Page 115 - Improve_Your_Written_English [Marion_Field]

WRITING AN ESS AY AND A S HORT S T ORY / 101

quotation marks around the quote and acknowledge its
source. (See Chapter 4.)

Briefly write down the facts that you will need to use. If
there are examples from a particular text that you may need,
make a note of the book and the page number so that you
can refer back to it. Use headings for your notes as this
makes it easier when you start to write the essay.

Sometimes your essay will not need any research. Perhaps
you are sitting an examination and therefore have all the
facts in your head; it might be a personal experience piece or
something that you have to work out for yourself. Whatever
type of writing you are doing you must make notes first.
Write down quickly all the things that come into your head
relating to the title. Sentences are not important at the
moment. Words or phrases are sufficient. It is important to
get everything down before you forget it.

Making a bibliography
Remember to keep a record of the books you use as you are
usually required to identify your sources. Write a list of the
books you have used stating the title, author, publisher and
publication date. This is called a bibliography.

Planning the work
After your note-taking, it is essential to plan your essay.
Your notes do not constitute the plan. They have to be
organised.