Reading & Writing: Assignment Writing

• Before you start reading and writing be sure what it is you are being asked to do.
• What task or question have you been given, and what information will you need to include?

Two minutes of my time: 'Understanding assignment titles' in Skills for Study - You need to choose 'continue with your Institution account', then enter 'Bournemouth University'

Going further:  BU study skills workshop on essay questions video (10 mins).

To complete your assignment and do your best, you need to:

•  plan and prioritise effectively keeping enough time for other commitments
•  make the most of the time you have for your assignment, and avoid distractions.

Two minutes of my time: Applying time management techniques', in Skills for Study. You need to choose 'continue with your Institution account', then enter 'Bournemouth University'

Going further: BU workshop on time management video (19 mins).

• Good writing grows out of effective reading.
• Learn how to target your reading so you get all the information you need, as well as how to read more critically so you can analyse what you have read.

Two minutes of my time:

'Frequently asked questions about reading', in Skills for Study. You need to choose 'continue with your Institution account', then enter 'Bournemouth University'

Going further: Open University's guide to note taking techniques

• Learn how to appraise your subject and analyse researched sources in your writing.
• Move beyond being merely descriptive and show how you are thinking critically

Two minutes of my time: 'Five tips on writing critically' - The Open University. 

Going further:  'Critical reading and writing' in Skills for Study. You need to choose 'continue with your Institution account', then enter 'Bournemouth University'

• A little time spent planning your writing helps ensure you include all the information you need to in your assignment.
• Learn how to arrange your material in a clear way that best serves the task you've been asked to do (your assignment brief).

Two minutes of my time - Structuring: 'Structuring your essay' in Skills for Study. You need to choose 'continue with your Institution account', then enter 'Bournemouth University'.

Going further - Planning:  BU workshop on essay planning (5 minutes)

Going further - Structuring: BU workshop on essay strategies and techniques video (6.5. mins)

• Writing in an academic style involves communicating clearly, concisely and objectively.
• Learn how to use academic vocabulary, improve your grammar and communicate what you want to say more effectively.

Two minutes of my time: 'Academic Phrasebank', helps you find the right word for the task at hand.

Going further: BU Workshop on academic writing video (11 mins)

• Referencing is something you need to do throughout your writing journey, from recording your sources as you read, citing accurately in your writing, and building a complete reference list at the end.
• Learn how to reference successfully using the referencing style for your course (most use BU Harvard style, make sure you're following the correct instructions and ask a BU Librarian if you're unsure).
• Make sure you have time to review, edit and proofread your writing to make sure it's ready for submission.

Two minutes of my time - Refine your text: 6 tips for editing and refining in Skills for Study. You need to choose 'Continue with your Institution Account', then enter 'Bournemouth University'.

Going further - Reference well:

• The majority of courses at BU use the BU Harvard style of referencing.
  • Law students should follow BU’s online guides Referencing – UK & EU Law and Referencing – International law.
  • Psychology students should follow APA style.
  • History students should follow Chicago Style.
  • Criminology with Psychology (Faculty HSS) students need to use both BU Harvard and APA

  • Criminology with Law (Faculty HSS) students use BU Harvard and OSCOLA referencing style guidance - UK & EU Law and International Law.  Any questions please email HSS Library Team (hsslibteam@bournemouth.ac.uk).

Going further - Refine your text:  Essay Planning Part Four: Drafting, Editing and Proofreading (4 mins)