Keys to Writing Good Final Papers: Outlines, Subject Familiarity and Time

The idea of a five to ten page final paper looming over your head can be very overwhelming if you don't know how to deal with the stress of it. Here are some of the best ways to write a clear, concise paper, regardless of the length and teacher.

1) Use as few words as possible. This doesn't mean that you should abbreviate, or that you should sacrifice good grammar for a short essay. George Orwell held the belief that a good essay is an essay that says what it needs to say in as few words as possible. Take Orwell's advice. Maybe your teacher will enjoy your final paper as much as the masses have enjoyed Animal Farm.

2) Write an outline. Even though, in most college classes, outlines are not required, there is a reason why your highschool instructors forced you to create such horrid things. Outlines, however rough or detailed, help you to get an idea of where your paper may be heading. They also help you to organize your thoughts, see them written out on paper, and get your mind revved up and going for the long stretch of your assignment.

3) Know your material. If you don't know a thing about what you are writing on, chances are, you won't be able to write a very good essay. As a helper throughout the whole writing process, make a packet of information to carry around with you. Read through it, and store your bibliography sources in it so that when it comes time to either write the paper, or discuss it in class, you know exactly where to start.

4) Familiarize yourself with your resources. While the internet is a great place to find basic ideas for your paper, it is rarely a good place to find an actual quoatable source. In it's place, try to find a good library branch near you. Familiarize yourself with its layout and materials so that you can find things more easily. Also, online databases provided by most colleges, as well as a teacher's personal library, are great places to find information for your papers. Don't be too shy to ask a teacher for advice in this area. Good sources make for a great paper.