Self Study Programs Essay Writin g: The Process 3
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This module covers:
. 5 stages of essay writing
Time Management during the process
Resources to support writing
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Essay Writing: The Process
2. Read the essay question carefully, underline key words and action words and check their meaning.
This module introduces you to the process of essay writing - from analysing the question through to the final redrafting and editing of the essay before you hand it in.
Try Activities 2 and 3
3. Mind map the essay question. Put the question in the middle of a landscape page and tease out all the possible approaches you may take. You can do this in a small group to make sure you discuss all the options.
There are several key steps in the essay writing process:
1. ANALYSE & MIND MAP the question
2. GATHER RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE FOR YOUR ESSAY
4. Prioritise and focus the ideas in your mind map (you could number them) so that you are only going to write and research the most relevant ones. Re-read the question again to be sure that you are going to focus on the things that the question is asking for.
3. DEVELOP A LINEAR PLAN
4. GET THE ROUGH DRAFT DONE
5. EDIT AND PROOFREAD
5. When you do a mind map, it will help you focus on the main ideas and then guide you through the next stage where you will gather information and evidence on your topic.
1. Analysing the Question
Here are the steps to follow in this important first part of the essay writing process:
The next stage of the process is to access the resources you will need and your mind map should now act as a guide to help you target your search for information that will support the arguments and ideas in your essay.
1. - Develop a time plan that will allow you time to complete each step of the essay writing process. Set completion dates for each of the steps (analysis, research, plan, rough draft and editing/proofreading).
Try Activity 1 M
Carefully read Underline key words Readagain QUESTION
People Video Electronic ACCESSRESOURCES sList references Makenotes RECORD MATERIAL
INFORMATION
The Process Groupideas of Essay admore tdup Writing MIND MAPIDEAS Gathering Informalion Planning PLANNING Writing Checking
Question answered? Essay structure Linking sentences CHECKWORK
Use Mind Map Expand Draftandedit
WRITING
1
2. Gather resources, information and evidence
2. Allocate your allowed word length to these paragraphs. For example if your allowed word length is 1000 words and you are choosing a three paragraph structure as above you might allocate 150 words to the introduction and conclusion and about 230 words to each of
1. Make sure that vou have allocated
sufficient time to access the resources in your overall time plan to get the essay completed.
the three paragraphs in the body.
2. You may wish to consult with your Liaison or Faculty Librarian and any relevant LibGuides.
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