How to Write Essays & Assignments

Kathleen McMillan and Jonathan Weyers work within the University of Dundee’s Learning Centre and Academic Affairs Office respectively and have each been teaching for over 25 years and now specialize in supporting academic skills across both the arts and sciences.

• CONTENTSPreface and acknowledgementsHow to use this bookIntroduction1. Why expressing yourself well in writing is important  - how to develop your writing skillsWhat markers are looking for2. What markers are looking for in your essays and assignments -how to identify the key elements required to meet markers' expectationsGetting started3. Tackling writing assignments - How to get startedResearching your topic4. Effective academic reading - How to read efficiently and with understanding 5. Library and learning resources - How to make the best use of the facilities 6. Note-making from texts - How to create effective notes for later reference 7. Thinking critically - How to develop a logical approach to analysis, synthesis and evaluation Writing a first draft8. Academic writing formats - How to organise your writing within a standard framework 9. Planning writing assignments - How to respond to the task Writing technique10. Academic writing style - How to adopt appropriate language conventions 11. Shaping your text - how to create effective sentences and paragraphs12. Improving your grammar - How to avoid some common errors 13. Better punctuation - How to use punctuation marks appropriately 14. Better spelling - How to spell competently 15. Enhancing your vocabulary - How to increase your word powerEditing & Revision16. Reviewing, editing and proof-reading - how to make sure your writing is concise and correct Plagiarism and referencing 17. Plagiarism and copyright infringement - how to avoid being accused of ‘stealing’ the ideas & work of others 18. Citing and listing references - how to refer appropriately to the work of others Presentation19. Presentation of assignments - how to follow the appropriate academic conventions Improving your marks20. Exploiting feedback - how to understand and learn from what lecturers write on your work21. Essay writing in exams - how to improve your marks References and further readingGlossary of key terms