Final Paper Nightmare: Don't let it get to you
It's right about finals week, and you know what that means? That paper you've been avoiding ALL semester long is going to be due in a matter of DAYS. But don't panic yet! You still have a chance (unless it's a 12-page paper due in an hour..) Here are a few tricks I've picked up along the way that may help you. Understand your Prompt Well duh! This is obvious. But you'll be surprised how many times students miss something in the prompt so fail to address it in the essay. Don't just compare when the prompt is asking you to "compare AND contrast." Outline Although it seems like making an outline is just going to waste your time, it really helps you focus your ideas and makes you aware of any gaps you need to fill. It doesn't have to be a hardcore outline either. Simply jot down the main points you want to address in your essay. By having your ideas on paper, 1) you won't forget them later as you write, 2) you'll have a guide instead of aimlessly writing, 3) and you'll see opportunity for expansion on the ideas you already have. Killer Thesis Statement Here's the reality. Professors LOVE strong thesis statements and may overlook other things in your paper if you have a really good thesis. How do you do this? Focus on getting the main idea of your paper on that one sentence (or sentences depending on the prof), and make sure that you follow the order of your thesis statement in your paper. In other words, if you talk about mangos then peaches in your thesis that's the order you'll talk about them in your paper. Remember Format All essays have similar components: intro with thesis statement (unless otherwise indicated by professor), body paragraphs, conclusion.
You start your essay by attracting the attention of your reader. Give an interesting fact, start with a quote, or start with a short story. My favorite is the "did you know" statement. Start it off by saying "Did you know..." complete the sentence, then remove the "Did you know." Works wonders.
Body paragraphs need to focus on one separate point each. No mixing! Make sure the first sentence is the main idea of the paragraph and always end/ start the paragraph with your own words. Use that last sentence to transition to the following paragraph.
The conclusion is a summary of the whole essay. It may be similar to the intro, even. Make sure you don't add any new info.
Mini Deadlines
Your actual deadline is coming up quick so keep track by giving yourself deadlines to finish the outline, first draft, editing, and final draft.
Read it Out Loud Did you know that the written word is meant to be spoken? Our ancestors didn't have a written language. They passed on stories verbally. By all means good writing SOUNDS good. If you read your paper out loud, you'll catch your mistakes much easier than reading it over in your head. And this is more effective if you read it to someone.
Review
If you have time, ask someone to review your paper for you. But even if you can't find someone, make sure to go over it yourself. Give yourself time to let your brain refresh. That allows you to look at your paper with "fresh eyes," making it easier to catch mistakes.
I hope this helps with your paper. :) Best of luck to everyone with all your finals!
