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Writing Development

Studying at the University of Lincoln? We can help you achieve your potential by improving your writing skills.

Essay writing

The main purpose of an essay is to answer the question and show your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

  1. Plan your time
  2. Understand the assessment requirements. Read the question, guidelines or assessment criteria and any learning outcomes
  3. Consider what you already know about the topic
  4. Look back at the relevant lecture and seminar notes
  5. Write a brief plan of the main points
  6. Carry out research using good quality relevant academic texts and journal articles
  7. Write a more detailed plan:
    • Use one paragraph to cover one main point or idea
    • Organise your points into paragraphs in a logical order
    • Divide your word-count between points
  8. Write your first draft
  9. Edit and redraft
  10. Proofread
  11. Submit

Read your assessment guidelines to check for any specific guidelines about essay structure: otherwise adhere to the following standard structure:

  1. Introduction
  2. Main body paragraphs
  3. Conclusion
  4. Bibliography or reference list

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