If you are starting out at college, effective study skills are essential, but the leap from high school to university is a big one and many students find it hard to cope with having to study independently. If you don't know how to, essay writing and planning can be a nightmare.

Plan your time in advance and you'll have no problems getting your assignments written and submitted on time. Here are some essay writing tips which will enable you to complete a basic assignment in seven days or less.

If you check your submission dates and start your assignments early, you should be able to leave a few days between each of the seven assignment days. It's often a good idea to leave an essay for a few days and then read through it again, as you'll come to it with a fresh mind.

However, if you are really pushed for time, you can complete the assignment in seven consecutive days. If you have a more complex project to complete, you can use the plan, but include extra days for research, reading and writing.

Day One

Define your academic argument or the theme of your assignment and make a plan.
What are the main points you will include in your essay or report? What is the question you are answering and how will you find the answers? Will you read relevant textbooks or journals, search online, interview experts, a combination of these or something completely different?

Day Two

Write an outline with headings for each main section and fill in brief notes on each of the main areas you will cover.

Day Three

Do your background research by spending time in the library, searching for information online and writing notes . If necessary, arrange interviews with people who can provide you with additional information.

Day Four

If necessary, use today to finish your research, reading and note-taking. And then add new material to your outline.

Day Five

Write the first draft of your essay, expanding the points in your outline, relating them to your reading and other research. Type your work on a computer and make sure you save it.

Day Six

Proofread your word-processed essay, correct any errors and fine tune your argument. Write your bibliography and ensure that your referencing is correct.

Day Seven

If possible, get someone else to proofread your assignment. Re-read it yourself and make any additions or corrections necessary. Be sure to save the final copy, create your cover sheet and any appendices. Then print it out, read one last time and submit.

Author: Waller Jamison is a university lecturer who teaches academic writing. Need more tips? Check out our free Basic Essay Writing Guide

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