List of exercises Preface Acknowledgements Introduction The importance of writing Four basic principles Practice Will this book solve all your writing problems for you? The examples in this book Who this book is for How to use this book Chapter 1 Deciding what to write about,and getting started The purpose of writing essays What sorts of topics you might choose Responding to set questions Exam questions Exam techniques and strategies Devising your own title Being original Planning an essay:format and proportion Getting started:outlines and early drafts Some questions to ask yourself as you construct an essay Summary,suggestions and exercises Your own notes on this chapter Chapter 2 Gathering your materials together How to choose a literary text to work on How to choose critical analyses to work with Boks which list facts and how to use them in your research Finding more to read How to read a book or article How to keep notes Keeping a record of where you found something Using a computer to find and store information Using your supervisor Planning your time Summary,suggestions and exercises Your own notes on this chapter Chapter 3 The form of your argument Chapter 4 Register:the‘voice’you use when you write Chapter 5 Writing your essay,dissertation or thesis Chapter 6 Grammar,punctuation and spelling Chapter 7 Completing Booklist Index