Building Assignment Writing Skills

Overview

We will examine and discuss common problems many students face in producing an academic assignment within a strict word count.

To start, we will explore ways of interpreting assignment questions correctly before producing an assignment plan. We will then discuss the value of and various methods involved in note-making and note-taking. These notes will be critical in helping to supply evidence to support or develop any argument in an assignment. Through discussion and practical exercises we will work on planning how to tackle some assignment titles.

We will then examine the importance of considering your reader by providing an unambiguous introduction, clear linking paragraphs and an effective conclusion – always checking that you are still ‘answering the question.’  

We will then look at some common problems in the actual presentation of an assignment which should satisfy academic conventions. These will include areas such as poor editing, incorrect grammar and punctuation. It will also include the problem of inadequate or plagiarised supporting references and how to compile a bibliography.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 12 February 2025.

Programme details

9.45am
Registration

10am
Interpreting assignment titles and researching supporting evidence

11.15am
Tea/coffee break

11.45am
Assignment structure

1pm
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £85.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mrs Anne West

Anne West has been teaching Study Skills at OUDCE, both face-to-face and online, for over 10 years. The thought of spending a day with students teaching spelling, punctuation, grammar or any other aspect of written English fills her with joy. She believes that a piece of writing, at whatever level, deserves to be written and read, as clearly as possible, to give pleasure and satisfaction to both writer and recipient – and also to save a lot of time for both.

She’s also been involved with writing and editing for the BBC – children’s radio and TV.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation