Start writing essays - Audio: Recent Episodes
The Open University
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.
Open University tutors Tim Baugh and Lesley Hoose discuss essay titles, research and schedules with OU student Beth Lewis.
Transcript -- Open University tutors Tim Baugh and Lesley Hoose discuss essay titles, research and schedules with OU student Beth Lewis.
John Humphrys stresses how important it is to know your subject and know your position in the argument.
Transcript -- John Humphrys stresses how important it is to know your subject and know your position in the argument.
There is a fine line between good and pretentious writing, John Pilger knows that getting your grammar right is essential.
Transcript -- There is a fine line between good and pretentious writing, John Pilger knows that getting your grammar right is essential.
Professor Richard Dawkins describes his tone as simple as possible but not simpler. Don’t spell out every tiny detail.
Transcript -- Professor Richard Dawkins describes his tone as simple as possible but not simpler. Don’t spell out every tiny detail.
Baroness Helena Kennedy’s cure for writers block is to go to the meat of the argument, then come back to the start later.
Transcript -- Baroness Helena Kennedy’s cure for writers block is to go to the meat of the argument, then come back to the start later.
Student Beth Lewis explains how she re-reads all her course notes, this helps her to adjusts and add to her research.
Transcript -- Student Beth Lewis explains how she re-reads all her course notes, this helps her to adjusts and add to her research.
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.
Transcript -- 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.
Using a subtle but powerful approach when writing an introduction will grab the reader’s attention.
Transcript -- Using a subtle but powerful approach when writing an introduction will grab the reader’s attention.
It is important to write with the mindset that the reader is intelligent but misinformed.
Transcript -- It is important to write with the mindset that the reader is intelligent but misinformed.
Matthew Kelly’s approach is to try and talk himself out of an argument, he often ends up switching sides.
Transcript -- Matthew Kelly’s approach is to try and talk himself out of an argument, he often ends up switching sides.
It is important to make sure it doesn’t sound like you have too much more to say, it should be conclusive.
Transcript -- It is important to make sure it doesn’t sound like you have too much more to say, it should be conclusive.
Transcript -- Student Beth Lewis writes her drafts by hand, this reduces her word count.
Professor Richard Dawkins explains how important it is to spot what could be misunderstood or interpreted differently.
Transcript -- Professor Richard Dawkins explains how important it is to spot what could be misunderstood or interpreted differently.
Don’t get to close to your subject, keep your reader in your consciousness, pretend your someone else.
Transcript -- Don’t get to close to your subject, keep your reader in your consciousness, pretend your someone else.
Beth Lewis believes her writing style changes in an exam room, a time limits forces her to a heed to a strict essay plan.
Transcript -- Beth Lewis believes her writing style changes in an exam room, a time limits forces her to a heed to a strict essay plan.
In an exam room Mathew Kelly gets his notes down straight away so he can refer to them quickly.
Transcript -- In an exam room Mathew Kelly gets his notes down straight away so he can refer to them quickly.
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.
Transcript -- 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.