Preparation

• Colour-code or number your rough notes or page references to Block texts (e.g. all yellow info is connected with improvisation or all number 4 points related to Elgar etc)

Structure

• Introductory paragraph - define your terms, set your agenda
• Concluding paragraph - underline most significant points or come down on one side of the argument. Try to return to the precise wording of the question in this final section
• Other paragraphs - sequence by issue/topic/factor not by chronological or chapter sequence. Don't separate case-studies in 'Compare and contrast' essays (e.g. Monteverdi and Clementi). Keep the examples in parallel where possible (not one paragraph for Monteverdi and then one for Clementi)

General style / techniques

• Avoid repetition or the labouring of any one point
• Avoid excessive non-musical digressions
• Give named evidence to illustrate points - names of composers/patrons/manufacturers etc. plus titles of works with reasons for their selection
• Underline titles or use different type-face
• Range widely in choices of illustrations to demonstrate the width of your reading / knowledge
• Employ technical/musical terminology where possible (to give precision and save on the word count)
• Acknowledge literal quotations in either 1) brackets after their use or 2) in numbered footnotes on the same page or 3) in numbered notes included together at the end of the essay (q.v. Block text 2, Ch 1 approach). Block text quotations need only author and page numbers. Other sources need author/title/place and date of publication / page number
• Include a final Bibliography / Discography
• Use third person and avoid 'conversational' styles - test by reading aloud
• Keep a check on the word count!

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