I get fairly good grades in exams but poor essay results because I leave it until the night before I have to hand them in. I try to do it earlier but I can't make myself. I know most people have the same problem right? But does anyone have any tips how to trick yourself into just sitting there and doing it, I've been sat in front of my laptop for 4 hours now and all i've done is highlighted some notes, love to hear some techniques if anyone could help i'd be really grateful, thanks guys.
2007-03-17 01:08:46 · 9 answers · asked by S 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
What you need to do is have a really good plan from all your research. The take out a day for the essay. Maybe type for like half an hour-45 mins, then go on a break, maybe watch some TV. for 15 mins. The work again for another 45ish mins, then maybe get some food. And carry on till you're done. Good Luck!
2007-03-17 02:20:13 · answer #1 · answered by Sherin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah Sarah - lots of sympathy coming your way! I used to find the best start was to make an essay plan based on this pattern: - introduction; arguments against; arguments for; conclusion.
Then I would write the introduction, explaining what the essay was going to be about, defining any special terms, linking it to current events or famous people or a quotation or something - to catch the interest of the reader. Once the plan and introduction are written it should be easier. I don't know what your subject is, but I do hope this helps a bit. Good luck.
2007-03-17 01:21:01 · answer #2 · answered by mad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, for my term papers, I literally only write a paragraph a day. That way, I only have to work for like fifteen minutes each day on my paper. Then when it's due, I don't even feel like I did any work. Fifteen minutes a day in front of the computer? I do that already at least, so why not just do a little bit a day instead of everything all at once. You could even go to your computer during commercials while watching the baseball game and get your daily work done in one game! I hope this helps.
2007-03-17 01:34:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have this problem too. For my English essay I was up till 4am finishing it up, and now I have to redo it so I can get a better grade.
Try reading articles, news reports, and other items related to your essay topic, and adding notes to a file along with sitting them in your works sited, or bibliography, or whichever.
Once you have enough material to work from the essay should work itself out. You sort them out into relevant categories, and into a workable draft, and that is what you start with when writing. That allows you to think less about getting the words down, and more about connecting the dots.
2007-03-19 13:36:22 · answer #4 · answered by crrissy_the_artist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm really bad for this too. I make myself my own deadlines for first and second drafts. These sometimes work. But most of the time i will write on paper rather than on the computer I don't know why but this means i get stuff done I will just write snippets of work then piece them together on the computer. Its not too overwhelming that way. So look at the bit you have highlighted and write a paragraph surrounding. Then another paragraph on another bit. Then get them all and put them in order of what your going to do and start typing. I know it sounds a bit wierd but works for me.
2007-03-17 01:17:49 · answer #5 · answered by mintycakeyfroggy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an Olympic level procrastinator I tend to find tinkering with an essay or report plan works. Don't try to convince yourself to write it all in one go, instead just start typing in paragraph headings. Then once your happy with them start on subheadings. All you have to do after that is fill the gaps in between headings with the words/notes, which you can do in bite sized chunks rather than at one sitting. Sort of top-down approach to essay writing but less grief..
2007-03-17 01:19:46 · answer #6 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as i know what the topic is I read around the subject for a couple of weeks, collect articles, research, books etc.
Then I try to set aside 1 or 2 hours a day to sit and write. (i do it all longhand first before typing up)
I say to myself I will do an hour then have a break and a treat and reard myself for each hour done.
2007-03-17 01:15:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a library, where there are no distractions (possibly take your laptop there but remove the internet connection)
Get up early (around 7)
I have a 10000 word dissertation to do and only started it last week ad wrote 3000 words in 1 day.
Force yourself to do it, think of it as a job.
Set targets and do the work before you do anything else
2007-03-17 01:15:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think about the consequences of not completing my work by its deadline, and that's what drives me to finish it.
2016-03-29 02:35:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋