What's the best way to keep going at an essay (see details)?

Question

Got to write an essay for tomorrow. I've been doing it last night and this morning, and done a 1/3 of it! How can I get through this? I'm writing an essay on something I hardly understand. I need to write 1500 words over all, which doesn't seem much but it is. I have taken 8 books out from the library. What's the best way to get through this? Any tips in keeping focus? I'm a university student doing an essay on literature (snore...) THanks

Answer 1

Here's what I used to do when I wrote literature essays at Uni.

1 Decide the question you are going to answer

2 Spend a whole day in the library gathering up books, journals, web data bases, relevent to that question--8 books are not enough, a minimum of 16 and you may need to visit more than one librarary .

3 Second day go through those books: content pages, indexes etc to pick out quotes, ideas, argument that you think you can use, they will also spark off ideas and questions in your own mind.

4 Third day, pin down your intro paragraph (150 words max for 1500 word essay) because that will be the spring board for the rest. then write, write, write, write.

5 Forth day write, swear, write, swear, write

6 Fifth day, proof read etc and then your bibliography--you should also use the footnote programme in Word for your citations--so much easier.

7 Sixth day ready to hand in before deadline!!!!

Ok?

Answer 2

before I actually sat down to write any essay, I used to read the relevant sections of all the books, get quotes etc and pertinant points and write them all on different sheets of paper, one per book (sometimes 8-10 on each book, but thats another matter) then i would go through them and number them, trying to link each together in a narrative, according to what I was trying to say. That way when I started writing I had all the points I wanted to make, in the right order and just had to make them lucid. This entire process only took about 2 or 3 hours, but it meant the essays were much much better than just writing. In fact the writin itself never took more than 3 or 4 hours using this method.

If you still have time, try this, if not well good luck in any case. Hang in there, its worth it.

Oh, and don't listen to the radio or other distractions. It really wont help you concentrate. For my dissertation, the last full day (24hours solid without sleep) I spent just writing and putting stuff together. But I could sleep well afterwards.

Answer 3

I am the same way as you. The best way to do this is to get rid of ALL of your distractions. Think about going to the library or somewhere that there is no phone, no tv and NO INTERNET :P

Start by creating an essay plan (ie. in paragraph one I will discuss _____, in paragraph two I will discuss _____).

If you don't understand the topic, sometimes it is best to cheat a bit by reading about the topic on a website so you understand what you are trying to prove.

Anyways, good luck! One day should be more than enough time! Remember to take breaks every 3 hours or so (at least 20 minutes) and you will be fine!

Answer 4

although your time is limited, you need to flick through some of the books to get an idea what to write about. Try just reading the introductions / conclusions of the relevant chapters to get ideas.

Once you've got ideas, group them into themes and decide how many words to write on each theme. that will give you some structure and break it down into manageable pieces. Once you've started writing you can flick back through the books to get relevant quotes to support your argument

A day is actually plenty to write 1000 words (I know from bitter experience!) so you will be ok. If you panic you wont be able to think straight so just calm down and get on with it.

Remember you can use about 300 words for your intro and conclusion, so the actual body of the essay only needs to be about 1200, if that.

And you're not alone! I'm struggling to finish a dissertation and so are hundreds of others at the moment! Good luck, keep calm and just get something handed in xx

Answer 5

The way I find best is to sketch out a structure by writing down as many points you think are pertinent to the topic. (If you have no idea, try google - type in some of the keywords and see what you find. But don't 'cut and 'paste' from any page!). Try and see what the title is trying to get at, as, usually, the person setting the topic will have something/issues they want to test you on. If you think you have figured out what they are, flesh out the points to display what you know about these issues. Keep looking at your points, making sure that as you write you are covering the ground outlined by your points. Before you know it you will be exceeding the 1500 words! All the best.

Answer 6

Phew! those are the basics, yet necessary. you will possibly desire to do all the nonsense your instructor taught you. a million. Brainstorm: What do you prefer to talk approximately? arise with the main substantial speaking ingredient (substantial theory) 2. define: as quickly as you have the main substantial theory record quite a few ingredient approximately it. those are your helping recommendations. 3. the tip is properly in basic terms a precis of what you already mentioned. straightforward occasion of a depiction substantial theory: maximum celebrities are toddlers. helping recommendations: They crave interest and then they ***** approximately it. they might't look to have any style of long term relationships. They social gathering nonstop and then don't comprehend why there existence is falling aside. ok, so which you write wide-unfold statements approximately why you're writing in this subject count interior the Intro. then you definitely write a paragraph approximately each and each helping element. the tip is amazingly reminiscent of the intro., wide-unfold statements approximately your ingredient. The "description" is geared up in interior the direction of the language you %. Be expressive. Write prolonged sentences. undesirable: The sandwich replaced into solid. extra effective: the nice and cozy, juicy Dagwood sandwich replaced into loaded with crunchy lettuce, purple, ripe tomatoes and many thick mayonnaise. ****Use the thesauraus like no person's corporation. do not use words like: solid, remarkable and stuff. you haven't any theory how boring it fairly is after the 12th paper. i wish this facilitates.

Answer 7

Drink lots of coffee, have small but regular breaks so you don't get bored. Don't worry too much about how many words you have to do but the quality of what you are saying that's the most important thing. When i was doing essays at uni i kept having small breaks because that will help you stay focused!

Oh and don't sit on Yahoo answers all day!

Answer 8

Motivation is the key. Set yourself a nice reward (buying yourself a present, eating something naughty etc) and work towards that. Make it something you really want and you'll work harder.

I got through my A-levels this way. My motivation was getting to uni and away from my lovely, but argumentative, parents and a place of my own. It kept me at the books night and day!

Answer 9

discuss your essay plan with someone ellse. when you write some give it to someone ellse to read it and ask whether make sence or not?