The first book that literature students should read, this guide reveals the distinct set of skills, conventions and methods of essay and dissertation writing.
Taking students through the various stages of writing, from planning to final submission, it offers specific guidelines and a lively, detailed commentary on actual examples of student work at each stage.
Nigel Fabb is Professor of Literary Linguistics, an editor of Journal of Linguistics, and Head of the Department of English Studies at University of Strathclyde. Alan Durant is Professor of English Studies at Middlesex University London; formerly head of the School of English, Cultural and Communication Studies at Middlesex and Head of English at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
This is their third book for literature students and between them they have written ten books on literature and linguistics. Their most recent successful textbook is Ways of Reading (Routledge, 3rd edition).
Preface Introduction 1.Writing on a prescribed topic 2. Devising your own topic 3. What markers want 4. Selecting primary and secondary texts 5. Getting help from reference works, online resources and your supervisor 5. The first draft 6. Developing your argument 7. Weighting different elements in your argument 8. The voice to write in 9. Revising an essay draft 10. Editing the beginning and ending 11. Incorporating other people's words into what you write 12. Mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation 13. Handing in