Help! I've got an essay / report to write.
- I'm worried about my spelling and grammar - what can I do?
- First of all, have you spell checked and grammar checked your work? If you are not sure of the right word to use, you can highlight it using the thesaurus tool which gives you similar meanings - but it's a good idea to make a final check with a paper dictionary. It's also perfectly acceptable to ask someone else to read over it for you - they may be able to spot mistakes which you may have missed.
- Nobody's perfect, and a few minor errors are not going to make much, if any, difference to your grade.
- Where do I start with my coursework questions?
- Try to break them down into sections first. Accountants love reports and tables, so even if the tutor asks for an essay, it is acceptable to give headings and sections. These can help you to get your thoughts straight too.
- Sometimes it helps to start by defining the terms that are given in the question eg 'liabilities'. If you use any kind of source for your reference, it must be cited, that is indicated very clearly in your work exactly where the information has come from eg Accounting Standards Board (1999) Statement of Principles Chapter 4, Elements of Financial Statements. The only time you don't have to do this is if the information is 'common knowledge' eg stating that financial statements are prepared by accountants.
- Make notes before you start writing, remembering to keep a note of all your references as you go. It's no fun tracking all these down later!
- Activity
- What would you use as your main section headings for an essay or report on an accounting topic? Print this page and list them here:
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- Now follow any of the links from the question marks to find out a suggested structure.
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- Where else can I get help with essays and reports?
- Napier University Learning Information Service has a wide array of study skills available on http://nulis.napier.ac.uk/StudySkills/
- You can increase your mark by taking a few minutes to read over your work and correct mistakes. Look at the feedback sheet - if marks are allocated for a conclusion, make sure you have written one!
- Use this essay checklist to verify your work before handing it in (adapted with permission by Alun Fotheringham from D Curtis's 'Self Assessment Checklist' - see below).
Curtis, D (formerly of the University of South Australia) (with e mailed permission) Self Assessment Checklist accessed Feburary 9, 2006. http://www.roma.unisa.edu.au/11565/selfass.htm Adapted by Alun Fotheringham of Napier University, Edinburgh, UK for an accounting context.
NB Andrew Barr (current course leader at U.S.A.) was approached first, and referred the enquiry to D Curtis as copyright holder.
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