Writing an essay/assignment

Reading and making notes are crucial when doing research. It is wise to complete your research by making notes of relevant information before you start writing.

Step one: Buy a set of index cards (available from any stationer's). These have a dual purpose:

You will complete one card for every information source you consult during your research.
You will make notes of what you have read on these cards so that you can then write your own report.
Step two: Locate the information relevant to your assignment by browsing, and by consulting the book's table of contents and index.

Step three: Write the bibliographic details for each item that you consult in the correct format on a card (one card per item). Steps on how to do your bibliography will be discussed in detail further on in this section. Follow the examples strictly.

Step four: Read the relevant sections carefully, and try to assimilate the facts or the author's argument or standpoint.

Step five: Write down each quotation which you think is relevant, useful or interesting on a separate index card. Be sure to note the bibliographical details.
In the following example you are quoting a statement on page 36 from the book by Rendell.

Card 1 (with the bibliographic details)

Rendell, J.P. 1986. Getting that job: a guide to writing your own CV. 2nd ed. London: Clive Bingley.

Card 2 (with the quotation)

"Writing a CV is similar to writing a sales letter - you are, in fact, selling yourself - your skills and aptitudes." (Rendell, 1986:36)

In the next example you are quoting

from a periodical with the title Psychology today.

the article you are quoting from was written by L.D. James

the title of the article is The psychology of eating.

Card 1 (with the bibliographic details)

James, L.D. 1985. The psychology of eating. Psychology today, 29(4):23-29, April.

Card 2 (with the quotation)

"Adolescent girls between the ages of 13 and 25 have the highest incidence of anorexia nervosa." (James, 1985:25)

Step six: Acknowledge the writers. It is very important that you acknowledge your indebtedness to the writers whose works you have consulted in an academically acceptable manner.

Step seven: Arrange all your cards with the full bibliographic detail in alphabetical order. Type your bibliography from this set of cards. It is very important that you record the bibliographic details correctly at this point of the process. Very often it is not possible to get hold of the item again to check the information for your bibliography.