Essay Writing By Numbers

Essay Writing by Numbers

By Paul Sylvester

Copyright 2013 Paul Sylvester

Smashwords Edition

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A very brief guide to English grammar and punctuation

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The Introduction

Essay writing can easily provide unnecessary stress for students at all levels. Up there with exams, essays can be initially ignored and then eventually lead to a sense of panic when the submission date seems to suddenly surprise you.

I always resented the weeks of labour I threw at essays while others wrote theirs the night before submission and got better marks than I did. I swore then, in my jealously, that I would improve in how I wrote an essay.

Written communication has plagued me for many years. Recently, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon how to write an essay and have looked at a process that appears to hold five distinct components. Although not employed as a teacher, I mark many, many, many essays, and can clearly identify these key components – either being ignored or being offered the due attention they deserve.

What follows may not be a solution to all essay writing concerns – it does not specifically address grammar, punctuation or disciplining oneself to study. What it does provide, however, is a process that can be followed by anyone that, if adhered to, should support your essay development from its issue all the way through to its submission.

Contents

0.1 – The Introduction

0.2 – The process – for those that like flow charts

1.0 – Step One – Identify the Task

1.1 – Task verbs

1.2 – Lay out the task

2.0 – Step Two – Planning an initial outline

2.1 – The components of an essay

2.2 – Word counts

2.3 – Breaking down the essay plan

2.4 – Introduction

2.5 – Introduction – Background

2.6 – Introduction – Aim

2.7 – Introduction – Scope

2.8 – Introduction – Word Count

2.9– Body

2.10 Body – How much is too much?

2.11– Body – Main points

2.12– Body – Supporting points

2.13– Conclusion

3.0 – Step Three – Researching the topic

3.1 – The start point – a narrow approach

3.2 – The start point – a broad approach

3.3 – Reliability of sources

3.4 – Finding relevant sources

3.5 – Note taking

4.0 – Step Four – Develop a detailed plan

4.1 – Order of information

4.2 – Detailed Plan – introduction

4.3 – Detailed Plan – body

5.0 – Step Five – Write the essay

5.1 – The first draft

5.2 – Paragraph structure

5.3 – Referencing

5.4