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How can I get a first in an English lit essay??

I'm a second year student and for some reason I can't get past the 60 mark with essays and it's becoming quite a nuisance. What makes a first class essay?? What is it that needs to be done?
Original post by peekaboo12
I'm a second year student and for some reason I can't get past the 60 mark with essays and it's becoming quite a nuisance. What makes a first class essay?? What is it that needs to be done?


The best way to understand the maximum potential in obtaining a First Honours degree would be to look at your university's/department's marking policy. If you understand and familiarise yourself with what they demand from you in your essays or whatever assessment, then that would help.

Alternatively, the most effective way to understand this is actually going to speak with your AA and they can go through the department's marking policy.

Try and understand how your university is run. For instance, some universities (like mine) have the Royal Literacy Trust Fund where they set up days and one-to-one meetings for people who are constantly getting the same feedback in multiple essays that express things such as "clumsy expression" "need to explain this further" "more detail" "proof read" etc etc.

Your uni might have something similiar where you can visit a specialist to help with your academic writing and to focus on your weaknesses for a chance of improving them.
They might also run intensive workshops like learning how to speed read, gain better memory, etc.

Alternatively, there are lots of (fun and easy) academic books aimed for students who struggle with their essay writing - whether it's clumsy expression or poor referencing. Try Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith or your university bookshop.

Hope everything works out!

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