Four Classes, Four Papers, One Weekend
I know what you’re thinking, I waited until the last minute to do my homework, so now I am trying to cram it all in one weekend. Well, I can both honestly and dishonestly say you are incorrect. Honestly, because my I started one paper thirteen days in advance, and dishonestly because I have yet to start a paper that is due on Monday. My brain works in mysterious ways, sometimes I don’t even understand either. But have no fear, it will all get done.
But, in all seriousness, I am actually getting stuff done and working ahead. Because, as an English major, I have learned that getting words on the paper is the hardest part, but proofreading and editing are the most important. By far. Of course, that’s easier when you have a solid foundation, but if tenses are changing, structure is coming dissolving, and words are spelled incorrectly, it’s a weak paper. You can have the most amazing content, but that will not always save you from getting a grade you want (an A!). I told myself I would do all my papers this weekend because I need to give myself time to walk away from them, and then go back with a fresh set of eyes and a rejuvenated mind. Writing papers the night before they’re due is the worst possible way to go about an essay. I know people do it, but I can honestly say that I have once, and my grade was a C. Whereas when I did it a week in advance, and did some major and minor tweaking, I got an A.
With that said, some assignments will require more effort than, say, a reflection, or a journal entry, which is why I am starting with my hardest, longest paper, even though I have a different one due sooner. Everyone gets their own techniques that work well for them. This, is mine. You can try it out, or share what your secrets are. I am by no means as essay-writing expert, but I have done it enough to understand that when I take the time to get a draft done, without stopping, and go back to de-lard repetitive sentences, make myself more clear, and re-organize my paper, I am much more confident in the final piece that I turn in.
