Essay writing

You will be learning how to write university level essays in first year. This takes time to get the hang of and you will gradually become aware of what standard and style is expected by each of your lecturers. You will discover how an English essay is different to an Anthropology essay, for example.

You will receive guidance about essays during lectures and tutorials and you can always contact tutors and lecturers with any questions you have. The feedback you get on assessment tasks early in semester is also a good guide. The department in which your subject is taught may have an essay-writing guide for first-year students. Ask your tutor about this.

Due to time constraints, your lecturer or tutor is not able to read through your draft essays and provide feedback. An academic adviser at Academic Skills can do this. This service is free to all students and you can see an academic adviser up to four times per semester. They can help you analyse an essay question or work out an essay plan. They can give you feedback on your first draft, help you to develop your argument and improve your academic writing style.

The lunchtime academic skills seminars explore essay writing in Arts.