Starting writing

Building a title

• Titles often feature the following parts:

• Instruction: this may be an instruction verb such as discuss, compare or evaluate. Alternatively, you may have a question word such as ‘how’ or ‘why’.
• Topic: this is the main area of research.
• Focus/aspect: this narrows down your general topic. For example, you could consider specific practitioners, genres, aspects or time periods.
• Use the title template and instruction verbs (University of Kent, 2008) below for initial ideas.

Title building template (PDF File) Title building template Word Instruction verbs (opens in a new window)

Planning a structure

• There are many ways to plan writing.
• Look at the examples below, and pick a method that works for you.
• See a summary of the techniques in the guide to planning.

Guide to planning

Outline planning

• Make a list of the main points you wish to cover.
• Consider which evidence could support these points.
• Experiment with the order of the points.
• Which sequence is most logical?

Outline Planning template (PDF file) Outline planning template Word

Visual planning

• Try making a mind map of the whole structure or each section.
• Different branches in the mind map could become paragraphs in your writing.
• See the video below about how to make mind maps.

• You could also make a storyboard of the main points.
• Create images to represent points. If desired, write prompt headings underneath.
• See the example below for Dr Marten footwear.

Storyboard template (PDF File)

Flexible planning

• Use index cards or post-it notes to write down key points.
• Similar to outline planning, you can also bullet point evidence to use.
• Move the points around until you are happy with the order.
• Additionally, make PowerPoint slides to see an overview of the whole structure. Each slide can represent a point and be easily reorganised.

Overcoming the blank page

• Students often say that starting is the hardest part of writing.
• Try Peter Elbow’s (1998) technique of freewriting; this involves writing without stopping or worrying about typos.
• Set realistic writing targets for each study session e.g. complete paragraph on defining sustainable fashion; proofread document for minor errors.
• Set a timer and aim to keep writing for the duration. Try a particular technique such as the Pomodoro method, which suggests setting a timer for 25 minutes and having a short break. Read more about the Pomodoro method (opens in a new window).

Sources consulted

• Cooper, H. and Schoolbred, M. (2016) Where’s your argument? Basingstoke: Palgrave.
• Elbow, P. (1998) Writing with power. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Gillet, A. (2019) Understanding the task. Available at: https://www.uefap.org/preparing-understanding-task/ (this link opens in a new window) (Accessed: 31 July 2024).