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You are not alone. It is rare to have an assignment where no help is available. When writing my first few essays I was under the impression that all my writing should come from my own head unaided in any way. I thought that getting help meant that I was weak and may be more critically reviewed when it comes time to hand in.

There is help. Most lecturers are more than happy to help you when writing an essay. They will help clarify points which you didn't understand when they were addressed to the whole class. They will give you direction that may lead you to finding good information. They will also know they common problems within their essay topics and may give you information that overcomes those problems that you wouldn't have thought about. This surely will help you get a better grade.

Many universities or colleges also have a writing skills center where you can take your essays to be reviewed for punctuation and layout. These places will not improve the content of your essay but will prevent you losing those marks which are always taken off for bad grammar and punctuation.

You should not fear stating your problems and concerns to your class mates, most likely the are facing them too, or have overcome them. They may provide you with ways to address the problems. It is not cheating if a class mate helps you to analyse data. It only becomes cheating when you copy their analysis and presents it as your own.

Liberians are not evil. Although their solemn looks and eerie quietness or oldness may appear scary most of them want to help. Liberians have helped many students in the past, you are not the first, and almost no question to them is stupid (the only stupid question is the one you never asked). Utilise these wonderful people as they are the key holders to a world of information.

Know about the internet tools your university uses. It is highly likely that there is a journal search tool. Scopus (a journal search tool), has given me more useful information about research than any other source out there. Once you know how to harness these, little can get in your way and prevent you from writing a well researched and knowledgeable paper.

Essay writing can be an emotional drain; you do not need to waste yourself when writing. Schedule breaks and make realistic goals. Treat yourself when you meet your goals. If you are struggling ask for help. Never give up, and if you do feel like giving up or can't cope with your work load talk to someone. It's okay to talk to a counselor or a guidance provider they are there to help you. You will not be their first or last student with problems coping they are there to help. Use them if you need them.

Learn more about this author, Sage Doak.
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