to build on when it's time to write your first draft.
   
   As you read and write, consider these questions:
   
       - How is this relevant to my essay?
       - What more do I need to find out and why?
       - How does this link to what I already know?
   
   
3. Try free writing (or 'stream of consciousness' writing), which involves writing continuously for a set period of time. Write in full sentences but don't worry about spelling or grammar. If you can't think of what to write, don't slow down, just repeat the last phrase you wrote. This is a great way to collect your initial thoughts and ideas on a topic as a preliminary to formal writing. It is also helpful in overcoming writer's block.Ìý

A first draft helps you figure out:

• The structure and framework of your argument
• How you will answer the question
• Which evidence and examples you will use.

A first draft doesn't have to be as polished as the final essay you submit. It can work as raw material to refine through edits and further drafts. Completing the first draft helps you understand where you can strengthen your writing.

Writing paragraphs

A paragraph is a series of sentences that build a main idea. Each paragraph in your essay's body should have:

• A topic sentence that states your main idea
• Supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you're making
• Evidence from your research or an example from the subject area that supports your point
• Analysis of the significance of the evidence
• A concluding sentence that restates your point, analyses the evidence or acts as a transition to the next paragraph.

After completing the first draft, look at your work again from a reader's perspective. Re-reading is necessary to make sure your argument flows logically and that every section contributes something towards your overall answer.Ìý

Ask yourself the questions below when reviewing your work:

• Is the structure clear and logical? (Does it have a clear introduction, body and conclusion? Do your ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs?)
• Does each paragraph support your thesis? Each paragraph should focus on one idea that ties back to your thesis.Ìý
• Have you answered the essay question? 
• Is your evidence well-integrated? All examples and quotations should be relevant, referenced and clearly linked to your argument.

Another person is often better at catching things you may have missed, especially after closely working on an essay for a long time. You can get helpful feedback by:

• Asking a classmate or friend to read your draft. Someone unfamiliar with your topic might point out unclear points or gaps in logic.
• Consulting your tutor or lecturer. Some tutors offer feedback on draft essays or can provide advice during consultation hours.Ìý
• Booking an appointment with an academic advisor to get support with academic writing and professional feedback on your structure, argument and clarity.

Feedback can present different insights into your writing and show you areas to improve that you may not have considered.

This is where your essay comes together.

After reading through your essay and getting feedback, take the time to refine your writing. Editing includes checking for:

• °ä±ô²¹°ù¾±³Ù²âÌý– Ensure your ideas are clearly expressed and easy to follow.
• Style and tone – Academic essays should be formal, objective and evidence-based. Check that your tone is appropriate.Ìý
• Flow and transitions – Your paragraphs should be ordered logically and your ideas should transition smoothly.
• Grammar and spelling – Proofread carefully to avoid grammatical errors and typos that can distract from your argument.Ìý
• Word count – Stay within the world count by removing unnecessary words or ideas that don't directly answer the essay question.

You should also ensure your essay meets all assessments requirements.

You may need to redraft some sections of your essay. Writing is an iterative process and each new version should be an improvement.

Appropriate referencing is essential for academic writing. It will help you avoid plagiarism and strengthen your argument by laying out your research process.

For references, make sure to:

1. Check the referencing style – Different faculties may require different referencing styles (e.g. APA or Harvard).
2. Include in-text citations – Each time you quote, paraphrase or summarise someone else's work, add an in-text citation in the correct format.Ìý
3. Compile a reference list or bibliography – List all sources you've used at the end of your essay. Ensure the list is complete, alphabetised and formatted correctly.

Properly completing your references demonstrates academic integrity and can prevent loss of marks.

You aren't done until you've submitted the essay!

The course outline should include notes from your lecturer or tutor about presentation of writing.

In general:

• Be mindful of the correct due date (usually, a late submission incurs penalty)
• °­²Ô´Ç·ÉÌýwhere and to whom your essay should be submitted
• Check if your essay requires a cover sheet
• Align your essay to any formatting requirements with a readable font
• Save a ³¦´Ç±è²âÌýfor yourself.