SPLASH Info Sheet

Essay Writing
It is important that you do not just submit the first version of the
essay you have written. Ideally you should give yourself plenty of
time to write a first draft, review the first draft and rewrite your
essay making necessary changes. Here are some basic tips that
may help you.
How do I write the first draft?
• D o not worry too much at this stage about style or good
English.
• However, try to express ideas clearly by avoiding the use of
long sentences.
• Write under headings and subheadings from your plan, but
leave these out of the final essay.
• If you are having trouble getting going:
- Start by writing down key words – one for every main
heading.
- Turn these into sentences.
- Build a paragraph around these sentences.
- Decide on the best order for your paragraphs and how each
idea is linked to the previous one and the next one.
- Use linking words to connect your ideas (see below)
Please refer to SPLASH guide to Editing and Proof-reading
for more help
Linking words for use in academic essays
To order and add further arguments or add emphasis
… also, as well as, moreover, further, furthermore, in addition,
additionally, firstly, secondly, thirdly, next, lastly, finally
To show importance
…most importantly, above all, primarily, the most significant
reason/factor/ argument etc.
To make comparisons or highlight similarities
...similarly, likewise, in the same way, equally, also,
correspondingly
To show contrast or highlight differences
...although,, however, on the contrary, conversely, otherwise, yet,
but, even so, despite, whereas, nevertheless notwithstanding, in
contrast to this

Reviewing the first draft: To provide reasons/causes

Try to leave at least 24 hours after writing before you attempt to
review the first draft.
• Ask yourself:
- Am I communicating effectively / is my meaning clear?
- Does my introduction outline the aims / main ideas of the
essay?
- Have I made sure each paragraph has just one clear main
idea?
- Have I made sure points are not repeated?
- Are there any vague points that need to be made clearer?
- Have I answered all parts of the question?
- Have I made sure the conclusion does not contain new
material or contradict the introduction?
- Have I acknowledged all quotations and referenced sources
properly?
- Have I effectively used the feedback from previous
assignments?
...the reason for this is, because, since, so that, this is due to, the
cause of this is
To explain results/effects
... consequently, as a result, hence, therefore, thus, inevitably, so,
leads to, causes
To provide examples/clear explanations
...for example, for instance, such as, by way of illustration, in
other words, to put it another way
To draw conclusions
...as has been discussed, in brief, in short, to summarise, to sum
up, consequently, therefore, in conclusion

Rewriting the essay:

• R ead what you have written aloud to check how it sounds
and identify if you can improve the flow or styles.
• Ensure you have met the requirements for layout from your
tutor or department.
• Edit your essay for grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Be ruthless in removing long-winded passages, jargon, clichés
and slang, and irrelevant points.
• Make sure you save and back-up your word processed
document correctly.

Need more advice on the process of essay writing?

Contact SPLASH for an appointment at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/Skills/splash/students/appointment.htm
or email splash@surrey.ac.uk.
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