Blog: Tips on writing essays from a final year
Hi I'm Alex, an English student and a Student Content Shaper at UoB!
Essay writing is a core part of university life, yet it’s a skill that many students find challenging. Between piecing together strong arguments, supporting them with evidence, and structuring everything cohesively, it can feel overwhelming—especially with deadlines approaching.
But writing a great essay doesn’t have to be daunting. I'm going to bestow upon you a few key strategies with which you can approach each assignment confidently (and even enjoy it). In this blog, I’ll dive into practical tips and techniques to help you organize your thoughts, refine your arguments, and polish your essays. Whether you're just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro looking to improve, these tips will do your essays wonders.
Fully understand the question
Take time to thoroughly understand every part of the essay question. Break it down and ensure you’re clear on all its aspects. If anything’s confusing, reach out to classmates, tutors, or attend office hours for clarification. That’s why they’re there! No, seriously. ASK FOR HELP when you need it.
Set a realistic timeline
Give yourself a clear timeline for each stage, like research, drafting, and editing. Setting a false deadline a few days before the actual due date can help you stay motivated and allows extra time for last-minute adjustments. Don’t wait until an hour before the cutoff to submit your first draft – I’m speaking from experience.
Conduct thorough research
The most important tip on this list (in my humble opinion) - build a strong foundation by gathering relevant studies, articles, or books. Understanding existing research will add depth to your arguments and provide solid support for your points. Trying to research around work you’ve already written may result in poorer quality and an overall worse mark.
Plan your essay structure
With your research and timeline in place, outline your essay. Map out your main points and supporting arguments, and make notes of all sources for easy referencing later on (trying to remember where you found your sources is nigh impossible). I find that something visual helps, like a flow chart or nicely mapped out plan pinned above my desk.
Understand how to reference
Familiarise yourself with the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, MHRA) and keep track of source details as you go. There are tons of free referencing guides and generators out there, just a simple google search away. For example, simply search “MRHA referencing guidelines 2024” for a wealth of information. I cannot stress enough how important keeping track of your sources is. Just make a notes page or word document with a list of them. Just do it. Please (please).
Review your essay flow
Keep checking that each part of your essay connects smoothly to the next. Use transition words to guide the reader through your argument and ensure overall coherence. It may sound elementary, but it can catch anyone out. I often find that in my fervour to get my point across, I forget that I know what I’m talking about – the person reading does not. Make it easy for them.
Take time for revision and editing
Once your draft is complete, take a break if you can. Returning with fresh eyes will help you spot areas needing improvement, whether for argument clarity, grammar, or structure. A simple readthrough even three or four times over will often turn up little mistakes; even if it’s just a minor spelling error, better fixed than not, right?
Seek peer feedback
Ask friends or classmates to read your work—even those from other courses can provide feedback on grammar, punctuation, and readability. They might notice areas needing clarification or suggest ways to strengthen your arguments.
Writing essays can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it becomes an opportunity to showcase your academic skills. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress with each essay you write. Stay persistent, and you’ll find that your confidence and skills will grow. Good luck!
For more assessment support, resources and student advice, check our UoBe Ready pages.