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Where To Start

First Steps

Before you begin writing, it helps to have a clear plan. This resource guides you step by step so that your essay feels manageable, not overwhelming.

The first chapter is the Interactive Essay Builder Tool. You can jump straight into it or work through the guide chapter by chapter. You can also return to the tool after any chapter to apply what you have just learned.


A Note on Referencing

This guide does not teach how to  research or reference. However, it is important to understand that in academic writing, almost everything you write should be supported by credible sources. Make a note of your references as you go. It saves time later and helps you keep track of where your ideas came from.

For help with research or referencing, please contact the Academic Writing Centre or the University Library.


Before You Begin: Are You Ready to Start Planning Your Essay?

Essay Planning Checklist  H5P activity created by Róisín Kelly. CC BY NC 4.0.

Download This Checklist

 

Licence

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Your Essay Builder: Clear Steps to Plan and Structure Your Essay Copyright © 2026 by Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and Roisin Kelly is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.