ASK Academic Skills
Brunel University
Getting Started
Sometimes just beginning to write is a challenge. These videos are a great starting point if you're having trouble figuring out how to begin.
Answering the question
Making sure you stay focused on the essay question is key to writing a successful essay. This video considers strategies for approaching an essay question and ways to help you remain focused on it in your writing
Take this quiz to see how well you are able to break down an assignment question
Creating an essay plan
This video outlines the important basics of forming a structured essay plan which can be used as a skeleton for writing your assignment
Effective note-taking
Taking good notes is vital to successful study and learning at university. This video discusses strategies to help to take notes effectively in different contexts such as lectures, seminars and personal reading time
Reading critically
Before writing an assignment, you are expected to familiarise yourself with a topic by reading around the subject. This video considers strategies to help you critically engage with your reading material
Related Brunel links
Help sheets
Getting ready for university
Watch the videos below and listen to Brunel students giving advice on how to get started with university study!
See the Headstart pages for more information
Watch this short tutorial to get a brief overview of university study and independent learning
Listen to Selina talk about how university requires you to be an independent learner
Listen to Jameel talk about how to cope with the increased workload at university