This resource is intended to complement resources available to you as a new student of English at the University of Cambridge. Other resources include materials produced by Faculty staff for study skills lectures, and by the English Faculty Library and by your Supervisors or Director of Studies.
Although this resource is aimed at first year undergraduates, there are a range of factors that influence transition to study at university. You may find that sections of this resource are relevant to you at different stages, including later years, as you adjust to different and more demanding expectations. The content is structured around students' frequently asked questions, which you can access whenever suits you:
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How might I interpret an essay title?
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How might I manage the process of producing an essay?
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How do I produce a well-structured essay?
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How do I write in an appropriate academic style?
You are not expected to work through each section in a linear fashion, although the navigation panel on the left enables you to do so if you prefer.
The content of this resource is not the 'official line'; you will not find any templates on how to write the perfect essay, for example, but useful models are provided on how to help yourself and how to get the best out of your time here, as well as providing you with a framework for discussion with your supervisors when things don't go according to plan.