A quick and final word on what I have and have not shared.
I have assumed my audience to be reasonably intelligent, well-resourced, motivated individuals (yes, that is you!) who can generally communicate clearly but are otherwise unfamiliar with the communication format of essays.
(i.e. I have assumed I am communicating to the socio-economic ‘Have’s’ of this world, that they may be better equipped to work for a just world where the ‘Have Not’s’ may also gain access to such learning opportunities.)
It is important to note, as touched on earlier, that I have not written about all aspects of writing good essays. In particular, I note I have not addressed how to build a compelling argument; begin or finish sentences, paragraphs or sections of an essay. I also have not written about how to introduce and comment on quotes, how to critically reflect before concluding an essay; nor how to conclude an essay well, to name just a few such things. I recognise there will be still other important gaps in what I have and have not written.
Such advice is currently beyond the scope of what I am able to offer and probably beyond what someone beginning to write essays needs to hear at this stage. What I have done (or at least attempted to do) is offer a first port of call to someone who has identified they want or need to improve their ability to write essays, and make some quick and easy progress. Especially so for those who are really struggling!
I have offered some general advice and guidance, and I have shared what has worked well for me in becoming a better essay writer. I have also introduced the reader to some tips, tricks, and tools, and have made known some resources that may prove helpful in further developing writing skills.
Hopefully, I have also allayed some fears and offered enough direction to help anyone who is struggling, to form some healthy study habits, make a start, and ultimately complete essays to a quality they are at least initially satisfied with.
Learning new things can be challenging - sometimes even scary, or painful. Knowing you will be assessed on your efforts can make it all the more challenging! Do try to relax! We’ve all been there. 🙂
While it may not be easy, it is worth remembering that most things worth achieving seldom are. Writing essays and completing other academic assignments are tasks that are designed to stretch and grow you. In some ways, it is and probably never should be 'easy' but it does get easier, so hang in there.
This challenging work seeks to bring about meaningful, life-transforming change. It will also increase your capacity for further growth and development, build your skill-base, further your resilience and enable you to work within and outside of your areas of gifting.
It is not easy, but it is possible. And if you work with the system, and with the support of staff around you where necessary, I am sure you will discover the Spirit of God at work within you, and experience the formation this work seeks to facilitate, being formed more and more into Christ's likeness.
Next Post: Deep Work
March 2018 (Updated January 2021)