- Start work on assignments early
- preferably as soon as you get them.
- Spend time understanding what
is required before beginning to research and write. Underline or highlight
key words in the topic to help you focus on what is required.
- To reduce the possibility of
straying from the topic, write it out in large letters and place it above
your computer or work desk so that you can easily refer to it.
- Planning is the most important
step in organizing your writing. Few people can 'start at the beginning
and write to the end' without planning their route.
- Learn how to develop concept
maps. As you research and read, you can alter the concept map.
- Once you have a concept map you
can convert the parts of it to sections, paragraphs and even sentences in
your essay.
- Use a computer with software
that assists reading and writing.
- Do not write long, complex
sentences. It is easier to write grammatically and convey meaning clearly
if your sentences are simpler.
- If you have difficulty
thinking, writing, spelling and remembering all at once, try tape
recording a sentence or paragraph and then writing/typing it out.
- If you have difficulty
detecting errors in your work, reading aloud may help you find them.
- If you read aloud what you
think you have written, rather than what you actually wrote, trying using
read-aloud screen reader software and listening to it instead.
- Ask the learning skills staff
at your university, a family member or a friend to read through what you
have written and explain your frequent errors to you. For example, you may
have problems with punctuation, capitalisation, word usage, spelling,
grammar or sentence structure.
- Buy a basic grammar book from
the university bookshop and revise the relevant rules. Look for a book
which is not too complex, which explains rules clearly and which gives
helpful examples.
- If your writing difficulties
are significant but your oral language is good, consider using voice
dictation software. Although this is easier for many students, it is still
necessary to plan carefully, use formal academic language and adhere to
word limits.
- Try not to use time extensions
for assignments. If you are late with one assignment the next one (and
later ones) will almost inevitably be late too, and then you will be left
with less time than others for examination preparation.
