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Top Tips to Help you Write a Literary Essay

by Oct 25, 2016Test Help

As a student of literature, one of your main ordeals may not be in critically analyzing a text or assessing information. It may be of having to compile all variations of ideas that are based off a text while analysing a text. And including your own thoughts on the subject in a well-written but seemingly short essay.
Literary essays aren’t just meant for students who enjoy writing or have a flair for it. There is close to no flowery language or imagination required. However, there is a necessity for technicalities and articulate investigation into the matter at hand. If you’re struggling to find a way around these areas, do not worry; this is not an insurmountable problem.
Literary Essay Tips

  1. Curate Relevant Information:
  • A good literary essay has just enough information to be almost mind boggling but yet simple.
  • The first step of any essay is to gather enough information; this is, of course, after you’ve chosen a topic that you’re interested in.
  • Thankfully, we live in an age where anything we need can be found on the information.
  • Even so, there are ways of filtering through and finding the right kind of information that can be included in our essay of choice.
  • Use keywords that are specific. Instead of looking for ‘essays on Wuthering Heights,’ search for ‘critical appreciation,’ ‘feminism’ and other such keywords that are pertinent to the specific topic you’re working on.
  • Although the internet is a great source of information that is more relevant and new, and sometimes even old articles that can no longer be found in other places – it does not dismiss the need for libraries.
  • Whether it is a school or local library, make the utmost use of every available source.
  • There are many texts filled with information (not just essays written by other people) that can be extremely useful.
  • It is impossible to flip through everything, so skim through a few books. Check the contents for an easier method. This way you will have a fair idea of what all information can be found.
  • When writing notes, do so in a bullet format. Long, run on sentences will waste too much time and make the entire process seem tiring and boring.
  • Different ways of bullet journaling will make identifying important points and where they need to be placed much easier.
  • Organize all notes in folders or files so thatthe searching for them isn’t too complicated and takes up minimal amounts of time.
  1. Figure Out the Argument
  • All essays are based on an argument of some kind, even if it is not explicitly mentioned.
  • If you’re topic deals with colonialism and its ill effects, it will not do well to dwell on just those ill effects. It is necessary to mention the various advantages as well.
  • However, whether you agree with the statement or question is up to you, it is necessary to argue for both sides while making your idea clear and backing your idea up with facts and points.
  • An argument can also be viewed as a thesis statement.
  • Summarizing so much of information can be difficult which is why having a wide vocabulary can actually be useful.
  • A good way to write a statement is to limit your essay. Imagine that a summary on the topic is all that you’re allowed to write.
  • If you’re able to do so, then you’re on the right track. Progress can be made after this.
  • Figuring out an argument depends on the topic as well. If you are familiar with the subject, trying to devise an argument will be simple.
  • The argument can either be a statement or a part of the introduction.
  • Remember, it is in this portion that one must attain the reader’s attention and be interesting enough to encourage him/her to progress with the essay.
  1. Plan of Action
  • Once you’ve found all the information necessary and figured out what you want to say, it is crucial to devise a plan of action.
  • It isn’t sufficient to write an essay in any old manner and obtain good marks.
  • Break down the essay into small portions that make it seem easier to write. A three thousand word essay seems much less when attempted in portions of one thousand words.
  • Break it down based on the number of points you would like to use to justify or refute the argument.
  • When trying to figure out a course of action use the elevator pitch to write. This helps you develop an argument and perfect it right till the very conclusion where you can adequately state when you’ve chosen that particular side.
  • The elevator pitch can be very gripping as the points continue to build till the very climax and it is able to hold the reader’s attention till the end.
  • A plan is also necessary so that there is no jumble of information. Every consecutive point needs to be relevant to the ones preceding and following it.
  • This is a very important tip to remember when wondering How to Write an Essay for a College Application.
  1. Understand Limitations
  • It is very important to stay on track with an essay.
  • After doing hours and hours of research, it is easy to diverge from the chosen path or include a lot of irrelevant facts that are not pertinent to the argument or statement.
  • Time may also be a constraint. Jot out a plan of action that coincides with submission dates.
  • Grades are also dependent on accuracy and time management skills.
  • During an exam, try and think of the structure and jot down a few points to help you remember what needs to be done.
  • Also, keep the word count in mind. Examiners don’t have all day to correct papers and appreciate essays within the limit.
  • This will also have to save time and organize thoughts accordingly.

 
There is a knack to writing most essays that do not develop overnight; it takes time. With enough practice and effort, there will be a significant change that will be noticeable over time. If one method is not something you’re comfortable with, switch it up and make changes as and when necessary till you figure out your ideal process.