assignments easy

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How to Start an Assignment

Last Updated: January 29, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Michelle Golden, PhD . Michelle Golden is an English teacher in Athens, Georgia. She received her MA in Language Arts Teacher Education in 2008 and received her PhD in English from Georgia State University in 2015. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 110,699 times.

Getting started on an assignment or homework can often times be the hardest step. Putting off the assignment can make the problem worse, reducing the time you have to complete the task and increasing stress. By learning how to get started and overcome the urge to procrastinate, you can get your assignments done on schedule and with less stress, opening up more free time.

Restructuring Your Assignment

• For example, you might research areas of a report that you find most interesting before moving on to other areas.
• If your math assignment has different types of questions, try doing those that you enjoy the most before moving on to the others.
• You might also try tackling smaller or easier tasks first so you can cross a few items off your list. Seeing that you've already made progress may help you feel motivated to continue.

• Promise yourself that you will meet your goal of working for five minutes on the assignment.
• Once you get started, you may find that you don't want to stop working. Otherwise, you can take a break and come back to the assignment, knowing you're at least five minutes closer to finishing than you were before.

• Try to set reasonable periods of time that you know you can meet. For example, you might set aside two hours on a Friday to dedicate to your assignment. If you don't have that much time all at once, try to carve out a few 20- or 30-minute blocks.
• You may or may not wish to continue working after your time limit has gone by.
• Have a realistic understanding of how fast you can write and plan your schedule accordingly.

• It can help to read the assignment as soon as you get it and then ask any questions you might have.
• If you're not sure if you understand the assignment, try rewriting it in your own words or explaining it to someone else. If you find you can't or have a lot of questions, you may need more information.
• You should have an overview of the assignment, understand the main task, and understand the technical and stylistic requirements.
• Look for important words in the instructions to understand the assignment. These words might include define, explain, compare, relate, or prove.
• Keep your audience in mind and write a paper that would best deliver information to them.

• Goals that are too big or not well defined can be difficult to start working towards.
• Smaller and well defined goals can seem easier to achieve than larger ones.
• For example, you could break a research paper down into several smaller tasks: 1) do preliminary research, 2) write an outline, 3) draft an introduction, 4) draft body paragraphs, 5) write conclusion, 6) revise. Each of these is much more do-able on its own.

Changing Your Focus

• You might want to go for a quick walk after working for a set amount of time.
• Try reading a website or book that you enjoy for a few minutes after working.
• Alternatively, try a quick burst of exercise before setting to work. Exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins and can also help boost your memory. [8] X Research source

• Instead of dreading your work, focus on how good it will feel to make progress. You won't have it hanging over your head. You can actually enjoy the weekend instead of feeling guilty.
• Keeping your eye on long-term rewards can help you stay motivated to finish your assignment.

• Avoid moving your workspace constantly.
• Don't get lost on tangential research.
• Don't take constant breaks to get a snack.

• For every hour you waste procrastinating, you can limit how much television you watch that night.
• If you waste too much time procrastinating, you might deny yourself a favorite snack later on.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/solving-unsolvable-problems/201408/4-steps-stop-procrastinating
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/friendship-20/201405/the-surefire-first-step-stop-procrastinating
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/procrastination/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/understanding-assignments/
• ↑ https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/ab22ff64-3358-4387-9761-8c58878a6b84/resource/3ee38320-17e4-46f9-b24f-c95f9f345eb9/download/ipp7.pdf
• ↑ http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/07/how-exercise-can-help-us-learn/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/happy-life.html

About This Article

To start an assignment, try working on the most enjoyable or easiest parts of the assignment first to get the ball rolling. Even if no part of the assignment seems enjoyable or easy, set a timer and try to make yourself work for at least 5 minutes, which is usually enough time to build momentum and overcome procrastination. You can also try breaking your assignment up into smaller, more manageable tasks and scheduling yourself regular breaks so it doesn't seem as overwhelming. To learn how to stay positive and avoid procrastination while working on your homework, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to write the best college assignments.

By Lois Weldon

When it comes to writing assignments, it is difficult to find a conceptualized guide with clear and simple tips that are easy to follow. That’s exactly what this guide will provide: few simple tips on how to write great assignments, right when you need them. Some of these points will probably be familiar to you, but there is no harm in being reminded of the most important things before you start writing the assignments, which are usually determining on your credits.

The most important aspects: Outline and Introduction

Preparation is the key to success, especially when it comes to academic assignments. It is recommended to always write an outline before you start writing the actual assignment. The outline should include the main points of discussion, which will keep you focused throughout the work and will make your key points clearly defined. Outlining the assignment will save you a lot of time because it will organize your thoughts and make your literature searches much easier. The outline will also help you to create different sections and divide up the word count between them, which will make the assignment more organized.

The introduction is the next important part you should focus on. This is the part that defines the quality of your assignment in the eyes of the reader. The introduction must include a brief background on the main points of discussion, the purpose of developing such work and clear indications on how the assignment is being organized. Keep this part brief, within one or two paragraphs.

This is an example of including the above mentioned points into the introduction of an assignment that elaborates the topic of obesity reaching proportions:

Background : The twenty first century is characterized by many public health challenges, among which obesity takes a major part. The increasing prevalence of obesity is creating an alarming situation in both developed and developing regions of the world.

Structure and aim : This assignment will elaborate and discuss the specific pattern of obesity epidemic development, as well as its epidemiology. Debt, trade and globalization will also be analyzed as factors that led to escalation of the problem. Moreover, the assignment will discuss the governmental interventions that make efforts to address this issue.

Practical tips on assignment writing

Here are some practical tips that will keep your work focused and effective:

–         Critical thinking – Academic writing has to be characterized by critical thinking, not only to provide the work with the needed level, but also because it takes part in the final mark.

–         Continuity of ideas – When you get to the middle of assignment, things can get confusing. You have to make sure that the ideas are flowing continuously within and between paragraphs, so the reader will be enabled to follow the argument easily. Dividing the work in different paragraphs is very important for this purpose.

–         Usage of ‘you’ and ‘I’ – According to the academic writing standards, the assignments should be written in an impersonal language, which means that the usage of ‘you’ and ‘I’ should be avoided. The only acceptable way of building your arguments is by using opinions and evidence from authoritative sources.

–         Referencing – this part of the assignment is extremely important and it takes a big part in the final mark. Make sure to use either Vancouver or Harvard referencing systems, and use the same system in the bibliography and while citing work of other sources within the text.  

–         Usage of examples – A clear understanding on your assignment’s topic should be provided by comparing different sources and identifying their strengths and weaknesses in an objective manner. This is the part where you should show how the knowledge can be applied into practice.

–         Numbering and bullets – Instead of using numbering and bullets, the academic writing style prefers the usage of paragraphs.

–         Including figures and tables – The figures and tables are an effective way of conveying information to the reader in a clear manner, without disturbing the word count. Each figure and table should have clear headings and you should make sure to mention their sources in the bibliography.

–         Word count – the word count of your assignment mustn’t be far above or far below the required word count. The outline will provide you with help in this aspect, so make sure to plan the work in order to keep it within the boundaries.

The importance of an effective conclusion

The conclusion of your assignment is your ultimate chance to provide powerful arguments that will impress the reader. The conclusion in academic writing is usually expressed through three main parts:

–         Stating the context and aim of the assignment

–         Summarizing the main points briefly

–         Providing final comments with consideration of the future (discussing clear examples of things that can be done in order to improve the situation concerning your topic of discussion).

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Lois Weldon is writer at  Uk.bestdissertation.com . Lives happily at London with her husband and lovely daughter. Adores writing tips for students. Passionate about Star Wars and yoga.

7 comments on “How To Write The Best College Assignments”

Extremely useful tip for students wanting to score well on their assignments. I concur with the writer that writing an outline before ACTUALLY starting to write assignments is extremely important. I have observed students who start off quite well but they tend to lose focus in between which causes them to lose marks. So an outline helps them to maintain the theme focused.

Hello Great information…. write assignments

Well elabrated

Thanks for the information. This site has amazing articles. Looking forward to continuing on this site.

This article is certainly going to help student . Well written.

Really good, thanks

Practical tips on assignment writing, the’re fantastic. Thank you!

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10 Tips for Writing Assignments

Writing assignments are a cornerstone of your academic journey, and honing your assignment writing skills is paramount for your success. Whether you're embarking on your first year or a seasoned academic, the art of effective assignment writing can wield significant influence over your grades and overall educational voyage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll offer you ten invaluable tips to elevate your assignment writing prowess. These strategies, along with expert guidance from our specialized assignment help website writemyessays.com/do-my-assignment.html , will empower you to enhance your writing skills and chart a course towards academic triumph.

Tip 1: Start Early

The first rule of successful assignment writing is to start early. Procrastination is the enemy of quality work. By initiating your assignments as soon as you receive them, you'll have ample time for essential steps such as research, planning, drafting, and revisions. Starting early allows you to manage your time effectively and produce well-crafted assignments.

Tip 2: Understand the Assignment

Before you begin writing, it's essential to thoroughly understand the assignment instructions. Take the time to read and analyze what is expected of you. If any aspects are unclear, don't hesitate to seek clarification from your instructor. Understanding the assignment's requirements is fundamental to meeting them successfully.

Tip 3: Plan Your Work

Effective planning is a cornerstone of assignment writing. Develop a structured plan that includes creating a timeline for your assignment. Break down the work into smaller tasks, allocate sufficient time for research, outlining, drafting, and proofreading. A well-organized plan will keep you on track and reduce stress.

Tip 4: Utilize Campus Resources

Your university offers a wealth of resources to support your writing endeavors. Take advantage of writing centers, libraries, and academic advisors who can provide guidance and feedback on your assignments. These resources are valuable assets that can significantly improve the quality of your work.

Tip 5: Research Thoroughly

High-quality assignments require thorough research. Dive deeply into your chosen topic, utilizing a variety of credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Ensure that you cite your sources correctly to provide evidence for your arguments and maintain academic integrity.

Tip 6: Maintain a Good Writing Style

Developing and maintaining a clear and concise writing style is essential for effective communication in your assignments. Avoid overly complex language and prioritize clarity. Ensure that your assignments have a logical structure with a clear flow of ideas. Your goal is to make your writing accessible and easy for your reader to understand.

Tip 7: Seek Writing Assistance

If you ever find yourself struggling with assignment writing, don't hesitate to seek writing assistance. Many universities offer writing assistance programs staffed by experienced tutors who can provide guidance and feedback on your work. These services are designed to help you refine your writing skills and produce higher-quality assignments.

Tip 8: Proofread and Edit

The importance of proofreading and editing cannot be overstated. After completing your initial draft, take the time to review and edit your work. Check for grammar and punctuation errors, ensure proper formatting, and verify that your assignment aligns with the assignment guidelines. Effective editing will polish your work and enhance its overall quality.

Tip 9: Stay Safe Online

When conducting online research for your assignments, it's essential to prioritize online safety. Use reliable sources and be cautious of plagiarism. Properly cite all your references to maintain academic integrity and avoid unintentional academic misconduct.

Tip 10: Celebrate Your Achievements

Lastly, don't forget to celebrate your achievements in assignment writing. Completing assignments is a significant accomplishment on your academic journey. Reward yourself for your hard work and dedication, and acknowledge your successes. Recognizing your achievements can motivate you to excel in future assignments.

Dos and Don'ts

To summarize, here are some dos and don'ts for successful assignment writing:

• Start early and plan your work effectively.
• Thoroughly understand the assignment instructions.
• Utilize available campus resources for support and guidance.
• Conduct in-depth research using credible sources.
• Maintain a clear and concise writing style for accessibility.
• Seek writing assistance when facing challenges.
• Commit to thorough proofreading and editing.
• Stay safe and ethical when conducting online research.
• Celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Procrastinate on your assignments; start early instead.
• Overlook or misinterpret assignment instructions.
• Miss out on utilizing valuable campus resources.
• Skimp on research quality or rely on unreliable sources.
• Engage in overly complex writing that hinders clarity.
• Hesitate to seek assistance when facing challenges.
• Neglect the critical steps of proofreading and editing.
• Plagiarize or compromise on academic integrity.
• Forget to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to assignment writing:

1. How can I improve my writing style?

Improving your writing style is a gradual process. Consider taking writing courses, seeking feedback from professors or writing tutors, and practicing regularly to refine your skills.

2. Is it okay to use online sources for research?

Yes, it's acceptable to use online sources for research, but ensure that they are reliable and properly cited in your assignments to maintain academic credibility.

Final Thoughts

Writing assignments may seem challenging at times, but with the right approach and these ten tips, you can excel in your academic journey. Remember that assignment writing is a skill that improves with practice and dedication. By following these guidelines and continuously honing your writing skills, you'll be well-equipped to tackle assignments successfully and achieve academic excellence. Go to website

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Creative Ways to Design Assignments for Student Success

There are many creative ways in which teachers can design assignments to support student success..

There are many creative ways in which teachers can design assignments to support student success. We can do this while simultaneously not getting bogged down with the various obstructions that keep students from both completing and learning from the assignments. For me, assignments fall into two categories: those that are graded automatically, such as SmartBook® readings and quizzes in Connect®; and those that I need to grade by hand, such as writing assignments.  

For those of us teaching large, introductory classes, most of our assignments are graded automatically, which is great for our time management. But our students will ultimately deliver a plethora of colorful excuses as to why they were not completed and why extensions are warranted. How do we give them a little leeway to make the semester run more smoothly, so there are fewer worries about a reading that was missed or a quiz that went by too quickly? Here are a few tactics I use. 

Automatically graded assignments: 

Multiple assignment attempts  

• This eases the mental pressure of a timed assignment and covers computer mishaps or human error on the first attempt. 
• You can deduct points for every attempt taken if you are worried about students taking advantage. 

Automatically dropped assignments  

• Within a subset or set of assignments, automatically drop a few from grading. This can take care of all excuses for missing an assignment. 
• Additionally, you can give a little grade boost to those who complete all their assignments (over a certain grade). 

Due dates  

• Consider staggering due dates during the week instead of making them all due on Sunday night.  
• Set the due date for readings the night before you cover the material, so students are prepared.  

Requirements  

• If we want our students to read, then make a reading assignment a requirement of a quiz. 

The tactics above might be applied to written assignments, too. An easy way to bolster a student’s interest and investment in these longer assignments is to give them a choice. This could be in the topic, location of study, or presentation style. For example, if you want them to analyze the susceptibility of a beach to hurricane threat, why not let them choose the location? In this way, you will also be gaining a lot of new information for your own use. 

With a small amount of effort, we can design our classes, so students concentrate on learning the subject matter rather than the logistics of completing the assignments. 

Gina Seegers Szablewski has taught large introductory geology classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for over 20 years with a total of nearly 20,000 students. Having received her BA in geology from Lawrence University and MS in geology (sedimentology) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she first worked as a geologist in environmental consulting for 7 years. Currently, she teaches physical and environmental geology and earth science classes in person and online, while working with McGrawHill in a variety of roles, not just as the author of Environmental Geology but also as a digital faculty consultant, subject matter expert, and lead digital author. She enjoys sharing with other teachers her experiences using digital content in and out of the classroom to improve both teaching and learning. She is an active member of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers and the Geological Society of America, and she frequently attends short courses and workshops associated with geoscience education. When she is not learning, teaching, and thinking about science and science education, she enjoys hiking, traveling, yoga, walking her standard poodle, reading, cooking, and crocheting. She and her husband have two children – one a high school earth science teacher in Brooklyn, NY, and one a mechanical engineer in Boston, MA.

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How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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If you are studying at college or university, or any other academic institution, you may sometimes need some modern-day tools to help you complete your assignments.

Most of us have been a student at some time or another and so we know that writing an essay or completing an assignment is not always easy: in fact, sometimes it can be incredibly challenging. However, times have changed and in today's digital era there are many useful tools out there that can help you complete assignments and other academic work.

In this three-minute resource, we are going to introduce you to the best online writing tools available on the web, and the assistance they can offer. If you search the web for assignment writing tools you will find dozens of both free and paid for tools out there, but how can you tell whether these sites are reliable and user-friendly? This is where we can help as we have researched the best tools currently available to save you both time and effort!

Best Assignment Writing Tools

Writing skills are an important part of communication.  Good writing skills allow you to communicate your message with clarity and ease to a far larger audience than through face-to-face or telephone conversations. You should start by reading our Writing Skills pages for easy-to-read articles that will help you to improve your writing skills.  Our content covers grammar, spelling, punctuation, different writing styles, referencing and more.

Once you have mastered the basics of writing, here are some of the best free resources available on the web to help you prepare and write your assignments.

Although the quality of the content and the arguments that you make in an essay are both unique and subjective, you should always aim to use the best writing possible and to express your thoughts clearly and objectively. Readable can help here by quickly testing the readability, spelling and grammar of your text and showing you how and where to make improvements.

The Grammar Gorillas

Grammar and spelling mistakes are commonly made by students, and these mistakes can have a negative effect on both the mark achieved and the overall reputation of the student. If you, as a student, do not want yourself to be noticed in class for all the wrong reasons, then you should start using some online tools like Grammar Gorillas.

Grammar Gorillas is a fun, online game that not only helps you learn the proper use of grammar but can also check your written content for errors, suggesting possible changes that could be made. Grammar Gorillas is more like an e-learning gaming application that help you learn more about grammar than actual work!

It is not always easy to prepare assignments, and what's even more difficult is encouraging students to be enthusiastic about this work. Usually, students feel completing their assignments and writing essays is a tedious job, and so either avoid it or use plagiarism to complete their work. Quill Pad is an online program that helps make assignments exciting and fun for students as it’s filled with online resources and books that provide fun facts about the topic as well as new vocabulary.

Grammarly is probably the most well-known text editing program and it can be used for editing and correction purposes. Some of the major corrections that you can make with Grammarly are contextual spellings, grammatical errors, sentence structures, punctuation, overall document style, clarity, and delivery of your work. You can use Grammarly with MS Word, with Google Docs, or on its parent website as well. This editing program will highlight all spelling and grammar mistakes, and suggest solutions and improvements to your use of language. Grammarly also has a built-in plagiarism program that can help you in detecting duplication.

Hemingway Editor

Hemingway Editor is another assignment editing tool that can be used directly via the internet. You don't have to download this tool onto your device to use it, you just need a web connection and a browser. It is known to be one of the reliable and trustworthy apps for checking the comprehensibility of essays, assignments and other textual content. This program can also teach you how to improve your sentences and make their meaning clearer. In addition, it can identify overly complicated sentences and the passive voice in your work.

FocusWriter

As its name suggests, FocusWriter has been designed to eliminate distractions so that you can concentrate on the task in hand, be more productive, and get your writing done so that you can complete your assignments on time. The tool allows you to manage your on-screen writing environment, eliminating distractions and making the text appear just as you want. FocusWriter also helps you to track the progress of your writing, provides and optional spell-checker and is available in over 20 languages.

Online Proofreader

As the name of this program suggests, this is a straightforward online proofreader as well as a plagiarism checking tool. This useful too can be used to find errors in your work and then revise or edit it. This proofreader can be used to find and remove spelling mistakes, grammar errors, punctuation mistakes, and plagiarism from your papers. You don't need to download or install this program on your device as you can easily access it online.

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Unfortunately, we rarely see the errors in our own writing. However, these online tools will help you to both identify errors and, over time, improve your writing skills.

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Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

• Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
• Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

• What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

• What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that they will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

• define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
• describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
• explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
• illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
• summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
• trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
• research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

• compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
• contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
• apply —use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
• cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
• relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

• assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
• prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
• evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
• support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
• synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
• analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
• argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

• What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
• In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove their point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
• What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
• How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, they still have to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

• Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
• The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and they already know everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality they expect.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

• spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
• use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
• use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
• get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

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Table of contents

Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

1. Preparation	2. Writing	3. Revision
	, organized into Write the	or use a for language errors

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Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Write your essay introduction

The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

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The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

Your essay meets all the most important requirements. Our editors can give it a final check to help you submit with confidence.

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition Paperback – June 15, 1986

• Print length 420 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
• Publication date June 15, 1986
• Dimensions 8.38 x 1 x 11 inches
• ISBN-10 0671631985
• ISBN-13 978-0671631987
• See all details

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the author, excerpt. © reprinted by permission. all rights reserved., product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster; First Edition (June 15, 1986)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 420 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0671631985
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0671631987
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.38 x 1 x 11 inches
• #1 in Family Activity
• #3 in Reading & Phonics Teaching Materials
• #3 in Early Childhood Education

Videos for this product

Click to play video

This book has my four year old READING!

Caitlin Best

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons 20 Minutes/Day

Kelli Roberts

Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons!

Karla Gallardo

Can Anyone Teach Using This?? Honest Current User Review!!

Rachel&Aaron

Customer Review: Does it actually work?

Mama's on a Budget

My son is already catching on and it's only the first week!

Amanda Van Schaik

Watch My Daughter Read this Book!

Diapers on a Plane

We Taught ALL our KIDS to READ with THIS BOOK! - Works Great

TOWN FAMILY FINDS

Teach Your Child to Read Book Review (See inside)!

Review and Features of Teach Your Child to Read

Kristen A. Lin

About the authors

Phyllis haddox.

Dr. Phyllis Haddox, is co-author of Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons with Siegfried Engelmann (1931-2019, originator of the Direct Instruction programs and teaching approach) and Elaine Bruner. Dr. Haddox has fully revised, expanded and updated the book for its second edition. On her website, www.startreading.com, she has made available FREE her VIDEOS (segments for training, demonstration, and information) and printable SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL (sounds cards, word cards, progress chart, and much more) that she created for Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons. (Her videos may also be seen on YouTube.)

Phyllis began her career in education as a classroom teacher and then reading specialist in California. Later at the University of Oregon, she provided hands-on training to undergraduate and graduate students in supervisory, teaching and management techniques. As an educational consultant she worked extensively in the United States (including Hawaii), Canada, and the Caribbean directly with students (preschool through college level), teachers, administrators and parents. She provided needs assessment, evaluated curriculum implementation, and designed management and teacher support systems for schools, districts, and agencies. Nationally and internationally she has been a workshop presenter who trained thousands of teachers and paraprofessionals (including tutors) to use Direct Instruction techniques and programs. Some tutors created their own very successful business after learning from her how to use Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons. In addition to Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons, she co-authored with Engelmann Thinking Basics and Concept Applications (published by McGraw-Hill as part of the Corrective Reading Series). Dr. Haddox assisted in the development of science and mathematics laserdisc series and has produced more than 20 reading training videos. Dr. Haddox has also worked as an instructional design consultant for the Mayo Clinic on training videos and for author, Barbara Sher, for two of her books (Live the Life You Love and It's Never Too Late, If You Start Now).

Dr. Haddox was the Director of the University of Oregon's Direct Instruction Model of the federally-funded Follow Through Project. This project has been called the "largest education experiment ever conducted." It provided a broad range comparison of 13 major educational approaches used in 170 communities with 75,000 children each year. Data was collected by Stanford Research Institute and analyzed by Abt Associates. The result of the comparison was that students in the U of O's Direct Instruction Model achieved the highest performance level in language, reading, math, and spelling as well as emotional well-being. Project sites managed by Phyllis were labeled "exemplary” by the United States Office of Education's Joint Dissemination/Review Panel.

Phyllis is actively retired and lives in Eugene, Oregon. She responds to inquires and testimonials (from her website, www.startreading.com) and volunteers with non-profit organizations. She enjoys interacting with family and friends, learning, reading, and gardening.

Siegfried Engelmann

Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann (1931-2019) was professor emeritus of education at the University of Oregon and the primary architect of the Direct Instruction (DI) programs, an approach based on the principles originated in the Bereiter-Engelmann Preschool in the late 1960s. Engelmann was the senior author of more than 100 curricula using DI principles and numerous other articles and books. He had a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois and an honorary doctorate from the Psychology Department of Western Michigan University. He was the 1994 recipient of the Fred S. Keller Award from the American Psychological Association’s Division of Experimental Analysis of Behavior. In 2000 the journal Remedial and Special Education named him as one of the 54 most influential people in the history of special education, and in 2002 the Council of Scientific Society Presidents awarded him the 2002 Award of Achievement in Education Research.

To learn more about Zig, visit http://zigsite.com/

Elaine Bruner

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 77% 11% 6% 2% 3% 77%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 77% 11% 6% 2% 3% 11%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 77% 11% 6% 2% 3% 6%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 77% 11% 6% 2% 3% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 77% 11% 6% 2% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the book easy to understand and well thought out. They say it works well for them and is motivating. They also say the beginning is reasonable and the lessons gradually grow longer as proficiency increases. Customers say the method has truly taught comprehension and is great for kids. They find the entertainment value fun and promising. However, some find the lessons repetitive, odd, and difficult to read. Opinions differ on the visual design, with some finding it good and others boring.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book very effective and thorough, and say it's worth every minute. They also say it’s a good base resource for teaching children to read. Readers also mention that the introduction is worth reading, and the lessons are scripted. They say the book includes many easy activities that help kids develop alphabet recognition.

"...He was stunned. I was stunned. The method works , everyone. It is monotonous and repetitive, but it works...." Read more

"...At lesson 40, I'm pretty amazed. This book has been wildly successful for him so far, but we've adapted a lot...." Read more

"...The introduction is worth reading (for the parent); after that, each lesson is scripted and easy to open-and-go with no prep...." Read more

"... One of the best educational resource purchases I've made." Read more

Customers find the book easy to understand, brilliant yet common sense. They say it literally lays out the exact words to say to your student. They also appreciate the tips and tricks for the adult to use when teaching the material. Customers also mention that the book is well laid out and has a system that works.

"...into two sections so that finding the words is manageable ...." Read more

"...There’s also a writing section included in each lesson , but we use this book only for reading instruction, and have never used the writing...." Read more

"...Provides detailed scripts if you need them, but the lessons are pretty intuitive as it is. One of the best educational resource purchases I've made." Read more

"...I like the methodology used in this book. Keep it simple , simplify things, repeat, highlight the key words.There are stories too...." Read more

Customers find the book's method has truly taught comprehension, and it's helpful for any child having difficulty reading. They also say it eliminates frustration, confusion, and stubborn moments during reading practice. Readers say the book gives them confidence, and their penmanship has improved dramatically.

"...-We read each word "Lesson XX", e.g. "Lesson 45". It's a great way to teach counting in the double digits, she has picked up the pattern already,..." Read more

"...He didn't know any but a few letters. He's bright and motivated , especially when things interest him (hello, knowing 100 dinosaurs by name), and he..." Read more

"...I love that there is no prep for me, and there are no booklets or charts or anything to get lost–it’s all contained in one big book...." Read more

"This book is fantastic for helping struggling readers get a better handle on phonics...." Read more

Customers like the beginning of the book. They say their child is progressing extremely fast, and the lessons challenge them to slow down and think. They also mention that the lessons are 15-20 minutes long at most, and gradually grow longer as proficiency increases.

"...This book is very quick . You can knock out lessons in 10-15 minutes once you've gotten the hang of them...." Read more

"...This means your child accelerates smoothly , and you won't push her/him off that cliff by suddenly tossing in something that completely baffles the..." Read more

"...Once you get past Lesson 70 or so, the pace is brutal for a kid that doesn't know his alphabet already...." Read more

"...st are the hardest ones for her to say clearly, and this book helps her slow down and say each sound correctly...." Read more

Customers find the book fun, interactive, and exciting. They also say the reward is motivating and makes them laugh. Customers also mention that the book is nicely animated with music and that it makes them relate better to reading.

"...And now that the words are easy for him, the excitement is there , and he's much more able to sit through a whole lesson- sometimes even asks for..." Read more

"...He sounds things out while feeling confident and triumphant . He sounds out books, menus, and wants to read everything he sees now...." Read more

"...These are nicely animated with music , and kids tend to get them completely absorbed into their brains in a big hurry, making the opening stages of..." Read more

"...Since the reward is so motivating , I have never actually had to end a reading session early, because she wants to get her reward for the day, so she..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the visual design of the book. Some find it looks good, while others say it's boring and boring. They also mention that the book contains red wording and symbols that make their child unhappy.

"...Lastly, this book was first written in 1969 and the illustrations are very old school (mom is in heels and an apron, dad wears a tie lol)...." Read more

"...This book has no frills. It looks boring and nothing like we'd think to buy for a small child. There are no colors or brilliant pictures...." Read more

"...The book is not colorful so it helped my son to focus on reading without any distractions...." Read more

"...DON'T LET THE APPEARANCE FOOL YOU. It's not cute or childlike in appearance and looks like it's going to be very boring, but the stories they read..." Read more

Customers find the book monotonous, repetitive, and boring. They also say the lessons may seem repetitive in the beginning, but don't skip them. Readers also mention that the book does not teach enough rules and does not spend enough time educating the teacher. They feel the book is irritating, dull, and physically uncomfortable.

"...He was stunned. I was stunned. The method works, everyone. It is monotonous and repetitive, but it works...." Read more

"... Reading each story twice is too tedious . He doesn't have the motor skills to write, etc...." Read more

"This book is pretty boring to look at ...." Read more

"...I found the lessons to be boring , which required a bit of bribing to get my little one to want to complete each lesson, like a small piece of candy..." Read more

Customers find the book too simple and redundant, with many typos and editing errors. They also dislike having to read the words multiple times, and feel the language could've been kinder. Readers also mention that the sound writing steps never advanced to Capital letters. They feel the book lacks motivation to decode and read, and that it makes using easy readers or complementary systems hard.

"...It's definitely a useful tool, but it makes using any easy readers or complementary systems really hard...." Read more

"...Felt like the language could’ve been kinder . For example, one of the readings for the lesson reads “you look like a fat rock.”..." Read more

"...Typos:There were several (dozens) of typos/errors - including important typos that make teaching sounds/words troublesome..." Read more

"...She wasn't. She didn't understand say it fast and would always put a pause even between the words motor and cycle and so forth no matter how many..." Read more

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This is to be used along with EP All-in-One Homeschool. It allows you to choose your own courses and mark off lessons as you complete them. You'll also be able to do things like check in from your phone. Check the Updates page for what's new.

Helpful Notes

• You can ask questions in the comments of our support page or in one of our facebook groups .
• Here's a sample rewards page for points. You could even cut these out and use them as coupons. Other ideas are to use points to let your kids earn a date with a parent. One parent created an EP store for her kids!
• It's a good practice to close the page when you are done.
• Click here to go through the full walkthrough to try out the site before creating an account.
• First step after creating an account is going to the Settings page, labeled as Parents on the student page.
• Edit the student name and add as many students as needed.
• Student color just gives an extra visual to let each student know they are working on the correct page.
• Click "Set Level and Theme." Choose a level and history theme. Click previous course and next course to change any specific courses.
• Set it and forget it! You only set it one time for the whole year. It will take care of itself from there.
• Students click the arrow button to open their lesson and then click on Needs Work when they are finished. It will prepare it for checking.
• When you've checked off each assignment for the day, click on the checkmark next to the day number to get the student page set for the next day.
• Lesson numbers and points progress automatically as the students' work is marked complete.

See also the list of explanations with videos below!

Accounts/passwords, detailed explanations with videos, student page videos, see the process.

Click on the arrow button to open your lesson. You can also always click on the lesson number link to find your lesson or see the other lessons in the course. The box color changed once you open your lesson. Click on Needs Work if you are finished. It will give the marks for checking your work. Then move on to the next course. Later, when your work is checked. The course will dim out when you mark it complete. Here are screen shots of the process.

If you have all your course lessons marked complete, a checkmark will appear at the top of the page. Click on that to move the day number forward and reset the page for the next day. If you are wanting to make the day complete but not all assignments are complete, go to the Settings page (Parents link), and click on the checkmark by the day number at the top of the page. Here are screen shots of the process.

PE/Health, music, art, computer, and thinking are once-a-week courses (levels 1 - 8). They will appear on the parent's setting page, but they will automatically appear once a week on the student page. If the student does not complete the assignment, it will not show up the next day. It will show up the next time that course is assigned in the once-a-week schedule. The incomplete assignment will still be there waiting. If you really want them to show up every day, then remove them from the Settings page and click on the Extras page link under all the courses. You can add these courses there and they will show up every day to use as you choose. Music appears on days ending in 1 or 6. Computer appears on days ending in 2 and 7. Art appears on days ending in 3 and 8. Thinking appears on days ending in 4 and 9. PE/Health appears on days ending in 5 and 0. This is just how it was originally designed on the site. Here are screen shots of the process.

You can choose between a dark and light background on the student page by clicking Turn On/Off the Lights on the Settings page in the top left corner.

If you want to allow your child to complete more than one lesson a day for a course, click "Show Did More" in the top left corner of the Settings page. They can go to the lesson link and continue to scroll down and complete as many as they want. When you check, after you click the checkmark to show that lesson number was completed, it will ask if the next lesson number is complete. Click the check if it is, and so on. Just stop when you get to an incomplete lesson.

If it's not your lesson page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Switch Students. Click on the button with your name and color.

On the Settings page, the course boxes on the page say "Move Up" and "Move Down" in the bottom left corner. Click those to move that course up one or down one spot. You can keep clicking that to get them in the order you choose for that one student. The extras courses can't be reordered. They will still appear at the bottom of the course list on the student's page.

Settings Page Videos

Start by clicking to set the level and theme. Then make any adjustments to the courses by using the previous and next buttons or the X in the corner to remove it from the student page. If you aren't starting at Day 1, enter the number of the first lesson you want to appear on the student page. There is a box to enter it. There is no enter button. It will save it automatically as you click on something else on the page. Unused courses appear at the bottom of the list. Electives are down there. The include mostly high school courses, but I added "Practice" and "Chores" onto the list in case you wanted to add that to your child's daily checklist. If you need more electives, click on the link to the Extras page at the bottom of the courses. That will give you more choices for electives or for doubling up on courses (not neeeded, just for those who want that). Not all courses listed will show up on the Student page. Once-a-week courses show up once a week. If there is no Spanish, for instance, for that level, it will not show on the Student page. Here are screen shots of the process.

Click Edit Student to change the name. It is under the Students heading on the Settings page. Click Add student add another student. It will start as "Student 2", and then you will type in the name to edit it. When you click save, you'll see the student's name by the day number.

The Preview will show you all of that student's assignments for that day. You can switch between students on the page, but you can't switch between days. It just shows their current assignments.

Click Remove Student to delete them. It will require a second click to confirm you want that specific student and their info deleted. It cannot be restored.

Under the day number on the Settings page, you can add or subtract points by typing the amount in the box and then clicking the plus or minus sign. The program automatically adds points for each assignment completed. That's typically 700 points a day. If you want, you can allow them to use their points for rewards of your design. Just subtract off the points they are spending.

PE/Health, music, art, computer, and thinking are once-a-week courses (levels 1 - 8). They will appear on the parent's setting page, but they will automatically appear once a week on the student page. If the student does not complete the assignment, it will not show up the next day. It will show up the next time that course is assigned in the once-a-week schedule. The incomplete assignment will still be there waiting. If you really want them to show up every day, then remove them from the Settings page and click on the Extras page link under all the courses. You can add these courses there and they will show up every day to use as you choose. Music appears on days ending in 1 or 6. Computer appears on days ending in 2 and 7. Art appears on days ending in 3 and 8. Thinking appears on days ending in 4 and 9. PE/Health appears on days ending in 5 and 0. This is just how it was originally designed on the site.

On the Settings page under all the listed courses, you can find a link to the Extras page. That page starts blank, but you can add a second math or any other course you want to double up on, or add extra electives. If you wanted the once-a-week course to show up every day, you can add it from here, but it is the same course of 36 lessons, and you'll want to remove it from the main Settings page. These are the same courses, just "extra". These will all show up on the same Student page as the other courses.

When you are finished for the year, you can get reset by either using the Set Level and Theme button or by clicking Next under any course heading. If you are using next, be aware that if you are using the Modern History theme, you need to hit Previous to get to the Ancient History theme of the same level.

Accounts Videos

On the login page, click on the big link to create an account. Click on the picture button of the All-in-One Homeschool logo in the middle of the page. Donate if you are able or click cancel. Either way it will take you to a registration page. This is where you will enter the email address you want to use and create your password. Click to submit and you have an account. Log in to get started.

Once you have registered for an account, you will be able to log in. Use the email address and password you registered with. If you forgot your password, click Forgot Password. Enter your email address. Click Reset Password. It will send an email with a temporary password. Use that to log in.

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The 6 Best Electric Pressure Washers We Tested and Recommend

Got grime to get rid of? These powerful machines have you covered.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

We rigorously tested a variety of models from trusted brands to find the best electric pressure washers for home use. Scroll down for expert advice on essentials to consider before shopping, along with reviews of our top recommendations followed by tips on best practices if you’re new to power washing.

The Best Electric Pressure Washers

• Best Overall: Greenworks 2,700-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
• Best Value: Sun Joe 2,030-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
• Best for Home Exteriors : Hart 2,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
• Most Heavy-Duty: DeWalt DWPW3000 3,000-PSI Compact Pressure Washer
• Easiest to Handle: Craftsman 2,100-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

What to Consider

Electric pressure washers are best for light work and small jobs—figure projects that take 30 minutes max—like washing down driveways and sidewalks or gently cleaning decks, patio furniture , or aluminum siding. These handy tools can also remove debris from cars and gravel bikes as you use a light touch and a white nozzle, which has the widest spray and thus is least likely to damage delicate surfaces. (If cleaning a car is your main objective, you’re best served by a cordless pressure washer .)

Electric vs. Gas

Electric pressure washers have quieter motors and are easier to maintain than their gas counterparts, which need oil changes, filter replacements, and yearly spark plug checks. With no fuel on board, electric pressure washers can sit indoors in winter, are easier to start, and don’t produce the harmful fumes of a combustion engine. Electric models are also lighter, smaller, and easier to store when not in use (particularly cordless battery-powered versions).

The heftier, bulkier gas-powered machines offer significantly more power though, and their durability is well-suited to extended use, especially in hot weather that can overheat electrical components. As a rule, electric pressure washers tap out at about 2,700 pounds per square inch (psi), with a max flow rate from 1.2 to 2.3 gallons per minute (gpm).

Because they have less power, electric pressure washers are generally safer than gas pressure washers. That said, they can still do damage if you use them incorrectly. For personal safety and to protect your stuff, always start with a green or white nozzle, which has wide spray angles to decrease the intensity of the water stream. If one of those doesn’t do the job, use careful judgment before moving to a yellow or red nozzle, which produce narrower streams with cutting edges that may gouge more delicate surfaces.

Another no-no: Never use a pressure washer on anything electrical because it’s sure to damage components. Regardless of the type of pressure washer you use, make sure to always wear closed-toe shoes and proper eye protection like safety glasses .

How We Selected

The electric pressure washers we looked at are all from reliable brands that we’ve come to trust over the years, such as DeWalt, Greenworks, Craftsman, Sun Joe, and others. To inform our selections, we relied on the expertise of PopMech’s Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn , as he put every electric pressure washer here through his rigorous testing. That included comparing how each model washed cement and brick paving, vinyl fencing, and outdoor furniture, among other messy cleaning jobs.

He also carefully washed a few cars using the safest nozzle, and considered things such as ease of use and performance in real-world scenarios to glean potential flaws and deal-breakers. Our final lineup represents the best models across categories that address different needs and budgets.

Greenworks 2,700-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

This model from Greenworks easily came out on top during past testing as the best overall electric model for performance and price.

Berendsohn found that it delivers high pressure and volume output, which makes for fast and effective cleaning power. No doubt that’s thanks to its always-running motor, so you don’t have to constantly be pulling the spray wand trigger to work, as with most electric models. We also appreciated the pressure sensor, which automatically adjusts output for whichever nozzle you’re using.

Other highlights include fat 10-inch wheels with deep treads, an on-board soap tank, accessory storage, and five spray nozzles. This model also stores upright to save floor space, though it operates horizontally so you won’t have to worry about it tipping over.

Another bonus is that it comes with a 10-year warranty on the motor and a three-year warranty on tools. This model also includes a foam cannon—a reservoir that connects to the spray hose and generates a thick layer of cleaning suds for added power.

The only drawback of note is that the hose outlets for the spray wand and garden hose hookup are fairly close together, which isn’t ideal in terms of easy access.

Model	GPW2700FCA
Motor	14 amps
Weight	47 lb
Cleaning Power	2,700 psi
Max Flow	2.3 gpm

Sun Joe 2,030-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

We recommend this Sun Joe pressure washer for light-duty washing and easy portability on a budget. This machine punches well above its price tag for extras and includes two removable detergent tanks plus five spray tips.

Thoughtful ergonomic design was another notable attribute discovered during testing, with every outlet, switch, and handle well-located and comfortable to use.

You can expect solid cleaning power for an electric pressure washer in this price range, with 2,030 psi and a max flow rate of 1.2 gpm. We found that it’s best on pavement, since it tends to tip over on uneven surfaces.

Model	SPX3000
Motor	14.5 amps
Weight	24.3 lb
Cleaning Power	2,030 psi
Max Flow	1.2 gpm

Hart 2,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Combining an impressive psi and flow rate (just slightly less than our top overall pick), this Hart pressure washer provides an impressive amount of functionality for the price.

We tested this unit on every available surface we had access to—including vinyl fencing and lattice, concrete pavers, a stainless-steel barbecue, patio furniture, vinyl siding, painted wood, pressure-treated wood, and two types of trim (vinyl and aluminum)—all of which it handled with ease.

Although we didn’t find the soap-dispensing mode very effective when washing our pickup truck, that could be due to the type of car wash detergent we used.

Model	HW142511VNM
Motor	Not listed
Weight	53 lb
Cleaning Power	2,500 psi
Max Flow	1.1 gpm

DeWalt DWPW3000 3,000-PSI Compact Pressure Washer

The stronger, more powerful sibling to the DeWalt 2100, this updated model packs another 900 psi and slightly beefier wheels into its sturdy frame. It still uses the same suitcase-style design that’s so convenient to carry–including a telescoping handle for wheeling around–and user-friendly onboard accessory storage.

The wand, nozzle, hose, and power cord all fit neatly into their own designated areas, including a molded storage space for the foam cannon–a feature not found on the previous version. We used this model mostly on concrete, cleaning, degreasing, and blasting loose moss and dirt. If it can handle that, it can certainly handle the more typical surfaces such as vinyl siding and a pressure-treated deck.

It’s worth noting that although its 3,000 psi provides a ton of stripping power, the 1.1 gpm flow rate is relatively low, making it less effective when it comes to rinsing away that grime when you’re finishing up.

Model	DWPW3000
Motor	15 amps
Weight	41.6 lb
Cleaning Power	3,000 psi
Max Flow	1.1 gpm

Craftsman 2,100-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Craftsman’s 2,100-psi electric pressure washer handles like a dream thanks to its compact, lightweight design and large wheels. It also cleans relatively quietly and with impressive power for its size; it’s capable of tackling medium-duty jobs like blasting dirt off concrete with its turbo nozzle.

We particularly appreciated its extra-long 35-foot power cord and large, easy-to-access top-and-center detergent tank, plus its slide-on spray wand mount that makes it pretty tough to knock off.

Overall, it’s another great choice for the price, much like our value pick Sun Joe. That said, if you need enough power and reach to clean second-story siding, there are better choices.

Model	CMEPW2100
Motor	13 amps
Weight	32 lb
Cleaning Power	2,100 psi
Max Flow	1.2 gpm

Craftsman 1,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

This compact Craftsman model is a great investment should you need a power cleaner and electric pressure washer in one. This machine runs on two 20-volt batteries and offers three power settings, with a max flow rate of 1.2 gpm. In addition to a regular garden hose, this model can also draw from any fresh water source, thanks to its 10-foot suction hose. Like DeWalt’s portable electric pressure washer, it also has a convenient telescoping handle.

We found its 800-psi low setting to be the most useful for light-duty work and appreciated its lightweight build, easy maneuverability, and relatively quiet operation. Use it for cleaning things like gunked-up mountain bikes and dirty car floor mats .

Model	CMCPW1500N2
Motor	20 volts
Weight	32.47 lb
Cleaning Power	1,500 psi
Max Flow	1.2 gpm

Best Practices for Power Washing

If you’re new to pressure washing, and want to ensure you don’t damage the surface you’re cleaning, take the time to better understand the machine’s capabilities before diving right in.

Choose the Right Tip

Start about 10 feet away with the widest tip available, and as you get a feel for how the spray affects the surface you’re cleaning, gradually increase pressure by switching to a more focused tip, or simply walking closer to the surface. Keep in mind that different types of surfaces react differently, and the same pressure that works on blasting grime off of a trash can could potentially strip or damage something more delicate like painted wood.

Keep Moving

The movement of an electric pressure washer’s stream also affects its cleaning effectiveness—the longer the stream is focused on the same place, the more debris it removes. In order to prevent unsightly streaks and potential damage to your surface, it’s important that you keep the nozzle moving as you go, maintaining even, consistent coverage.

When to Go Gas

For heavy-duty cleaning projects, like removing decades of grime and mold on a concrete patio or cleaning graffiti, consider a gas-powered version instead. Even if you can technically get the job done by using the most focused nozzle and bringing it right up against the surface, a gas-powered washer is much more efficient, allowing you to remove wide, even swathes of grime with each pass.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics , where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. 

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.

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Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

A complete, free online christian homeschool curriculum for your family and mine, help using student page.

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