Allowing for appropriate adjustments, the following hints may prove useful for tutorials, assessed essays and exams.

• Answer the question.
• Recognize and present the debate, give both sides and marshal evidence to argue your case.  Adjudicate between different interpretative options in light of the facts.
• Be sure to cite a diversity of viewpoints, not just those you agree with.
• Develop your argument through a clear structure and a thesis.
• Presentation. Charm the reader. Writing in attractive English prose is half the battle.  Spacing (break up the appearance of the page), headings, etc. can help.
• Bibliography and referencing. List only works cited, and provide full source information according to a standard format (e.g. the SBL Handbook of Style).
• Careful editing and proofreading are essential parts of a successful essay.  See http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/proofread.html for some tips.
• A useful guide to reading, note-taking and essay writing is Thomas Dixon’s How to Get a First (Routledge 2004)
• Finish and submit on time.

Rev.09/2008