The Basics of Essay Writing

About this book

Essay writing is an essential skill for students' at all academic levels, and the ability to produce clear, well-argued essays is key to good coursework and the vast majority of written exams. This book offers the new or under-confident essay writer all the guidance and advice you need to dramatically improve your skills - and your grades. The book opens with a discussion of why it is so important to write a good essay, and proceeds through a step-by-step exploration of exactly what you need to think about in order to improve. You will find help on how to: focus on answering the question asked; research and plan your essay; build and sustain an argument; and improve your writing style and tone. Written in the author's accomplished, student-friendly style, this guide is packed full of good advice and practical exercises. Students of all ages and in every subject area will find it an easy-to-use and indispensable aid to their studies.

Contents

How to Use This Book 1. What's the Point? 2. Start Writing 3. Answer the Question 4. Research and Planning 5. Make a Case 6. Beginnings, Middles, Ends 7. Plagiarism, Quotation, Reference 8. The Craft of Writing 9. Exam Essays 10. How to Improve your Essay Writing. Acknowledgements. Further Reading

Customer Reviews

Biography

Nigel Warburton is Senior Lecturer at The Open University and a bestselling author. His other books include Thinking from A to Z, third edition, Philosophy: The Basics, fourth edition, Philosophy: The Classics, third edition, Philosophy: The Essential Study Guide and The Art Question and Freedom, all published by Routledge.