10 Essay Writing Tips

							10 Essay Writing Tips


Compliments of Vanier College’s Learning Centre


    1. Start right away. Brainstorming on a piece of paper is a great way to get
        those academic juices flowing! Any idea that comes to mind should be
        recorded, so that later on you can develop it or throw it out completely.
    2. Make sure you understand the topic assigned. There is no point
        struggling for days over an essay that is not even appropriate. If you are
        confused about your essay topic, go see you teacher.
    3. Narrow down your topic. If your paper is about a specific topic, write
        about that topic only. You’ll have to re-read your essay question carefully.
        Under any other circumstance, your teacher would be interested in the story
        about your cousin Bob, but leave it out if it’s not relevant!
    4. Write down your thesis statement. Your thesis should reflect what
        you are going to write about. Ask your teacher if you’re not sure how to write
        one or drop by The Learning Centre.
    5. Make an outline and use it. This will help to organize your ideas and to
        see whether or not your points are coherent. Keep it beside you for reference
        as you write your essay.
    6. Go over the material, making note of important points and
        quotations. Think of specific questions you have about the topic, and look
        for the answers as you research it. If you don’t agree with a writer’s answer,
        make note of that too. Remember that research should always be selective
        and critical.
    7. Use secondary sources wisely. First, take notes on what other writers
        have to say about your topic. Then, put their books aside when you start
        writing so you don’t rely too heavily on them (a mistake otherwise known as
        plagiarism).
    8. Avoid clichés and slang. Watch out for repetitious words and phrases.
        Use your dictionary and thesaurus!
    9. Proof read. Find those spelling and grammar mistakes before your teacher
        does! Read your essay out loud – this will help you find any awkward
        sentences.
    10. Have a friend check your work. This will make sure that you catch
        those mistakes that you could have missed. The Learning Centre is also
        available to help you with your essay. Drop by H-117 to see a Peer Tutor or
        go to the Writing Centre in the Library.




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Filename: Essay writing tip sheet.doc