Returning to study or starting it for the first time can be daunting. Many students are frightened of writing essays, but it’s a craft that can be learnt. This album will help you to build confidence in all areas of essay writing. A student discusses with two tutors her writing methods and how she adapts her techniques for exams and assignments. With tips shared from Professor Richard Dawkins, TV personality Matthew Kelly, former MP Brian Walden, Baroness Helena Kennedy, journalist John Pilgner and radio presenters John Humphrys and Peter White. This material forms part of The Open University course A172 Start writing essays.
Track 3: Early stages of essay writing
John Humphrys stresses how important it is to know your subject and know your position in the argument.
Open University tutors Tim Baugh and Lesley Hoose discuss essay titles, research and schedules with OU student Beth Lewis.
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Researching an essay
There is a fine line between good and pretentious writing, John Pilger knows that getting your grammar right is essential.
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What is good writing?
Brian Waldens approach is to research a variety of different points, if it is boring then he picks away at it until the process of elimination is complete.
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Different approaches to research
The way to familiarise yourself with good writing is to read a lot. Nothing is too boring to write about it’s about how you write about it that’s important.
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How to improve your writing
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Originally published: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
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Body text - Content : Copyright The Open University 2010
This has been an invaluable experience and I'm caught by how much I have enjoyed the varied contributions, particularly Brian Walden and some left-field thinking about responding to an essay question. I respect these people, and what they say makes sense. I realize how much I love writing through this.
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