How to Break the Essay Writing Process Down

Even a short, 500-word essay seems like the end of the world to many a high school student. Time spent composing 500 words on a specified topic is time not spent watching the TV or enjoying the warm spring weather. It's a moral dilemma. Enjoy the chirping birds or sit cooped up in a room throwing words onto a word processor. For many, the outdoors wins the calling.

The evening before the essay is due, students finally realize they have to get the essay written or fail English class. Pressed for time, a quick gathering of vital information is performed and then words are erratically typed into a word document and printed off without a proof read. Come on! Who wants to proof read an essay at midnight anyway?

Got to love procrastination. If the above situation describes your essay strategy, you need some definite help. Essays don't have to be huge tasks. One can effectively break an essay down, spreading the work out far enough to make the assignment seem like no big deal. In fact, breaking an essay down into different phases not only gives you more free time and avoids the last minute cram session, it will render a better grade on the final draft.

So how does one effectively break an essay down? Spread the writing out into these phases. Make sure you take a break in between each phase for the least stress and best grade possible.

Phase 1: The information gathering phase

* This stage needs to be done immediately after the assignment is given, that way you can do the rest of the phases when you have time. Most essays require a certain amount of study. Use the internet, encyclopedia, whatever resource you need and get your information in order. Write down what you need to know and print off vital information.

Phase 2: The study phase

* The study phase involves actually reading through your notes and resources. Highlight the key points and important data. You can't write a good essay if you don't know the material. Spend some time learning the ins and outs of the essay's subject.

Phase 3: The organization phase