Blog by Qixuan
As graduation looms closer and I sit down to write perhaps my final blog post for the SPS community, I’ve been mulling over what could really help you—my fellow students just kicking off your journey. After some thought, it hits me: essays. I’m no lecturer or pro writer, but I’ve stumbled through those first SPS essays, staring at a blank screen, unsure where to start. But eventually, I found a rhythm that helped me achieve consistent, satisfying marks. This blog isn’t a lecture – it’s a friendly chat, hoping to share some tips that genuinely helped me and, hopefully, will help you too.
Research (which, for second years, morphs into your literature review) can feel like falling down a rabbit hole. Five weeks into the semester, still adjusting to university life, you’re hit with an essay deadline – and panic sets in. The temptation is strong to read everything ever written on your topic, but trust me, you don’t have to. That mindset leads to overwhelm, perfectionism, and – let’s be honest – procrastination (guilty as charged). SPS teaches us to narrow our focus, and it’s a game-changer for essays.
Dodge the Literature and Perfectionism Traps
Here’s what I’ve learned: research works best when it’s a dance between writing and reading. Primary readings can seem daunting, but your course reading list is there for a reason – those are the sources your professors value. Start with those, then branch out to databases if you need more. You’re not aiming to read it all; 5-7 solid articles can bring clarity and keep you on track. The goal? Answer one key question: What specific angle am I taking on this essay prompt? For instance, take a broad question like ‘To what extent does economic interdependence promote peace?’ It’s easy to get buried under something that massive. Instead, narrow it down: highlight the key words ‘economic interdependence’ and ‘peace’, then pick a specific lens (e.g. zoom in on trade interdependence between the US and EU). Now you’ve got a clear direction that all subsequent research should focus on (e.g., US and EU trade volumes or how their ties reduce regional tensions).
The beauty of remembering to ‘narrow the scope’ is how it keeps you focused. Your research stops being a wild goose chase and all effort starts serving your argument. After all, your undergraduate essay isn’t about matching decades of scholarship. With the time and scope you have in hand, your goal is to clearly and convincingly convey your understanding and perspective by focusing on something specific.
Once the scope is narrowed, just start writing. Waiting until everything is perfectly planned is a trap. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to exist. I’ve wasted hours overthinking, stuck in my head while the clock ticked away. Writing breaks that cycle. Even awkward, clumsy sentences can be refined later. Ideas emerge and arguments sharpen as words hit the page. Simultaneously, let those articles debate each other in your mind; weigh their arguments, identify their strengths and weaknesses, learn their logic and structure, and use them to form your opinion and outline. If needed, you should nod to your choice in the essay, ‘I have chosen to focus on X aspect because…’. Markers often appreciate seeing how you’ve thoughtfully and justifiably tightened your scope.
Tune into Your Course Needs
Lecturers and tutors often hold essay-writing sessions – don’t sleep on them. Yes, all courses use the same undergrad marking criteria (which you should absolutely check out), but each course has its own vibe. These sessions reveal what this course’s markers prioritise. Even if your tutor isn’t grading you, their advice is pure gold. Take as much notes as possible in these sessions, make a checklist, and tailor your essay to fit.
Mastering Attention to Detail
‘Attention to detail’ sounds cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. Essay writing isn’t just about throwing together an intro, literature review, and discussion. Two things people often underestimate the importance are logical coherence and formatting.
Logic matters at every level. Think of your essay like a chat with a friend. You want your ideas to flow naturally, each one leading into the next without any weird detours. Each paragraph, sentence, and word should lead naturally into what’s next, so readers can follow your reasoning from point A to point B. If your points feel jumbled or don’t connect, your reader’s going to get lost fast.
During the drafting phase, using sub-level bullet points can help you organise your thoughts and ensure each idea logically follows the previous one. Then, as you refine your draft, weave those bullet points into a seamless narrative. To catch any remaining issues, read your draft out loud – you’ll hear where it stumbles or sounds off. Sprinkle in transition words like ‘because’ or ‘however’ to tie your thoughts together and keep the argument moving. Better yet, hand it to a friend and ask if it makes sense; they’ll spot what you’re too close to see. This is why starting early with a rough draft pays off – give yourself time to step back, then tweak it until the whole draft flows smoothly.
Moreover, formatting counts too. Are you following the guidelines your lecturers gave? Are your citations consistent and correct? A tidy bibliography might seem like a chore, but it signals professionalism and respect for the academic standards markers expect.
Your Takeaway Checklist:
- Zero in on a few key sources to keep your scope tight.
- Start writing early, even if it’s rough.
- Use your course organiser’s advice to shape your work.
- Check that your logic flows at every level.
- Nail your formatting and citations.
At the end of the day, anxiety won’t write your essay – you will. Get that draft down, then refine it with care. The only thing standing between you and a finished paper is you. So take the reins, lay the groundwork, and have faith and hope that the rest will follow…
