[Introduction]
The prompt. The procrastination. The PANIC. Trust me, honey, we’ve all been there, and I’m not judging you…but with that final paper due in a week, this behavior has got to stop. It’s time to stop thinking and start doing, because as much as you’d like it to, that paper is NOT going to write itself. That’s why I’m giving you a sure-fire plan to write your paper in the next five days so that you can create something you’re proud of without staying up until the cock crows the night before it’s due. Follow this schedule, and you’ll not only manage to write your paper, but you’ll also manage to catch some Z’s.
[Day One: Read and Research]
What exactly is your prompt asking you to do? Is there a particular classroom text you need to use as the foundation for your paper? Maybe a chapter or even a whole book to read? If so, take today (and maybe yesterday) to read it!
If your prompt does not have a required text to read, it’s time to head over to the library and get on EBSCOHost. Read a lot of articles that discuss whatever your topic is (and don’t forget to document them and take notes!). You really want to cast a wide net while you’re researching… after all, you probably still haven’t figured out your argument.
Leave yourself a large block of time to do this—it’s probably best if you start on Saturday or Sunday so you can take a couple of hours or even all day to get your reading done. Today is going to be one of your most intensive work days, and a boring one at that… unless by some miracle you’re actually interested in the topic.
[Day Two: Outline and Open]
After all that hard work yesterday, you deserve a break. Take today to think about all that information you absorbed, and develop your argument.
Look through your notes and organize them according to topic. After you’ve got everything categorized, it’ll be clear which subjects are related to one another and which you have the most information on. Use this method to figure out which theme is the best for you to use to write a successful paper.
Once you figure out your argument, create a short outline for your paper. Yes, we learned how to do this in 3rd grade, and yes, I know you hate it, but I promise it’ll make the writing process much easier, so just suck it up and do it!
Your final task for today: write your introduction. Everyone knows that the hardest part of writing is getting started, so use all of your preparation from today and yesterday to do just that. Figure out your opening statement and build a strong thesis. Phew! Now that that’s done, tomorrow will be a breeze!
[Day Three: Write, Write, Write!]
Okay, so maybe not a TOTAL breeze, but at least the hardest parts are over, right? You’ve already done your research, you’ve written your introduction (with a rocking thesis, I’m sure), and you know EXACTLY where your paper is headed. All that’s left to do is write.
I know it seems daunting, but Day One was way worse than this. Give yourself a couple of hours to write your paper, and just let it happen. You might spend the first 30 minutes shuffling through your notes and staring at a blank computer screen, but once you get your first words down, the sentences will just flow out of you. You’ll be done before you know it!
[Day Four: Obtain an Outside Opinion]
Whoa, now! Don’t get ahead of yourself…you’re not finished yet. But I think you have earned another lazy day. Kick back, relax, and get an outside opinion on your paper.
The way I see it, you have three options here:
- Go to the Writing Center. Need I say more? These people are trained to help you improve your paper. They’ll give you positive feedback and some unbiased observations about where your paper is rock-solid and where it needs a little work.
- Ask a friend. Maybe they’ll sugarcoat their criticisms a bit, but if you’d rather ask someone you know and are comfortable with, a friend can still be a great resource for your writing. They’ll understand how hard you’ve worked for the last three days, and if they’re any sort of awesome, they’ll agree to help you out!
- Call your mom. Yep, I said it. Read her a few snippets of your paper, and then just wait to be showered with affection. She’ll commend you on all of your hard work, praise your skills as a writer, and then she’ll assure you that you’ll get an A++ (“But, Mom, they don’t give those in college.” “Then you’ll be the first, honeybun. Aw, I’m so proud of you!”). If nothing else, calling your mom is always a great way to boost your confidence.
Whoever you turn to, realize how important it is to get a second opinion. I know it’s tempting to say that you don’t need to do any more work here and that you deserve to stop thinking about this paper, but let’s be real here. You didn’t think about this paper for two-and-a-half months (because I know it’s been at least that long since you got the assignment). Don’t skip today, or you’ll regret it.
[Day Five: Revise and Review]
Now that you’ve gotten some feedback, it’s time to consider implementing some of the suggestions that were made. Today should be pretty easy (especially if the only person you talked to was your mom).
Take the time to change some words, rephrase or add a sentence or two, and just make sure that everything is in tip-top shape! Once you’ve polished and shined your paper, you can hit the sack. Enjoy the sleep…you’ve earned it!
[Day Six]
Whoops, I only said five days, didn’t I? Relax. The only thing you have to do today is head over to the library to print this masterpiece and turn it in. Congratulations, you’re done!
