Library Services Blog

Adding the finishing touches to your essays

Submitting your assignment can feel like a race to the finish line and it’s easy to rush the final stages. But as your deadline approaches, set aside some time to ensure your work is submission-ready using resources and guidance from the Library.

 Step 1: Get feedback on your work

It's always helpful to have someone else read through your essay to offer a fresh perspective on your arguments. A critical reader may also notice errors or areas of confusion that you have overlooked. Submit your work to Studiosity for a full feedback report within 24 hours that includes comments on your structure, language, grammar, and punctuation – but remember to give yourself enough time to make any suggested changes before your deadline! 
 

 Step 2: Check your referencing

Referencing is a crucial element of any piece of academic work, enabling you to evidence the depth of your research and acknowledge the contributions of others. Whether you’re following APA or OSCOLA referencing conventions, there are handy step-by-step guides to referencing all source types - including books, journals, websites, and more – in our online Referencing Guide. Not sure if you’ve got it right? Watch a recording of our Introduction to APA Referencing session to check your work.
 

 Step 3: Understand Turnitin

Turnitin is a text comparison tool that is available through your Blackboard module site. When you upload your work to Turnitin it highlights any matching text and poor citations in an originality report by comparing your work against the Turnitin database. It’s a great way to spot where you need to review your referencing or improve your paraphrasing. You can find out more about Turnitin – including information on how to upload your work - from Hallam Digital Skills.

By reviewing your essay for content, structure, and style, and then proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. Before your next deadline, set aside a few hours to add these finishing touches to your work, and you’ll feel confident that you’ve presented your best work.