Use one idea per paragraph. The paragraph should introduce one idea and critically engage with it. Introducing more than one in a paragraph proves to be confusing and looses the reader.
Sandrine Ndahiro
PhD Candidate and tutor in English Literature.
Make sure to engage with your sources and citations. If you use someone's work, explain what you think the source is saying and then how that connects to your argument or point.
Tara Giddens
PhD Candidate, tutor in English Literature, and peer adivsor at the Regional Writing Centre.
Give your brain time to digest ideas and arguments. Writing a paper in a day will not allow you this time. Start working on drafts, even if it is just bullet points.
Tara Giddens
PhD Candidate, tutor in English Literature, and peer advisor at the Regional Writing Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘I’ in an Essay?
'I' is best avoided as most scholars do not like seeing ‘I’ in an essay. But check with your teacher as they may allow the use of ‘I’. If you are allowed use 'I', do not overuse ‘I’ because the overuse of ‘I’ can make your essay seem like a personal essay.
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2. Should I use direct quotes, or should I paraphrase?
In English literature, I would suggest direct quotes. I have been told that paraphrasing can be quite jarring for those grading assignments because they think that the paraphrase is your idea but then they see the citation at the end of the sentence.
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3. Should I use block quotes?
Usually, you will not have room in your essay for block quotes because you must refer to block quotes a lot. Unless it is your thesis, I would recommend avoiding block quotes.
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4. Can I use my own book even if it is not the edition that the teacher recommended?
Of course, if you cite the book correctly, the edition of the book should not matter. Often teachers recommend certain editions of books because they may contain other information like essays or notes that you may find useful.
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5. How many citations should I have?
I recommend one citation from the literary text, one citation from a secondary text, and one citation from the theoretical text that you have chosen per paragraph.
If you have anymore questions, please contact us.
Gareth: 16158105@studentmail.ul.ie
Chloe: 16166825@studentmail.ul.ie