Start by putting the subgroups that you pulled out of your focus into a logical order. Consider the reader's point of view as they may not have read all the sources you have on your topic, and might need definitions first. Next, plan the introduction and conclusion, and make sure each fits with the outline so far.
Now it's time to add in the notes. Go through your notes and type in (or cut and paste, if they're already on the computer) the highlighted bits. Don’t worry about their order yet, just make sure you get everything into the outline plan for the mean time.
Now go back through that list and cut-and-paste the elements within each subgroup into an appropriate order. When you've finished, read over the entire outline from start to finish. Does it make sense? Is there a reasonable flow? If there are gaps, you may need to go back to your notes or do more research to fill them. If you're having trouble deciding on an order in a subgroup, make it work as best as you can, and it may straighten itself out logically when you rewrite it. If something really doesn't fit, perhaps you should consider removing it from the essay, because perhaps it's unimportant.
Part 3 - Writing the Essay
Now that you have a solid outline, it's time to knit the points together into formal prose. Part of this will just be creating proper sentences out of the notes, but much of it will be putting in your analysis. It is this second part that makes the difference between a boring regurgitation of other peoples notes and an essay that actually has something to say. Anyone can read and regurgitate, but it takes skill to analyse and bring things together to make an overall coherent point.
Even though you're now educated on your topic and think much of it is obvious, it is essential to assume your reader doesn't know much about the topic, unless otherwise specified in the assignment. You should assume your reader knows what the average layperson knows about the subject and write accordingly. This means you should explain what things do, who people are, and how it all fits together instead of just assuming something about your topic is common knowledge. It is better to have a couple sentences that are obvious than to leave the reader confused.
It means your prose itself must be clear and uncomplicated. You can explain very complex ideas without having complex text. This does not mean you should use basic vocabulary. It means that you should make sure you're using words correctly in proper grammatical sentences. If you don't know what a word means or how to use it, look it up or don't use it. Your prose should be free of ambiguity. Sentences should not be choppy, but neither should they run on beyond a single idea. Paragraphs should be logical structures, not random space breaks.
Caution – check your sources for grammatical errors particularly web based resources as they are not as stringently edited as books.
Whilst working on the computer keep your outline document in an open window and begin a new document for the writing. This is to protect your outline in case you change things around as you write, but then decide it isn't working and want to backtrack.
As you're knitting the points together, think about them. What do the points mean? What are you saying overall by including this point? How does it all relate to the overall topic? Don't be redundant and restate the focus in every paragraph, but make it clear where you're going with each point.
And an invaluable tip for computer users: get into the habit of saving after EVERY paragraph. It's awful to come up with a wonderful way of knitting points together just to have a computer crash or power outage and lose six paragraphs.
Introduction
The introduction does not need to be too long drawn out and complicated. Simply introduce the topic and explain what you're going to write about, without using 'I' at all. You may wish to begin with a blocked quotation if you have found one that really sums up your focus point well. Don't use one just for the sake of starting that way, though.
The introduction should give the reader the essential information fairly quickly, but should draw them in first before hitting them with the dictionary or definitions.
The Main Body
Now we knit in the next section according to our outline. Don't just throw in the next set of facts. Try to relate each paragraph to the next in some fashion.
Analyse without overstating things and present contrary opinions even if you disagree with them yourself. When you cannot be certain of something you're stating on your own, make sure you include a quotation to back up your statements. If you make bold statements ask yourself: can I prove this? Is this a fact or speculation? Is this a possibility or a certainty? Don't get caught declaring something is true if you can't prove it.
Conclusion
Do not use 'I,' and don't declare the future for certain. Tempting though it might be to make grandiose statements about how your topic will be viewed in the future.
The conclusion is your final chance to tell the reader why they should care about your topic, so don't just use it as a summarising cut off.
Use of Quotations
While quoting sources is a major element of A’ Level coursework, your essay shouldn't merely string a bunch of quotations together, even if they are in a well-ordered format. Paraphrase long, awkward, or complicated quotations down into words that better suit your essay - but don't forget to reference a paraphrased comment! You don't make it your thought merely by rewording it. (We will be looking at referencing next week.)
Your essay should reflect your interpretation of many sources, not be a summary of what the sources said.
Too many quotations looks like laziness on your part. It also may hint that you don't really understand what your sources have said, but you're just going to throw their words in there to impress the examiner. Never put two quotations back-to-back; either paraphrase one or both, or find something to go between them.
Long quotations can often be broken up by putting ellipsis (...) between relevant phrases. Only use the part of the quotation that is necessary, and put ellipsis in place of removed portions. BUT BE CAREFUL! If removing part of the quotation changes the meaning of the quotation, don't do it.
Keep in mind that quotations longer than two normal lines of the page should be put into blocked form. If you use too many blocked quotations, your essay becomes disjointed. Only use quotations this long if there's something special, significant, or particularly brilliant about the way the source wrote it or spoke it.
Repetition
Be careful that you do not repeat yourself. If your essay plan is good this should not happen. One form of repetition which is fine is when you keep referring back to your question. The main point of your essay should be repeated throughout the essay to hammer the point that it is true. Once your essay has been written and fits within the required word or page count, it is time to add the finishing touches.
Referencing
As mentioned throughout these instructions, it is vitally important that you reference anything you have taken from another source. Plagiarism is a serious offence, and one that many universities will expel you for. It is a well known fact that both the University of Ulster and Queens University ask you to leave the university if you are caught plagiarising work. There are numerous computer packages available now which can scan work for possible sources of plagiarism. You do not have to reference basic facts, nor do you have to reference your own analysis and thoughts. However if you didn't come up with it and you're not sure if it's basic, REFERENCE it. Keep in mind that if you thought of something yourself and then found it confirmed in a source, you must REFERENCE it to the source. They get credit for publishing it before you did.