Skip to Main Content

Writing Assessment:
Essay Tips and Resources

Administered by the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services

"The assignment prompt for this writing assessment has been very helpful in providing me with a sense of
what to expect as a doctoral student at Walden University.
I plan to refer to this assignment again to remind myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint and that
I have support available all along my doctoral journey.”

Skip to Open Chat in New Window

Tips for Writing Your Essay

Before you start writing

  • Explore your DRWA Doctoral Writing Assessment classroom, including the announcement section.
  • Review the essay prompt and assessment rubric found under the Assignment Module in your DRWA Doctoral Writing Assessment classroom.
Note: The prompt includes a reading excerpt from an academic journal article. You only need to read the excerpt provided, you do not need to find the full article, and no outside research is required for this assignment.
  • Outline your essay to organize your thoughts and ensure that ideas are logically organized into cohesive paragraphs.
  • Allow time to draft, revise, and edit your essay before the due date.

Writing the essay

  • Ensure the central idea is focused, clear, and responds to the prompt and that ideas are developed.
  • Paraphrase relevant evidence from the reading excerpt to support the overall argument and include analysis and some form of citation.
  • Organize your essay with logical structure, clear paragraphs, and appropriate transitional phrases.
  • Use grammar and mechanics to effectively communicate meaning.
  • Check that your essay aligns with the assessment rubric categories.

Check out these online resources:

  • Resources to support you as start the writing assessment process:

If you are concerned about your Turnitin score visit the Office of Student Affairs for Turnitin tutorials.