by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: August 02, 2008

When it is the day before your essay is due, and you still have not read the book, do what any intelligent student would do- fly by the seat of your pants! At this point, there is really not much hope for you, but you may still be able to pull it off. After you are done kicking yourself for not being more conscientious about your education, follow this foolproof plan for writing essays without reading the book.

A COLLEGE GRADUATE'S FOOLPROOF PLAN FOR WRITING ESSAYS WITHOUT READING THE BOOK:

#1. If you have access to the internet, research all you can about the characters, plot, and any other pertinent information.

Go online and print out or write down all the important information you can. Just Google the title of the book. Look at a few different sources and only write down the information that has been repeated at least three different times. Make sure you have the right names and facts. However, do not copy anyone's exact words or viewpoints. Just get the gist of the story and any themes. Use Cliffnotes if you must.

#2. Lightly skim the book.

Now (this will not work if you refuse to read any of the book or if you do not have it) you should read the first few pages and the last few pages to understand which point of view the author is writing in. Read the back of the book or the inside cover to read a synopsis of the book.

#3. Gather any notes you have from class and write down anything you have ever heard about the story.

You really need a few good quotes that relate to each other. Skim through the book or look at any quotes that were in your notes. The quotes need to relate to each other so that you can analyze the plot or form an argument based on those quotes.

#4. Decide what topic you will discuss and what angle you will take.

This is where it gets tricky. You have to be really creative. Let your mind open up and immediately write down anything that comes to mind. If your ideas start connecting and you can find at least three supporting ideas for your topic, then you have got it made!

#5. Write an outline.

You need at least five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. So start out by writing something like "The main character, (name), is a (describe character) who (state an opinion)." Then develop that topic sentence with three other sentences that support your opinion. Congratulations, you now have an introductory paragraph.

For the body, make each of the three supporting sentences a paragraph. In each paragraph write a couple of sentences with at least one quote from the book, along with an explanation of that quote. Conclude your essay with a paragraph that basically restates the topic sentence and wraps everything together.

#6. Write your essay and try to tie it all together so that it makes sense.

If you really do not know that much about the story, try to at least know what the overall theme is. You can write an essay about how that theme relates to society (or whatever you choose to relate it to). At the very least, try to make sure your grammar and spelling is perfect.

#7. Turn it in and cross your fingers.

You never know how an instructor may react. Most teachers know when you have not read the book. As long as your essay is organized (see tip #5) and error free, you should be able to receive an average grade. Try to do well on your next essay, otherwise the instructor will begin to think you are lazy.

Writing an essay without reading the book is hard work. It takes creativity and (I hate to say it) practice. Do not feel like a cheater. Chances are you will find yourself in this situation at least once or twice in your academic career. Follow this guide and you may have a chance. Good luck!

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