Writing Essays and Papers Efficiently - It's Possible!

Writing Essays and Papers Efficiently - It's Possible!

 It's T-minus 48 hours before an essay is due. Wait, it's worse. It's actually T-minus 24 hours. You're sweating buckets in the library trying to start an introduction. You go on Google. Google fails you. And now you have 12 hours. 

So is it really possible to construct something decent (say, an 8-page paper) in 24 hours? 

I'm here to tell you it is. We don't recommend it. But yes, life happens and sometimes you only have a handful of hours to complete something. 

In 24 hours, as much as you don't want to hear it, you're going to have to make priorities in an essay that fulfils the basic marks first and work around to quickly improving your piece of writing to make it more profound. 

These are the few easy steps for you to follow when you're in the depths of despair during essay writing season. 

1. WRITE YOUR THESIS STATEMENT FIRST

The thesis is the most important element in the essay. It is worth even spending an hour on.

A thesis statement is essentially a shortened version of your whole essay so if it's bad, it is a clear indication that your essay is going to be bad. You can read our tips on how to write a thesis statement here.

Another tip on the thesis statement is that it is going to answer the question/assignment task your professor or teacher set for you. Your essay is just merely an expansion on this thesis. 

2. READ THE SUMMARY OR ARTICLE REVIEWS OF THE WRITINGS YOU'RE REFERENCING

Unless it's a completely creative task/close reading task/article review, you're going to have to reference some more sources for your paper. In some cases, you may be required to read 8-10 sources. 

This will certainly take a chunk of time. You have to spend more time writing if you are given only 12 hours. Therefore, you may have to read the summaries of the sources or article reviews of the things you are reading. If you are unable to find even that, it is highly recommended that you read the introduction of the article and the conclusion (or discussions).

In these areas, you have a good summary of what the author is talking about. 

3. MAKE YOUR INTRODUCTION LONGER

If you're dealing with an 8-page (double-spaced) paper, it is acceptable to have a one-page introduction UNLESS your professor states otherwise.

Basic guide:
8 pages = 1 page intro

6 pages = 3/4 page intro

4 pages = 1/2 page intro

As long as your introduction is giving a great deal of contextual information and you're setting up your argument, it is OKAY to have a long introduction. 

4. PUT THE WORST BODY PARAGRAPH IN THE MIDDLE

Yes, the worst body paragraph or the weakest argument should go in the middle. This especially works if you are in a large university where your class is at least 80+ students.

Most professors or TAs are too overworked to bother reading past your introduction and first body paragraph seriously because they just don't have enough time. Of course, don't write anything too outlandish but if its a relatively weak point, just put it in the middle and it won't damage the essay ENTIRELY.

Again, this is not to say you plagiarise. 

5. SPEND THE MOST EFFORT IN THE FIRST TWO OR THREE PAGES

Like I said before, most professors or TAs are too overworked to bother reading past your introduction and first body paragraph seriously.

However, just like the saying "first impressions matter", your readers' first impression of your paper is through the introduction and the body paragraph, this is where you win your audience. 

Therefore, spend the most effort in making your first two or three pages spectacular. Good style, 100% relevant to the topic, good logic, and solid content. 

6. DO NOT LAX ON THE BIBLIOGRAPHY/WORKS CITED PAGE

This is super important. The aura of professionalism in the paper often makes your professors or TAs take you seriously and give you a better mark. Therefore, you have to invest in a good Works Cited page even if it will take time. 

In-text citation is also very important. It heightens the level of your paper. If you have a limited amount of time, Worldwide Essay can always offer quality help to those in need. 

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