1. Getting going with your writing Sara Steinke STAY AHEAD 10 th November 2012

2. Aims of the session Understand what is meant by a 'good essay‘ Recognise why we write essays Identify ways of generating ideas to get you started -brainstorming -free-writing -mind maps How to structure your ideas -pyramid concept -essay plan

3. Why do you think writing gives students the most anxiety? A.They have not written an essay in a long time. B.They do not know what an academic essay looks like. C.They miss deadlines as a result of poor time management. D.They have no idea why they are writing an essay. Answer: A, B, C and D

4. What is a ‘good’ essay? logical structure effective paragraphing considers the reader evidence of research around the topic addresses the question adheres to style/presentation requirements uses quotes and referencing indication of critical thinking/reading/writing

5. Why write essays? deepens your learning of the subject you learn to use ideas to argue a case enables you to extend and refine your critical and writing skills enables you to demonstrate your progress different situations - coursework and exam essays because you have to!

6. Self evaluation: S.W.O.T. What are the strengths of your writing? Are you able to express complex ideas clearly? Do you know how to structure your essay well? What are the weaknesses of your writing? Do you struggle with spelling and grammar? Are you simply not used to writing in a formal/academic way? What opportunities do you have to improve on your writing? Have you attended one of the essay writing workshops? What threats do you face in your writing? Do you understand the essay question? Are you struggling to find enough time for proof reading? Do you lack confidence in your ability to write?

7. Generating ideas: brainstorming use a large piece of paper - A3 or flipchart identify and write down as many different possible answers (rather than ‘one solution’) to the question that you can think of asking ‘what if’ or ‘supposing’ questions will help you allow yourself to think of crazy or wild suggestions - don't think of an idea as ‘stupid' it’s fine to make mistakes - they may turn out to be productive Tips do something that you find relaxing, for example listen to your favourite music think about the material as you go about another activity, for example on a walk try visualising your ideas, such as drawing, photographing or painting your ideas see if changing your routine helps, such as listening to some unfamiliar music or studying in a different location

8. Generating ideas: free writing use A4 lined paper write nonstop for a set period of time (about 3-5 minutes) do not make any corrections do not write in sentences use the writing tool you are most comfortable with (pen/computer) write/type as fast as you can do not cross anything out do not punctuate Tips writing freely, unreservedly about your topic will help you find a specific focus makes you feel more used to writing can be a valve to release tensions or problems helps you discover ideas can indirectly improve your formal writing

9. Generating ideas: map mapping turn the paper sideways, A3 landscape is best write the topic in the centre of the page write related ideas around this centre add secondary ideas to the main ideas link up these ideas to show relationships use colours, different line thickness, symbols, pictures add details to points as you go along Produced on Inspiration 8.0, on all library computers

10. Activity (3 minutes) Question What are your reasons for applying to university? Task Choose one method and generating ideas for the question Reflection In your own time, use another method of generating ideas. Which method of generating ideas did you find most useful? Why?

11. Structuring ideas methods of generating ideas will produce many ideas on the question next stage in developing your ideas/arguments is to structure them in a logical order that builds your argument use a concept pyramid - places ideas into a hierarchy, with the most general information at the top of the pyramid or triangle, and more specific details placed below

12. Activity (3 minutes) Question What are your reasons for applying to university? Task Use your ideas from the first activity and create a concept pyramid

13. Examples Subordinate category Intermediate category Superordinate category Studying Reasons for applying to university job prospects to increase chances of promotion to facilitate a change of career personal interest in a subject to develop your knowledge of subject to develop your amateur skills in an area personal satisfaction you left full time education early to gain self confidence Choice of subject based on your present and knowledge and skills want to try a new subject arts, humanities, science

14. - next step is to produce an essay plan - use linear or mind mapping method - avoid temptation to start writing draft before writing a plan - this does not mean that you can not make changes

15. Overcoming writer’s block 1.Scribble - what ever comes to mind 2.‘Its only a draft’ - something you are working on 3.Write in pencil - reminds you that the draft is rough 4.Write on loose paper - can throw it away 5.Ignore mistakes in early drafts - can sort out later 6.‘For you eyes only’ - handwriting/mistakes do not matter 7.Start anywhere - in order to suit you 8.Write by talking - if you find it hard to express yourself in writing 9.Take one step at a time - break task into manageable steps 10.Rest and relax - avoid stress

16. Recap of the session Be clear on the aspects of a ‘good’ essay Be aware of why you writing the essay Be honest about your strengths and areas for improvement for academic writing Use a variety of methods to generate ideas Make use of concept pyramids to organise your ideas, and an essay plan to structure your essay