Essays

Strategies, templates, and advice on writing academic essays. Including information on searching, structuring and planning, and writing an essay.

Student getting book from book shelf

How to find recommended reading

Find recommended sources using Reading Lists, StarPlus and other discovery tools.

Student in library

How to plan an effective information search

Develop a search strategy and select your search tools to quickly find the most relevant results.

Student walking through Western Bank Library reading room

How to search for wider reading

Use academic databases and specialist discovery tools for a research project or assessment.

Student writing in park

How to read for understanding

Read actively to understand and retain key points.

Two people sat across from each other at a table

How to question information

Apply critical thinking to analyse, evaluate and interpret information.

Student making notes

How to structure and plan an essay

Organise and plan your essay using the hourglass model.

Students sat at a table in discussion

How to develop an academic argument

Produce a well-evidenced and convincing argument supporting your perspective.

Student writing in a notebook

How to write in an academic style

Use an academic communication framework to share your knowledge and ideas.

Hands typing on a laptop

How to structure a paragraph

Structure critical paragraphs with unity and flow.

Hands typing on a laptop

How to paraphrase and quote

Incorporate others’ work into your own and avoid plagiarism.

Student sat working on a laptop

How to reference

Include accurate citations, format reference lists and bibliographies in the appropriate style to avoid plagiarism.

Further resources related to essays

Hands writing in a notebook

Academic writing

Plan and structure your writing and develop your writing style.

Student working on PC

Referencing, proofreading & formatting

Acknowledge the work of others, edit and format your work in an appropriate style.

Seven students sat at a table together

Critical approaches to information

Improve your critical thinking by questioning and synthesising sources of information.

Get help

Study Skills A to Z

Use our A to Z list of pages to quickly find the information you need.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Use this form to suggest a new piece of guidance, or an edit to an existing page.

Make a suggestion

Contact us

Get in touch with us with any queries about research skills.