[Iak]

I was just wondering if anyone could explain to me how to do a essay plan i cant do them so my essays are always hard to write and have btits and pieces everywhere.
Thankyou

[MrJohnDClare]

Try http://www.johndclar...te_an_essay.htm

[Iak]

Thanks

[Levit]

I write my essays on the computer whenever possible, I find it a lot easier.

I always start off with a list (although sometimes at school we did a spider diagram instead). I try to list the factors that I will talk about in the essay. Sometimes my teachers do this bit for us.

Then I look at the list and try to group or order them. Can they be grouped into "for and against"? If they can I make them into two big groups and then order them in a way that linking factors are next to each other. Otherwise I may group them into type, such as Economic, Social and Political, or maybe Internal or External. It really depends what your question is on.

Once I have a list of factors, I then write an introduction, explaining what my essay is talking about. I then "flesh out" my essay, turning each item on the list into a paragraph that explains each factor and relates it to the question, perhaps making a little conclusion.

Lastly, I write my conclusion paragraph for the end of the essay, making a judgement that answers the question, and maybe saying which factor I think was the most important.

I find this method of writing easier than writing straight from start to finish. It helps me think of where my essay is going, stops me writing a narrative essay and makes it more likely an argument will develop. If I start to write from the beginning I get lost half way through. The benefit on the computer is you can gradually build up your essay from a plan, choosing which paragraphs to write first. Also, if when writing you realise the factors link together differently than you thought (which is a good thing) you can reorder your essay easily.

This style might not work for everybody, but it can be an effective method.

[MrJohnDClare]

Sounds sound, Levit!