Essay writing process tasks
Writing process tasks

Analysing/Understanding the question: underline key words and break the
question into parts. Rewrite the question as an answer to help you to break it down.

Generating ideas: Make a mind-map using your question breakdown. Brainstorm
and talk with friends. Find out what you already know and what you need to know.

Researching, Reading & References: Research all the material you will need
to complete the assignment. Take notes in your own words. Keep careful records of
your sources. Start your APA reference list now! Add information to your mind map
or take notes as you go.

Impose logical structure: Start to develop a sequential order. Use your mindmap to make a paragraph plan. List your information and ideas under different
headings. Concentrate on making the order of your paragraphs clear. They should
follow a logical order which will help your reader to understand the ideas.

Write first draft: Many good writers wait until they have drafted the body before
drafting their introduction. Use a separate page for each paragraph to help you
begin. To develop good paragraph structure, start with the key statement or topic
sentence. This can be a definition, or a quote from an academic source or a key idea
from the question itself. Then support or qualify this topic sentence with evidence
from your research or reading, which may agree or disagree with it. Illustrate your
point with examples.

Editing and Proofreading: Ensure the assignment answers all parts of the
question and explains the argument so that it will be clear for your reader (who you
must imagine to be a person without specialist knowledge on the topic). Check
grammar, spelling and correct referencing. These are included in the learning
outcomes for Academic Presentation, and they are the easiest marks to gain and the
easiest to lose.

Final draft. Find your correct cover sheet. Double check APA referencing

Submit: Check that you know how to use the Turn it in software if you have to
hand the essay in this way.
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QA Updated March 2013
Organising your time when writing an essay
When you get your assignment, make a time line as soon as possible, and allocate writing tasks along it. A useful rule of thumb is to allow four
weeks for each assignment. If you have more than one assignment due at the same time, you should prepare a separate timeline for each
assignment. Make sure that you allow enough time between steps (at least overnight is recommended) to reflect and develop your writing as you
go.
st
Analyse the question
Generate ideas
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2
Read, research and reference the topic
Write the 1 draft (+ in-text
referencing)
Make a logical plan for body paragraphs
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QA Updated March 2013
Final draft
Edit/proofread
3
Hand in
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