Becoming an academic writer

1. Becoming an academic writer 10 steps to assignment success

2. Step One Prepare to research • Open a research folder – old envelope, file, smart new briefcase… • This is where you can keep lecture, seminar & reading notes Tip: write your sources on the outside of the file

3. Know the format: Essay Report Presentation Seminar? If in doubt – ask your tutor Write out the whole question Underline all the key words. Look at the asking words – describe, analyse, evaluate, discuss Any other key words? Like “using examples” or “illustrate with…” What is being asked?

4. Then: • Analyse the question – all of it • Have the overview – and fit the task to the learning outcomes • these will be in the module booklet or available from module line via the university web site • Be creative – use creative brainstorming and notemaking strategies • Don’t know how? Go to a Learning Development Unit workshop and find out • http://learning.north.londonmet.ac.uk/bssmquickstart/mindlab.htm

5. Action Plan Why? Tip: research one word from the question at a time Where? When? What?

6. Step Two Follow the action plan –undertake targeted research and active reading • Make pattern notes • Write on one side of the paper only • Build paragraph patterns • Put notes in folder – write bibliography on the outside

7. Tip: index cards Index cards are useful – and will save time writing up a bibliography at the end • Author • Date • Title • Publisher • Place of publication • A few key points

8. Step Three – stop! • Stop reading • Review your findings • Re–read the question • What gaps are there is your research?

9. Step Four • Plan the outline of essay, report, presentation, whatever……. • Use a study skills book to give you some ideas or collect a hand out from the Learning Development Unit • Or self register on webCT for ‘All about studying’ or ‘All about writing’ for additional help • See the IT helpdesk if you need assistance to create a webCT account

10. Step Five • Prepare the first draft…. • A rough draft has gaps and mistakes • Leave gaps – do not search for the right word – do not check spelling, tenses, (not this time)

11. Step Six • Leave a time lag: the brain will work to close the gaps… How about a night out? Your action plan should leave you some time to enjoy yourself…..

12. Step Seven • Review • Revise • Edit • Struggle to write! • Settle on a final draft

13. Step Eight Proof read Look for one type of mistake at a time Get a friend, colleague, to read over your work, or read it from back to front, bottom to top to spot errors Think SPAG Spelling Punctuation And Grammar

14. Step Nine • Finished! • Take a copy AND keep a copy • Hand work in or before the deadline • Check you have correctly completed the coursework documentation (module code, tutors name) • Leave time to queue at the assessment unit and get a receipt

15. Step TEN and most important! • Review your progress – see article “your grades and what they mean” from Debbie Holley's homepage • SWOT – then see a learning development tutor! • Tutor feedback – read it, review it, plan what you will do with it! • Ask if you can swap and read other peoples work