Synopses & Reviews
Have you ever wondered why some people can produce a well-structured, relevant essay written in a style that seems to glide across the page with the minimum of fuss? Do you think some people simply have these skills, and others don't, and that there is nothing we can do about it? This book just might change your mind. Addressing each landmark stage of the essay writing process, How to Write Better Essays teaches you how to…
• analyse the question and break down difficult terms and concepts
• brainstorm effectively and generate your own ideas
• evaluate and criticise arguments
• express your thoughts coherently and develop your own style of writing
• plan and structure your essay from introduction to conclusion
… and along the way, practical techniques show how to analyse, criticise, discuss and evaluate material, improve your style, revise your final draft and avoid plagiarism.
The third edition of this bestselling book includes new chapters on critical thinking, tackling reflective writing assignments, and how to create and analyse concepts. It also features a new companion website providing annotated essays to illustrate the successful outcome of the methods you learn in the book, exercises to develop critical thinking skills, and additional examples of how to analyse concepts.
For every student who needs to write essays, from whatever discipline, this book is a constant source of the help and inspiration you need to tackle your essays with confidence.
Review
"May I say that this is an excellent book, and has totally changed the way I study." - Nick Barrow, Law Student
Synopsis
This indispensable guide takes students through each step of the essay writing process, enabling them to tackle written assignments with confidence. Students will develop their ability to analyse complex concepts, evaluate and critically engage with arguments, communicate their ideas clearly and concisely and generate more ideas of their own.
Chapters are short and succinct and cover topics such as reading purposefully, note-taking, essay writing in exams and avoiding plagiarism. Packed with practical activities and handy hints which students can apply to their own writing, this is an ideal resource for students looking to improve the quality and clarity of their academic writing.
This book will be a source of guidance and inspiration for students of all disciplines and levels who need to write essays as part of their course.
Synopsis
This book takes the reader carefully through each stage of essay writing from interpretation of the question, to the research, planning, writing, and revision. The book shows how to improve not just study skills like note-taking, reading, organization, and writing, but thinking skills as well. Readers will learn how to analyze difficult concepts, criticize and evaluate arguments, use evidence, and develop more of their own ideas. This book gives clear practical advice, with a troubleshooting section that deals with a range of common problems.
About the Author
Bryan Greetham was educated at the universities of Kent and Sussex. He holds a PhD in moral philosophy from the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is currently engaged in research into moral thinking and the Holocaust, and teaches philosophy at the University of Maryland. He is the author of Philosophy, How to Write your Undergraduate Dissertation and Thinking Skills for Professionals.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Write Essays?
The Stages
Stage I: Interpretation of the Question
Stage II: Research
Stage III: Planning
Stage IV: Writing
Stage V: Revision
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index