10 top tips to manage your essay

1. Start early Find out marking criteria Understand the question Organise your thoughts, ideas and information Create outline structure Keep one idea per paragraph Use the correct referencing style Acknowledge the ideas of others Draft and redraft Edit and proof read 10 top tips to manage your essay

2. Get a diary Get organised Get your priorities right Get informed Get motivated Get going Get to know yourself Get focused Get a life Get a disaster plan 10 top tips to manage your time

3. Start early Plan your revision schedule Prioritise your topics Schedule in breaks Practice past exam questions Stay focused Practice relaxation techniques Arrive early to exam hall Attempt all required questions Stay until the end of the exam 10 top tips to manage your exam

4. Start early Break down responsibilities into smaller tasks. Do hardest tasks first Focus on effort not results Just do 5 minutes work now! Cross tasks off lists when completed Reward yourself for tasks completed Get support from others Build on past successes 10 top tips to avoid procrastination

5. Plan in advance Create an outline Know your audience Practice and time your presentation Keep slides clear and simple Engage the audience Practice breathing and stress management techniques to manage nerves Be aware of eye contact, voice and body language Practice using the technology and equipment Predict and prepare answers to questions from audience 10 top tips for your presentation

6. Be brief Be legible Use abbreviations Listen for key points Use your own words Summarise information Review notes before and after lectures Look for links and patterns Keep notes tidy and organised Compare note taking style and content with friends 10 top tips for taking notes

7. Analyse information rather than accepting it on face value Ask questions: Who? What? Where? Why? When? Start with a strong introduction Look at alternative arguments or perspectives Think of the topic from all angles Give evidence to back up your position Present information clearly Check for any flaws or bias in research Link your points End on a strong conclusion 10 top tips for critical thinking

8. Check which referencing style your department uses Keep records of information sources on index cards Always acknowledge the work and ideas of others Use exact page number for quotations Translate ideas into your own words Use the correct format (e.g. author, date, title and publisher) Check your sources for accuracy Proof read your references before submitting an assignment Make use of automated referencing systems (e.g. Endnote) For further information refer to http://www.tcd.ie/library/support/referencing.php 10 top tips for citing and referencing

9. Understand what you want from the review Define your key questions Define the scope and direction of the review Prepare a draft outline of key concepts Keep a record of the sources and information you gather Critically evaluate the literature and the extent to which it answers your question Refine your search for recent and relevant information Check your sources for accuracy Link points clearly Evaluate the clarity and structure of your argument 10 top tips literature reviews

10. Create meaning to improve storage and recall of information Ask questions Create strong images, mind maps or patterns Teach someone else Draw on practical examples where possible (e.g. lab demonstrations) Test yourself to see if you can recall information Summarise information in bullet points Learn new information when your mind is freshest Use memory aids such as mnemonics (e.g. making up words or sentences to remember facts.) Practice past exam questions 10 top tips for your memory