| If you are starting out at college, effective study | | | | Day Two |
| skills are essential, but the leap from high school to | | | | Write an outline with headings for each main section |
| university is a big one and many students find it hard | | | | and fill in brief notes on each of the main areas you |
| to cope with having to study independently. If you | | | | will cover. |
| don't know how to, essay writing and planning can be | | | | Day Three |
| a nightmare. | | | | Do your background research by spending time in the |
| Plan your time in advance and you'll have no problems | | | | library, searching for information online and writing |
| getting your assignments written and submitted on | | | | notes . If necessary, arrange interviews with people |
| time. Here are some essay writing tips which will | | | | who can provide you with additional information. |
| enable you to complete a basic assignment in seven | | | | Day Four |
| days or less. | | | | If necessary, use today to finish your research, |
| If you check your submission dates and start your | | | | reading and note-taking. And then add new material |
| assignments early, you should be able to leave a few | | | | to your outline. |
| days between each of the seven assignment days. | | | | Day Five |
| It's often a good idea to leave an essay for a few | | | | Write the first draft of your essay, expanding the |
| days and then read through it again, as you'll come to | | | | points in your outline, relating them to your reading |
| it with a fresh mind. | | | | and other research. Type your work on a computer |
| However, if you are really pushed for time, you can | | | | and make sure you save it. |
| complete the assignment in seven consecutive days. | | | | Day Six |
| If you have a more complex project to complete, | | | | Proofread your word-processed essay, correct any |
| you can use the plan, but include extra days for | | | | errors and fine tune your argument. Write your |
| research, reading and writing. | | | | bibliography and ensure that your referencing is |
| Day One | | | | correct. |
| Define your academic argument or the theme of | | | | Day Seven |
| your assignment and make a plan. | | | | If possible, get someone else to proofread your |
| What are the main points you will include in your | | | | assignment. Re-read it yourself and make any |
| essay or report? What is the question you are | | | | additions or corrections necessary. Be sure to save |
| answering and how will you find the answers? Will | | | | the final copy, create your cover sheet and any |
| you read relevant textbooks or journals, search | | | | appendices. Then print it out, read one last time and |
| online, interview experts, a combination of these or | | | | submit. |
| something completely different? | | | | |