Iam stuck ! essay nightmare...

[marialittlebzz]

I thought studying would be a great idea : mastering the english language, researching, discovering new concepts.... and here I am in the middle of all my books and I simply cannot do it!!
Writing essays is a nightmare! It just put me off completely, gives me headaches and worst of all : a huge feeling of frustration! AARGHHH!

So I was wandering in here for a bit of relaxation and thought I might share that with someone...
I think studying is not for me, I think I have to change my plans for next year because I planned to start a degree and it will go far worse then....
Why do we need diploma, why do we need good job and good money?
why can't I just have a bit of land and live with the products of nature only, and spend my time with the head in the sky...?

[yoanbob]

'cos we live in the uk, too many people not enough land! I'm with you on essays, never got it in school still dont get it now! I'm trying to do an astro physics module! 2years later still no good!

[mrs dog]

Bless maria, I'm sure it isn't as bad as you say. Give me a clue as to the subject and I will give you some pointers for your essay. Never say never and never give in. Just do what you can and see each day as another opportunity.

[TonyF]

Maria, I'm the perennial student. I've been studying and writing literally all my life, have 4 degrees, two taught and two researched, dissertation and thesis and to be honest, I can sit down and knock out 1500 words for a magazine article without thinking of it at all or write an academic paper should I be asked to submit one.

I think your problem is in your head. Stop thinking that you can't do it and start thinking that you can. You obviously have all the material that you need, you've done your research and have your notes.

So, dispose of the distractions, get yourself comfortable, have music playing if it helps, if you write on a lap top and the weather's good, take it out into the garden to write, make a drink (hot, not alcoholic), eat Mars bars, whatever makes you feel good and go for it!!!!

What are you thinking of taking a degree in?

[Two_Sheds]

I thought studying would be a great idea : mastering the english language, researching, discovering new concepts.... and here I am in the middle of all my books and I simply cannot do it!!

I feel for you, but I also think "yay", because everyone thinks being a student is so damn easy, and it isn't, actually.

When I did my degree in '04, you didn't actually have to do an essay if you found writing difficult. You could supply a tape recording or a video or something instead. However, nearly everyone (99% I'd say) did submit essays, even the numpties So it can be done.

Tackle it in small stages, don't try to do the whole thing in a one-er. Leave yourself plenty of time (I took 3 months to write my dissertation and I needed that, for re-writing)

[zazen999]

And write an essay plan; Say what you are going to say - say it - and then sum it up.

Keep it to the point.

Present arguments on both sides but take your own stance.

Spell check;

word count;

references.

Submit.

Open wine.

P.S.; during my degree - I was advised to also write down the opposite of the question - to remind yourself what you AREN'T being asked - and steer clear of answering that. It really helps.

[smallblueplanet]

I thought studying would be a great idea : mastering the english language, researching, discovering new concepts.... and here I am in the middle of all my books and I simply cannot do it!!.....

So you've done your reading, now do the planning. Writing essays is a skill which can be learnt like many other things in life - you learnt how to sow seeds!

Get your question and make your essay plan, then write it chunk by chunk. Make sure you answer the question! If you don't know how to plan out an essay then get a book to tell you how - there'll be some in the library. If you know your subject then its now a case of structuring your essay - you can learn how, don't despair just be a little systematic about it.

Good luck.

[kirsty b]

I've recently completed an NVQ for work and it was hard work. Done nothing like it since leaving school.

My essay planning left something to be desired at school, so as I plan to train as a nurse in the near future, I had best work on improving my planning for when all those assignments have to be handed in!!

Good luck Maria, I'm sure you'll crack it soon.

[Flummery]

My degree was in geology - no essays - some sums though. However, this is going back thirty eight years! 10 years ago I did a certificate in archaeology and I can tell you the essays hit me hard! I hadn't done one since 'O' levels - that all dates me eh?
The advice above is good, Maria. Do all the reading/research then get organised. I found the intro/summing up bits easy to write so I did them first. With word processors it's easy - you can write the middle bit last! Plan out what each paragraph or section will say before you write it and make a series of headings. Sometimes when you look at it you realise that you need to change some of the order to make better sense. Easier to do this at this stage. Then get down to it. Cut and paste and order it sensibly at the end.

Best of luck and don't give up.

[Alison C]

Im doing my degree at the mo and I absolutely hate essays, Id rather do a presentation any day.

I think the key to a good essay is-

* Good intro- set the scene, put what you are going to write into context and give the case for its relevance (why are you writing this essay whats the point)

* Be critical within your essay, as a geographer I am taught to question everything,.

* Discuss flaws but only if you have an alternative.

* Conclude everything, dont leave things floating in the nether.

* Reference.

* Case studies, back up your arguements.

* Plan your essays


When I finished my college course I was adamant that I wasnt going to go to Uni. Im glad I was talked into it because Uni is all about opening up the subject your interested in and as the three years go you find yourself specialising more and thats when you become really motivated because you find the one part of your subject you really love.

[willowstar]

i'm on chapter 11 of a 12 chapter PhD thesis and I am right with you. it is living hell at the moment. Tony I wish I was like you...I agree it is all in the mind though. if I decide to have a good productive day and stay away from the distractions then I do, but if I am having a 'I can't do this' day then I can't.

stick with it, it will be worth it in the end. sticking it out is what separates the wheat from the chaf, at least that is what I am telling myself!

[Alison C]

I totally agree Willowstar. I think you have productive days and non productive days, as long as there is a ballance its ok.
If your having a complete I cant do it or general brain frazzle moment, take a break for an hour or even a day and come back to it a fresh. Staring at a comp in a blind panic wont help anybody.

[Pootle]

The only thing worse than writing your own dissertation is proof-reading someone elses physics one when you know nothing about physics...he still owes me 6 years on!

The only useful thing I can add is that all of the essays I have ever written have reached a point where they seemed impossible and would never get finished - then, like magic you get over the hump in the road and it all comes together (does any of this make sense?)

Something akin to marathon running and 'hitting the wall' I think

Just keep going and you'll do fine!

[greenlung]

Sound advice Pootle. Same goes for learning to play something musical.

[marialittlebzz]

thanks to all of you !!

I am finally coming to term with this essay, and your advices have been really helpful, it's good to hear all those things, makes me more confident and less stubborn !!
It's true that inspiration come and go, and sometimes I thought I had no clue how to organize my arguments, but actually with a bit of rest my mind was working at clear it up all on is own ! Just before falling asleep was the moment were I could think of sentences that sum up my ideas and the way to put everything together!
I now need to do some cut and paste and re-write the conclusion and I am done!
Ready for the next one !
THANKS EVERYBODY!!