PDF: The Essay Guide (complete) | Study Hub Resources

To find all the ASK resources on writing essays and dissertations in one place, check out The Essay Guide

The Essay Guide

Top Tips
Resources

1 - Read the brief carefully for

Check that you know:

What sort of writing is expected (format, style etc).
How much research is expected.

2 - Plan your time

See Assignment Calculator

3 - Integrate research, thinking and writing

See research, notemaking, critical thinking.
As you research, plan an outline.

4 - Create a writing plan based on research

Spidergrams and concept maps are a good start.
Allocate the word count.
The first draft will help you clarify ideas.
You should aim to make your intention/argument clear.

5 - Consider paragraphs as building blocks

Point, evidence, explain is a good starting point.
Integrate quotation, paraphrase and summary.

6- Add references as you go

7 -The introduction and conclusion are important; they need your time and attention

8 - Don’t forget the editing and proof reading!

Written Assignments

How to use your reading in your essays

How to quote, paraphrase and summarise sources. Has real examples of students' writing and information about common errors.
My Study Bar

A set of freeware apps to help with reading, writing, planning and organisation. Comes with tutorials and can be run from a flash drive. PC only.
Study Skills Handbook

The 'go-to' study skills book for new students with (or without) dyslexia.
Word

All Falmouth University and University of Exeter Students with a valid email account have access to Microsoft Office, which includes Word.
Writing annotated bibliographies

Useful guidance from the University of Leeds.
Writing Essays

A short and readable guide - particularly useful for English and History students. Especially good on how to relate your writing to the critics/theorists.