Article: The introduction is a very important part of an essayperhaps the most importantbecause it orients your reader and explains your argument. For the first draft, however, don't agonize over it. You just need to begin writing. The introduction doesn't have to be perfect in the first draft, because you can come back and edit it later. Get something down, and it will help you move confidently forward. When you are pressed for time, don't worry too much about writing a creative introductionjust try to write one that is clear and focused. If you have time left at the end, you can come back and try to improve it. A simple but effective plan is to make sure that your introduction states your essay's thesis, and gives an overview of what the subsequent paragraphs or sections will discuss. Your outline will help you do this. A simple version of this would look something like "In this essay, I will first describe X, before moving on to Y and Z. Then, I will explain the relationship between X,Y, and Z, demonstrating that [insert thesis statement here]." Take the writing of the essay bit by bit, following the outline you made. This will keep your writing on track, and keeping your plan in mind will encourage you to keep going. If you're wavering between describing Shakespeare as a "great" writer, or "the greatest," for example, just pick one for now and move on.You'll be able to deal with such things when you do a final read-through of the essay. When time is short, you will write more productively, and keep your morale up, if you keep pushing through with more writing. Cite any works you use as a reference or for quotations. If you are quoting another work, cite it according to the style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) your instructor wants you to use. Even if you are just paraphrasing a work, you should cite it. If you don't properly cite your sources, you are plagiarizing. As a rule of thumb, if you got an idea or information from a source outside of your own head, you should cite it. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Write-a-Last-Minute-Essay-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Last-Minute-Essay-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Write-a-Last-Minute-Essay-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid202072-v4-728px-Write-a-Last-Minute-Essay-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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<\/p><\/div>"} It is far easier to cite while you are writing than to go back and try to add in citations after you have written your paper. Keep up with them as you go. While you have to work quickly, take a short break from writing now and then, especially if you get stuckjust don't get distracted and take too long. Some prefer to take scheduled breaks, by setting a timer or watching a clock. Others prefer to take a break after reaching a convenient stopping point, such as the end of a paragraph or page. Whatever method you choose, make a note of where to pick back up when you return to writing. Take a breath, get up, have a drink or snack. By taking a short break, you're not wasting timeyou're actually helping yourself write more efficiently by clearing your head and relieving stress.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Begin with the introduction. Follow your outline. Don't get caught up worrying about word choice, spelling, etc. Pace yourself.