Writing Essays For Dummies [Paperback]

Do ever wish that you could write the perfect university essay? Are you left baffled about where to start? This easy–to–use guide walks you through the nuts and bolts of academic writing, helping you develop your essay–writing skills and achieve higher marks. From identifying the essay type and planning a structure, to honing your research skills, managing your time, finding an essay voice, and referencing correctly, Writing Essays For Dummies shows you how to stay on top of each stage of the essay–writing process, to help you produce a well–crafted and confident final document.

Writing Essays For Dummies covers:

Part I: Navigating a World of Information 
Chapter 1: Mapping Your Way: Starting to Write Essays
Chapter 2: Identifying the essay type

Part II: Researching, Recording and Reformulating
Chapter 3: Eyes Down: Academic reading 
Chapter 4: Researching Online
Chapter 5: Note–taking and Organising your Material 
Chapter 6: Avoiding Plagiarism                                                             

Part III: Putting Pen to Paper  
Chapter 7: Writing as a process  
Chapter 8: Getting Going and Keeping Going                                          

Part IV: Mastering Language and Style     
Chapter 9: Writing with Confidence
Chapter 10: Penning the Perfect Paragraph        
Chapter 11: Finding Your Voice                                                                

Part V: Tightening Your Structure and Organisation
Chapter 12: Preparing the Aperitif: The Introduction   
Chapter 13: Serving the Main Course: The Essay’s Body               
Chapter 14: Dishing up Dessert: The Conclusion                            
Chapter 15: Acknowledging Sources of Information                                 

Part VI: Finishing with a Flourish: The Final Touches
Chapter 16: It’s all in the detail                              
Chapter 17: Perfecting Your Presentation           
Chapter 18: The afterglow                                     

Part VII: Part of Tens   
Chapter 19: Ten Tips to Avoid Things Going Wrong   
Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Make Your Essay Stand Out

Learn the secrets to handing in excellent essays

Good essay–writing never goes out of style – and Writing Essays For Dummies shows you how to do it. This accessible, step–by–step guide breaks the task into manageable chunks, covering everything from organising your time and gathering ideas to researching, structuring and editing an assignment. You′ll soon be writing essays that stand out from the crowd – every time.

• The crucial preparation stages – get organised, get started and keep your work on track
• The nuts and bolts of the writing process – make the most of your time when you plan, read, research and take notes
• Simple steps to developing flawless style – take some grammar, add a pinch of your own voice and pen the perfect paragraph
• Beginning, middle and end – put all the elements together to craft an assignment with flair
• Sweating the small stuff – edit your English, perfect your layout and prepare for your next assignment

Open the book and find:

• How to get started and plan your time wisely
• What your tutor expects from you
• The best way to work through your reading list
• The secrets of effective note–taking
• The fundamentals of good grammar
• How to structure and shape your essay
• Tips on hitting your deadlines with time to spare
• All you need to know about referencing and plagiarism
• Where to turn if you get a lower mark than you expected

Learn to:

• Craft a first–class essay from start to finish
• Organise your time – researching, reading and writing – effectively
• Polish your writing style and find your own voice
• Master the skills you need to tackle each assignment confidently

Mary Page teaches English for Academic Purposes and essay–writing skills at the University of Southampton.

Dr Carrie Winstanley is a Principal lecturer in Education at Roehampton University. Carrie was recently named one of the Top 50 university teachers in the UK by the Higher Education Academy.