Essays & Assignments Planning Study Skills Workshops 2014

Session Outline Stages involved in producing an essay Breaking the question down Sticking to a timetable Planning the content Starting to write

Stages of Producing an Essay/ Assignment Planning – understanding the question, making a schedule Reading and researching – critical thinking Structuring and writing – critical analysis Editing and finalising

Breaking the question down Why focus on the title / brief ? it contains a central question that has to be answered / specific requirements that have to be adhered to. it helps you to focus on the appropriate areas for research, and on the info to select it may suggest ways in which the info gathered should be organised.

How to focus on the title / brief Read it out loud slowly Read it slowly several times Underline / Highlight the words which tell you the approach to take (“The key verbs”) Underline / Highlight the words that guide you on the selection of subject-matter Ask yourself questions about the title (eg Why has it been given?) Discuss it with a colleague

Choice of topic ? Choose a topic that interests you Choose one that will allow you to meet the aims of the module assessment (Can you include theory?) Choose one that is easy to plan If topics are tied to a lecture programme, pick one that occurs early in the series

How much is this assignment worth? How far does the grade for the module depend on getting good marks here? How many marks are given for analysis, conclusions, presentation etc? What are the rules for length? layout? referencing?

Sticking to a timetable How long is it going to take? Estimate and allocate time needed for: Analysing brief and planning the content Research Tasks Revising your plan Selecting and organising notes Producing the draft Revising and editing the draft

Planning the Content - 1 Read the title / brief once again ‘Brainstorm’ what you think should go into the assignment Try doing this with a fellow-student Put it down as a list, or as a mind-map Read the title / brief again and check your list /mind-map against it

Planning the Content - 1 Read the title / brief once again ‘Brainstorm’ what you think should go into the assignment Try doing this with a fellow-student Put it down as a list, or as a mind-map Read the title / brief again and check your list /mind-map against it

Planning the Content - 2 ‘Brainstorming’ questions to ask: – What do I already know? – What have I read? – What ideas / questions do I need to research? – Which sources might be interesting or valuable?

Starting to Write Start writing as early in the process as possible Using your mind map – free writing under timed conditions Bits of paper method For dissertations keep a research journal

Useful links Software -