Writing Level 8 Hons Degree Essay

OzMister

hello all,

I'm heading back to college for an add on degree in social care, but has psychology modules. I'm gone from college since 2010 and as I was leaving I was only getting used to writing essays.. Can anyone suggest any tips, books, websites etc that would teach me how to improve my essay writing. I don't mean in content but more in structure and can create good arguments. Basically how to write at a high level. I have been looking on line and all I'm finding is how to write at masters level. Any suggestions ?


Thank you

The Black Oil

Structure is important alright. I'm a bit rusty as well. I usually started off with an explanation of what the essay was going to focus on, maybe move to some definitions, if required. Then you're more so getting into the heart of thing where you need to put forward the arguments, then your conclusion. Manage your paragraphs carefully, i.e. keep them focused and relevant.

You may get some direct feedback after you get you mark. It'll depend on the college or how your department handles this. Ours were usually a feedback sheet with different sections with boxes, say 'quality of references, progression of argument', etc. That'll give you a rough idea of what worked in your essay and where you can improve. Maybe you've had this experience from your previous course.

drogdub

The Black Oil wrote: »

Structure is important alright. I'm a bit rusty as well. I usually started off with an explanation of what the essay was going to focus on, maybe move to some definitions, if required. Then you're more so getting into the heart of thing where you need to put forward the arguments, then your conclusion. Manage your paragraphs carefully, i.e. keep them focused and relevant.

You may get some direct feedback after you get you mark. It'll depend on the college or how your department handles this. Ours were usually a feedback sheet with different sections with boxes, say 'quality of references, progression of argument', etc. That'll give you a rough idea of what worked in your essay and where you can improve. Maybe you've had this experience from your previous course.

Write out a detailed plan. Each point you are going to make. In the introduction say what you are going to say and in the conclusion say what you said. Short sentences always help to keep focus. But don't sweat it, the more you do the more you get to know your style. And very important do what your asked to do in the spacing and font front

OzMister

drogdub wrote: »

Write out a detailed plan. Each point you are going to make. In the introduction say what you are going to say and in the conclusion say what you said. Short sentences always help to keep focus. But don't sweat it, the more you do the more you get to know your style. And very important do what your asked to do in the spacing and font front

Thanks guys much appreciated. I understand what ur are saying but I suppose I'm looking for material that puts it in step by step format. All my essays for my degree(level 7)were all distinction level but now I'm stepping up to level 8 and would also like to do well. If anyone can suggest any books websites etc to help me achieve this

The Black Oil

drogdub wrote: »

In the introduction say what you are going to say and in the conclusion say what you said.

Yeah, the version we were told was summed up as follows - tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em, tell them and tell them what you told them.

areilly101

I think that different lecturers have different preferences about layouts for essays, I'm in my third year of my level 8 social care degree and found that when it comes to essays, in order to do the best you can its worth asking your lecturer for their preferences on layout. I find they're extremely helpful if you want to ask about ideas for your essays also, as they really appreciate that you are trying hard to put in a lot of effort. Also, if your lecturers are nice, its work asking them to take a look at drafts of your essay if they have the time, I did this for my psychology essay last year, I modified my essay each time my lecture handed it back to me (3 in total), and I got a first/distinction when results came out its extremely worth your while to ask your lecturers if they can spare a few minutes to go over your essays/ideas and then soon enough you'll find that you can write extremely well to their standards without any help