The (un)Official Thread for Access to HE 2011!

Original post by ilovelabradors

Speaking of results.... Uhm... I am about to start an assignment that is called 'academic essay'. It's for English. We have to choose one of the topics. I chose to write about Euthanasia. It's a research essay but I am a bit lost to say the least because so far I have only done:

- Autobiography assignment
- Letters assignment
- Psychology essay about Freud

And I only got back the Psychology one (as I said above, sorry for being repetitive). So I have no idea where to start, how to get a good grade...

I am sure you have been there, so could you guys give me some tips? :smile:

Thanks.

my advice ilovelabradors would to do a kind of spider map with legs and jot down a few ideas before u start or doing the actual assignment.Euthanasia i take you be using books and internet as well as liberaries to do this assignment
To get a distinction you would need to look at the grading criteria sheet that you got given with this particular assignment.I take it you got that?
I would have thought seening this assignment is a research one that they be looking for particular research that has been done on Euthanasia.It is also a highly tropical debate as well

Reply 1322

wizardtop

Original post by mczakk

Have a look on line for essay planning tips, then make a plan for your essay, much easier than just trying to write it 'off the cuff'. Don't get too bogged down in research for it, as there is an enormous amount of literature/opinion out there about euthanasia. Probly best to decide on your point of view before you start writing :smile:

i also agree with what Mczakk has advise you to do ilovelabradors.There is defiantely a lot of research out there so u need to decide before you take it which particular point of view you coming from.

Reply 1323

Pitt1988

So, we're coming to the last 7-8 weeks of the access course now, how is everyone doing in relation to meeting your entry requirements? What and where is everyone going to study?

*Power to the oldies!*

Reply 1324

I only need to pass, so i'm doing ok :smile:

going to do M/Ocean at Bangor, 4 year masters, glutton for punishment I am!!

Reply 1325

scotton86

3

Original post by Pitt1988

So, we're coming to the last 7-8 weeks of the access course now, how is everyone doing in relation to meeting your entry requirements? What and where is everyone going to study?

*Power to the oldies!*

I'm going to study Paramedic Science, though don't have any offers yet! (Am on the reserve list for Stafford, so am playing the waiting game...) Have heard lots of different requirements (24 @ D, 15 @ M or D, 24 @ M or D).

I think (!) I'm on 9 M and 15 @ D... The amount of time it takes these things to get marked, IV'd and EV'd is ridiculous! How is everyone else getting on?

Reply 1326

Im on 10 D and 6 Merits. I hate how the modules are grouped together though, as have a couple of Ds in one module, but coz i got more M's is a M overall.... I need 39 at Merit or above.. so getting there!!

Reply 1327

wizardtop

Original post by scotton86

I'm going to study Paramedic Science, though don't have any offers yet! (Am on the reserve list for Stafford, so am playing the waiting game...) Have heard lots of different requirements (24 @ D, 15 @ M or D, 24 @ M or D).

I think (!) I'm on 9 M and 15 @ D... The amount of time it takes these things to get marked, IV'd and EV'd is ridiculous! How is everyone else getting on?

Scotton86 so far achieved 18 Credits at Distinction,6 Credits at Merit,3 credits at Pass and still awaiting 6 more credits(graded)also doing now another 2 graded assignment and soon be revising for another 3 credits in Science.I havnt a place anywhere and currently in UCAS Extra.I might be even going next year yet.
I am hoping a few more graded assignments will get me to 30 credits at Distinction then i can easy off slighty

Reply 1328

Pitt1988

So far I've got 9 credits at merit, 9 at pass (which I only just found out, for psychology) and 9 at distinction. Still doing the last 2 modules (sociology and access project), need to get distinction in both of them to still stand a chance of getting in for History at Newcastle (they wanted 3 distinctions and 2 merits). Does anybody know what would happen if I missed the requirements by one grade? I could still manage 3 distinctions, 1 merit and 1 pass. Do you think I should contact them now to let them know where I stand?

Got York st John as insurance but they were only after a pass overall.

Yeah I know what you mean scotton86, it's taken up to 2 months to get some work back; nightmare!

I've not minded so much having the grades grouped together, there have been some areas where I'm not so good (presentations) but I always manage to up the grades with written work; essays and documentary exercises.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 1329

I suppose thats the other view on it Pitt, your right - it could bring grades up. You all have so many more confirmed grades than me!

I am so snowed under at the mo, cant see how i am going to get it all done! I have two jobs, and the access course... and no free time!

Reply 1330

Original post by Pitt1988

So far I've got 9 credits at merit, 9 at pass (which I only just found out, for psychology) and 9 at distinction. Still doing the last 2 modules (sociology and access project), need to get distinction in both of them to still stand a chance of getting in for History at Newcastle (they wanted 3 distinctions and 2 merits). Does anybody know what would happen if I missed the requirements by one grade? I could still manage 3 distinctions, 1 merit and 1 pass. Do you think I should contact them now to let them know where I stand?

Got York st John as insurance but they were only after a pass overall.

Yeah I know what you mean scotton86, it's taken up to 2 months to get some work back; nightmare!

I've not minded so much having the grades grouped together, there have been some areas where I'm not so good (presentations) but I always manage to up the grades with written work; essays and documentary exercises.

Phew, i was beginning to think that i was the only one who had been made an offer on just a pass!

Reply 1331

Notts wanted a pass for my course. gutted i didnt get in there!! the pressure would have been off! :smile:

Reply 1332

Original post by jami74

I'm here. Slowly working my way through a long list. I've finished one assignment and am halfway through two others. I want to finish the assignments first, then start on the essays and write ups and hopefully have some time left to start revising for May exams. Thank goodness we're on Easter break.

Our teachers seem to have gradually stepped away. The first term we were spoonfed but the help has been getting less and less, now the work requires more research because the information just isn't in my notes or hand outs.

Wish i had easter break, but am working extra to be able to afford uni next yr! :frown:

Reply 1333

ilovelabradors

8

Original post by mczakk

Have a look on line for essay planning tips, then make a plan for your essay, much easier than just trying to write it 'off the cuff'. Don't get too bogged down in research for it, as there is an enormous amount of literature/opinion out there about euthanasia. Probly best to decide on your point of view before you start writing :smile:

Original post by wizardtop

my advice ilovelabradors would to do a kind of spider map with legs and jot down a few ideas before u start or doing the actual assignment.Euthanasia i take you be using books and internet as well as liberaries to do this assignment
To get a distinction you would need to look at the grading criteria sheet that you got given with this particular assignment.I take it you got that?
I would have thought seening this assignment is a research one that they be looking for particular research that has been done on Euthanasia.It is also a highly tropical debate as well

In the assignment brief it says to write about both sides of the argument, pro euthanasia being legalised and against legalisation. So I guess in this essay I shouldn't choose one side? Should I quote every single bit of information like in a Psychology essay?

Thank u so much guys.

Reply 1334

It sounds like you shouldnt Lab...

I did my study skills presentation on euthanasia. Kept very much to the main arguments, not getting my opinions in it all all - difficult to do!

If its a proper academic essay, then yep i guess you have to cite throughout.

BBC have loads of good info on euthanaisa, very balances as well. And i used the religion hook, as most religions say the same thing - no euthanasia..

Reply 1335

Original post by ilovelabradors

In the assignment brief it says to write about both sides of the argument, pro euthanasia being legalised and against legalisation. So I guess in this essay I shouldn't choose one side? Should I quote every single bit of information like in a Psychology essay?

Thank u so much guys.

i would just cite the main arguments for and against, and then put forward your arguments for and against the arguments which you have quoted.

Reply 1336

Original post by mczakk

i would just cite the main arguments for and against, and then put forward your arguments for and against the arguments which you have quoted.

The arguments should flow from the main arguments. Like, religion says no, but people have the right to believe, and choose, and be independent.

You would never be able to regulate it v it happens anyway, so best that rules are put in place to protect those.

may make people feel guilty and vulnerable - feel like they are pressured into making that choice so as not to put pressure on their families.

I found an argument online which amazed me... but there is support out there for it - that euthanasia frees up resources for those who actually need/want it. that money could be better spent elsewhere than keeping people alive - controversial maybe.

I have referenced all the way through all my essays, as thats what they require at Uni, so am preparing myself for it now, and have always had 'good referencing' in my feedback, so I guess you need to check what they are expecting..

Reply 1337

Original post by loopyluc

I have referenced all the way through all my essays, as thats what they require at Uni, so am preparing myself for it now, and have always had 'good referencing' in my feedback, so I guess you need to check what they are expecting..

An essay which is just a list of facts and quotes is just that, no matter how well referenced. An essay is defined here 'essay' as 'A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.' You need to look at the available information, and assess it objectively before giving your own opinion of it.

nb, bit of a touchy subject with me, I have a study skills tutor who would have us reference every single word in every piece we write if she could, according to her you cannot have your own opinion until doctoral level!
mind you she also wants us to do a piece of original research for our integrated project and write a 1500 word 'thesis' on it! /rant :wink:

Reply 1338