1. Introduction --
2. Reading --
Texts and their contexts --
Critical reading --
Reading the critics --
3. Research --
Looking things up --
Dictionaries --
Biblical references --
Classical references --
Oral literature --
General knowledge --
Trusting the author --
Libraries and librarians --
Searching on-line --
Using Google --
Serendipity --
4. Essay topics --
Choosing your own topic --
Set topics and exam questions --
The desert island essay --
5. Structure --
Notes and drafts --
Arguing a case --
6. Writing --
Style --
Words, plain and lacy --
Jargon and theory-speak --
Slips and solecisms --
Mixing your metaphors --
How to quote --
How not to give offence --
Titles --
Naming your author --
Making yourself clear --
7. Some common bad advice --
'Tell the examiners what they want to know' --
'Quote sparingly' --
'Never say I' --
'An essay should have a beginning, a middle and an end' --
8. Spelling, punctuation and grammar --
Spelling --
Dealing with dyslexia --
Punctuation and syntax --
Grammar --
9. Foreign languages and literature --
Languages without Mr Casaubon --
Real-life language learning --
Vocabulary and grammar --
The translator's craft --
Preparing for translation exams --
10. Referencing --
Due acknowledgement --
Footnotes and bibliographies --
11. Presentation --
Studying your academic reader --
All about layout --
Proof-reading --
Safety in cyberspace --
Holding it all together --
Handwriting in closed exams --
12. Will-power.