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 … • Be prepared to put notes from lectures, seminars and reading in folder.

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 website • Be creative – use creative brainstorming and notemaking strategies • Don’t know how? Go to a Learning Development Unit workshop and find out – also: http://learning.londonmet.ac.uk/bssmquickstart/

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 the online Writing and Communication workshop • 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 or 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 the most important! Review your progress • Tutor feedback – read it, review it, plan what you will do with it! • SWOT – then see a learning development tutor! • Ask if you can swap and read other peoples work.

16. Useful websites http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/college-of-london/ldu/north-campus/study-skills-in-depth http://learning.londonmet.ac.uk/bssmquickstart/ WebCT: Writing and communicating at university WebCT: Write to learn