What to do when you really get stuck...

I've been attempting to start a history essay for the entire xmas holidays and I just can't do it. Im usually good at essays and I know the subject matter well, but somehow I just can't do this essay. Any ideas to get me started?

Reply 1

Aitch

2

rachplatt

I've been attempting to start a history essay for the entire xmas holidays and I just can't do it. Im usually good at essays and I know the subject matter well, but somehow I just can't do this essay. Any ideas to get me started?

Write the "middle" first, but not the introduction. Re-read the middle, draw the conclusions from it. Then introduce it. After all, you wouldn't want to introduce someone you'd never met...

Aitch

Reply 2

undiscovered

13

The other day on here, someone said that the best thing to do to get started on something is to just write ANYTHING for the first paragraph or something. :confused:

Reply 3

undiscovered

13

Aitch

Write the "middle" first, but not the introduction. Re-read the middle, draw the conclusions from it. Then introduce it. After all, you wouldn't want to introduce someone you'd never met...

Aitch

Ok, that's what I meant. Yes. :biggrin:

Reply 4

rachplatt

OP

2

Thanks guys...I have an introduction (i wrote it before u replied sorry!) but i'll redo it when iive done the middle! Ive got one paragraph of the middle, so all in all i have 253 words. yay! thanks love rach x

p.s. hows the uni prep going sian? got all your offers?

Reply 5

undiscovered

13

5 offers, waiting for Durham (like you I see!)

Reply 6

rachplatt

OP

2

SiAnY

5 offers, waiting for Durham (like you I see!)

Yeah

would like to hear asap! I'm pleased to have york though...means I kinda have a first choice now if durham dont want me! good luck! x

Reply 7

kellywood_5

17

Ah, I know your position well! I had exactly the same problem. We were set an essay on 'Why did Mussolini come to power in 1922?' and I only started it 2 days before I went back to school. I put it off like the plague all through the holidays. First, because it covers everything we've done since September, I realised I'd actually forgotten half of the stuff we did early on, so I had to go over it all again using the textbook and my notes. Then, when I was about halfway through the essay, I realised it was going to be 5-6 sides of A4 and I have small handwriting. It was more like a coursework essay than the answer to an exam question. So I then typed it up, condensing it as I went along, and eventually got it down to 2 sides of A4 typed in size 11 font. That's the absolute shortest it's going to get! My history teacher better appreciate the fact that it took me in excess of 6 hours!!!! :mad:

Reply 8

caffecooki

10

i had the same problem, i couldn't start any of my revision, but today i've just started an english essay. i brainstormed all my ideas and put together a thorough plan, including all the key quotes i am planning to use. now all i've got to do is write it, which SHOULD be alot easier :smile:

Reply 9

planetzod

I'd just write anything no matter how crap it is. You can always improve it later. That's a good way to get started

What to do when you really get stuck...

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