Overview of the writing assignment

The purpose of these writing units is to assist students who struggle with writing.  A number of techniques are outlined which will help students make a coherent response in written assignments. While they specifically relate to essay writing, many of the strategies described are transferable to other types of writing.  The remaining units are outlined below and represent a suggested task breakdown to take you through the written assignment from preparation through to completion. Remember that these suggestions are ‘general’: in time you will develop your own personal approach to writing assignments.  As you become familiar with your discipline-specific discourse you will master an appropriate approach to accommodate its particular conventions. 

STEP 1  Interpreting the question: developing a plan 

STEP 2  Answering the question: structure, argument and analysis

STEP 3  Questioning the answer: content, balance, style and grammar

STEP 4  Working with sources: referencing and plagiarism

End of Unit: Action

1. Record the results of the reflective exercises on your approach to writing in your reflective learning journal.  (See unit, ‘Reflective learning: keeping a reflective learning journal’). 
2. Practice writing clear, simple sentences that convey your meaning as directly as possible.  
3. Make a conscious effort to familiarise yourself with formal written English. (See unit, ‘Active and critical reading’).