| Fact File | | + Some books on independent learning: Cottrell, Stella, (1999) The Study Skills Handbook, Macmillan Press Ltd, Basingstoke. Casey, Francis, (1993) (2nd ed) How to Study: A Practical Guide, Macmillan Press Ltd, Basingstoke. Race, Phil, (1992), 500 Tips For Students, Blackwell Press Ltd, Oxford. Rudd, Shirley, (1989), Time Manage Your Reading, Gower Publishing, Aldershot. |
FACT FILE | | Introduction | | Explains your interpretation of the essay title | | May provide an overview of the facts or topic | | May outline your intended approach to the question, for example: 'First I will examine ... then I will analyse ...finally I will argue...' | | Sets the boundaries of your analysis | The core | | Includes your arguments, ideas and material relevant to the essay title | | Includes as many examples as possible from your reading | | Will usually include references and quotations | The conclusion | | Briefly reviews your main points | | Summarises your views | | Places your essay in a wider context | | Includes your final comment on the subject |
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|  | Contents - Introduction to study skills
- Resources: websites, books, etc
- Organising your time
- Gathering information from lectures and seminars
- Reading and note taking
- Writing essays
- Preparing for exams
Writing essays The essays you write will be one of the main ways in which you show your abilities and develop as a student. But it is hard and you must define your task and get on with it. Writing an essay is your opportunity to make a case, to set out an argument and support it with evidence. The case is yoursand it is your job to persuade your reader to share your point of view. | Strategies | | Think about the title | | Collect your material, finding sources and reading | | Get your initial ideas on paper | | Plan your essay | | Write a first draft | | Edit, keeping the title firmly in mind | | Write the final draft |
To do this you must have knowledge and understanding of the subject. You will get higher marks for originality and remember, you are required to analyse and interpret information, not just to regurgitate other people's opinions. You should find this task easier to achieve if you choose an essay title that interestes you. If there isn't one on the list, talk to your tutor, who may devise an alternative title to suit you. Your essay should present an argument, which isprecise, logical,backs your case with evidence,and is open to doubtand criticism. Essay arguments should lead from an initial question to a conclusion. Analyse the title This should identify the question you must answer by finding an acceptable solution to the problem it poses. Useful websites to help with titles can be found in the resources section. Be guided by your lectures and seminars. An initial idea storm at this stage can enable your reading to be more focussed. Collecting information Know the required length of the essay before you begin - this will give you some idea of how much information you need to include.  | | Gather as much relevant material as is practical |
You may already have relevant notes from lectures, seminars and related background reading. Aim to gather as much extra relevant material as you feel is practical. You should use your reading list to guide to help you. Set yourself a deadline for collecting information, allowing enough time to actually write the essay and to get it in on time. If you don't think you will finish on time see your tutor. Idea Storming After you have finished reading, write down the key issues and points that stick in your mind. Planning Think of why you are writing this essay and who your audience is. Are you required to explain, justify, describe or refute? Your analysis must achieve the intended objective. A plan provides a useful guide but it should be flexible. Essays should have: an introduction, a core and a conclusion. See fact file above. Drafting your essay | Editing | | Have I considered the question in the title? | | Have I drawn on the relevant parts of the course for the content of the essay? | | Do I show a good grasp of the ideas I have been studying? | | Have I presented a coherent argument? | | Is the essay written in an objective, analytical style with the appropriate use of evidence etc? |
Different people write in different ways. Find out what works best for you and plan your study accordingly. Always keep the essay title firmly in focus and make sure you are keeping to it. You may find you need to revise your essay plan as you go along - it is intended to guide not constrain. Final draft
Find out how your department wants the work presented. Ensure you have given references and provided a comprehensive bibliography, in correct format. Make sure you have a copy of your essay in case it gets lost! Hand it in on time, if you are unable to, then speak to your personal tutor. Feedback Always talk to the person who has marked your work even if it was a bad mark. It may be the last thing you want to do but remember, any criticism should be intended to be constructive and guide your future work. |
