How to write a First Class University Essay in 3 HOURS

Here's a full walk-through of how I write good university essays in under 3 hours using Notion.

To make your life easier:
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Why Use Notion
1:07 Step 1
2:34 Step 2
3:57 Step 3
5:52 Step 4
8:15 Notion Outro

If you want to stay in touch:

Or leave a comment, I (try to) answer 100% of comments :)

[neighbourofthebeast]

I have always written the introduction last. It makes sense to me.

[RohanYesudian]

Things I learnt from this video:

Step 1 (5 -10 mins):
- Create a notion database (or just a checklist) with the mark scheme, split into intro, main body and conclusion

Step 2 (20 mins):
- In the intro, set the scene (without repeating the question itself). Say the importance of the topic
- In the main body, work out what order you want the paragraphs based on the marking criteria
- In the conclusion, talk about the wider context of the topic

Step 3 (30-60 mins):
- Make a central point for each paragraph (can be a quote or study too!)
- Have a column for quotes or sources

Step 4 (60 mins)
- Start writing your essay - based on the detailed plan we already have
- Just need to elaborate on the key ideas / sources which we have already decided on

Then take a break (hours - days)

Then come back and do a 30 min review of your work

[yana.mp]

The marking criteria trick (copy pasting the marking criteria to structure your essay) is spot on! When I was marking essays as a university tutor, I could only really award points for answering the marking criteria. It pained me to not be able to give points to well written essays that didn't answer the criteria.

[Blue_Moon_]

This is how we write articles as journalists. Such a smart idea, the first 5 minutes of building the structure make it much easier, in addition to quotes and sources' statements. In a few months, you just became one of my favorite Youtubers ❤

[nomakhwezibecker]

I cannot thank you enough for this video! Yes, currently I am writing a 6000 word MA essay within an only few days - hectic (reading foundation has been laid thankfully). But even in future when I have more time available - this structure will help so much in just getting started! Those first words on a blank page are daunting. This helps my mind breathe.

[hemmyhardingfela]

Hardest part is finding the right resources in social sciences and reading through a lot of stuff, hoping there will be something you can use in there ...

[joshuageraldbutler]

I've just finished uni... would have loved this video as a first year.

[davidmcmeekin]

I recall you demonstrating similar in the recent BASB course and I loved it. Thank you for recording and publishing it. I am just adding this to the course I teach, Research Methods for Advanced Engineering, in a Masters degree programme, as required watching for all of my students. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much again.

[mihaelaclaudiap..]

I finished my master's in London (Global Political Economy) and now I am again in school, this time following my true passion, that is Counselling. I love studying and not sure when I will end with schools :) I study on my own as well, gathering knowledge it's a great passion of mine! Great video, so rich in valuable information!

[HumannestHomeschool]

every time i see your video for very many repeated times, im getting a new insight of your video and im carrying away new resources with me everytime

[Salentinu]

This idea of outlining with a notion db is amazing!

[NadigoesNY]

Genius. Also - happy 100k! You deserve it.

[sayeejamkhindikar]

I literally found this GODLY video a day before my exam. So grateful! Thank you so much

[lunarsoul]

Your content is the best, your motivation! I’m not even in uni and it just felt like I wanted to do an essay to apply this 😂Congratulations on your 100k subscribers🎉🥳 you will quickly grow much more as your content and your attitude are so incredible !

[RameshKumar-ngnf]

Hello Elizabeth, one of your video on taking college notes on macbook helped me a lot saving lots of my money.. I already had a old ipad and was tempted to purchase a new ipad pro M1 again 😁 seing the apple promo ads . ha ha 😁. Later i realized making notes on Macbook is so nice & fast ( thanks to my typing speed & also your helpful video ) and i saved my money . That money i used to purchase a new iphone 13 pro max ( Sierra blue ) . Thanks a lot to you for all valuable informative videos 🙏🙏

[elinamakela]

I have this system where I read the required reading, and put the elaborate notes as well as a simplified summary + the exact source with page numbers into a table. Then I can sort of copy paste the essay into being. But I think I’ll add some of your points into my system (like the point criteria). Thank you!

[jjs]

Great video, I’ll give Notion a try. Also, royal blue is a great color on you!

[BENI_MMNA]

Have you already written a thesis? If so, could you explain how in the same way? This was great!

[vani]

Congrats on One Lakh subscribers!!! ❤️❤️

[books]

Thank you, this is a brilliant way of structuring an essay because it allows you to process each section without holding the entire essay in your mind at once. 👌❤
Note that you can do this in a spreadsheet just as well. I colour code each section to remind me if I happy with it or not.