How do I know what to write?

1. How do I know what to write? • By reading and deconstructing the relevant Learning Outcomes, which you can then use as a checklist when editing – ‘Have I given evidence that I …?’ • By reading and deconstructing the relevant Assignment Brief and Marking and Feedback sheets, which you can then use when editing- ‘Have I…?’ • By deconstructing the assignment question if an essay and turning it into a question if it a command/statement – at this level all will require a process of ‘weighing up’ evidence, backed by referencing and brief quotations. • By brainstorming the question before reading around it – how do I know what I think till I see what I write? Put down anything you can think of at this stage: Inspiration useful /equally A4 sheet. • By extracting and organising from brainstorming most relevant topics/points argument and doing the reading to inform/expand those- taking notes and looking out for others not thought of ! MNES/2007

2. How do I know what to write? 6. By taking step back from notes, revisiting the question ensuring relevance, putting topics in order (useful to have on separate sheets of paper), prioritising towards forming cohesive answer, being flexible open to new ideas/shifts. 7. By overcoming blocks to the actual writing, accepting the challenge, turning on the WP, using music, dedicating time, being aware of displacement activities- just do it! 8. By using transition words/phrases to help shape your answer in paragraphs approx 100-200 words. 9. By following introduction-arguments-conclusion format: state the case-present the evidence-sum up, lifting to higher / tentative/ theorising level in conclusion ie ‘going beyond’. 10.By leaving enough time for effective editing- vital stage in writing process not just proof reading. Need to print out at this stage 11.By asking ‘Have I evidence I have achieved the learning outcomes?’ and ‘Have I addressed the marking criteria?’ MNES/2007