Course Description

Most academic courses will require you to write assignments or reports, and this unit is designed to help you to develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes. It contains clear instruction and a range of activities to help you to understand what is required to plan, structure and write your assignments or reports. You will also find out how to use feedback to develop your skills.

This free programme is provided by the Open University.

Course content

This course covers the following topics:

• Identifying key concerns
• Understanding the task
• Preparation
• The question
• Planning
• Drafting
• Polishing

Learning outcomes

After completing this course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of key elements of writing an assignment;
2. Identify their own writing strength and weaknesses;
3. Consider the functions of essays and reports;
4. Further develop their writing skills, whatever stage they have reached.