Planning and drafting an essay

Cathy Pownall

Plans

This is a part of the essay-writing process which is best carried out using plenty of scrap paper. Get used to the idea of shaping and re-shaping your ideas before you start writing, editing and rearranging your arguments as you give them more thought.

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Analyse the question

Make sure you understand what the question is asking for. What is it asking you to write about? What is the central issue? Analyse any of its key terms and any instructions. Read the guidelines after the question and make sure you understand them.

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Generate ideas

You need to assemble ideas for the essay. On a first sheet of paper, make a note of anything which might be relevant to your answer. These might be topics, ideas, observations, or instances from your class notes. Put down anything you think of at this stage.

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Different plans for different people

• You may like to use sticky notes that you can move around as you change your mind.

• You might like ordered, structured tables so you can see clearly any similarities or differences.

• Maybe you favour bullet points to put things in order of importance.

• Writing frames are useful tools.• Spidergrams are also popular, as long as you

number the “legs” so as not to get confused (see next slide)

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4a

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Writing frame• I have been asked to write about............• I will find out if........................• I have researched........................... • Add your own bullet points depending on the

subject

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Draft

Whichever way you chose to plan, writing the first words of your essay can be daunting. If you have planned well, just write up all your notes. You can hand in your first draft for advice and guidance. Your tutor will comment on the strengths and weaknesses of your essay and give it back to you to rewrite.

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It gets easier the more you practise!

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