University English and academic writing
Support with English literature and academic writing for university students, from a former lecturer in the University of Natal English department.
Students with good matric results in English can still find university essays much more demanding than school ones. University work assumes that students can read difficult texts independently, build an argument from them and present it in a recognised academic form. That means a clear thesis, evidence from primary and secondary sources, accurate referencing and an academic register. Not all of this is taught at school, and some capable students struggle with it at first.
Amanda’s university experience
Amanda Ceglowski has taught English at university level, as a lecturer in the English department at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg in the mid-1990s. She holds a BA from the University of Natal and a BA Honours in English Language and Literature from UNISA, awarded cum laude. She also completed a B.Ed Honours through UNISA, so she has her own experience of studying at a distance while working.
What lessons cover
- Reading. Approaching long and difficult literary texts, and critical and theoretical writing about them.
- Argument. Turning a topic into a thesis, and a thesis into a structured essay with each paragraph developing the argument.
- Using sources. Integrating quotation and secondary criticism, and referencing correctly in the style required.
- Editing. Learning to revise one’s own drafts for clarity, concision and register. Students do this themselves, with guidance; Amanda does not do it for them.
Beyond English
The same academic writing skills apply across the humanities and social sciences, and Amanda can help students in other subjects whose difficulty lies in writing rather than content. She also works with adults returning to study after years away, and with mature students preparing for, or partway through, a degree.
Format
University students usually have one-to-one lessons, built around their course, their readings and their deadlines. Students in the same course, working on the same texts, may prefer a group. Lessons are held in Hillcrest or online, so students at universities anywhere can take part.
Questions parents ask
Frequently asked questions
Will you write or edit my assignment for me?
No. Lessons teach students to plan, write and edit their own work. University academic integrity rules also require students to submit their own work.
I'm studying through UNISA. Can you help?
Yes. Amanda completed two postgraduate degrees through UNISA herself, so she understands the demands of distance study. Lessons can be held online.
Do you help with academic writing in subjects other than English?
Yes. Structuring an argument, using sources and writing clearly are the same skills in most humanities and social science subjects.
