How to Write an Undergraduate-Level Essay
If you're new to academic writing, the prospect of starting to research and write an academic essay can be intimidating. Before you start working on a specific paper, please view the resources linked below to receive an introduction to academic research and writing at RRU:
- Introduction to Library services (
)
- Ask a question to the Library (LibAnswers)
- Writing Centre services; watch the short videos below to learn more about each service:
- Four Feathers Writing Guide
- Introduction to Academic Writing (37:11
via Academic Writing)
- Writing an Academic Paragraph (19:35
via Paragraphs)
- Introduction to APA Style (6th ed.) (32:24
via APA Style (6th ed.)
- Introduction to APA Style (7th ed.) (28:19
via APA Style (7th ed.)
Now that you're ready to begin the process of writing a specific essay, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process of researching and writing a paper with resources, tips, and suggestions from both the Library and the Writing Centre. You can work through each step by using the "next" navigation on each page, or you can use the list below to jump into a particular topic. To begin, click on the first link below.
- Understand the assignment
- Create a preliminary plan for the document
- Research the topic
- Draft your thesis statement
- Double-check your research
- Create the final version of your document plan
- Start writing the first draft
- Overcoming writer's block
- Revise the draft
- Edit the draft
- Prepare the final version
- Submit the assignment