Introduction
Essay writing is a key skill that is essential for success in higher education. The essay writing process focuses on developing an argument that addresses the question or title set. Whether it’s for assessed coursework, examinations or dissertation writing, being able to effectively structure and compose essays is invaluable. The Open University provides guidance and resources to help students become proficient in essay writing techniques and requirements. This essay will examine the different stages of writing an OU essay, including planning, structuring, referencing and revision. It aims to equip readers with a comprehensive understanding of how to approach OU essay writing.
Planning your Essay
Effective planning is crucial for writing a high-quality OU essay. The first step is to carefully analyze the title or question and identify the key terms, topics and issues it encompasses. Breaking down the requirements into more specific questions allows writers to better focus their research and argument. For example, if an essay title is “Discuss the problems facing sustainable development”, key questions may include: What is meant by sustainable development? What are some of the main challenges? How have these been addressed? Which areas require further work? Developing a plan or outline with a clear introduction, main body paragraphs and conclusion helps map out the structure of the essay before starting to write.
It is also important at the planning stage to research widely around the topic using appropriate academic sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and government or organization reports. Taking detailed notes of relevant findings, arguments, theories, evidence, examples and quotes that relate to the essay question allows writers to start organizing their own ideas and perspective. Limiting research to credible sources within the last 10-15 years is recommended by OU tutors unless studying historical topics. Overall, taking time to thoroughly plan ensures essays are cogently argued, focused and well-evidenced from the start. Careful planning also prevents writers from getting overwhelmed or going off-topic once writing begins.
Structuring your Essay
The structure of an essay refers to how its key components – introduction, main body, and conclusion – are organized to develop a clear and cohesive argument. At the Open University, a standard three-part structure is commonly expected for undergraduate essays unless the brief states otherwise. This involves:
Introduction: The introduction should start with an engaging opening sentence or two to capture the reader’s attention. It then needs to provide relevant context or background relating to the essay question or title before stating a clear thesis statement outlining your overall argument or perspective. Aim to convey the key areas and structure that will be covered. Introductions are typically 3-5 paragraphs long.
Main body: The main body forms the bulk of the essay where your research and ideas are explored and analyzed. It should be structured systematically into topic or sub-topic paragraphs, usually 3-5 well-developed paragraphs per 1000 words. Each new paragraph needs a clear topic sentence highlighting the focus, supported by evidence from research and examples. Analysis and evaluation must demonstrate a depth of understanding relating content back to the original question or title.
Conclusion:The conclusion should not simply restate your introduction but provide a summative reiteration of your overall perspective. It should draw conclusions, consider limitations or unresolved issues, and reflect on wider implications or relevance. Be decisive but avoid introducing new material. Avoid ending weakly or with questions – the conclusion brings closure to your argument.
An essential part of effective structures is using transition words and phrases between each part and within paragraphs to clearly link and develop ideas cohesively. For example, words such as ‘furthermore’, ‘moreover’, ‘in addition’, ‘on the other hand’, ‘conversely’ etc. showcase logical progression of thought.
Referencing in OU Essays
Referencing is an academic convention that acknowledges all sources of information and ideas that have informed your work. It is mandatory for OU essays as it avoids plagiarism and supports the credibility of arguments and analysis presented. The OU expects students to reference authentically in-text and provide full references in a consistent style, usually Harvard or Vancouver.
In-text referencing involves briefly citing sources within the body of your writing with the author’s surname and year of publication in parentheses, e.g. (Smith, 2020). For verbatim quotes, also include the page number, e.g. (Jones, 2018, p.45). If paraphrasing, the reference goes after the borrowed information or idea. The full reference is then listed alphabetically by author at the end on a separate Reference List page. Common referencing mistakes include inconsistency, failure to cite direct quotes or key ideas, and incorrectly formatted bibliographical details. Referencing well takes practice but shows scholarship and professionalism expected at university level. Tutors can provide support and guidance if referencing proves initially challenging. Overall, carefully employing referencing techniques prevents instances of accidental or deliberate plagiarism.
Revision and Improvement of OU Essays
Once a full first draft is complete, dedicated time for systematic revision and improvement must follow. At this stage, it is advisable for students to put some distance between themselves and the initial draft, for example leaving it a day or more before revisiting. This enables fresh critical perspective. Revision involves meticulously proofreading for spelling, punctuation, grammatical errors or inconsistencies. It also entails reconsidering the overall flow, structure, clarity, depth of analysis and whether the argument fully addresses the original focus. Peer review with fellow students can provide alternative viewpoints to further enhance work.
Areas tutors often identify for development include insufficient or ineffective use of evidence; unresolved contradictions or gaps in logic; underdeveloped, repetitive or disjointed paragraphs; limited referencing; or conclusions not tied to the introduction. Reworking any identified weaknesses or refining certain elements is key. Quantitative criteria such as word count and presentational guidelines like spacing, font styles and sizes must also meet requirements. Requesting informal tutor feedback at a draft stage before formal submission is recommended where possible through the OU’s tutorial systems. Overall, taking time for rigorous self and peer evaluation improves analytical ability and written communication – core skills for OU study success.
Conclusion
Effective essay writing is a process that benefits greatly from methodical planning, structuring, research skills, referencing practices and revision techniques. Mastering these interrelated aspects helps OU students produce work that meets higher academic standards. While the demands may initially seem challenging, regular practice across modules and feedback systems progressively build confidence and competence. Approaching essays as an opportunity to communicate new understandings to an audience of peers and tutors also fosters enjoyment of learning. Overall, following best practices outlined will help OU learners advance knowledgeably as independent scholars capable of synthesizing diverse perspectives into original yet rigorously supported arguments. With sustained commitment to skill development through OU essays, learners can progress far.
Andrew Stroud