How to Write Essays and Dissertations: A Guide for English Literature Students by Alan Durant

by Alan Durant

The first book that literature students should read, this guide reveals the distinct set of skills, conventions and methods of essay and dissertation writing. Taking students through the various stages of writing, from planning to final submission, it offers specific guidelines and a lively, detailed commentary on actual examples of student work at each stage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

About the author

Alan Durant is the author of books for a wide age-range, from picture books such as Burger Boy to top-end teenage thrillers (Blood, Flesh and Bones). Having worked as a copywriter at Walker Books, he is now a full-time author.

He's married, with three children and lives just outside London. He does a lot of school visits throughout the UK and abroad and also runs writing workshops.

Reviews

[Rianna]

30/52 books read in 2021.

Was very useful when I had no clue how to start writing my bachelor thesis.

[Debs Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of writing a literary essay that we will use as a resource for coaching our students. A little outdated in some areas - the authors refer to word processing as if it is a new technology - but clearly communicated. Good exercises to work through the key points of each “unit”.

[Isabelle Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty helpful but also common sense

[Catherine Oughtibridge]

I found parts of the information on structuring, the section on sign-posting and connectives and the suggestions for choosing an argument useful.

The author however blundered in the section on spelling. He quotes the 'i before e except after c' rule, failing to acknowledge that whilst after c we tend to encounter e before i, without a c both orders exist. For example, weight / studies.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely will return to this book throughout the semester to sort out my mess of a dissertation