The basic stages of essay writing

Reading and understanding the question → Identifying the relevant material → Making an essay plan → Writing a first draft → Reviewing the first draft and writing a second draft → Double-checking the administrative requirements of the essay → Writing a final version

Once you’ve written your first draft, and again after your second draft, run through the following checklist. Remember to cite evidence for each question – and be honest!

• Have I answered the question? What is the question? What is my ‘answer’?
• Have I shown use of social scientific skills such as handling theory and evidence, etc.?
• Does my assignment have a good structure? Is there an introduction, a main body with a series of logically organized points, supporting theory, evidence, etc.?
• Have I used my own words? Can I express the various ideas and arguments myself?

Now, you are in a position to ask yourself:

• Have I checked grammar, punctuation and spelling?
• Have I observed the word limit (where this is specified)?
• Have I followed the requirements for referencing?

And, finally, before submitting your assignment, check the following administrative requirements:

• Is the essay double-spaced and the right sized font (some tutors specifically ask for 12 point font so that the essay is easier to read)? Is there a specified margin requirement?
• Are you expected to have a separate title page – what should be included?
• Is there a recommended format for the header – for instance, should you include your name or student number, the modules title, tutor’s name, date of submission, etc.?
• What is expected in the footer? Page numbers? Anything else?
• When and where is the assignment DUE? Is there a cut-off time, as well as a date? Is there a specific location, email or drop box?

Have you got all of that right? Congratulations! Now you can stop writing, and send off your assignment with quiet confidence.