scared of essay writing

Is there a local community college nearby where you can take a course? In my Freshman English I class we wrote LOTS of essays. It's really not that bad, once you get started. If I were you, I would look into something like that, at least to "get your feet wet."

Good luck! I'm sure you will do fine. BTW, don't look at your age as a hinderance; it will probably instead be to your benefit.

p.s. I will be more than happy to help you any way I can.

I think the key to writing good essays is organization. Instead of looking a blank piece of paper and desperately trying to think of something to say, create an outline first. Having a "structure" to build an essay on makes writing much easier for me. For example if I was writing a persuasive essay on how to prevent SIDS, I would first create an outline like this.

1st paragraph-

topic sentence- SIDS, also know as "crib death", is the leading cause of death in infants ages one month to one year.

3 ways to prevent SIDS- (1) putting a baby to sleep on his back (2) preventing exposure to cigarette smoke (3) not putting inappropriate items in the crib.

2nd paragraph-

Discuss reasons for putting baby to sleep on his back

3rd paragraph-

Discuss reasons for preventing smoke exposure

4th paragraph-

Discuss reasons for not putting items in crib

5th paragraph-

conclusion- Parents should know there are steps they can take that will decrease their baby's chance of dying from SIDS. These steps include...

This method really helps me stay focused and present the information in a clear and organized manner. Plus, always double and triple check spelling and grammar. Good luck and please let me know if you need any other ideas.

Plan in dot points before writing out an essay is what I have always been told.

It helps me if I work by starting out with the introduction, then the body (consisting of paragraph 2, 3, and 4) then the conclusion. Paragraph 2 I write out the main points, paragraph 3 I include the subpoints and paragraph 4 is where I elaborate on the subpoints. Another valuable hint I have been told is 'not to fire all your gun power too soon' - keep your paragraphs/ideas flowing.

Don't worry, lots of people are in the same boat when it comes to essay writing - you'll be fine. Lots of practice too. :)

Thanks guys for your support. Peggy Sue I have looked into the local Tafe college for any courses there and i have found one that i know will difinitely help me. Thanks for the tip:D

Laura Lou thanks for taking the time to post all of your reply. :kiss The help once again is greatly appreciated.

Just wondering about u guys? Where are u up to in your studies and what are your final goals?

We all just have to beleave in ourselves and hang in there:D

Lace xoxox

Cheers Roadrunner,

I know its just a matter of getting in there and going for it. I also agree with u that alot of other people will be in the same boat as I.

Its very hard when u havent studied for so long and alot of people aren't being all that supportive(work friends etc ). U start to have doubts about your abilities.

but thanks for the tip, I liked that about not firing all your guns right away. I will use that.

cheers lace xoxox:p

hi am also returning to study as a mature student. I am finding dificulty in in essay the start point is always difficult for me. How do I write a catchy topic my essay is Define therapeutic relationship as it relates to nursing and concisely describe the phases of a person centred relationship....whew any help in how to start this is appreciated.

I understand how you feel. I am a terrible writer and found out we have to write a paper in Fundamentals. Ugh! I have only had 1 english class since starting back to school. I have had to write papers for several classes already but I just dred every minute of it. Start off by taking a basic english class, it will help somewhat. I only wish I had taken Composition 2 which about research paper writing, but it was not required for my program.