Getting top marks on essays and papers needs not only a thorough understanding of the question, but also attention to detail. The following tips are pointers to ensure you don't loose marks carelessly.
Preparing for your Essay
Allow yourself plenty of time: Don't read the question the night before your assignment is due. Even if you don't start, read the question weeks before hand so that you have time to think it over. Have a notebook handy so that you can capture your ideas when they arise. A week of jotting down ideas is a great starting point to working out how you want to approach your assignment.
Make sure you understand your university or college standards: Most universities and colleges have standards for how work should be presented. These usually covers elements such as font, line spacing, indentation, use of quotations, how referencing should be done, and so forth. Not complying to such standards can cost you dearly in your marks. While you might think you're being individual by printing your work on coloured paper, more often than not this will loose you marks if the standard says on write paper. If you want to make a statement, do it in the content of your assignment.
Put due dates in your calendar and aim to complete your essay a few days prior: Leaving it to the last moment can expose you to unanticipated delays, such as a computer or printer breakdown. Your also not going to give your assignment your best if your under stress to complete your assignment in time. More often than not, assignments from your various subjects can all be due very closely together. Take the time to prepare a calendar then you know how much time you really have to dedicate to each assignment.
If you have special needs speak up: universities and colleges are very aware that some students have special needs, such as dyslexia. Don't struggle unnecessary.
Understand What you are being asked to Do
Make sure you understand the question: This may seem obvious but read the question a few times before deciding exactly what is required. It might also help to think the question over in your head for a few days before coming to conclusions. Some assignment questions can be fairly open, therefore how you approach your essay needs plenty of thought.
Read all the guidelines carefully: Very often you will be provided with guidelines on what your marker will be looking for. Read these carefully and always double-check that you have incorporated these. Make a list of must haves for your assignment and tick them off as completed.
Ask questions: If you're confused or not sure what something means, ask questions of your lecturers and tutors. They are there to help and will generally be more than happy to provide guidance.
Writing your Essay
Don't be afraid to re-write your work: All good writers understand that outstanding writing comes from re-work. Don't be afraid to try again and re-write elements that you think could be improved.
Do your research: Take advantage of your library and do some research beyond your primary and secondary reading. But don't fill your bibliography full of books you haven't used; this won't work to your advantage. Remember any arguments you make need to be support with evidence.
Don't neglect your introduction and conclusion: These are important elements of your assignment and should introduce what your essay will cover and summarise your main points. For further information see Writing Essay Introductions and Conclusions.
In Conclusion:
Being prepared can make a huge difference in the final quality of your assignment. Allow yourself plenty of time to mull over your question and jot down ideas as there arise – having a small notebook on you at all times can be very helpful. Don't be afraid to try out your ideas, but make sure you support your arguments with evidence. Finally don't loose marks through carelessly not knowing your universities or college's standards.
For further information see: Writing an Essay
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