Academic writing support
For most students, academic writing is the main form of assessment. Depending upon the nature of your course, you may be expected to write reports, essays, exams, or reflective writing such as journals. There are important rules and conventions for all these forms of writing. It is important that you learn and use them.
Sources of help
NOW
You should always start by trying to understand the expectations for each type of writing. Start by looking in your module or course handbooks for rules and guidance. Make sure that you read the assessment criteria so that you understand what the tutors will be looking for. There are also several study support guides on writing available in NOW.
Your tutors
Tutors can help you with your assignments. Most tutors will have office hours when they will be available to see you, or you could email to book an appointment. Unlike college though, they will not usually proofread your work, but will discuss your ideas and how you have approached the question.
Specialist advisers and student mentors
Some academic schools have specialist advisers to help with your written work; others use teams of highly-trained student mentors. Find out who can help.
Your fellow students
Is working with another student allowed? Isn't it called collusion, or academic misconduct? Well, if you sit down with another student and both write the same essay, or the same essay with a few words changed, then that is cheating. However, if you have a discussion with your peers about how you are going to tackle a question and discuss different approaches, we call that good academic practice. Perhaps the safest way to avoid any collusion is to talk to your fellow students is early in the writing process as you develop your ideas.
